RROCK 2005 Extreme Rock Crawling Rules

The Modified Stock/Modified Stock-Div 2 classes and Supermodified class will run on Saturday and the Legends class will run on Sunday. Saturday’s competition will begin with the Supermodified class and Modified Stock/Modified Stock-Div2 class tech inspection at 7:30am. Sunday’s competition will begin with the Legends class tech inspection at 7:30am.You must sign up two weeks before the event date to insure a spot and get all of your team info in the event brochure.

Please note:
Rock crawling is a dangerous sport. Each competitor assumes that risk when he or she participates in an event. The risk of serious injury or death cannot be eliminated. Competitors are urged to advise their spouses and next of kin of this fact. All competitors will be required to read and sign a release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement. All competitors must agree to wear his or her seatbelts at all times. Helmets must be worn by all competitors. The competitors are required to inspect their vehicle to ensure proper mechanical condition for participation in a competition. Competitors are required to inform themselves of the sport and its risks. All competitors must have the knowledge that they can, at any time, choose to bypass any obstacle where they feel uncomfortable or unsafe and assume all risk and liability as indicated above. Safety is a concern for all and the final responsibility is that of the competitors.

The event is divided into stages. There will be a minimum of 3 judges per stage and two marshals for per event. Flags and cones will be set up as gates and caution tape as boundaries throughout the stages. Drivers can and should have one spotter.

Point System - Series points follow the driver. Driver and spotter are not allowed to switch places. All teams must complete each event with the one vehicle they began with.

New progression points in play for September 2005 events:
Once making it to the ½ way point on a stage (which will be marked) a 1 point deduction from a teams score for that stage will be given for each plane broke with the front of the rear tires of each set of flags/gate including the ½ way mark. (i.e. If a legends class rig times out on a stage but makes it past 3 sets of flags past the ½ way mark on that stage, their score would be 36 points for that stage)

Backing: 1 point
One point is issued for a purposeful reversal by a competitor. A purposeful backup is considered when a driver puts the vehicle in reverse and backs, pushes in the clutch and rolls back, etc. A back is not counted when the vehicle is nudged back by the obstacle, unless an advantage is gained during the process (reversing and turning the wheel to gain a better line). A reverse in an attempt to save a rollover is considered a back and will receive backing points. A backing penalty is also counted if a team uses a “reverse dig”. A team may not start a course by backing through the start gate.

Gates: 10 points
Each obstacle is marked with gates (flags or cones). The gates include the start gates, course gates, trees and bushes that are tagged with yellow ribbon, the yellow ribbon itself, orange flags and/or orange cones and the ending gates. Ten (10) points will be issued for every gate touched. The gate does not have to fall to be counted. It only needs to be touched by any part of the vehicle, the spotter, winch cable, spotter strap or vehicle contents. This does not include the base holding the gate. Flags/cones that seem “touched” or fall due to exhaust, wind or unstable rocks will not count as a touched gate. Once a gate is touched, it is considered disqualified from that obstacle for the team who touched it and may not be counted for a second contact, though its original “intended” location remains for consideration of an “Out of Bounds” penalty.

Rock stacking to allow a “bridge” over a gate will not be allowed. This includes building high points on each side of the gate with the intent to put the gate in a valley. While attempting to clear a gate, a vehicle may not “float” a tire or axle over a gate. Any tire or axle crossing the vertical plane of the “intended” location of a gate, even without touching it, will be penalized the same as if it had touched the gate.

A “pivot gate” remains a live gate after being touched and will give teams 10 points per touch. These specific gates will be pointed out during course walk-throughs.

Gates are designed to lay out the course; however, a competitor may exit a gate and return through the same gate without points or obstacle disqualification in areas designated and advised by an official. The vehicle must re-enter the gate with the vehicle in the same position as when it left. (i.e.: If a vehicle drives forward off of the course it must back-up to re-enter the course.) It is the responsibility of the competing team to ask a judge prior to any attempt to leave a laid out course. This is to ensure that the area is cleared of spectators so that a safe passage can be made. A judge has the right to disallow any diversion off the course.

