2009

Xtreme Winch Challenge Series

       Contents:- 

1.       Event Format and Regulating Body

2.       Vehicle Class and Equipment Check

3.       Compulsory Equipment

4.       Radio Equipment

5.       Vehicle Specifications

          “Xtreme Production and Xtreme Open Class”

                    5A. Body / Chassis

                    5B. Engine

                    5C. Fuel System

                    5D. Transmission

                    5E. Driveline

                    5F. Suspension

                    5G. Wheels and Tyres

                    5H. Electrical System

                    5I. Winch

6.       General Rules

7.       Environment

8.       Advertising

9.       Regulations for Special Stages

10.     Special Stage Penalties

11.     General Event Regulation

12.     Parts / Groups

13.     Scoring and Awards

14.     Protest

15.     Prohibited Behaviour

16.     Sportsmanship

17.     Media Crisis Management

18.     Rights of Organiser

19.     Indemnity

Any clarification or information required in regards to the rules and regulations laid down in the event can be obtained from the Competition Manager:

DAVID METCALFE

XTREME 4X4 SPORT

“Bilyara”

31 Elm Court

Morayfield, Queensland, 4506

Phone: 07 54986962 Fax: 07 54286657

Mobile: 0418 745830

Email:  xtremedcm@bigpond.com

1.    Event Format and Regulating Body

           Special Stages will be varied with a major emphasis on safety. Stages will be designed to test ‘Off Road Driving’ and ‘Recovery Skills’, first and foremost.

           The Special Stage results will determine the place getters. Scoring will be a combination of the elapsed time, less any penalties incurred by teams, as specified, in the competition rules.

2.    Vehicle Class and Equipment Check

2A.     Classes:-

• Xtreme Production
• Xtreme Open

2B.      Vehicles and all equipment are required to be available at appointed time. A team representative must be present during these checks.
           

2C.      Vehicle must be presented in a ready to start condition including all compulsory equipment.

2D.      Vehicles that fail the inspection process will render the entrant liable for exclusion. A second and final inspection at a later time may be carried out. Vehicles must pass the second process, or they may be excluded from starting the event.

Note: It is the competitor’s responsibility that their competition vehicle complies with the 2009 Xtreme Winch Challenge Series “Rules and Regulations”.

3A.      Vehicles shall carry one 1.8kg or two .9kg operable dry powder fire extinguishers, mounted securely, within easy reach of the driver and co-driver. Minimum standard AS1841.5

3B.      Jack, wheel brace and spare tyre assembly.

3C.      Recovery Kit.

·          Ground anchor

·          Snatch strap

·          8000kg tree trunk protector (minimum width 75mm)

·          Snatch block

·          2 pair finger enclosed leather or material gloves

·          All shackles to be rated at 3.25t or better

·          2 x 1kg (dry weight) cable dampeners (500mm x 900mm recommend size)

·          Winch extension                       

3D.     A comprehensive ‘First Aid Kit’.

3E.     Waffle boards are recommended.

3F.     GPS Unit.
 

4.    Radio Equipment

4A.     Competition vehicles must be fitted with a UHF (477 MHz) radio and must be tuned to the competition channel (UHF #11) at all times. A 10 point penalty may apply if not adhered to. 

Vehicle Specifications

Xtreme Production Class (Xtreme Open – N/A)

          In all cases of mounting the following must be observed:-

·         Floor mounting points must be reinforced with a 3mm steel  plate of at least 75mm x 50mm on the under side of the body.

·         Full harness rear mounting point or points must be to a substantial part of the vehicles structure, reinforced as may be appropriate or to the roll cage.

          Where possible, the full harness will be approved and plated by the Transport Department or Engineer in state of registration. A Statutory Declaration signed by the owner stating that the mounting complies with Xtreme Winch Challenge or Xtreme International Rule #5A (A2) and that they take full responsibility for installation of the full harness into the vehicle, is also required.

A3.     The chassis can be strengthened.

A4.     Rear wheel steering not allowed. (OE exempt)

A5.     A recovery point (painted red) is required for both the front and rear of the vehicle and if mounted to the chassis a minimum of two 12mm, or four 10mm, grade 8 (or equivalent) high tensile bolts be used. Minimum recovery point is a rated lifting lug (1.4T) with a 19mm thread.

