Qualifying rules

[John]

Is there such a rule in BTCC qualifying as there was in F1 (prior to this season) about having to set a particular time to qualify (eg 107%) because I assumed there wasnt in the BTCC in so far as if a driver has a bad session and either doesnt set a time or sets a bad time because they spun or had a mechanical problem then they just started at the back.

However I've just been looking at 97 again and Ian Heward often didnt qualify (presumably becasue he was driving an ancient (1993) Cavalier).

I assume its something along the lines of providing you've done a decent time at some point during the weekend then you are allowed to take the start - but if anyone knows what the actual regs are then please say.

Cheers.

[Claire]

I could be wrong (as I'm quite new to this) but last season it only came into play at circuits where the grid was restricted. Knockhill was one where Alan Blencowe had to wait in the pit lane at the start to see if any one dropped out, luckily for him, but not Jim Edwards Jnr he was able to start the sprint race and due to damage to Phil Bennet's car he was able to start the feature. The reason for his slow qualafying was the Alfa had gear box problems. I would think that if we do have more cars than grid spaces this season it will happen again, not sure which circuits it affects but Brands is a possibility.

[John]

I thought it was picked on when they entered (or maybe this is aswell as qualifying times) because I seem to recall there was concern that Pyper wouldnt be able to race at Knockhill because he was a late entry to the season and preference was given to those that signed up first - might have dreamt that though!!

[Claire]

There was talk about the late entries not being able to race that day but things seemed to change even on the morning of the race
:confused:

[Les]

Pyper was allowed to race because Steven Wood didn't go at all!
I think there was a maximum number who could qualify then a maximum that could race, so you ended up with Alan Blencowe waiting to see who dropped out.