Performance Drivers Club

Club > Rules

RULES OF PDC
All PDC members are required to read and understand the rules before joining the club. Events hosted or organized by Performance Drivers Club (PDC) are not Races, Time Trials or Speed Tests. They are Advanced Driver Education.

Index of Club Rules

General	Driver Grading System
Permitted Vehicles	Driver Safety Equipment
Vehicle Safety & Tech Inspecion	Local Events
Driver Eligibility	Away Events
Event Payment / Cancellation

Other Club Info

Club Rules	Press Kit
Driver Education	News Archive
Membership

General

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of these rules and policies is to provide members with the necessary information for participating with PDC.

2. OBJECTIVE
To facilitate advanced driver education, with an objective of the member developing the skills required to drive at the best of his or her ability.

3. COMPLIANCE
All members shall possess a copy of the current club rules and policies. Every member / participant in an event shall be deemed to have knowledge of the current rules and policies and agree to abide by them.

4. CONDUCT
If at any time during an event, the Track Marshal and the Chief Instructor determine that a participant is demonstrating unsafe conduct, the participant will be removed from the event with no refund.

5. WAIVER
All members participating in PDC events are required to sign the Club's Insurance liability waiver.

Permitted Vehicles

All vehicles must be equipped with two front seats and equal restraints.

Allowed Vehicles
Sedans, coupes, targas, sports wagons and convertibles (with roll bars) are permitted to participate.
Covertibles with roll hoops and/or fixed hardtops are permitted at Mission Raceway Park only.

Restricted Vehicles
Formula cars, motorbikes, trucks, vans, buses, SAV, SUV and SRV are not permitted.

NOTE:
PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING THEIR OWN VEHICLE INSURANCE COVERAGE AT THE EVENT.

Vehicle Safety & Tech Inspection

Members' participating in their first PDC hosted event of the season will be required to have their vehicle inpsected according to PDC's Vehicle Safety Inspection Guidelines conducted by any registered workshop or dealer.
Inspection is valid up until the end of each season.

Vehicle Inspection Form (20KB PDF)

Completed inspection forms must be presented on arrival at the track. In all cases, members are responsible for the condition and safe operation of their vehicle.

New vehicles less than 6 months old and have been driven less than 5,000 km are exempt from the vehicle inspection.

An on-track Tech Inspection will be conducted on the day of the event. Failure to meet the requirements will result in exclusion from the event. Refer to clause K1 for details.

Driver Eligibility

1. Must be a current member of PDC.

2. Must possess a valid drivers license. A British Columbia L(earner) or N(ovice) licence is not sufficient to participate unless the Chief Driving Instructor has pre-approved the driver's participation.

3. Pay event fees and pass tech inspection.

4. Attend mandatory Program Briefing for first time participants prior to their first driver education event.

5. Attend mandatory Drivers Meeting on the event date.

6. Drivers must complete First Timer program locally before being eligible to participate in away events (held in the United States).

7. Track event participants 70 years of age and over are required to pass a medical examination by a physician.

Event Payment Cancellation

1. LOCAL EVENTS (Mission Raceway Park)
	1.1 Entry Fees can be paid by Visa / Master Card through the PDC web site or Check / Money Order made payable to Performance Drivers Club and mailed to the Club. 1.2 Entry Fee will be posted on the Clubs web site and newsletter. Payment must accompany Registration Forms. 1.3 $5 will be deducted from each participant's Event Entry Fee and donated to a charity organization nominated by PDC. 1.4 Entry Fee refunded in full when given 7 or more days notice from event scheduled date. 1.5 Entry Fee will not be refunded but a full credit posted to a future local event when given 6 to 3 days notice from event scheduled date. 1.6 No refund and no credit of Entry Fees when a member provides PDC with less than 3 days notice (to event scheduled date) of entry cancellation .
2. AWAY EVENTS
	Payment and cancellation policies are in accordance with the rules applied by the associated Club hosting the event.