The course is designed to be driven between the gates (flags/cones). If, while attempting a gate, the vehicle is so far off-line that at least three tires do not place/travel on or between the set cones or gate, they will be declared “out of bounds” and will receive maximum points. The team does have the option of taking a back-up and retrying the gate. In the case of this happening, the team will receive all points acquired while attempting a new line. Any vehicle bypassing a gate entirely, intentionally or not, will also be declared “out of bounds” and maximum points will be given.

From time to time, brush or trees will be marked with yellow ribbon. Hitting the tree or brush thus marked counts as a gate. As in the course gates, the team only has to touch it to receive points.

Tools
Vehicles must pass through an obstacle under the power of the vehicle and spotter. Therefore, tools may not be used. (i.e.: No pry bars) Tools are considered any item used as a means of leverage or bridge building that is brought with the competitor and not found naturally in the area surrounding the obstacle. Rocks may not be carried in a vehicle. Pulleys or any torque/leverage multipliers for spotters are counted as tools. Tools, when used for repair of the vehicle, are not subject to a penalty. Leverage points on a vehicle are approved if they are a permanent part of the vehicle.

Winches: 15 points
Winching is assessed a 15 point penalty if used, per usage. Winching is considered when a team hooks a winch cable/rope to any anchor and begins to load the cable. A cable is considered loaded as soon as the cable has tension on it. It will be considered one winch unless winching points are changed. There are occasions where a judge or marshal may allow a cable to be attached to an anchor for safety and no points will be issued as long as the winch is not used to pull the vehicle. This is called a “safety cable”.

While winching, a winch “blanket” or “weight” must be used if using a steel cable. Competitors who cross the start line to set up a winch point will be on the clock for the stage.

Rear Steer: 15 points per stage.
Rear steer is allowed in the Super Modified class only. However, if utilized there will be a 15 point penalty assessed per stage.

Spotter Strap: 5 points per stage
Straps used by the spotter must be long enough so that the spotter is never closer than 15 feet from the vehicle in any direction. Spotter ropes will be checked and approved for safety at tech inspection.

Use of a spotter strap will cause a 5 point penalty per stage to be assessed to the team if used to advance the team through a stage or obstacle; however, if a spotter strap is used to prevent a roll over, no penalty points will be assessed.

Rock Stacking
Rock stacking is allowed, however; if the spotter wishes to unstack the rocks, he must do so before the vehicle exits the course. You are only allowed to unstack approximately what you stack. Any rock, log or other item found naturally in the course vicinity may be used to help a teams’ progress through a course. Teams are not allowed to preset rocks. If found presetting rocks, a sportsmanship penalty of 10 points will be assessed to the team. Stacking will not be allowed within 2 feet of a moving tire. After one verbal warning, a team will be assessed 10 points for each occurrence.

Pointing Out/ Timing Out
The maximum allowed points for a course is 50 pts for Modified Stock class and 40 points for the Legends and Super Modified classes. If a teams’ points total the maximum allowed for their class, the team receives the maximum points for that stage and leaves the stage using the quickest allowable route possible.

There will be a maximum time of 20 minutes per stage for the Modified Stock class, a maximum of 15 minutes per stage for the Legends class and a maximum of 12 minutes per stage for the Super Modified class. If a team reaches maximum time before they reach maximum points, the team will receive maximum points for that stage.

Bypassing a stage or no show
A team that chooses to completely bypass an obstacle or does not show up for the 3 minute call will receive 60 points for Modified Stock class and 50 points for Legends and Super Modified classes.

Not finishing a stage
A team that places two tires of the vehicle through the start gate will receive 55 points for the Modified Stock class and 45 points for the Legends and Super Modified classes.

Walking the course
No competitors may walk or drive the course 1 week before the event dates. After check-in, tech inspection and a drivers meeting, drivers and spotters will walk through each stage at the same time with an event marshall and judge. Each stage will be gone over and any questions can be addressed at the end of the walk through of each stage.

Breakdown time
Each competitor is allowed forty five (45) minutes of cumulative breakdown time per day of competition. If a breakdown occurs, the team may use the time left on the obstacle to begin repairs unless they have pointed out. However, the team must immediately move the vehicle off the course when they have timed out. Any repairs and work done while on the obstacle clock must be performed entirely by the driver and spotter.

