A relatively lightweight start to what is sometimes a pretty heavyweight book
The front page is just telling us what it is. One thing to point out though is that it explicitly states what updates have been applied. In the January 2021 copy i'm looking at, "Updated Through TB 21-01", that is, the first technical bulletin of 2021. The name of the file will also clue you in as to when in the season it was issued. Note that the Racing Memo series (RM) doesn't get into the GCR. The racing memos cover a variety of things, like letting scrutineers and stewards know of forgeries of certified safety equipment. The RMs age off of the content management system, which is unfortunate. I have saved a couple of the RMs on counterfeit safety gear as I felt that they were too valuable to let go.
Next page, well, copyright notice and a list of the club's registered trademarks.
Page 3 is a little more interesting. First, we get a disclaimer about potential for injury. Now we all know that playing in traffic, which is what we do, is dangerous. But the disclaimer is almost certainly still a necessity.
The paragraph after the word Forward is more important. It points out that paper and electronic forms exist, the electronic form gets regular updates, and therefore a more recent electronic edition takes precedence. And it gives permission for me and you to use the GCR for purposes related to the racing operations of the SCCA.
I'm thinking that mention of the precedence of newer versions belongs in the rules proper, but it may well be repeated there. I'll be looking for that as this series moves on.
Then, a cute quote of Thales of Miletus about the necessity of rules governing competition.
Finally, a Mission and Welcoming Environment Statement. I'm of two minds about this. One part of me says that this shouldn't be necessary, but the realist in me recognizes that there are people in the world (and in our club) who need to be reminded wat the club is supposed to be and to not be jerks.
