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NOTE  1            Important changes are to be found in various section of this document.

2                    It is the Members responsibility to ensure that any vehicles used for competition in MOC events comply with both these Technical Regulations and the MSA ‘Blue Book’ Regulations in force at the time of the event.

3                    The Midland Offroad Club now allows Single Seat vehicles to compete alongside Two Seat vehicles, in the same competition classes, in any Clubman status events it runs.

4                    Class changes may occur in National B or National A status events.

5                    If this is the case Event Supplementary Regulations will detail any changes.

6                    This applies to both Modified Trials and Comp. Safari vehicles.

7                    It is not currently intended to introduce any special classes for Single Seaters.

8                    MSA are aware of the introduction of Single Seaters  to MOC events.

9                    Changes are not needed in the MOC Championship regulations to allow them to compete in their appropriate classes.

IMPORTANT            Please read the whole of this document to ensure that you are aware

of all individual changes to the various technical regulations covered by it.

ALL VEHICLES MUST:-

1.             CHASSIS  -                          ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have a protective bulkhead of non-flammable material between the engine and the driver/passenger compartment capable of preventing the passage of fluid or flame in the case of fire.              Gaps must be filled with FLAME  RETARDANT  material

b)         Where a radiator is not isolated from the driver/passenger compartment, a suitable deflector must be fitted to prevent fluid directly coming into contact with the occupants when sat with their seat belts fastened, or any other person outside of the vehicle.

c)         Have a complete floor of adequate strength rigidly supported within the driver/passenger compartment.

d)                  Have a minimum wheel base of  75 inches, measured from hub centre to hub centre

e)                  Have a minimum track width of 50 inches, measured at axle height, across the front or rear of the 2 wheels on the same axle, at the maximum width of the tyres.

f)                    These dimensions (d &e) must be maintained as a minimum throughout the event.

g)                  The chassis should be in good condition (MSA Reg. E12.19.1)

2.         BODY             (including aerodynamics)  -  ALL  VEHICLES

a)         Be fitted with bodywork of sufficient internal size including a driver and passenger compartment, effectively isolated from the engine, wet batteries, gear box, transmission shafts, brakes, road wheels, linkages, fluid tanks and radiators and cooling system components.

b)         Unless a vehicle is rear engined, a bonnet or metal casing of solid, non-inflammable material covering and/or surrounding the engine, which is secured by fasteners of adequate strength, and having a positive locking action.

c)         Rear engined vehicles must have adequate protection surrounding the engine and hot components.

d)                  Be fitted with doors or bodywork giving side protection to the driver and passenger. 

-            (MSA Reg. E12.3.1)

e)                  Have bodywork providing a minimum transverse cockpit opening width of 81cm.

-            This width may not be interrupted.

f)                    Be equipped on all wheels with mudguards, which present no sharp edges and cover the full width of tyre around an arc of 120 degrees. 

-           This must be achieved with a continuous surface of rigid material uninterrupted by any gaps, holes, slots or vents. 

-                     It must extend forward of the axle line and extend downward behind the wheel to at least 7.5 cm above the axle line. 

-                     Comp vehicles must be fitted with rear mudflaps, below axle centre line, which must remain effective throughout the duration of the event.

g)          All Safari vehicles must carry a board, minimum size 30cm x 21cm, with SOS in red on one side and OK in black on the reverse.

h)         There should be NO sharp edges on any part of the vehicle.

3.              SEATING  -              MODIFIED TRIALS and SAFARI VEHICLES

a)                  Be equipped with up to 2 rigid seats within the driver/passenger compartment. 

-                     The seat(s) must be rigidly located within the compartment and must not tilt, hinge or fold.  They must retain the driver [and passenger,] within the vehicle. 

-                     The rear most part of the seat(s) must not be more than 38 cm behind the rear wheel axis. 

-                     The seat cushion, (the part on which the occupant sits) must not be less than 15 cm below the adjacent body side or door when uncompressed. 

-                     Other seats fitted must similarly comply and all seats must face forward.

b)         All seat fixings must comply with the relevant MSA Blue book section E12.3.1

c)              SAFARI VEHICLES               A grab rail, handle or strap must be fitted in front of any passenger, in such a way that it does not compromise the safety of the occupants.

