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Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 2008

Rules & Regulations

Scoring & Penalties

Stage Specific Scoring & Penalties

Supplementary Competitors Rules

Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 2008

Scoring & Penalties

The Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge will be scored according to the following list of rules and penalties, with the winner decided by the team that achieves the highest accumulative points scored over the 3 days and 9 special stages. As well as this, each stage will also have a winner based on the highest point score for that stage.

Due to a strong competitor field this year if two teams score exactly the same amount of points, then the fastest time will be used to determine the winner.

Each stage will be run under the following rules, but may have some special rules that take effect over the general event rules. There may also be a bonus line where bonus points are available to the competing teams.

Below there is a list of penalty points that are standard for each of the stages.

Non-driving stages 

All non-driving stages will have a maximum of 40 points, with each team ranked from 1st to 40th place. The first placed team will get 40 points and the 40^th placed team will get 1 point.

Driving stages

All driving stages except “Devil’s Marbles” will have a total of 100 points marked out at various intervals along the course. Any team that completes the course before the DNF time will receive 100 points. Vehicles on the course at the DNF time, or who retire along the course, will gain the highest point marker passed by both front hubs at the DNF time or when they retire, i.e. if you pass a 30 point marker and call it quits you get 30 points, but if you roll back for another attempt and are at the 10 point marker when the time runs out you will get 10 points.

For all driving stages, both driver and navigator must start within the vehicle with seat belts fastened / harnesses connected. Once the vehicle has crossed the start line, the navigator may remove the seat belt / harness and exit the vehicle to assist the driver. The navigator does not need to be within the vehicle when the vehicle crosses the finish line for any driving stage, or time elapses, or when a competitor retires.

Excessive wheel-spin (i.e. in excess of 3 seconds in duration) will be classed as not in the spirit of the event. The first instance will be called by the stage manager or one of his team, and an official warning will be given to the driver. For a second instance, this will also be called by the stage manager or one of his team, and a second official warning will be given to the driver. If there is a third instance of excessive wheel-spin being called by the stage manager or one of his team, this will result in a final warning and the team will be classed as a DNF for the stage. This will apply to the use of front dig / skid steer / other front drag methods used by a competitor.

Penalties

Penalties can be awarded at any time during the competition.

Penalties are as listed below:

DNF = Did not finish – points are awarded where incident occurred

DNS = Did not start – entrant is not awarded any points for the stage

Bonuses

Bonuses are awarded for successfully completing the bonus line. Bonuses are not applicable for all stages. Please see stage specific rules for more details.

Stage Specific Penalties

Due to the different nature of some of the stages, each Stage Manager will develop, with the Competition Manager, stage specific rules, penalties and scoring. These will over-ride the above generic rules, penalties and scoring methods.

At the beginning of each stage, the Stage Manager will provide each team with a clip board which has attached the stage specific rules. Once both the driver and navigator have read and understood each of these stage specific rules, both will be asked to sign the stage score sheet to acknowledge that they understand and agree to abide by these rules.

If you require clarification on stage specific rules, and the Stage Manager is not able to provide an adequate answer, he will contact the Competition Manager and Driver Liaison Officer who will provide further clarification until all rules are understood.

Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 2008

Stage Specific Scoring & Penalties

The TTC08 event consists of 9 individual stages, with 7 being driving stages, and the remaining 2 being static in nature. Each of these stages has specific rules that apply in addition to the general event rules, and govern the scoring for each vehicle on this stage, as well as the penalties that will apply while completing this stage.

Where a stage specific rule is applied, this will over-rule the general event rules for this stage only. If no mention is made in the stage specific rules, then the general event rules apply for this stage.

The 9 stages for TTC08 are as follows :- 

• Engineering / Show & Shine

• OPW Travel Ramp – supported by Offroad Performance Warehouse

• Snake Racing Mudrat’s Revenge

• Mystery Night Run

• Frame Twister

• Mini Wiraba

• DP Chip Devil’s Marbles

• Jaw Breaker

• Rock Garden

A copy of the stage specific rules will be presented to each team as they approach the start line for each stage. Both driver and navigator will be asked to read and acknowledge that they understand these stage specific rules by signing their score sheet prior to arriving at the start line. Any queries can be directed to the Stage Manager, or if required, to the Driver Liaison Officer and Competition Manager for further clarification.

