Their is a difference between rubbing is racing and a hit. Rubbing is when we get a tire mark on the door or maybe get our mirror bent back, or even the occational bumpdraft. All of those things are unacceptable in our rulebook (SCCA GCR), however this stuff does happen by accident or on purpose. I highly doubt that our fellow club racers purposly put a donut on eachothers doors, but I may be wrong. When you are running that close accidents do happen, some find it acceptable, many do not. It is best if you know your competition to ensure the safest and most fun during and after the race. From a workers standpoint it is near impossible to tell if contact was made or not, and we have had lengthy discussions about workers and stewards being more proactive. TV replays certainly makes it easier for us at home to make a judgement on fault.

A hit (especialy one that takes someone out of the race) on the other hand is unacceptable in anybook IMO. The tough part comes when a unintentional rub takes out a tire and puts someone out of the race

The other part in club racing is any hit that makes significant damage is costly and may take someone out for a year or more simply due to finances.

Raymond " Cheers to clean driving" Blethen