A6.     Items carried in the vehicle must be secured adequately while the vehicle is in motion.

A7.     Vehicles shall be fitted with a full internal roll cage starting at the “A” pillar. Wagons to be a 6 point and utilities a 4 point with a recommendation that 2 forward braces from the main (“B” pillar) hoop to the floor be fitted.                 

          a: Roll cage structure must not obstruct front seat access nor encroach upon the area occupied by driver and codriver.

          b: Main hoop “B” pillar must be a maximum 150mm behind the driver and co drivers head. It is recommended that 2 diagonal braces in the plane of the main “B” pillar hoop be fitted. The “A” pillar & “B” pillar hoops and all other tube work to be placed as close as near possible to the roof in order to limit crushing in the event of a roll over. The forward tube work from main hoop “B” pillar to “A” pillar hoop should be placed adjacent to and horizontal with the door frame as close as possible to roof. It is recommended that 2 diagonal braces between the “A” & “B” hoops be fitted as close as near possible to roof in order to limit crushing in the event of a roll over.

          c: The right and left hand tube work must be mounted in such a manner that it does not obscure the driver’s vision past the “A” pillar and doorframe combined.

          d: Mountings will comprise an upper mounting plate attached to the roll cage and a lower mounting plate, sandwiching a section of the   vehicles structure between them. The following requirements outline minimum sizes for mounting plates. Smaller width plates minimum 45mm wide may be used provided that the overall area is not reduced.

          e: Mounting plates to be steel 100x100x 6mm for vehicles over 1150kg and 100x75x 6mm for vehicles under 1150kg. The lower mounting plates must be at least 100x45x 6mm. At least two 10mm Grade 8.8 high tensile bolts are required at each mounting point.

          f: Where roll cage mounting bolts pass through a hollow section of the vehicles structure, the section must be locally reinforced to prevent crushing.

          g: Tubing used in manufacture of hoops and bracing shall be round section cold drawn steel tube CDS, CDW or CEW and comply with the requirements of AS1163 1981 or better, “Circular and Non- Circular Steel Tubes for Mechanical and General Engineering Purposes”.          

          Minimum sizes: Main hoop “B” pillar 45mm dia. Wall 2.5mm.

          Straight braces 38mm dia. Wall 2.5mm.    

          Bent braces “A” pillar 38mm dia. Wall 2.5mm.

          h: Continuous lengths of tubing will be used for all braces and main hoops, with smooth continuous bends and no evidence of crimping, wall failure or significant section weakening. All welds will be full penetration butt welds. All other types of joins will be done to accepted engineering and competition standards.

          i: Upper section of the roll cage or bracing must be fully protected with high-density foam or equivalent, of at least 15mm thickness. Hollow cylindrical pipe insulation may be utilized for this purpose.

          j: In open vehicles, the driver and co-driver profiles, including shoulders, must be within the main hoop viewed from the front of the vehicle. All open top vehicles will have a solid cover fitted over driver and co-driver head area of 3mm alloy or 1.6mm steel.

          Where possible, roll cage must be approved and plated by the Transport Department or Engineer in state of registration. A Statutory Declaration signed by the owner stating that the manufacture and installation complies with Xtreme Winch Challenge or Xtreme International Rule # 5A7 and that they take full responsibility for the manufacture & installation of roll cage into vehicle, is also required.           

A8.    Doors and window nets must be fitted to all vehicles. The window net must cover 70% of the window opening. The net shall be made of a non-flammable material with mesh size no greater than 50mm, fitted to the driver and co driver door or roll over protection structure above the driver and co driver window. It must be secured in such a way that it can be removed at any time from both inside and outside the vehicle with the door closed.

A9.    Wagons and dual cabs will have a metal cargo barrier fitted immediately behind driver and co-driver seats.                      

