New starting numbers

Just one year after detailing white, blue and green backgrounds for the competition numbers, the regulations for the 2012 European Rallycross Championship (see below) specify a new style and size for the numbers carried by each car of the three different categories.

The organisers’ association, the ERA, has now added what it describes as a ‘number generator’ to its website, allowing competitors to create a number patch that meets the regulations. However, the FIA rules do not require teams or drivers to use this system. While the FIA rule specifies the size and colour to be used, it does not specify the font, so, while size and colour will become standardised, it is highly unlikely that there will be any uniformity in the overall style. As it is offered at present, the ERA system produces a graphic with a national flag that is out of proportion, and which uses different fonts on the roof and door numbers.

Published by FIA on 03.02.2012:

2012 Rallycross Sporting Regulations – 11.4

The competition number on the roof will be black on a white background. The background must be 35 cm on 35 cm. The figures must have a minimum height of 25 cm. Two front door panels measuring 70 cm wide by 20 cm high including a 1 cm white surround. Each of these panels shall comprise a matt black competition number box which shall always be at the front of the panel. Numerals will be fluorescent yellow (PMS 803), 16 cm high and with a stroke width of 2 cm. The remainder of this door panel will indicate the Division and the national flag of the driver. Each panel shall be placed horizontally at the leading edge of each front door, with the number at the front. The top of the plate shall be between 7 cm and 10 cm below the lower limit of the window. No signage, other than the colour scheme of the car, shall be placed within 10 cm of this panel. On the lower part of the left and the right rear side windows of each competing car, the drivers’ surname will be displayed between 6 cm and 10 cm high.

Tanner Foust’s 2012 ERC starting no (for left side of car). © ERA/RallycrossWorld.com

The Super1600 ‘1’ for Andreas Bakkerud (for right side of car). © ERA/RallycrossWorld.com

Derek Tohill’s number 3 for the TouringCars (for right side of car). © ERA/RallycrossWorld.com

The ‘1’ will be on the roof of all champions’ cars. © ERA/RallycrossWorld.com

Those were the days: A ‘classical’ starting number on the 1978 factory Rallycross VW Golf GTI 1.6 of German Jochi Kleint. © Eddi Laumanns/RallycrossWorld.com