Driver Grading System

1. EXPLANATION OF GRADING SYSTEM
	1.1 The grading system and regulations are intended to prevent and reduce the risk of incident at the track which may result in the injury of a participant or participants. 1.2 It is the intention to group drivers of similar capabilities so that they may obtain the maximum benefit of training without undue interference from either faster or slower drivers. 1.3 The grading system allows each driver to progress safely and competently to the next skill level through demonstration of his or her ability in advanced driving techniques. The PDC Checklist for Run Group assessment & advancement form shall be used to assess drivers. 1.4 The grading system also allows for regression of drivers to lower skill groups if determined appropriate by the Chief Driving Instructor. NOTE: Training in advanced driving techniques is provided by Qualified Instructors. The grading system is NOT INTENDED to make you a race driver. Any incident of racing another vehicle will result in expulsion from the event.
2. GENERAL CATEGORIES / IDENTIFICATION
	2.1 Classes / Driving Groups are identified by colour First Timer - White Novice - Red Intermediate - Yellow Advanced - Green Instructor - Blue 2.2 A coloured sticker corresponding to the driver's group must be displayed at the top centre of the windshield. 2.3 The allocated car ID number must be clearly displayed (at least 15 cm (or 6 inches) high) on the car's rear side windows, doors or on both the front and rear windows.
3. GROUP PLACEMENT
	3.1 Drivers who have not previously attended any advanced driving program shall be classified as "First Timers". All First Timers and first time PDC participants must attend a mandatory Program Briefing before the scheduled event. First Timers must further attend a "ground school" at the event. 3.2 Drivers who have previously received formal advanced driver training will be placed on a "check-ride" with an Instructor to determine the appropriate run group based on the criteria outline in each group. Attendance of "Program Briefing" prior to event is still required.
4. GENERAL GROUP DESCRIPTIONS
	4.1 Red Group Driver - The red group driver, for the purpose of this grading system, is defined as a driver who meets the following criteria.
		a. Adopts proper seating and hand position. b. Able to adjust and use mirrors for optimal vision. c. Able to identify track corner by correct number. d. Able to identify and acknowledge flags. e. Able to relate to on-track instruction on braking, turn-in, apex and exit. f. Able to drive within 2 feet of the correct line. g. Demonstrates smooth "hand and eye" coordination. h. Overtakes slower cars safely at approved places while observing passing rules. i. Allows faster cars to pass safely. j. Able to demonstrate correct hand signals for overtaking vehicles and entry into pit lane.
	4.2 Yellow Group Driver - It should be the objective of each Red Group Driver to advance to the Yellow Group. To qualify for advancement, the driver must obtain an EXCELLENT rating from 2 Instructors in each of the areas listed below.
		a. Exceeds the criteria established for the Red Group. b. Demonstrates smooth operation of controls - steering & shifting. c. Able to apply and release brake smoothly and appropriately for each corner. d. Able to apply power smoothly at the correct time in each corner. e. Able to change direction smoothly. f. Able to drive within 1 foot of the correct line and consistent with turn-in point, apex and exit of each corner. g. Able to comprehend understeer and oversteer. h. Demonstrates a mature approach to the objectives of track driving and respect of other participants both faster and slower.
	4.3 Green Group Driver - It should be the goal of the Yellow Group Driver to progress to the Green Group. To qualify for advancement to the Green Driving Group, the driver must receive an overall EXCELLENT rating from 2 Instructors plus the Chief or Assistant Chief Instructor.
		a. Meet and exceeds the criteria of both Red & Yellow Groups. b. Must demonstrate threshold braking capabilities. c. Must demonstrate precise heel-and-toe downshifting. d. Must demonstrate trail braking techniques. e. Must drive approved line and demonstrate accurate turn-in, apex and exit of each corner. f. Able to react and correct Understeer and Oversteer. g. Demonstrate high level of consistency during session.
	4.4 Blue Group Driver - INSTRUCTOR. Only drivers in the Green Group may qualify as candidates to be trained as Advanced Driving Instructors. Please refer to the "PDC Instructor Training Program" for details. Note: ONLY Instructors are permitted to take students or passengers in a vehicle on the race track.

Driver Safety Equipment

1. REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL RUN GROUPS
	1.1 Helmets - An Automotive Snell SA 2000 or better rating is required. Motorcycle helmets are not permitted. 1.2 Seat Belts
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST TIMER, RED GROUP & YELLOW GROUP
	2.1 Clothing - Full length cotton pants and long sleeve shirts. No shorts. Use natural fibre clothing, i.e. cotton, wool and avoid synthetic fabrics. Drivers who have driving suits are encouraged to wear them. 2.2 Footwear - Full shoes are required. Open toe shoes, sandals and stilettos are prohibited. 2.3 Balaclava & Gloves - Balaclava and driving gloves required for Yellow Group Drivers. First Timer and Red Group Drivers are encouraged to use them but it is not mandatory.
3. REQUIREMENTS FOR GREEN GROUP & BLUE GROUP
	3.1 Clothing - FIA / SFI (3.2A/5) certified driving suit rated a minimum of 9 seconds fire protection. 3.2 Footwear - FIA / SFI approved driving boots. 3.3 Gloves - FIA / SFI certified driving gloves 3.4 Balaclava - Minimum single layer Nomex 3.5 Harness - 5 point harness is recommended but not mandatory.

