Racing for HTP

FIA Passport: Cars with no HTP may not be able to take part in international events

A pre-season rush is expected for new FIA Historic Technical Passports (HTPs) for cars racing in international historic events this year.

The new system of identification for historic cars came into force on January 1, 2007, but it seems that as many as 2500 UK-based cars have not gone through the new process. Drivers who do not have an HTP for their car could be prevented from taking part in international events. However, the MSA believes it can meet demand for vehicle inspections and documentation ahead of the new racing season as car owners replace the previous Historic Vehicle Identification Form (HVIF) with the new HTP.

“There were 3500 HVIFs held on file at the MSA. At the start of January 2007 the MSA had processed and issued 900 HTPs,” explains John Symes of the MSA. “Whether or not this means there are 2600 HTPs to be applied for is impossible to predict. Our best guess is that during the next year or so a further 1500 applications will be received.”

Currently, applications which are complete and accurate are turned round in less than a month. Longer delays are currently being reported in some other major European countries. In January, the MSA held 57 outstanding applications, nearly half of them delayed due to queries.

However, it seems certain that the need for the Historic Technical Passports will be enforced at international events when the new season begins.