The object of the event is for a single vehicle to locate various punches, the location of which will be indicated on the day. Each punch will identified by a number to verify it is the desired objective. The punch will be attached to a fixed point on the objective either by a cable or direct fixing. 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 or 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.

The nature of the Challenge Events (collecting punches, taking parts in special tasks) means that competitors and marshalls alike could be working in arduous conditions. Co-drivers should wear suitably protective equipment/clothing as deemed suitable for the conditions. They should have a high personal level of fitness, be in good health, able bodied and not carrying injuries.

The event will be for individual vehicles, each of which must carry one driver and one co-driver providing they are accommodated in securely fixed seats and wearing approved seatbelts or harnesses. Depending on the type of event, vehicles will be grouped into one of three classes, standard, standard + 1 or modified. All drivers must have current UK driving licences.

Competitors may enter their vehicles with or without a partner vehicle (depending on the type of event) and may be paired at 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 tow rope. 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. Even if the event takes place wholly on private land, Vehicle Tax, MOT and insurance are required. In the event of public roads being used to link sites then it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all road regulations are complied with.

Vehicles must carry an emergency first aid kit and fire extinguisher. All items must be securely stowed within a vehicle.

Competitors are not allowed to smoke while competing.

A blanket speed limit of 15mph covers all sites and any vehicle exceeding this will be disqualified.

There may be road sections and or public rights of way either linking sites or between different sites. It is the competitors responsibility to ensure the vehicle is road legal before driving onto a public highway. The public highway sections are to be considered transit sections and are not part of the event in any form.

The use of winch sails is compulsory for all wire ropes the whole time. The sail should be free flowing along the length of the wire. For synthetic ropes a sail is to be used when winching across a track or public right of way. The sail should be free flowing along the length of the wire. Gloves must be worn at all times when using recovery equipment. 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’ should be called out clearly prior to each and every winching operation if spectators or other competitors are in the vicinity. Competitors must ensure that winch cables are never crossed.

In the event of a breakdown, repairs must be carried out on a suitable ground sheet. Try to limit any spillage of fuel or oil. In the event of any spillage a marshal must be informed.

Do NOT drop litter

All competitors will obey the organisers/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. All sections, stages and punches are voluntary. You should not attempt them if you feel it is outside your or your vehicles capability.

Pets: Pets are permitted in the main event control area and the camping area only. They are NOT permitted onto the site(s) or areas where the competitors are actually competing. If the campsite is in a field and they are competing in a wood then pets are NOT permitted into ANY PART of that wood. You are responsible for the safe handling and safety of your pets. The organisers and/or sponsors and/or competitors take no responsibility for the actions of your pets or any damage (immediate or otherwise) that they may cause. Pets should be kept under close control at all times.

Classes

Standard
One aid to traction – such as a winch or axle locker

Standard + 1
Two aids to traction – any combination of winches or axle locking aids not totalling more than two, i.e. two winches or two lockers or one winch and one locker

Modified
More than two aids to traction

NB: The term locker includes anything other than an open differential. Aids to traction also include fiddle brakes and Traction Control systems, ‘Soft’ Lockers and winches. This is a non exclusive list. If in doubt please contact us.

Vehicle Related Rules and Regulations

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

All vehicles must have the following minimum recovery equipment (compatible with all winches fitted):

1. 1 long recovery strap / rope.
2. 2 tree protector strops.
3. 1 snatch block.
4. 2 stamped and rated shackles (safe working load of 3.25 tons).
5. 2 pairs of appropriate gloves (not woollen).
6. Winch blanket (approx 1kg).
7. Suitable recovery points to the front and rear of the vehicles.

1. If fitted the winch must be securely attached to the vehicle using a minimum of 8.8UTS fittings.
2. If an electrical winch is fitted, it must be fitted with a battery isolator switch.
3. The Cable / rope must be in good condition.
4. The Wire Loop at end of the cable must be swaged.

All vehicles must carry:

1. A fire extinguisher (min 2kg) system must be carried on all competing vehicles.
2. A first aid kit.
3. An instrument that is capable of cutting vehicles winch rope which could be used in case of emergencies to release the rope from entanglement. Some suggested instruments are; wire cutters, hacksaw, pruning saw, blade with a serrated edge. This item may be checked at Scrutineering. It should be stored in the cab of the vehicle within easy access.

All vehicles must comply with the rules as stated above.

ROAD/PUBLIC ROW

All vehicles must be presented with a current MOT certificate, be road taxed and be in a roadworthy and road legal condition.

1. All drivers must hold a current Full Driving Licence.
2. The public right of way sections are not included in the event and should be considered as transit sections only.
3. It is the drivers responsibility to ensure they comply and operate within the letter of the law if driving on a public right of way – ie road, track, byway etc.
4. Particular attention should be paid to not dropping debris on to the right of way, and having working and functional direction indicators, lights and a clear VRN displayed.

1. Driver and co-driver must present their vehicle (in a clean condition) to the scrutineer for inspection prior to start of an event.
2. This may include production of a current MOT certification for the competing vehicle. All vehicles must be road legal, taxed and insured.
3. Co-drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent or have written permission from them to compete.

1. Scrutineers are to attend a mandatory briefing to be held the day of the event prior to scrutineering taking place.
2. They are to sign the attendance and briefing sheet on completion of the scrutineering briefing.
3. Scrutineers are responsible for checking the correct safety and Recovery specific equipment, as previously detailed, is carried by all competing vehicles.
4. The items to be checked will vary at each event with the items being selection prior to the event by the event organiser.