Outside help coming onto the course will immediately “time out” the team and the vehicle must be moved. No competitor has to start breakdown time until they are going to miss their next start. Teams may work on their vehicles without being on breakdown time up until three minutes after being called to start their next obstacle. Before that time arrives, the team needs to either have repairs finished or declare the start of breakdown time. After the three-minute start leeway has passed, the judge will not allow breakdown time to begin.

To start breakdown time, the team’s scorecard must be signed by the judge of the course where that team is about to miss their start. The judge will mark the competitor’s scorecard with the time of day and sign it. Once breakdown time has begun, a team has only 45 minutes to complete the repairs and return to the SAME course judge to sign back in. The Judge will then mark down the time, sign it, and mark down the number of the vehicle the competitor is following. If it only takes 25 minutes to do the repairs and you have signed in and out properly, you will retain an additional 20 minutes for possible use later that day. If a team surpasses the allowed 45 minutes of breakdown time even by 1 minute, they will be disqualified for that day and receive fifty (50) points for each remaining obstacle.

Teams who move to an obstacle out of order and without a judge’s signature will be disqualified for that day and receive fifty (50) points for each remaining obstacle. If a team breaks down and is last in their flight or has nobody behind them; the team then has 45 minutes or however much time is left of their break down time to complete the repair and line up for the next course.

Outside assistance
Any spectator or team member assisting the spotter or driver while they are on the course could cause the competing team to be penalized or disqualified from that course and possibly cause their own expulsion from the event. Sportsmanship is the responsibility of everyone so be sure to warn your friends and teammates of the image they portray. This activity is called cheating and makes everyone look bad.

Team members consist of the driver, spotter and vehicle; therefore only the driver and spotter can communicate through electronic communication devises while on the course.

If a vehicle breaks and requires outside assistance to be removed from a stage, the vehicle will be given max points for that stage.

Sportsmanship
Mistreatment of marshals, judges, other teams, spectators and volunteers by a competing team, comes with a 30 point penalty for the first occurrence. Another occurrence means disqualification from the event. Entry fees stay in the event purse. RROCK Judges and Marshals have the final say in all cases.

RROCK recognizes that there will be errors in a judges’ call from time to time. RROCK Marshals can overturn a judge’s decision in cases of misunderstanding of the rules. If a call comes into question during a teams’ attempt on a stage, the competing team should call a time-out immediately. The course judge will stop the time and the problem will be addressed through the head judge of that stage. If there is still disagreement or question, a marshal will be consulted.

All questions will be brought to the head judge of the stage first and then if necessary to an RROCK marshal. A competitor is not allowed to address an event calling question to the event scorekeeper or other event volunteers. Doing so can bring a 30 point sportsman penalty to a team. All judgment calls and questions must be addressed before the score sheet is signed.

Safety
A judge or marshal has the right, but not the responsibility, to advise spotters and drivers of unsafe acts. Further, any act deemed unsafe by a judge is to immediately be discontinued. Failure to comply can result in an immediate point out and the team will be asked to move to the next stage

Safety requirements include, but are not limited to:

Seat Belts must be worn at all times while driving or riding in a vehicle during an event.
Tools and other items in the competing vehicle must be securely fastened to prevent injury.
Each vehicle must have a full fire extinguisher mounted to the vehicle.
Helmets are required for all competitors. Drivers head protection must be DOT/Snell while competing. Spotter must wear head protection made with a hard shell material while competing.
Handles must be mounted so that in the event of a rollover, the hand is safe.
Spotters may not touch the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.
First aid kits are required for each vehicle.
Teams must advise an RROCK marshal of any medical condition that may affect their ability.
During an event, a team member may be replaced due to an emergency. The vehicle must remain the same.
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted in any degree from anyone during a competition. No alcohol or drugs are allowed at Rockport Off-Road Park. A competitor found to be consuming or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be disqualified from the event. All series points will be forfeited for the specific event. Further, disqualification for the remainder of the year is possible.

2006 vehicle safety requirements will include all open top rigs to have head pan:
Magnetic, flattened expanded sheet metal, 1/8” sheet metal or 1/8” aluminum must cover 100% of the cage perimeter immediately over the driver seat area (minimum 2 foot square) and be welded or bolted to at least the four tubes surrounding surrounding the seat. Holes may be drilled but must not exceed 2” in diameter.

