 |
| Home |
| Event Calendar |
| Downloads |
| Club Officials |
| Forum |
| Links |
| About SCCMC |
| News Archive |
| Event Types |
Under the heading of Cross Country Motorsport there exists such a diverse range of events that it is simply not possible to cover each type of event in any great detail. Below are descriptions of the some of the events that we will run, and some we won't unless there is an interest shown from our members. Click on the links below for descriptions of the events.
It should be remembered that ALL our events are designed to be "non-damaging" unless otherwise stated. The term "non-damaging" means that the organisers will make every effort to ensure that the event is suitable for the vehicles entered in that event PROVIDED that those taking part drive in the expected manner. There is no guarantee that a vehicle will not sustain damage to the bodywork or mechanical parts, although the aim is that this should not happen. It is unlikely that any damage caused to your vehicle during an event will be covered by your insurance company - you should bear this in mind before taking part. Fun though it is, this is motorsport and MOTORSPORT CAN BE DANGEROUS !
|
| Tyro Trials |
The Tyro trial is designed to provide a newcomer with their first taste of competition as a club member. Tyro means a novice or beginner, from the Latin "tiro" meaning a young soldier, a recruit. Tyro trials are set out within strict guidelines to ensure that there is little, if any, chance of damage to the vehicle or injury to the occupants.
Events are open to all Standard Production 4x4 vehicles with Petrol or Diesel engines including military variants of civilian models, mass produced by a motor manufacturer and generally available for normal retail sale or available via a network of dealers, whether designed principally for the transportation of passengers, commercial use or dual purpose. Saloon cars and car derived commercial vehicles are prohibited. All vehicles must display a current Road Tax disc, trade plates are not acceptable, and where appropriate the vehicle must have a valid MOT Certificate. Front seats may be replaced but the rear seats, and the original number of seats when the vehicle was manufactured must be retained. Bumpers must be retained in their original position. Safety improvements may be added to the vehicle. Drivers who are 13 or over without a full RTA licence and driving a "Standard Production 4x4 vehicles" can enter provided that the passenger holds a full RTA licence and has experience of Cross Country Trials. Vehicles not complying with the above must be fitted with a standard manufacturer’s hardtop/truck cab or a roll bar to MSA requirements. Drivers who are 15 or over without a full RTA licence and driving a "Non-Standard Production 4x4 vehicles" can enter provided that the passenger holds a full RTA licence and has experience of Cross Country Trials. The vehicle may only be driven between observed sections by a crew member who holds a valid full RTA licence. All drivers must produce a valid membership card. More than one passenger may be carried where the
driver holds a valid full RTA licence. Passengers under
the age of 16 will not be deemed competitors for the
purpose of licence's or club membership and will not Only passengers seated in forward facing seats will be allowed, the seat back shall be upright and passenger(s) shall face forwards. The passenger sitting alongside the driver in sections must be at least 12 years of age. All occupants must wear an approved seat belt at all times. Passengers who occupy the rear seats of the vehicle must not be less than 2 years of age, any child under 4 years of age must be seated in an approved ‘child seat’. Scoring is carried out in exactly the same way as for RTV and CCVT trials. The competitor with the lowest score at the end of the day wins. Click here to return to the top
|
| RTV Trials |
The next step up from a Tyro Trial is a Road Taxed Vehicle (RTV) Trial. All our trials are aimed at road going vehicles and we expect vehicles to be driven to the event and driven home again afterwards, preferably in the same condition as they arrived although perhaps not as clean ! In some clubs this is known as an "RTV Trial" although this, as a term, only relates to the eligibility of the vehicles and has no bearing on the possible severity of the trial. A trial consists of a series of small courses or 'sections'. Each section is divided into a series of sub-sections marked by pairs of canes know as "gates". Each gate is numbered, starting at 12 and then 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and finishing on 0. As you progress along the section you pass through each gate in turn. In the event that hit a gate you will be awarded points equivalent to the number of the gate you hit. If you stop moving forward you will be awarded points equivalent to the number of the next gate along, provided that one or more of your front hubs are clear of the gate behind. The only difference to this is if you clear the 2 gate and hit or fail to clear the 0 gate, in which case you will be awarded 1 point. A good trials driver is able to read the terrain in advance, choose a line that will give him/her the best chance of completing the section and remain in complete control of the vehicle at all times. An element of luck helps too ! Vehicles with a wheelbase of 100" or over are allowed one 'shunt' per section to help level the playing field on tight twisty courses where a longer vehicle may find it difficult (or impossible) to navigate the section. A shunt allows the driver, PRIOR to ceasing forward motion to stop and reverse within the boundaries of the section before continuing forwards. Normally this is used when the vehicle has failed to make a tight turn and requires a shunt to avoid hitting a gate. From time to time a shunt may also be used to give a better line through a difficult piece of terrain. Trials are the cheapest and easiest form of competitive motor sport to get involved with. If at any point in a section you feel that the terrain may be damaging or is beyond you or your vehicles capability, simply stop. No one will think any the worse of you for doing so. In fact, knowing your own limits is a quality to be admired. There is always the next section to try and you ARE doing this for fun. Click here to return to the top
|
| Cross Country Vehicle Trials (CCVT) |
Similar to RTV Trials, but designed for the more advanced driver and vehicle. Click here to return to the top
|
| Competitive Safaris |
A Competitive Safari, or Comp Safari as it is better known, is a timed event where a course of at least a mile long is set out at one venue and where competitors are required to complete a specified number of runs over the course. Click here to return to the top
|
| Hill Rallies |
A Hill Rally is a special stage rally organised for Cross Country Vehicles where stages are established at different venues. Due to the considerable cost, logistical organisation and commitment needed to organise a Hill Rally there are only about 4 events each year - two in Scotland organised by the Scottish Hill Rally Club, and two in Wales organised by Marches 4x4. Although specialist vehicles are required to compete, organisers are always on the lookout for Marshals, Radio Operators, Recovery units and timekeepers, so don't just think that because you don't own a Hill Rally vehicle that you can't be a part of the event. Experience is not necessary as training can be given or you can be paired up with an experienced Marshal who can show you what to do. Click here to return to the top
|
| Promotional Events |
Promotional Events take the form of a set liaison route which may incorporate trials type sections for the more adventurous enthusiast. They are not a competition but are run to allow for new and prospective club members to experience Cross Country driving in a controlled manner. Clubs can run up to three Promotional Events each year. Click here to return to the top
|
| Challenge Events |
The challenge event format seems to be growing rapidly in the UK at the moment. They are usually similar in format to orienteering, in that competitors have to traverse sections over difficult terrain to gather punches on a card which is attached to the vehicle. These events are normally over subscribed and are usually very spectacular to watch. Click here to return to the top
|
Copyright © 2007 Scotia Cross Country Motorsport Club |