5B. Engines (XO - N/A) 

• Engine must be standard fitment as the year of build in Australian Model Range.
• Engine is allowed to have after market accessories fitted.
• Aftermarket turbo on cast manifold allowed on diesel. No superchargers.
• OE Intercooler/turbo combination allowed if fitted as per year of build in Australian Model Range.
• Radiator to remain in original position.
• No aftermarket computers or chipping allowed.
• No turbo or superchargers allowed on petrol motors.
• Carburettor is allowed to be upgraded.
• Extractors allowed.
• Exhaust must finish at rear or 600mm from nearest opening on vehicle vehicle.  (This applies to  Xtreme Open as well) 

5C. Fuel Systems (XO - NA)

• Pump fuel only.

• No boost additives allowed.

• Fuel tank to stay in original position, but may be raised.

• LPG is allowed to be fitted to petrol motors.

• Diesel Injector Pump as per year of build in Australian Model Range.

• No Nitrous Gas allowed in any Class 

The Competition Manager reserves the right to reject any fuel tank that is deemed to be unsafe.

5D. Transmission (XO-N/A)  

• Must use original transmission as as per year of build in Australian Model Range. 
• No aftermarket internal/external reduction gears allowed.

• Gear ratios.
• Locking differentials.
• Reinforce housing.
• Aftermarket axles and modified CV’s.

• Welded or solid differentials.  

5F.  Suspension/Steering (XO - N/A)                      

  Allowed:-

• Aftermarket springs, shocks, panhard and radius rods.
• Offset castor correction bushes.
• A 3” lift.

• Changing the original spring, bump stop and shock absorber mounting points.
• Altering wheelbase more then 35mm of standard.
• Increase track by more then 50mm.
• Dual shock absorbers.
• Non genuine, hydraulic or air bump stops.
• Powered or manually operated active suspension that adjusts each wheel individually.
• Extended shackles/hangers.
• Aftermarket front control arms.
• Drop boxes.
• Spring over.
• Full hydro steer. (This applies to  Xtreme Open as well)

G1.    Tyre and wheel combinations:-

• Xtreme Production 890mm x 350mm
• Xtreme Open 940mm x 370mm

H1.    A mechanical battery isolation switch is to be fitted to the battery or batteries providing power to the competing vehicles electrics, this is to be placed within reach of driver and co-driver whilst secured in vehicle. (The winch circuit is exempted).

I1.       

• Winch is to be electric, readily available  to the general public (more than 100 sold) and fitted to the front bullbar.
• Only one forward mounted winch.
• Reinforcing the rear of winch is allowed.
• Brake shaft (8274) is allowed to be drilled & have end cap fitted.
• Contactor pack allowed.
• Wider drums. 
• Air free spool.         

Not allowed:-

• Aftermarket electric motors that require adaptor plates or any modification to winch housing to fit.
• Modification or replacement of original internal components, etc shafts and gears.
• PTO or hydraulic winches.

I2.     Winches shall be fitted with an automatic brake.

I3.     Winch cable must be in serviceable condition.

I4.     Winch cable hooks must have a working safety catch (No open hooks)

I5.     Winch cables shall be of high tensile steel compatible to your winches rating. Mild steel cables, with a hemp center, are not allowed.   Synthetic rope is allowed, but it is the owner’s responsibility that the synthetic rope is rated the same or better than the standard cable used on the vehicles winches.  

I6.     Steel cables will have professionally swaged loops. Synthetic rope will be spliced.

I7.     Winch cables are to be fully spooled at the start of each SS.

I8.     Winch cable is allowed to be wrapped at the finish of an SS. The protruding “horns” must not be pointy and be made of material with a minimum radius of 50mm, length and distance apart is optional.

I9.     Rigging will be done to the safe working capacity of the equipment.

6.    General Rules

6A.     The event is open to all road registered 4 wheel drive vehicles, providing the vehicle currently or previously has been sold to the general public by the manufacturer. Prototype vehicles are not allowed.

6B.     Unusual or extraordinary 4 wheel drive vehicles can be considered for entry.  Any vehicle failing to comply with any of the rules and regulations contained in this event guide is required to apply for an exemption in writing to the Competition Manager, stating the regulations that the vehicle fails to comply with.  Each request will be considered on its merit. An exemption will only be granted when the Competition Manager is satisfied that the vehicle has no unfair advantage over other competing vehicles and no safety aspects have been ignored. Failure to apply for an exemption prior to the vehicle and equipment check may exclude the participant from starting the event.

