Bernie’s V8s regulations are simple and designed to promote fair competition and exhilarating racing.
The major items to note are No Slicks and No Aerofoils – these help to ensure a level playing field.
Our series is geared around ‘Historic’ and ‘Classic’ sports cars. Our cut off year is generally pre-2000 and entries for more modern vehicles are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Beyond these restrictions, the regulations are relatively open, allowing drivers and teamsthe freedom to explore how they can improve their cars. There is NO weight limit.
Classes
Class structure in Bernie’s V8s & Historic Outlaws consists of four groups:
- GB – British V8s
- M – Modified American V8s
- HM – Highly Modified American V8s
- T – Tuscans
- INV – Invitation
Important 2025 Updates:
- Historic Outlaw category is replaced by an Invitation class. BV8 invitation class is for any car that does not instinctively fit into classes 1-4 shown above.
- Entries to our Invitation class require pre-consultation with event organisers
- Speed Categories – M and HM Classes. To ensure fairness we may re-categorise classes across car and driver combinations at any time. I.e. if you have a novice driver in a HM car, they may be grouped into M or if any M car is excessively distanced from its competition, the reverse may apply
For any questions, please contact us.
Registration / Entries
Each driver will be required to register before race entry acceptance is given. Series registration is £125 per single car/driver with additional/linked registrations discounted to a further £50 payment.
The registration fee contributes towards:
- Series merchandise pack for each driver
- Race event hospitality
- Race event awards / trophies
Entry Acceptance
Entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
We know from last season that many of our events will sell out. We encourage you to guarantee your entry by sending in completed forms as early as possible. We will no longer be able to track texts, WhatsApp’s (or dare we even suggest, calls to Bernie!).
Entries can be made direct through the site, or via form through email. If you want to talk to us about entering and managing payment terms, please contact us directly.
We will accept up to 5 reserves per event. Reserve drivers will be guaranteed the opportunity to qualify and receive a proportionate refund based upon track time they were unable to take advantage of.
Withdrawals: Drivers may withdraw for a full refund up until close of play Wed prior to the event. Exceptions may be possible but only with approval of event organisers. Withdrawals post may be subject to an admin charge of £50. Race day withdrawals are nonrefundable with an exception for hardship which must be agreed with event organisers.
Car Eligibility
Space frame cars are not permitted (exception of NASCAR/ASCAR), no ridiculous wings, aerofoils or splitters other than those that can be shown to be period. Again, if you have a question please call Sim or Adam for a view on what is and what is not acceptable.
If you need to change your car after you have entered, you need to notify us in advance
- Wheels, brakes, engines are unrestricted.
- Transmissions are open but sequential boxes are not allowed.
- Engines should be naturally aspirated, fuel injection is allowed
- Tyres are open, in
Slicks. NO SLICK tyres are permitted, this means any compound marketed as ‘Slick’. If indoubt, please call us before ordering.
Noise limits are to MSA regs, I.e. 105db unless otherwise stated.
Race Procedures
Bernies V8s events run Rolling Starts. Drivers should be aware that for certain meetings, grids may be split into more than one group.
Racing is sprint race format with 20x20x20 or similar unless advised otherwise.
To add to driver/spectator excitement, we reserve the right to introduce different start procedures e.g. Le Mans type starts and or reverse grid positions. This will be limited to certain events and further details will follow around specific race procedure for such events.
All drivers will be required to qualify in accordance with MSA guidelines. It is the responsibility of any driver who fails to complete the necessary qualifying laps to notify the event organisers – we will endeavour to do what we can to get you on the grid.
Unless expressly agreed with the race and event organisers, refuelling is strictly prohibited. In the event we promote an endurance race, any driver registered as stopping outside of the published ‘Pit Window’ or for less than the mandated 90 seconds stationary will be subject to a penalty.
Driving Standards
Racing is a non-contact sport. We understand that mistakes sometimes occur andencourage drivers to take ownership where there is fault.
Any on-track contact should be reported to series organisers voluntarily. As soon as the track session has finished (and within 30 minutes) – we should not have to track you down. We expect that – where appropriate – you should seek out the other party to apologise.
Drivers are advised that anyone who causes a safety car for an avoidable stoppage may be subject to a start penalty in the following session.
Winners Penalty
Most race events will feature multiple races and we will do our best to enhance driver and spectator appeal by introducing grid penalties for the winner of each race.
The winners penalty will consist of a four* place demotion for the following start, meaning the car will grid on row 3, grid slot 5.
*The organisers reserve the right to adjust this to ensure fairness.
Most Importantly
No Whingers, No Moaners – you have read the rules!