Eligibility Matters

How CRMC Classic Eligibility Works:

The CRMC was formed around 30 years ago to allow people with ‘redundant’ Manx Norton’s, Matchless G50’s, Aermacchi’s and the like to get their bikes back on the track. These bikes have always been at the core of CRMC Classic racing. Back then there was no Classic racing and Vintage racing had a cut off date much earlier than these bikes.

Alan Cathcart who was the main man in the formation of the CRMC formulated the eligibility rules which have changed very little since then. They can’t have been too far out considering the continuing success of classic bike racing. Alan invented some terms and decided on some cut off dates which are now used world wide and explained here.

250 Ducati GROUPS

Group 1 – ‘Proper’, Grand Prix, thoroughbred racing bikes such as the ones mentioned above

Group 2 – Bikes based on road bikes and modified for racing. Examples would be Triton’s, Commando’s and Ducati’s etc.

Group 3 – Production racers to the ACU specifications like BSA Spitfires, Triumph Bonnie’s and so on. Up till a few years ago this was a very popular class of racing which strangely and sadly has died out.

Group 4 – Replicas - This group soon became redundant when various businesses started up re- manufacturing parts and eventually complete bikes so ‘real’ bikes were mixing it with newly made replicas and these were simply registered as Group 1 or 2.

PERIODS

Period 1 – 1945 to 1963: Obviously chosen to cover the Manx Norton’s, G50’s, AJS 7R’s, Greeves Silverstone’s and so on.

Period 2 – 1964 to 1967 for 2 strokes / 1964 to 1972 for 4 strokes: The 2 stroke dates makes sure that the by then ‘universal racing bike’ Yamaha twins especially TZ’s were excluded, after all these were being blamed for the demise of the British single in GP racing. This Period included Seeley G50’s and Aermacchi’s plus Rob North ‘works’ type triples and the initially controversial 350 K4 Honda.

These groups and periods must have worked well because the club is going strong after some 30 years although we have extended the periods and even allowed in the TZ Yamaha!

On gaining eligibility bikes are issued with an eligibility certificate in a plastic wallet. To gain entry at a CRMC meeting bikes must have such eligibility and riders have to produce this certificate at scrutineering.

Manx Norton Some Important Points

It is important to understand that CRMC eligibility is only granted to either:

Actual, real, period bikes which were raced in the period as long as they are substantially unchanged from the specification in which they raced in period
Faithful replicas of bikes which raced in period

Thus CRMC eligibility is not granted to bikes that could have been raced in the period – you can’t get a bunch of period parts, assemble a bike with no racing history and hope to gain CRMC eligibility. If in doubt contact an eligibility officer and ask. People have built bikes they thought were eligible and been very disappointed when their bike was turned down.

If you are planning to build a bike the best thing to do is to come along to a CRMC race meeting and talk to people and look and see what is being raced. Then check with the eligibility officer that what you want to do is going to be OK.

There are various dispensations and ‘case law’ which have built up over the years so again the best advice is contact the eligibility officer for advice.

The Application Form:

Read the form carefully and if you are unsure on any points contact the eligibility officer for advice.

Please check your photo sizes as they have to fit into a plastic wallet correctly. Home printed photos are fine but make sure they are the right size and good quality. The 4 photos should be 2 of one side and 2 of the other side of the bike – unfaired so we can see all the details.

For replicas enter the year of the bike that is being replicated. For original bikes obviously enter the year of the bike.

Make sure you send a sae large enough for the certificate (9” x 6” A5 size), a cheque and the 4 photos with the completed form.

Here is an example of a completed eligibility form. CLICK HERE

Examples of CRMC Classic Registered bikes by Racing Class

Class 2a 200cc 4 Strokes:
This is a Honda CB175 based bike. Most are converted to the full 200cc. The later CB200 engine has a dispensation to be fitted and raced. Other bikes used in this class include, Triumph Tiger Cub, Honda CB160 and Honda CB125 (single)

Class 2b 200cc 2 strokes:
This is a Bridgestone 175 and again they can be converted to 200cc. Other bikes used in this class include the Suzuki T200 Invader, Yamaha YCS1 and 200cc Greeves Silverstone

Class 3a 250cc Single Cylinder:
This is a 250 Ducati (e.g. Mach 1) and has a dry clutch fitted as this is also a dispensation granted many years ago. Other bikes used in this class include BSA 250 (e.g. C15, B25) and Aermacchi Ala Dora

Class 3b 250cc Twin Cylinder: This is a Suzuki T20 (Super 6). Other bikes used in this class include Yamaha TD1C and TD1B, Kawasaki A1R, Ariel Arrow and Honda CB72

Class 4a Group1 Single Cylinder 350cc:
This is a Aermacchi Ala Dora. Other bikes used in this class include Manx Norton, AJS7R, Seeley 7R, Greeves Oulton

Class 4b Group 2 Single Cylinder 350cc:
This is a Ducati (e.g. Sebring). Other bikes used in this class include the BSA B40, Velocette and BSA Gold Star

Class 4c 350cc Twin Cylinder:
This is a Honda CB350K4 in a standard frame. Drixton and TAB frames are allowed as well. Other bikes used in this class include Honda CB77, MV Agusta twin, Triumph 3TA etc

Class 5a Group 1 500cc:
Bikes used in this class include the Manx Norton, Seeley G50. Petty Manx, Triumph Daytona, BSA Goldstar, Triton, Paton twin, Seeley Weslake and Aermacchi
This is a CB450 (e.g. Black Bomber). The later CB500 engine is also eligible for this class.

Class 6a F750:
This is a Rob North Trident. Other bikes used in this class include Seeley Commando, Rob North BSA, Seeley Weslake, Triton

Class 7a 1300cc Group 2 Twin Cylinder:
This is a Rickman Weslake
This is a Seeley Commando. Other bikes used in this class include Moto Guzzi, BMW (e.g. overbored R75/5),Triton, Vincent

Class 7b 1300cc Multi Cylinder
This is a CB750. There are specific regulations for these bike in the eligibility regulations – please contact the eligibility officer for details
This is a Rob North Trident which has been taken out to 930cc. Other bikes used in this class include Rob North BSA, Laverda 3

Notes: This is by no means an exhaustive list of eligible CRMC bikes. Again take advice from eligibility officers or go to CRMC meetings and see what is being raced BSA Gold Stars can be raced with the CRMC under Gold Star Owners Club regulations