7.    Environment

7A.     Campsites, assembly, holding and work areas, are to be left clean.

Competitors are allowed to fix any kind of advertising to their vehicles provided that:-

8A.     It is not offensive.

8B.     Does not encroach into areas reserved for event sponsors, competition numbers and event decals, namely the front doors. (Maximum sized area required for the competition number and event decals is 500mm x 300mm).

9.   Regulations for Special Stages

9A.    Driver and co-driver (must turn 15 years of age in the Event year) are the only persons allowed in the competing vehicle during an SS. The driver must have a current Driver’s License issued by any motor authority that is recognised under the Motor Traffic Act. Driver and co-driver will wear a certified (Australian Standard AS1698) crash helmet, while in a moving vehicle during an SS.

9B.     Starting order for the first or group of SS’s will be by ballot.

9C.     Driver and co-driver combination will remain the same for the entire event, alternating between driver and co-driver for any particular SS is allowed unless the Competition Manager specifies otherwise. Where injury or sickness occurs and, after approval from the Competition Manager that person may be changed. Each team is allowed one change, thereafter a 10-point penalty will be applied for each change.

9D.     Driver and co-driver must be seated and secured in the vehicle and have the most forward part of vehicle aligned with start pegs. All recovery equipment is to be securely stored at the start and finish of each SS.

9E.      Timing of the SS will cease when the vehicle (to the rear of front door) has come to a stop in the finish garage (entry into finish garage is to be forward unless directed otherwise) with driver and co-driver secured in the vehicle. Competitors shall not move from the finish garage until directed by an official.  

9F.      Competitors must start in their respective ballot or designated order, unless the Competition Manager grants prior permission for a change in the running order. Any vehicle not ready to start at the time the previous vehicle leaves the start shall be deemed a non-starter and a DNS recorded.

9G.     When the DNF time is not achieved by any competitor, points will be awarded from fastest to slowest for those that have completed the SS. If 25% of the competing vehicles in that Special Stage do not complete the SS under the set DNF time due to weather or changes in track conditions the DNF time will be increased by 2 minutes. If after the new DNF time has been set and the 25% is not reached at the completion of the SS, there will be no further increase in DNF time.  

9H.     Special Stages can be marked by pegs, bunting or stated as a formed track. 

9I.      Competitors when directed by an official must immediately remove themselves and their vehicle from the course.

9J.      Competitors failing to start 60 seconds after the timing has commenced for the SS will result in a DNS.

9K.      Special Stage will close 5 minutes after the last competing vehicle has finished, competitors will be notified at this time.

9L.      No alcohol or recreational drugs are to be consumed prior to or during the running of SS. Random alcohol or drug testing may be carried out on drivers and co-drivers at any time throughout the competition.

9M.     The Competition Manager reserves the right to modify or add supplementary rules and regulations, and decide on matters not specifically covered in the Xtreme Winch Challenge Rules and Regulations and allocate the penalty points at his discretion.

·          A vehicle straddles a peg.

·          A vehicle knocks over a boundary peg. (the peg must be broken or on the ground)

·          A vehicle breaks the bunting.

·          A driver or co-driver holds or moves bunting or pegs to improve vehicle approach or departure line.

·          Trees are run over or damaged to improve line; this will be at the discretion of the Special Stage Manager or attending event official.

Please note: -

·          That any designated trees or markers that are intentionally damaged or knocked over, will result in a DNF being awarded for  that SS, the Competition Manager reserves the right to replace the tree with a marker should this happen.

·          Special designated pegs or bunting marking an SS, if broken will incur a 30 point penalty.

·          If a competitor or other equipment (this does not include the vehicle) breaks the bunting or knocks over a peg during winching operations, there will be no penalty provided the damage is repaired prior to entering the finish garage.           

10C.    Penalties for a driver or co-driver not wearing a seat belt, helmet or   riding on the outside of a vehicle are:-

·          *First offence: 100 point penalty and a DNF.

·          *Second offence in same day: 200 point penalty and a DNF.

