Issue 3 (2008)
EVENT LAYOUT AND SUMMARY OF RULES
The object of the event is to locate various punches, the location of which will be indicated on the day. Each punch will be identified by a number to verify it is the desired objective. The punch will be attached to a fixed point on the objective by a cable. The control card (attached by the scrutineer to a consistent point on all vehicles) must be marked with the pin punch in the correct box on the control card as proof that the objective has been visited. The vehicle must negotiate close enough to the point to collect the punch mark without detaching either the pin punch and or the control card.
There may also be special tasks, which are worth extra points. These are generally along the lines of non-driving puzzles or may include driving a short course through numbered gates in reverse gear or against the clock.
There may also be special stages, which are worth extra points. On these the team (see below) have to negotiate the vehicle over a set coarse, within a given time.
The event will be for individual vehicles, each of which must carry one driver and one co-driver (herein referred to as a Team) providing they are accommodated in securely fixed seats and wearing approved seatbelts or harnesses. All drivers must have current UK driving licenses.
Competitors may enter their vehicles with or without a partner vehicle and may be paired if required at the event by the organisers. Paired teams will incur a point’s penalty as deemed fit by the event by the organisers.
Vehicles must have a working horn, seatbelts for all seats in use, towing points front and rear and carry a towrope. (Min 2 tonne Breaking Strain). Horns will be used to notify an emergency. On hearing horns competitors should attempt to assist/locate the problem or notify marshals.
A roll bar must be fitted to all soft-top vehicles. Vehicles must carry an emergency first aid kit and fire extinguisher (Min 1.75kgs AFFF). All items must be securely stowed within or on a vehicle. Competitors are not allowed to smoke while competing.
A blanket speed limit of 15mph covers all sites and any vehicle exceeding this may be disqualified. 5mph max speed in the pit area!
The use of winch sails and gloves is compulsory when winching. There must be no damage or removal of any object within the competition area (i.e. trees, fences, gates, walls etc.) and tree strops must be used where necessary. ‘Clear for winching’ must be called out clearly prior to each and every winching operation.
In the event of a breakdown, repairs must be carried out on a suitable ground sheet. Never spill fuel or oil or drop litter. In the event of any spillage a marshal must be informed.
All competitors will obey the organizers/marshals instructions. Their decision is final.
If you feel at any time that the severity of a section is beyond your capability you must stop. You will not be forced into a situation you consider to be potentially dangerous.
1) BODY / CHASSIS
(a) The vehicle must be fitted with bodywork including a driver (and passenger) compartment isolated from the engine, wet batteries, gearbox, hydraulic reservoirs, transmission, shafts, brakes, road wheels, their operating linkages and attachments, oil tanks, water header tanks and catch tanks. Where a radiator is not isolated from the driver/passenger compartment a suitable deflector must be fitted to prevent fluid directly coming into contact with the vehicle occupants.
(b) The vehicle must have a minimum wheelbase of 127 cm. (50.4”)
(c) With the exception of rear engine vehicles, the vehicle must be fitted with a bonnet or casing of metal or solid non-flammable material covering and surrounding the main engine structure, which is secured by fasteners of adequate strength and having a positive locking action.
(d) Rear engine vehicles must be adequately protected from a rear end collision and all moving parts must be covered.
(e) There must be a protective bulkhead of non-inflammable material between the engine and the driver/passenger compartment, capable of preventing the passage of fluid or flame. Gaps must be sealed with GRP, or with putty that completely closes the gaps at all times. Magnesium is prohibited for bulkheads.
(f) The vehicle must have a complete floor of adequate strength and rigidity supported within the driver/passenger compartment.
(g) The vehicle must be equipped on all wheels with mudguards, which present no sharp edges and cover the complete wheel (flange + rim + tire) around an arc of 120 degrees.
(h) The bodywork must provide a minimum uninterrupted transverse cockpit opening of 81 cm.
(i) The vehicle must be fitted with doors or bodywork giving side protection to the driver and passenger.
(j) If the vehicle is fitted with driver/passenger doors, hatchback doors, sliding doors, opening boots or tailgates, these must be secured in the closed position during competition.
(k) Tailgates may be removed.
(l) There must be an effective means of ventilation for closed cars.
(m) All recovery equipment must be stored securely in or on the vehicle.
2) BRAKES
(a) The vehicle must be fitted with brakes that are operative and capable of stopping and holding the vehicle as required.