Engineering / Show & Shine

A score sheet to review the Engineering will be reviewed by the Engineering Stage Managers, who will allocate points out of 10 for each component of their review. A total score will be recorded.

A score sheet to review the Show & Shine will be reviewed by the Show & Shine Stage Managers, who will allocate points out of 10 for each component of their review. A total score will be recorded.

The total for both these sheets will be added, to give an overall score for Engineering / Show & Shine, and these will be ranked from highest to lowest, with the highest point score being awarded 40 points towards the overall TTC08 event. The lowest score will be awarded 1 point towards the overall TTC08 event.

OPW Travel Ramp

Vehicles will be lined up in competitor number order, and ready to be called forward for their turn on the ramp. If vehicle, driver and navigator are not in line on time, and do not have an exemption from the Driver Liaison Officer, they will be given a 2 minute countdown. At the end of the 2 minute period, the competitor will be given a DNS for the stage if not present.

Prior to approaching the travel ramp, each competitor’s vehicle will be measured from the centre of the front hub to the centre of the rear hub. This will form the basis of the wheelbase measurement, and be used to calculate the RTI index once the distance travelled is measured. For this stage, the competitor’s vehicle must have suspension sitting at its lowest point to ensure the maximum possible wheelbase is measured. Tyre pressures in all wheels are to be a minimum of 7 PSI. Helmets are not required for this stage. Navigator does not need to start the stage within the vehicle.

Vehicles will be required to drive the front right hand wheel up the travel ramp, while ensuring that the other 3 wheels of the vehicle remain touching the ground at all times. Once one of these 3 wheels is no longer in contact with the ground, the driver will be required to reverse until a point where all 3 of the wheels are touching the ground. At this point, the distance travelled up the ramp will be measured in total centimetres to give an overall distance. This will be measured from the tip of the ramp to the centre of the front hub.

Competitors are allowed one attempt at the ramp only.

A 3 minute time limit will apply per competitor.

The RTI index is then calculated based on the following formula:

Distance travelled up ramp

--------------------------  X  1,000  =  RTI Index

Wheelbase of vehicle

The total RTI Index will be ranked from highest to lowest, with the highest index score being awarded 40 points towards the overall TTC08 event. The lowest score will be awarded 1 point towards the overall TTC08 event.

Snake Racing Mudrat’s Revenge

12 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

Bonus line can be attempted only once by each competitor. If unsuccessful, the team may reverse off the bonus line. The team may then continue to the 100 point mark if desired.

Bonus line is worth an additional 25 points if completed.

All other event rules apply.

Mystery Night Run

13 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

Use of winching at the climb from the creek (around 80 point marker) will not incur a use of winching penalty (25 points). This is the only winching penalty to be waived.

Any competitor caught trying to review the stage prior to driving will be penalized 150 points and will be awarded a DNS for the stage.

No bonus line for this stage.

All other event rules apply.

Frame Twister

13 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

The bonus line can be attempted up to 2 times only by each team. If unsuccessful, the team may reverse off the bonus line. The team may then continue to the 100 point mark if desired.

The bonus line will be worth an additional 25 points if completed.

All other event rules apply.

Mini Wiraba

13 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

Special turn-around bays x 2 will be marked for competitors to perform a “U-turn” to continue during the stage.

No bonus line for this stage.

All other event rules apply.

DP Chip Devil’s Marbles

13 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

This stage will be scored by measuring the distance from the finish of the stage to the centre front of the competitor’s vehicle. This figure will then be deducted from the length of the stage to give a “distance travelled” and this will be divided by the length of the stage and multiplied by 100 to give a score out of 100:

e.g.       Stage Length - Distance from End

            ---------------------------------  X  100  =  SCORE

            Average Stage Length

The bonus line may be attempted at any time throughout the stage. A wheel of the competitor’s vehicle must touch the spot marked by paint within the stage. Once the competitors wheel is touching the mark, the driver or navigator will ask for confirmation by the stage manager or one of his team.