1. 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, radiator, water header tanks and catch tanks.
2. 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.
3. The vehicle must have a complete floor of adequate strength and rigidity supported within the driver/passenger compartment.
4. The vehicle must be equipped on all wheels with mudguards, which present no sharp edges and cover the complete wheel (flange + rim + tyre) adequately.
5. The bodywork must provide a minimum uninterrupted transverse cockpit opening of 81 cm.
6. The vehicle must be fitted with doors or bodywork giving side protection to the driver and passenger.
7. 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.
8. Tailgates may be removed.
9. The load carrying area must be separated from the passenger compartment by an adequate barrier.
10. There must be an effective means of ventilation for closed cars.
11. All recovery equipment must be stored securely in or on the vehicle.

1. The vehicle must be fitted with brakes that are operative and capable of stopping and holding the vehicle as required.
2. An independent parking brake system must be fitted.

1. Any wet batteries in the driver/passenger compartment must be enclosed in a securely located leak-proof container.
2. Batteries must be securely fastened and terminals protected from short circuiting.
3. The vehicle must be equipped with an effective horn or other audible warning device emitting a continuous tone.
4. A circuit breaker that cuts the engine is recommended.

1. All fluid carrying lines or tubes carrying coolants through the driver/passenger compartment if non-metallic are to be internally or externally metal braided hydraulic hose.

1. The exhaust system must be isolated from the driver/passenger compartment.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. All steering joints and couplings must be in serviceable condition.

1. The use of locking axle differentials, limited-slip or torque-biasing axle differentials is permitted in modified class only.

1. 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.
2. If a windscreen is damaged to the extent that that a hole is made the screen is to be removed at the earliest opportunity prior tocontinuing with the event. A replacement screen or sheilding for the drivers compartment should be added prior to continuing. ie a mesh screen to keep foreign objects out of the drivers compartment.

1. The maximum time for the driver/passenger to get out of the vehicle should not exceed 5 seconds.
2. 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.

1. 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 organiser.
2. The use of tyre chains is prohibited.
3. The use of open tread tyres such as Maxi Cross, Black Star, Canonica, Babcross or dumper tyres is prohibited.
4. The maximum tyre size is 37", measured from top to bottom.
5. A spare wheel is not a mandatory requirement but, if carried, must be securely fastened.

1. No vehicle will be allowed to compete without some form of rollover protection. A manufacturer’s correctly fitted hardtop or Truck-cab shall be deemed sufficient. Soft or open topped vehicles require a minimum of a roll hoop. THE STRENGTH AND SECURITY OF THE MOUNTINGS OF ROLLOVER PROTECTION ARE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
2. Roll over bar materials should comprise cold drawn seamless carbon steel, minimum yield strength 350N/sq.mm. An alternative material is BS1387 medium weight blue band, minimum dimensions being 44.30mm x 3.2mm.
3. It is advised that drivers and passengers of soft or open topped vehicles wear crash helmets complying to BS6658 standards.
4. The Organisers of this Event strongly recommend that all vehicles be fitted with roll over protection.

Rules and Regs to be followed during the Event

RECOVERY

1. If a competitor is recovered by a Marshall's vehicle they are excluded from continuing as a competitor and the score card will be removed.
2. Competitors can be recovered by other competitors. However competitors are NOT permitted to aid other competitors in achieving punches either on the route in or out.
3. Tree strops are to be placed no higher than 1m above the base of the tree, if in doubt a guideline of waist height should be used.

1. In the event of an infringement of the above RECOVERY 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.
2. Competitors will be penalised for causing excessive or deliberate damage to the site, not heeding Marshalls instructions, not adhering to the event rules and regs or not following any guidance/direction given on here or at the drivers briefing.

1. A winch sail must be used whenever winching with wire rope or winching across any sort of route/track/path.
2. A Shout of ‘clear for winching’ is to be given when initiating winching.
3. Gloves are to be worn when handling any recovery kit.
4. Tree strops ARE to be used and shackled close to stop tree slippage.
5. Tree Strops to be no higher than waist level above the tree root base.
6. Seat Belts are to be worn by all occupants in any moving vehicle.
7. The Site speed limit is 10mph.

For non SS punches the more vehicles that achieve the punch in each class the less it is worth:

1. If you get all punches then inform the event organiser to collect another card.
2. If you retire inform a marshal and hand in your punch card.
3. Overdue at the finish: 100 points deducted every 5mins (or part of) that your card is not with the organiser.
4. If your punch card comes off the vehicle, then you will be issued with a new card and you start again.

1. Punch trees will be marked with white tape.
2. If you find a punch that is not attached inform a Marshall or Event organiser.

Red and White tape, indicates either:

1. Closed off sections to limit access on the land owners site. (eg across tracks or other Hazards)
2. Out of Bounds areas to make it harder to achieve some punches.
3. You may not break/cross/go under or over the tape/into an out of bounds area – Penalty for doing so - card removed and start again. You may pass a winch line through the tape boundary to aid your passage.

The tape and the line it subtends vertically should be considered as an unmovable barrier.

EMERGENCY

1. In the event of an Emergency sound horn for assistance, flash lights to attract attention. If serious dial 999 for assistance and specify location as required, inform event organiser and marshalls.

Issue 14 (Mar 2011)