An independent parking brake system must be fitted.
3) COOLING
(a) All fluid carrying lines or tubes carrying coolants through the driver/passenger compartment are to be painted red, and if non-metallic to be internally or externally metal braided hydraulic hose.
4) DRIVERS
(a) All drivers must hold a current Driving License.
(b) It is recommended that vehicle occupants wear eye protection at all times while in undergrowth.
5) ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
(a) Any wet batteries in the driver/passenger compartment must be enclosed in a securely located leak-proof container.
(b) Batteries must be duly protected to exclude leakage of acid and to protect terminals from short-circuiting and producing sparks.
(c) A yellow marking must identify the battery earth lead if this is not readily distinguishable.
(d) All lights must be in normal working order, if the event requires on road liaison.
(e) The vehicle must be equipped with an effective horn or other audible warning device emitting a continuous tone.
(f) A circuit breaker that cuts the engine is recommended.
(g) Vehicles fitted with automatic transmission systems shall have an operative starter inhibitor switch enabling the engine to be started in “park” or “neutral” only.
(h) The vehicle must be fitted with suppressors as required by the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations.
6) ENGINE
(a) Unless fitted with electronic throttle control as standard original manufacturer’s equipment for that vehicle, the engine must be equipped with a positive method of throttle closing by means of external spring/springs so that in the event of failure of any part of the throttle linkage the throttle(s) are sprung closed.
7) EXHAUST SYSTEMS
(a) The exhaust system must be isolated from the driver/passenger compartment (e.g. beneath the floor or secured in casing of solid material).
(b) No part of the exhaust system shall protrude to the rear of the bodywork more than 15 cm.
(c) All exhaust outlets must terminate behind the mid point of the wheelbase of the vehicle and outside the bodywork periphery in plain view. Side exhausts must not protrude more than 4 cm.
8) FUEL SYSTEMS
(a) All fuel lines passing through the driver/passenger compartment shall be protected, and if non-metallic, be formed of internally or externally metal braided hydraulic pressure hose. Joints shall be screwed sealing joints.
(b) If fitted with fuel fillers in a closed boot or under closure, collector/spill trays must be incorporated to drain outside the vehicle.
(c) Vehicles must use a fuel type that is commonly available to the public. If using LPG, the entire system must conform to Construction and Use regulations and LPG Technical Association Code of Practice No. 11.
(d) Tank fillers and caps must not protrude beyond the bodywork. These must have an efficient locking action to reduce the risk of accidental opening during an accident and ensure closing after refueling
.
9) OIL COOLING SYSTEMS
(a) Any oil lines passing through the driver/passenger compartment must be protected and, if non-metallic, be formed of internally or externally braided hydraulic pressure hose.
10) RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
(a) All vehicles must have the following
(b) 1 long recovery strap / rope
(c) 1 tree protector strops. (Minimum capacity 2 Tonne (Green))
11) ROLL OVER PROTECTION
(a) No vehicle will be allowed to compete without some form of rollover protection. Minimum MSA Spec applies. Soft or open topped vehicles require a minimum of a front and rear roll hoop, plus prop’s and a diagonal. THE STRENGTH AND SECURITY OF THE MOUNTINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH A DEVICE ARE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
(b) The Organizers of this Event strongly recommend that all vehicles be fitted with full roll over protection.
(c) It is mandatory that drivers or passengers of soft or open topped vehicles wear crash helmets complying with BS6658 standards.
12) SILENCING
(a) Vehicles must comply with a maximum permitted noise level of 100dB(A). Measurements may be made at 0.5m from the end of the exhaust pipe level at an angle of 45 degrees with the exhaust outlet. Where more than one exhaust outlet is present, the test will be repeated for each exhaust and the highest reading will be used.
13) STEERING
(a) Vehicles must have a steering wheel with a continuous rim not incorporating any reflex angles in its basic shape. Wheels with flat rim segments (i.e., “D” shape) are permitted.
(b) Steering movement must be controlled to avoid fouling of wheels on chassis or bodywork.
(c) Rear wheel or four wheel steering is prohibited unless fitted on a production vehicle by the manufacturer.
14) SUSPENSION
(a) Vehicles must be fitted with sprung suspension between the wheels and the chassis.
(b) Suspension must be controlled to avoid fouling of wheels on chassis or bodywork.
15) TAX DISC
(a) In the event that public roads must be used, then all vehicles must display a current Road Tax Disc.