·          *Third offence in same day: Event Disqualification.  

·           A 20 point penalty will be incurred for either driver or co-driver not having the seat belt on correctly (e.g.:- harness loose, shoulder strap loose or off).

10D.    Teams will DNF if they receive outside assistance.

10E.    Teams that DNS an SS will incur a 10 point penalty.

10F.    Failure to attempt an SS without an accepted reason incurs a 100 point penalty

10G.    Lost or insecure recovery equipment at the finish of an SS will incur a 10 point penalty.

10H.    Techniques that are deemed to be unsafe shall incur a 10 point penalty, these include:-

·           Jumping over or going under a winch cable while anchored or moving dampener while winching. It is allowed to move in on a tight cable to reposition the cable dampener or to affect repairs to the vehicle

·           Failure to clear an area prior to snatching or winching.

·           Continuing to stand in front of vehicle whilst winching, after official warning.

·           Handling a winch cable or hook with no gloves.

·           Failing to use a cable dampener during winching operations.

·           Failing to use another cable dampener when direction of cable is changed.

·           Carrying the winch cable into the cabin or tray area of the vehicle.

·           Carrying winch cable while still attached to anchor point and vehicle in motion.

·           Continuing any unsafe practice after official warning.

·           Helmet incorrectly secured whilst in a moving vehicle.

·           Unsecured or partially secured window net in a moving vehicle.

10I.     Excessive wheel spin, (including while vehicle being winched) after being warned by official.

            2^nd warning: 10 point penalty

            3^rd warning: 20 point penalty

            4^th warning: 30 point penalty and DNF

10J.     No driver or co-driver shall engage in abusive, obscene language or improper behaviour toward themselves, other competitors, spectators or officials. After an official warning a minimum penalty of 40 points will apply.           

10K.    Failure to follow “SS/Course Directions” whether verbal or written will incur a 15 point penalty.     

     Please Note: -      

·           If a Special Stage official adds to the ”Comment Section” of the score book about a possible rule infringement, it will be treated as a penalty.

11.   General Event Regulations

11A.    Controlled Winch Area - Gate:-
The vehicle must come to a complete stop in a “Controlled Area” before the gate can be opened. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle is already being winched into the area, in which case the gate can be opened prior to the vehicle entering. If gate is pre opened under any other conditions a 20 point penalty will apply. A DNF will be awarded if vehicle does not stop.

11B.    Vehicle will have only one attempt to drive out of the “Controlled Area”. If forward momentum is not achieved you then must winch.

11C.    When 2 wheels roll out of the “Controlled Area”, you then must winch.

11D.    When 2 wheels enter a “Controlled Area” you are deemed to have entered the area and must winch through gate.

11E.     When punches are used in an SS, the card must be punched prior to entering finish garage or c rossing finish line. Missed punches, not recorded on the card, cards or punches removed from their attachment point will incur a DNF for that SS.

11F.     When vehicle has lost forward momentum on entering an obstacle or slope, winching must commence without further attempts at driving. A 20 point penalty will apply if a second attempt is made.

12A.    Breakdown and repairs must be completed in the designated Competition Area. If parts required are carried by the competitor there will be no penalty incurred for field repairs. If tools or parts have to be sourced from camp, competitors or outside Xtreme Base for repairs there will be a 20 point penalty.

·           Teams may nominate one (1) “Team Assistant” to assist with repairs. The “Team Assistant” must be prepared to assist other Teams when requested. The request must be directed to the Competition Manager who will then direct the “Team Assistant” to assist the requesting Team if warranted. Refusal of request by “Team Assistant” may exclude him/her from assisting his/her nominated Team.

·           Fellow competitors are allowed and encouraged to assist with repairs and loan tools that are carried in their competing vehicle.

·           Sundry type supplies are allowed to be given to other competitors without a penalty being recorded and use of specialized tools is also allowed. Separate list will be supplied before start of each Round.

·           Competitors are required to supply a list of all parts carried in competition vehicle at the start of XWC.

·           In the interest of making this event fair for everyone, it is in the competitors’ best interest to report to the Competition Manager any Team that tries to circumvent this rule. Any Team that attempts to do so will incur a 100 point penalty”.  

