During a check on silencers after the Rookie Rod Southern Championship, when Ed Kennett's car was inspected it was found that he had cut the rear tail-pipe right out of the silencer.

The other 3 cars were not checked as the drivers confirmed at the time that theirs were the same, so we excluded all 4 of the top 4 places - 747 Matt Farren, 326 Ed Kennett, 135 Dan Knight and 217 Joe Smith.

I must agree that I do not agree that the rule is entirely clear, but I feel that taking the pipe completely out of the back of the silcencer is not within the spirit of the rule. I do however not feel that a ban is appropriate for any of these drivers in the circumstances, but would ask that all drivers in the formula ensure that their cars comply with this rule.

This is the rule clarification for avoidance of doubt:

"A minimum of 2" (50mm) and a maximum of 10" (254mm) section of tail pipe must be fitted to the silencer facing rearwards or down - THIS WILL BE MEASURED FROM THE REAR OF THE BOX (NOT THE PIPE)."

Deane Wood