Hi Ian
Many apologies for the delay in responding, this week has been more hectic than ever, including taking a car for SVA today - PASS! :thumbsup:
Anyway.... back to the point.
There is a rule in the 2008 Blue book (page 313 sec 20) which states:
'Any driver competing in a Racing or Sports Libre car manufactured after 1960 of more than 2000cc (or 1428cc if forced induction) must hold a Speed National 'A' (OPEN) or Race National 'A' licence [C(a)-35] Unless the car is currently licensed for use on the public highway and competes in the event in a road-legal condition.
Now - the important bit in in RED.. Which basically means that if you drive the car on the road, then you can compete in it in the relevant class on a B Licence - i.e. a novice....
I'll check with an MSA official to be sure, but that is how I read it. Of course you will need a timing strut, but just about everything else should be just fine.. Even the electrical cut out only needs to be internally operable by the driver when normally seated with seat belts secured and must also isolate any electrical fuel pumps.
The switch must also be clearly marked with on/off positions, but suitable stickers would sort that.
There are other minor requirements (minimal) and you'll obviously need suitable (approved) racesuit+helmet. I'd recommend gloves, balaclava and boots too as a minimum - if you never need them, great! but IF you ever did......
So, bottom line - whilst it was thought that competing will be more difficult due to tighter regulations, esp for larger engined vehicles, it all depends on how you're classed as an entry.
We as a club are now often given our own class - i.e. 'Cars of the GTD40 Car Club', which bascially means we can compete in what we like (within reason) as we are our own little entity at the event. Good for us and good for the event as some competitors have been 'ruffled' by having our big motor cars in their class. It also means that we won't generally be up against twin-turbo 4WD monsters (not that I'd be bothered)...
Once I've spoken with MSA official I'll post more detail.