The bonus line will be worth an additional 25 points if completed.

Vehicles touching or crossing the timber side walls of the stage will be deemed as a DNF for the stage at the point of contact with the timber.

All other event rules apply.

Jaw Breaker

12 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

Vehicles must finish within the finish bay. If the competitor continues past the finish bay, then the competitor must reverse the vehicle until it is stopped within the finish bay.

No bonus line for this stage.

All other event rules apply.

Rock Garden

13 minute time limit for this stage will apply for each team.

Competitors may choose to drive either the left or right option approx half-way through that stage – the left option is narrower.

No bonus line in this stage.

All other event rules apply.

If you do not understand any of these specific stage scoring rules or penalties, please contact Greg Hamilton - Competition Manager via email at gregh@tufftruck.com.au

Some of the above rules will not make sense until you have reviewed the stages (except Mystery Night Stage).

We hope that these scoring methods and penalties that apply to TTC08 are fair for all competitors, and that each competitor enters in the true spirit of the event and enjoys themselves. We have certainly enjoyed building new and exciting challenges for 2008.

Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 2008

Supplementary Competitors Rules

The Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge 2008 (TTC08) is a Cross Country Drivers Association (CCDA) Group C Open Class event, run in accordance with the Manual of Four Wheel Drive Motor Sport for Four Wheel Drive Competitive Events – version 7.0 dated 20 Jan 2007, plus the following supplementary rules governing the conduct of the event.

The following supplementary rules are available as a PDF for you to download, print and read at your leisure.

2.2 THE SPIRIT OF THE REGULATIONS

The use of non-natural track building aids such as sand ladders and synthetic matting shall not be permitted in CCDA sanctioned events. The use of natural objects or items contained within the stage only is permitted. The use of any items not within the stage prior to starting the stage, or non-natural items or objects, will result in the competitor being awarded a DNF for the stage.

2.3 CCDA MEMBERSHIP

Competitors, officials and marshals participating in CCDA sanctioned events shall be current members of the CCDA.

2.4.1 LICENCES

Each driver and co-driver shall hold a current valid State, Territory or International driver’s licence. Learner’s permits are not acceptable.

2.4.2 CREWS

Crews shall be a maximum of two people in all Stages and be designated as:

• Driver – who only drives the vehicle

• Navigator – who only navigates (either within or from outside of the vehicle)

Alternating between driver and navigator for any stage of the event shall not be permitted without the permission of the Competition Manager.

2.4.3 CODE OF CONDUCT

At all times competitors and event officials shall treat all participants in a courteous and respectful manner.

Competitors shall avoid public argument with each other and officials and all disputes shall be dealt with under the provision for protests in the sporting regulations. Verbal or physical abuse by any participant shall attract a penalty. Any competitor or participant who is found guilty of a serious breach of the code of conduct may be disqualified from further participation in the event.

2.4.4 ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

The abuse of alcohol or drugs by competitors or event officials at any time during an event shall not be permitted. Medication prescribed for a competitor by a doctor shall be accepted, provided such medication does not affect that competitor’s safe performance during the event. Prescribed medication shall only be taken by the competitor for whom it is prescribed.

Alcohol shall not be consumed prior to, or during, any competition stages, or before departing for, or during, any transport stages.

Breathalysers may be used to check blood alcohol content during the event. Those competitors or officials who register any reading above zero shall not participate or officiate for the remainder of that day. Any competitor or official who refuses to provide a breathalyser reading shall be disqualified from further participation in the event.

The use of any other drugs shall be prohibited at all times during the event. Any competitor found to have used any other drugs shall be disqualified from all further participation in the event. Any official found to have used any other drugs shall be immediately removed from their capacity, and restricted from acting in any official role for the remainder of the event.

Any event official or competitor who suspects another event official or competitor to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall refer the matter immediately to the Event Director.