2006 vehicle safety requirement: No glass or plexiglas allowed on or in any Supermodified vehicle.

2006 vehicle safety requirement: All vehicles must be equipped with rollover valves to prevent gas leaks.

2006 competitor requirement: All drivers must show proof of a valid drivers license.

Tiebreaker
In the event of a tie, a special stage will be run.

Vehicle weight
The vehicle must weigh a minimum of 2200 lbs for all classes.

Winch in working order is required on the vehicle at all times while competing. Rope or cable must be in acceptable and safe condition. Winch must be mounted using all factory-mounting positions. Winch bag/weight must be used during all winching.

Full roll cage on open top rigs is required. The cage is the safety bars surrounding the driver. Cage must be designed to protect the occupant in the event of a rollover. 6 point mounting cages covering the driver are required. Connection positions of the roll cage must tie in to the frame of the vehicle. Body mounts are considered a tie point.

Frame and body and firewall must be of O.E.M style. Frame can be no shorter than leading or trailing edge of tires. Minor body trimming and flat front fenders is allowed. Overall wheelbase must remain +/- 3” of stock, with a width of no more than 86”outside of tires. Grill must be stock. Hoods must cover the entire engine compartment and follow factory form.

Suspension must remain of O.E.M style. A maximum of a 4.5 inch suspension lift is allowed with stock style springs.
Not allowed: (Revolver shackles, expanding-type shackles, quarter elliptical springs ,buggy springs, coil over shocks, long arm bars, air bags, spring over axle if not factory style, coil springs if not factory style springs.)

Factory suspension mounting points must be no more than 2” over stock. Shackle reversal approved for leaf springs is allowed. Body lifts are allowed with a maximum of 3”.

Steering must be mechanical. Hydraulic assisted stock steering is approved. O.E.M or stock replacement steering is allowed. Full hydraulic steering is not allowed. Rear steer is not allowed in this class.

Brake guidelines include mechanically operated brakes. Hydraulic assisted brakes are approved. The brake pedal on the floor must operate all brakes at all times. Secondary brakes are not allowed. Brakes must be in good working condition.

Electrical components must be in a condition and position that is safe. Lights must meet state and local laws.
Batteries must be in good shape with adequate mounting to keep the battery in place in the event of a roll.

Tires must be automotive based tires. All factory built tires from any manufacturer are allowed. The tire size limit is 35”as advertised on the sidewall. Vehicles must have no less or more than four (4) independent tires.

Seating must be mounted to the tub using the factory mounting points or to the roll cage. There must be a minimum of two (2) equal sized seats that sit side by side.

All safety requirements and safety equipment listed in RROCK course rules are required.

Suspension must remain of O.E.M style.

Allowed: Long arm bars, spring over axle, expanding-type shackles and others as listed in the Modified Stock vehicle requirements.

Lift is allowed with stock style springs.
Body lifts are allowed with a maximum of 3".
Shackle reversal approved for leaf springs is allowed.
Wheel Base : Any wheel base is acceptable.

Not allowed: Quarter elliptical springs, buggy springs, coil over shocks, fox shocks, air bags, coil springs (if not factory style springs.)

All other vehicle and safety requirements as listed in the Modified Stock class must be followed.

NOTE: This class will be running with the Modified Stock Class however, will have their own series. Points will be applied to the class that the vehicle qualifies/pays entry for. $500 bonus for series winner applies to this class as well as any sponsor prizes offered to series winners. 100% payback of all entry fees to event winners that qualify for this class.The Modified Stock competitors have the choice of paying entry fees for one or both classes and competing in one or both series’. However the Modified Stock Class-Division 2 cannot pay to be in both classes.

Tech inspection will be held with the Modified Stock class, Saturday following the Super Modified competition.This will be a 3 event points chase series same as the other 3 classes.

For competitors interested in this class, please use the entry form found at www.rrock.us , circle Modified Stock Class and put “Division 2” beside it.

All safety requirements and safety equipment listed in RROCK course rules are required.

Axles : All axles must be mechanically geared. IFS or solid axles are allowed. Axles must be located in such a way the only change to wheelbase is due to reactive forces. No manual or mechanical change if axle wheelbase is allowed. Axles must use some form of 100% locking device. Gear reduction may be prior to the axles or after the axles or a combination of both. All axles must remain automotive based.