Local Events

1. TECH INSPECTION

1.1 Brakes - min 50% brake lining on pads.

1.2 Brake Fluid - must be clean and full.

1.3 Tires - DOT approved, 3/32" min tread depth, not below wear bar, no cuts or cracks.

1.4 Wheel nuts - properly torqued according to manufacturer's specs.

1.5 Fuel cap must be securely fastened and leak free.

1.6 Hood and deck lids must be securely fastened.

1.7 Headlights & Brake Lights operating properly.

1.8 Windshield - no cracks longer than 4 inches.

1.9 Safety Belts - in good operating condition.

1.10 Batteries - securely fastened with no visible leaks or corrosion.

1.11 Throttle - smooth uninterrupted release.

1.12 Helmet - Snell (automotive) rating according to current regulations.

1.13 Driver Safety Gear - in accordance with Run Group requirement.

1.14 All loose items (inside passenger, luggage, glove and engine compartments) must be removed from the car.

1.15 Car ID # decals - displayed clearly.

Note: The on-track tech Inspection will be conducted at all PDC hosted events. Failure to pass the inspection will result in exclusion from the event.

2. TRACK ENTRY AND EXIT

2.1 The track shall be entered at the end/exit of the hot pits only.

2.2 Exiting the track to the hot pits or paddock (at the end of the hot pits) is on the right at the end of Turn 9. Drivers exiting the track must extend his/her arm vertically out of the window before Turn 9.

2.3 Entry speed to the hot pits or paddock is maximum 10 km/hr.

3. DRIVING / PASSING

3.1 THERE SHALL BE NO WHEEL-TO-WHEEL RACING.

3.2 Doors must remain unlocked and sunroofs (if installed) must be closed while on the track. Windows must be either fully up or down.

3.3 Each car wishing to pass shall signal with a flash of high beam and pass ONLY when acknowledged by a hand signal (point) from the driver being passed.

3.4 A participant will sit-out the event if he/she spins their car twice whilst driving.

4. PASSING ZONES

ZONE A - Commencing on the exit of Turn 2 up to the last "brake marker cone" for Turn 3
ZONE B - Commencing on the exit of Turn 3 up to the last "brake marker cone" for Turn 4
ZONE C - Commencing on the exit of Turn 6 up to the last "brake marker cone" for Turn 7

4.1 WHITE and RED GROUP - Zone A

4.2 YELLOW GROUP - Zone A and C

4.3 GREEN GROUP - Zone A, B and C

5. PASSING INSTRUCTIONS

5.1 PASSING PERMITTED ONLY IN THE DESIGNATED ZONES ACCORDING TO THE RUN GROUP.

5.2 PASSING ON THE LEFT ONLY !

5.3 PASSING IS PERMITTED ONE CAR AT A TIME ONLY

5.4 ALL PASSING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE LAST BRAKE MARKER CONE OF EACH ZONE.

5.5 A COMPLETE PASS MEANS THE PASSING VEHICLE MUST HAVE HIS OR HER BUMPER IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THAT'S BEEN PASSED.

5.6 EASE OFF SPEED ONCE YOU SIGNAL (POINT) THE VEHICLE BEHIND TO PASS AND ENSURE YOU PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR THE PASS TO BE COMPLETED SAFELY.

5.7 THERE SHALL BE NO PASSING IN ANY CORNER

6. FLAGS

6.1 Knowledge of flags is mandatory. The following describes the meaning of flags used by PDC at MRP.

	GREEN - Track is clear.
	YELLOW - Caution, slow down, no passing.
	BLUE WITH DIAGONAL YELLOW STRIPE - Check mirrors. Be aware that faster traffic is approaching or behind you. Point driver behind to pass in appropriate passing zone.
	FURLED BLACK - Rules infraction. Continue driving and don't do it again. UNFURLED BLACK - Rules infraction or mechanical problem. Complete lap (drive off-line) at reduced speed, return to hot pits and report to Chief Instructor and Track Marshal.
	RED - A serious incident has ocurred on the track. Slow down immediately and park your car safely by the track side. Await instructions.
	CHECKERED - Session finished. Complete cool down lap(s) as indicated and return to paddock.

6.2 A participant failing to acknowledge the Blue Flag for 2 laps will be shown the Black Flag at Start/Finish. Failure to acknowledge the Black Flag (unfurled) twice (ie 2 laps), will result in the Checkered Flag for the session.

7. CORNER STATIONS

Turn station workers (with flags) are located at the exit of Turn 10 (Start/Finish), Turn 2, Turn 4, Turn 6 and Turn 8. All participants are required to man corner stations as part of the Driver Education programme.

8. TRACK CLEAN-UP

The cost of track clean-up (e.g oil spills) will be borne by the participant(s) responsible.

Away Events

Members will participate in accordance with the rules practised by the associated Club conducting the event.

Performance Drives Club (PDC) rules and policies are subject to change without notice. Members are required to update themselves with the latest version (published on the PDC web site) prior to participation in PDC events. The driver education program rules set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of driver education events and to further participant safety. No express or implied warranty of safety or fitness for a particular purpose shall result from publication of, or compliance with these rules. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the event and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to participants, spectators, or others.