2.5 CREW SUBSTITUTION

The original crew as advised in the event entry form may only be changed with the approval of the Competition Manager. Any crew which includes a person not identified to and approved by the Competition Manager shall be penalised.

2.6 SELECTION

Selection of competitors for TTC08 shall be by way of either:

• Popular vote via magazine voting slips

• Online voting via website

• SMS voting line.

For each vote received for an individual competitor, they shall receive one (1) point, and the 40 competitors with the highest amount of points at the close of voting shall be selected as the selected competitors for TTC08. The next two (2) highest competitors not selected shall be reserves for the event, with the highest point score of these two being first reserve, and the second highest being second reserve.

2.7 VEHICLES

A high standard of presentation shall be insisted upon at all times. Any vehicle considered to be of an inappropriate standard of preparation may not be permitted to start, at the discretion of the Competition Manager. A vehicle that is accepted by the Chief Scrutineer shall not be substituted.

2.44 ADVERTISING AND DECALS.

Each vehicle may display Crew sponsorship material provided it is not, in the sole opinion of the Competition Manager or Event Director, offensive and does not intrude into the space allocated for event sponsorship/advertising.

Event sponsorship/advertising shall be limited to:

• An area approximating 50% of the bonnet flat surface plus 150mm height for the full length of the leading edge and sides inclusive of the top portion of both front mudguards.

• An area of 600x600mm of both front doors immediately below the window sill.

• An area of 150mm height along the top of the windscreen or leading edge of the roof.

Additional event sponsor decals typically small in size may be placed at any suitable location on the body of the vehicle but shall be clearly visible.

3.6.1 OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

In Group B and Group C events harnesses shall be properly fitted, correctly fastened and adjusted during all stages whilst the vehicle is in motion. No member of the crew shall ride on the outside of a competing vehicle and no member of the crew inside the competing vehicle shall have any limbs outside the vehicle whilst the vehicle is in motion. The harnesses may be partially released but only from one shoulder when the driver is required to reverse to ensure better visibility. The harness must be re-fastened prior to the forward movement of the vehicle.

3.6.2 CRASH HELMETS

The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory in TTC08. Occupants shall wear Australian Standard Certified crash helmets to AS1698 whilst competing in the event. The helmets must fit correctly and be secured with the chin straps. All helmets must have visible the AS1698 labels stitched into the inside of the helmet, and scrutineers will perform random checks for these as required.

3.10.2 WINCHING PENALTIES

A penalty shall be incurred without warning for each of the following breaches of vehicle recovery conduct as described in 2.33.3:

a)      Failing to call clear before commencing to winch

b)      Failing to cease winching and driving when repositioning dampener

c)      Handling cable under tension

d)      Failing to wear gloves when handling a cable

e)      Standing in front of vehicle being winched

f)        Crossing a live cable

g)      Causing risk to any person

h)      Handling a cable when vehicle is being driven

A penalty shall be incurred after one warning for each of the following breaches of vehicle recovery conduct as described in 2.33.4:

a)      Cable dampener not placed in the centre third of the length of cable between a winch and an anchor or snatch block.

3.10.5 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT AND CRASH HELMET PENALTIES

Seat belts/harnesses as specified in rule 3.6.1 shall be properly fitted to each vehicle for each occupant and shall be correctly fastened and adjusted at all times that the vehicle is in motion.

If an official detects that the seat belts/harnesses are not correctly adjusted he/she shall stop the vehicle and request that they be adjusted correctly.

On the first occasion that any occupant of a vehicle is detected not wearing a helmet (in group B and C events or where nominated), or their seatbelt/harnesses are not correctly fastened while the vehicle is in motion that Crew shall be penalised 150 points for the stage during which the infringement is detected.

3.11 SCORING

Refer subsequent details for scoring for each stage and overall for the event.

3.21 PERMITTED SERVICING

Any form of servicing of competitors vehicle is permitted, with the only restriction being that the vehicle may not at any time leave the site. The intention is to ensure that competitor’s vehicles, if damaged, are repaired quickly and safely, and are able to continue the competition.