16) TRANSMISSION
(a) Transmission must be outside the driver/passenger compartment, beneath the floor or secured in casings or coverings of solid material.
(b) Vehicles must be equipped with a reverse gear in normal working order.
(c) The use of locking axle differentials, limited-slip or torque-biasing axle differentials is permitted.
17) WINDSCREENS AND SIDE SCREENS
(a) Windscreens must be of laminated glass or plastic of a minimum thickness of 4mm. Plastic side screens, where fitted, should also have a minimum thickness of 4mm unless fitted otherwise by the original vehicle manufacturer.
18) SAFETY
(a) Regulations regarding safety are the MINIMUM required.
(b) There are no standards governing the maximum standard allowed and competitors are advised that they should afford themselves the best protection possible.
(c) All vehicles must comply with Safety Regulations.
(d) A fire extinguisher / extinguishing system must be carried/fitted on all competing vehicles, (Min 1.75Kgs AFFF).
19) SEATING
(a) Vehicles must have a normal adequate seat for the driver. The seat must be rigidly located within the compartment and must not tilt, unless it is a production seat fitted with a suitable locking mechanism preventing independent operation. It must support and retain the driver within the vehicle.
(b) The seat cushion (i.e. the part on which the occupant sits) when uncompressed must not be less than 15.25 cm below the top edge of the adjacent body side or door.
(c) Any other seats must similarly comply and all seats must face forwards.
(d) The maximum time for the driver/passenger to get out of the vehicle should not exceed 5 seconds.
(e) Safety belts must be worn at all times during competition whilst the vehicle is in motion. The minimum requirement is a three-point belt comprising one diagonal shoulder strap and one lap strap, with three anchor points on the chassis/body shell or rollover bar of the vehicle on either side and to the rear of the seat. The seat integral safety belt of Range Rover is acceptable.
(f) It is not permitted to mix parts of safety belts. Only complete sets as supplied by manufacturers should be used.
(g) Only one release mechanism is permitted on each safety belt configuration and this must be available for the wearer to operate whilst seated in the competing position.
(h) The anchorage points to the rear should be positioned so that the strap from the shoulder is as near horizontal as possible. It should not be located on the floor directly behind the driver/co-driver.
20) SCRUTINEERING
(a) Driver and co-driver must present their vehicle (in a clean condition) to the scrutineer for inspection.
(b) Vehicles not presented in a suitable condition will be sent away for cleaning before scrutineering takes place.
21) WHEELS AND TYRES
(a) The vehicle shall have not less than four road wheels and tyres (excluding the spare), which are fitted with tyres that are compatible with the wheels and acceptable to the organizer.
(b) The tyres shall have not less than the minimum legal tread depth on all tyres.
(c) Tire pressures may be lowered but if the vehicle is to be used on the Public Highway they should be inflated to normal working pressure.
(d) The use of tire chains is prohibited.
(e) The use of open tread tyres such as Maxi Cross, Black Star, Canonica, Babcross or dumper tyres is prohibited.
(f) Tyres must be “e” marked and road legal.
(g) Wheels must have all hub nave plates and wheel trims removed.
(h) Wheels must not be fitted with any wheel spacer exceeding 3.2cm in thickness or of less than hub diameter. Multiple or laminated spacers are prohibited.
(j) Vehicles must not to be fitted with duplicated driving wheels unless fitted on a production vehicle by the manufacturer.
(k) All wheel nuts must be tight and in position.
(l) A spare wheel is not a mandatory requirement but, if carried, must be securely fastened.
22) WINCHING EQUIPMENT
(a) Winch must be securely fitted to the vehicle.
(b) Minimum recommended size of winch is 8000 lbs rated.
(c) If electrical winch, it must be fitted with a battery isolator switch.
(d) Cable / rope must be in good condition.
(e) Loop at end of cable must be swaged.
(f) Must have winching flag, min 1kg, which must not be permanently attached to the cable or hook.
(g) Must have 2 pairs of appropriate gloves.
(h) Ground anchor/Pull Pall
(d) 1 snatch block
(i) 2 shackles (safe working load of 3.25 tons).
(j) 2 tree protector strops. (Minimum capacity 2 Tonne (Green))
23) WARNINGS AND PENALTIES
(a) In the event of an infringement of the above rules, there will be one verbal warning given before a penalty is charged. Remember that the rules are there for the protection of yourself and others.