Winch in working order is required on the vehicle at all times while competing. Rope or cable must be in acceptable and safe condition. Winch must be mounted using all factory-mounting positions. Winch bag/weight must be used during all winching.

Full roll cage covering the driver with 6 point mounts is required. The cage is the safety bars surrounding the driver. Cage must be designed to protect the occupant in the event of a rollover. Connection positions of the roll cage must tie in to the frame of the vehicle. Body mounts are considered a tie point. There are exceptions to unibodies.

Frame and body and firewall must be of stock origin for the year of the vehicle. Frame can be aftermarket O.E.M. design that meets stock specifications (only rectangular tube). Frame Rails cannot be any shorter than the front of the front tire. Frame Rails cannot be any shorter than the centerline of the rear axle. Grill must have the appearance of stock. Hoods must cover the entire engine compartment and follow factory form. Hood scoops and breather holes are acceptable. All body panels must look like an O.E.M. body panel of proclaimed vehicle. Vehicles must have some kind of front fenders.

Suspension upgrades of any type are approved. Manual suspension controls are approved, but may not control individual tires. This may only be used to aid movement of the entire front or rear axle.
3” body lift maximum allowed.

Steering must be mechanical. Hydraulic assisted stock steering is approved. Full hydraulic steering is allowed. Rear steer is not allowed in this class.

Brake guidelines include mechanically operated brakes. Hydraulic assisted brakes are approved. The brake pedal on the floor must operate all brakes at all times. Secondary brakes may be used to operate individual brakes on the vehicle. Brakes must be in good working condition.

Electrical components must be in a condition and position that is safe. Batteries must be in good shape with adequate mounting to keep the battery in place in the event of a roll.

Tires must be automotive based tires. All factory built tires from any manufacturer are allowed. The tire size limit is 40” as advertised on the sidewall. Vehicles must have no less or more than four (4) independent tires.

Seating must be mounted to the roll cage. There must be a minimum of two (2) equal sized seats that sit side by side that sit in the same horizontal plane.

All safety requirements and safety equipment listed in RROCK course rules are required.

Axles of all widths are allowed. Live, solid, independent and military style drop axles are allowed. Gear reduction may be prior to the axles, after the axles or a combination of both. Manual wheelbase changes are allowed. Differentials must have some form of 100% locking abilities.

Winch in working order is required on the vehicle at all times while competing. Rope or cable must be in acceptable and safe condition. Winch must be mounted using all factory-mounting positions. Winch bag/weight must be used during all winching.

Full roll cage covering the driver with 6 point mounts is required. The cage is the safety bars surrounding the driver. Cage must be designed to protect the occupant in the event of a rollover. Connection positions of the roll cage must tie in to the frame of the vehicle. Body mounts are considered a tie point. If doors are not ran, a bar running from the “B” pillar, at approximately shoulder height to the “A” pillar, at approximately shin height, must be run.

Frame may consist of tubing, boxed or semi boxed mainframe material and must be made of magnetic steel.
Hood must cover the top of the engine completely. Hood scoops and breather holes are acceptable. Fenders are not required. Firewalls are required for fire safety. Firewall must cause the engine compartment to be separated from all occupants. The engine must not be visual from the driver’s seat. Body panels are highly recommended, but not required.

Suspension upgrades of any type are approved. Manual suspension controls are approved in this class.

Steering of these types is permitted: Full hydraulic, Rear steer and Brake steering.

Brake guidelines include mechanically operated brakes. Hydraulic assisted brakes are approved. The brake pedal on the floor must operate all brakes at all times. Secondary brakes may be used to operate individual brakes on the vehicle. Brakes must be in good working condition.

Electrical components must be in a condition and position that is safe. Batteries must be in good shape with adequate mounting to keep the battery in place in the event of a roll.

Tires must be automotive based tires. All factory built tires from any manufacturer are allowed. The tire size limit is 44” as advertised on the sidewall. Vehicles must have no less or more than four (4) independent tires.

Seating must be mounted to the roll cage. Mounting to the body is not permitted. Single seat configurations are acceptable.

All safety requirements and safety equipment listed in RROCK course rules are required.