4.1.2 VEHICLE REGISTRATION

All vehicles participating in the event shall be legally registered as a motor vehicle in their State, Territory or Country of origin for use on public roads and shall be maintained in a roadworthy condition as required and in accordance with the vehicle regulations applicable in the State or Territory or Country in which the vehicle is registered.

Any vehicle modification required by the vehicle registering authority to have engineering certification shall have such certification completed and acknowledged by the registering authority before presentation of the vehicle for scrutineering. The Chief Scrutineer may require proof of such acknowledgement.

4.1.3 OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Vehicles competing in TTC08 shall be fitted with four point racing harness for all occupants with harness belting that is not frayed or damaged and all mountings shall be secure in accordance with the original vehicle specifications. Original seat belts may be removed if required.

Station Wagon short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) type vehicles shall be fitted with rigid cargo safety barriers securely mounted behind the passenger seats. Any equipment, parts and tools carried forward of the cargo safety barrier shall be securely fixed to prevent movement or dislodgement during competitive or transport stages of an event.

Cargo safety barriers shall not be fabricated from webbing, strapping or any other flexible material.

Glass Sunroofs are not permitted and will be removed on any vehicle competing.

Soft-top, FRP, Plastic and Open Top Vehicles. Shall have roof protection installed to protect the crew from intrusions. Roof protection shall consist of a 3mm minimum thickness aluminium sheet or 2mm minimum thickness steel plate or high impact plastic roof panel extending the full width of the vehicle from the windscreen frame to the rollover protection and shall terminate behind the heads of the crew.

Vehicles competing in TTC08 shall be fitted with six-point rollover protection. The minimum design for rollover protection for frames constructed before 1 January 2005 shall be Type 3 Schedule J for Offroad Racing in the CAMS manual. The CCDA specification described in Rollover Protection Section 5 shall apply for all new frames from 1 January 2005 save that there is a twelve-month moratorium on existing frames at the discretion of the CCDA.

4.1.5 RECOVERY POINTS

Rated recovery points shall be mounted at the front and rear of the vehicle chassis with at least two of 12mm or four of 10mm grade 5 or M8.8 bolts. Recovery points shall be painted red and shall be load rated at least twice the vehicle mass. Eyebolts are not considered as satisfactory recovery points.

Monocoque frame vehicles shall have each recovery point mounted such that the load is applied evenly to the vehicle frame, or have recovery points linked to achieve even load application.

4.1.11 SPARE WHEELS

Spare wheels, which are suitable to be fitted to any of the four (4) wheels of the vehicle, must be either attached to the vehicle, or taken to the start of each stage. If taken to the start of each stage, it may be left at the start line and must be advised to the stage manager prior to starting the stage.

Responsibility for spare wheels left at the start of each stage rest with the competitor – no responsibility is undertaken by TEP, event officials, stage managers or their crew, or security at any time.

It is not necessary that the spare tyre size be consistent with the other tyres on the vehicle, but the wheel must be able to be fitted and used if required.

Spare tyres must be presented for scrutineering, and any additional tyre changes must be presented to the scrutineering team prior to continuing in the event.

4.1.12 WINCHES

Winches may be of any style or brand and may be modified, strengthened, or braced and have the power source upgraded.

Powered winches shall have an operational braking system to prevent un-spooling when not in operation.

Winches shall be mounted in a secure manner to the chassis or to an engineered sub-frame in a monocoque vehicle.

Multiple winches shall be permitted provided that the Crew whilst in the cabin are protected and isolated from the cable by 1.5mm minimum thickness of steel or 3mm minimum thickness of aluminium.

Power for winches shall only be taken from the vehicle engine, drive line or vehicle electrical system.

Auxiliary engines shall not be permitted.

Hand winches may be used.

Winch cables may be of wire or synthetic rope provided that they are free of damaged sections and provided that they are free from:

• Broken strands.

• In the case of wire ropes free of crushed sections.

• Kinked or bent sections.

