Rick Wilson, Jan 6, 2003:

I am happy to announce that Bob Ingersol has been working with GP regarding this issue and GP has retooled thier cells. They have resubmitted new cells that are within the ROAR guidelines and the ExCom has approved the GP3300's for ROAR racing. I have requested the Mike Myers post this on the ROAR website as a new approval that will be in effect immediately upon it's posting.

The older GP's that people have already bought will be grandfathered in and approved as well. The battery spec rule has been rewritten and it takes out the ambiguity that was previously there.

Here is the new wording:

The following rule changes are in effect as of 01/06/2003.

Rule 5-10: Only sub-C size rechargeable batteries rated at 1.2 volts or less will be used for the main power in electric car racing. The dimensions are 23mm diameter with a plus tolerance of 0.5mm and a minus tolerance of 1.5mm X 43mm overall length (total cell length, out to out) with a plus tolerance of 0.0 and a minus tolerance of 2.0mm. Cells will be measured at room temperature without label or shrinkwrap.

Rule 5-13: Batteries must be readily identifiable as to their origin.
The original manufacturer label must be in place (e.g. Sanyo,
Panasonic, GP, etc.). This label must include the original
manufacturers' logo, voltage rating, and milliamp rating. In the case of a secondary, or distributor label being available and applied by the original manufacturer at the factory, a Statement of Origin/ Manufacture must be provided to ROAR from the original manufacturer via the reseller for any individualized cell. This label must state the country of manufacture and have the voltage and milliamp rating printed on it. All individualized cells must be presented to ROAR for approval. Any indication that the original manufacturer applied label has been changed or tampered with will make the battery illegal. If the cells have an identifying mark on the negative end, the mark must be visible after the battery has been soldered together. If protested, it is up to the driver to prove the legality of their batteries. It is recommended that when cells are assembled into a pack, that the cells be arranged so all pertinent information on the cells is clearly visible. If gluing cells together, use glue that can be cut without damaging the cell's
identifying label or shrink wrap, such as Shoe-Goo.

On the Products page, under Batteries:

The following batteries have been approved for use in ROAR competition effective upon posting on the roarracing.com website:

GP330SCHR- Rainbow colored label.

Powers R 3300- Royal Blue shrink w/ white, red, yellow lettering.

Yokomo Z3300HVR- Light Metallic Blue shrink saying Zap-2 w/
yellow "Z"
background.
GP330SCHC- 2/3 Green and 1/3 Orange (neg. end) label.

Note: Previously submitted cells matching above model number and description that were over length are being "grandfathered" in, on a ONE time basis for the benefit of our members who purchased cells before their approval. Because this new cell manufacturer has provided different labels to different resellers, each cell label type must be submitted for approval, if different from above. In addition, all previously submitted and approved cells are to have their approval status continued.