12B.     When all competitors in your group have completed the SS, the group will then be allowed to leave the SS area to:-

1.         Return to base.

2.         Move to next SS.

12C.    When a competitor ‘HOLD’ area has been designated, you ‘MUST’ stop and wait with the vehicle until directed to move to the next SS.

13.   Scoring

13A.     Teams that DNF and pass the SS marker will receive 20 points. Teams that fail to reach SS marker will receive zero points.

             Teams that complete the SS will be allocated points in order of merit from fastest to slowest as follows: -

13B.     Timing will be scored to the 10^th of a second.

13C.     If 2 or more competitors finish an SS with the same elapsed time, they shall be awarded equal points and placing in the SS. The competitor with the next fastest time shall be placed according to there own finishing positioning in that SS. The placing left vacant due to the tie will not be allocated.

13D.     In case of a tied score in Major Awards, the winner will be decided by a count back. The winner being the one with the least amount of penalties incurred. If this fails to break the tie, total time of all SS’s will be used, the fastest time will win.

14A.     Protests by a competitor must be on an “Xtreme 4X4 Sport Protest Form” and handed to the Competition Manager within 2 hours of receiving the scores for the particular SS. Vehicle related protests by another competitor must be in before start of 2^nd day of competition. All protests must be submitted with $200.00, which shall be forfeited if the protest is dismissed. Forfeited monies will be donated to Angel Flight Australia. 

14B.     Members of the Event Committee shall be required to judge on any formal protest and must have a 2/3^rd majority for the protest to be upheld.

15A.     No competitor shall seek favour from, influence, manipulate, obstruct or interfere with the duties of any member of the Competition Committee. Any competitor found doing so will be immediately disqualified.

15B.     No competitor will interfere or tamper with any other competitor’s vehicle. Any competitor found doing so will be immediately  disqualified.

16.   Sportsmanship

The goal of XTREME 4X4 SPORT is to promote a respectable sport and promote sponsoring companies in a professional light.

During all XTREME 4X4 SPORT events proper sportsmanship is required.

If a competitor or team member (including support help) promotes unsportsmanlike conduct, is rude or abusive to officials, landowners, fellow competitors, local authorities, sponsors, destroys property, displays drunken or disrespectful behaviour they and, or the entire team may be disqualified from the current event or future events.

17.   Media Crisis Management

            Preface:

The media has a right to report news that they see fit. It is important that anything we do reflects positively on our chosen recreation of off road activities and ensures we are viewed as a responsible organisation.

Potential adverse media or public interest generated by an incident at the event, which could threaten the reputation of the event or organisation in the future.

           An incident is defined:

·           As a direct result of event activities.

·           Affects the safety of any person engaged in event activities.

·           Exposes any deficiency in safety or environment protection procedures.

            General Procedures:

18.   Rights of Organiser            

18A.     Refuse any entry, without giving any reason whatsoever.

18B.     Abandon, cancel, postpone or shorten the event without due notice in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.  No claims whatsoever of any kind shall be entertained due to the abandoning, cancelling,   postponement or shortening of the event.

18C.     Exclude any person or vehicle, which fails to meet the event guidelines as set out in the Event Guide.

18D.     Cancel any SS at any time including when some competitors have already completed the section for any reason whatsoever.

18E.     Disqualify any competitor who fails to abide by any rules set out in this event guide and any supplementary amendments or any instructions from the event officials. If this occurs there will be no refund of entry fee.

18F.     Obtain any “in vehicle” video footage as required. Video footage cannot be on sold without prior approval from Xtreme 4X4 Sport.

19.   Indemnity

19A.     XTREME 4X4 SPORT, Officials, Event Sponsors and Land Owners will not be held liable in any accident, causing injury or damage to the participants or their vehicles during the course of the event.

19B.     XTREME 4X4 SPORT, Officials, Event Sponsors, and Land Owners will not be held liable for any breach of any laws or regulations. The participants will be entirely responsible for any accidents or breach of laws in which liability may arise and shall indemnify XTREME 4X4 SPORT, Officials, Event Sponsors, and Land Owners by signing the indemnity form.