• Broken, damaged or clamped eyelets.

Wire cables shall have a steel core and be a minimum of 8mm in diameter and shall have a load rating that exceeds the capacity of the winch, including any increased rating of a modified winch.

Synthetic ropes shall have a load rating of at least twice that of the winch SWL rating or four times the nominal vehicle weight, whichever is the least.

Specifications of the winch cable or rope shall be supplied by the competitor at scrutineering.

Loops or eyes shall be spliced or professionally swaged and be rated at the same, or greater capacity than, the cable or rope.

Vehicle mounted hooks, eyes and fittings shall have a load rating of at least twice the weight of the vehicle and greater than the winch capacity. Loose coupling hooks or eyes shall be rated at or above the capacity of the cable or rope.

There shall be no sharp protruding pins forward nor upward on the front of the vehicle.

Other rules outside of CCDA rules but applicable to TTC08 are as follows:

All vehicles must meet the following requirements to be eligible for entry to TTC08:

1. The vehicle originally started its life or was designed and/or manufactured by the maker as a 4WD vehicle.

2. Retains the look of the original 4WD vehicle, comprising 80% of the original front profile and 50% of the original side profile from the “B-pillar” forward.

3. Re-made body panels are acceptable, so long as they are readily identifiable to the scrutineering team.

4. The chassis used on the vehicle must be from a vehicle that was originally designed and/or manufactured as a 4WD with a transfer case consisting of both low and high range. There is no minimum amount of original chassis stipulated, but some must be used. The chassis must have the chassis or vehicle identification number (VIN) visible and attached.

5. The body used on the vehicle must be from a vehicle that was originally designed and/or manufactured as a 4WD with a transfer case consisting of both low and high range.

6. Vehicles registered as “Individually Constructed Vehicles” are not eligible to compete.

7. Vehicle must be road registered as per rule 4.1.2 of CCDA Manual of Four Wheel Drive Motor Sport for Four Wheel Drive Competitive Events – version 7.0 dated 20^th Jan 2007.

8. All vehicles are to be at least covered by 3^rd party property damage insurance.

9. Vehicles registered outside of Australia shall be assessed on application.

Competitor Nominations - The competition manager reserves the right to accept or decline any nomination received.

Coverage over wheels - All vehicles must have a minimum of 6 inches of the width and half the diameter of the front and rear wheels covered of rigid material.

Windscreens – With the nature of this event windscreens are encouraged, to increase occupant safety against intrusion, obviously during a rollover or such.  However if each individual chooses to not have one fitted during competition they will be required to wear safety eye wear to Australian Standard for all stages.

Window Nets – Are required to be fitted to the drivers’ and passengers’ window aperture. The nets must cover at least 70% of the opening and be readily opened from the top from inside out outside the vehicle. The nets may be of the “string” variety with mesh size no greater than 50mm x 50mm.

Doors - All vehicles must be fitted with, at least, half doors from the sill up. Again the reason behind this is increased occupant safety against intrusion, and also to permit sponsorship sticker placement. The basis for construction of these will be at least steel, aluminium or of equivalent strength material or greater

For Soft-top, FRP, plastic or open top vehicles - Shall have roof protection installed to protect the crew from intrusions, roof protection shall consist of a 3mm minimum thickness aluminium or 2mm minimum steel or a high impact plastic roof panel extending from the full width of the vehicle from the windscreen frame to the roll over protection to terminate behind the heads of the crew.

All glass sun roofs or roof panels must be removed and replaced by material as describe in this paragraph

Cargo Barriers - rule 4.1.3 - This rule is not applicable to TTC08. Scrutineers and marshals will be checking that all gear is secure at all times. However we do recommend they be fitted.

Roll Cages - We will assess each vehicle on a one off basis. As a minimum we suggest a "B" pillar hoop, with forward legs reaching to the floor. These legs would start at the top of the "B" pillar and roughly follow the line of the roof, then the "A" pillar. Also a set of rear legs, with a minimum of bends, starting at the top of the "B" pillar and mounting to the floor.