BRCA Rules

[julesbristol]

Just been looking at the BRCA rules. Am I right in interpreting the rules so that only certain types/makes of battery are permitted? What if i want to race but don't have approved cells? It seems ridiculous that having a different make of batteries could mean you can't race...or is this the case?

[mr_pushrod]

You won't necessarily have to follow these rules to the letter. A lot of clubs have much more relaxed rules (both of my local clubs do) so you may find you do not have to worry. My advice would be to go to the club you plan to race at and see what rules they follow.

[terry.sc]

First of local clubs do not have to be BRCA affiliated, so do not have to follow the BRCA rules. Assuming the club is BRCA affiliated, local clubs will not be scrutineering your car like a regional or national meeting would, so it does not matter what cells you use, as long as you only use 6 in a pack. If they do follow the BRCA rules closely they are taking weekly club racing way too seriously.

The approved cell list is to ensure that no one is running with batteries that are not commercially available, giving a performance advantage. The list approves individual cells, not just complete packs. Generally as long as the individual cells have a plastic covering they are legal for all racing classes. This makes basic cardboard covered cells in cheap packs not suitable for racing, but you would not be using them anyway if you are serious about your racing.

[jozza]

Most local clubs are BRCA affiliated, but will run relaxed versions of the rules; I've yet to come across a club which insists that your cells are from a list of approved ones. Some clubs are not happy with people running 3700 or 3600 cells yet though, so it's worth checking with your club if you intend to purchase these. But for 3300 cells, any known brand should be fine - GP3300 cells are popular and are marketed by different companies with slightly different matching techniques, or Sanyo cells. Any pack based on should be fine for all the clubs in your area.