4.              ENGINES  -                        ALL VEHICLES

a)         Be equipped with TWO  positive methods of throttle closing,  per carburettor,  in the event of linkage failure

b)                  If  forced induction is used, the  manifold pressure must be limited to a maximum of 

1 Bar .                                      The pressurising of the fuel tank is prohibited.      

c)         Special attention must be paid to the siting of the  'hot' components in this type of installation and adequate thermal insulation between engine and auxiliary components must be provided.

d)         If forced induction is used, with the exception of diesel fuelled engines, a coefficient of 1.7:1 will apply to the engine capacity

e)         If fitted with fuel injection, must be of fully proportional type based around normal road going installations.              Direct oxidant injection is not permitted.

f)          No air intakes to be fitted in, or draw air from within, the driver/passenger compartment.

5.               SUSPENSION   -              ALL VEHICLES

a)                  Be fitted with a sprung suspension between the wheels and the chassis. 

b)                  Suspension and steering movements must be controlled to avoid fouling of wheels on chassis or bodywork.

c)                  Suspension components must not impede into the Driver/Passenger compartment.

6.               BRAKES   -                          ALL VEHICLES

a)                  Be fitted with a braking system that is operative and capable of stopping and holding the vehicle as required. 

b)                  The parking brake system must have an independent operating mechanism, but can share friction material with the service brake installation. 

c)                  Hydraulic parking brake systems are permitted providing they can demonstrate that a failure in a part of the service brake does not render the whole system inoperative. 

d)         Fiddle brakes may only be used on two wheel drive vehicles.

7.               STEERING   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have a full circumference steering wheel.

b)         Have steering movement controlled to avoid fouling of wheels on chassis or bodywork.

c)         All steering components must be visible for scrutineering

d)            SAFARI VEHICLES  - Bolt-on steering aids must not be fitted to steering wheels.

8.               WHEELS & TYRES   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have at least four,  road wheels and tyres (excluding spares) which conform to the minimum legal  requirements.

b)         Not be fitted with any wheel spacers exceeding 2.5 cm in thickness, or are of less than hub diameter, or are multi-sectioned. Multiple or laminated spacers are prohibited

c)         Not be fitted with duplicated driving wheels, unless originally manufactured like this.

d)                  Wheels and Tyres must not protrude past the bodyline of the vehicle.

e)                  Wheels must be fitted with tyres that are compatible with the wheels, and of a type that are acceptable to the Organisers. 

f)                    The use of dumper type, open centred or very aggressive tread pattern tyres are prohibited in competitions.

g)                  The use of tyre chains by competitors is prohibited.

h)                  TYRE PRESSURES:-

                                    COMP SAFARI                -   20 psi MINIMUM   

MODIFIED                        -   12 psi MINIMUM

            RTV                             -   15 psi MINIMUM                                                                     Buggies                      -    At the discretion of the Officials

9 .               FLUIDS   -                             ALL VEHICLES

a)                  Have non-metallic fluid lines or tubes carrying coolants through the driver/passenger compartment enclosed in a solid metal cover. 

b)                  Care should be taken in the positioning of cooling components ensuring that in the event of a coolant leak, the driver and passenger are adequately protected.

c)         Not carry or pass any liquids in or through, any tubes, which form part of the chassis, space frame or roll-cage structure.

d)         They must have any fuel lines encased in a solid metal cover, if they pass through the driver/passenger compartment.

10.               TRANSMISSION   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have the transmission outside the driver/passenger compartment,  beneath the floor or secured in casings or coverings of solid metal of a minimum 18 swg

b)         Be equipped with an operable reverse gear or reverse drive mechanism.

c)         Have traction afforded by the wheels in contact with the ground. 

c)                  The use of limited slip or locking differentials is permitted for RTV vehicles, but only if fitted by the manufacturer as standard to that model. 

d)                  Air lockers are prohibited for RTV vehicles.

11.       OIL SYSTEMS   -                           ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have any oil lines enclosed in a solid metal cover., if they pass through the driver/passenger compartment,

12.       FUEL SYSTEMS   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have fuel tank situated either under the vehicle or within an enclosed solid metal cover which isolates it from the driver / passenger compartment.

b)         Have tank fillers and caps which do not protrude beyond the bodywork. 

d)                  Fuel caps may not be situated within the driver/passenger compartment and must have an effective sealing action to prevent accidental fuel spillage.

e)                  Spilt fuel must not be able to drain into the driver/passenger compartment.

f)                    Have all fuel vents and over spills fitted in a safe manner.

g)                  Use normally available pump fuel.

h)                  If using LPG, conform with the Construction and Use Regulations and also the LPG Industry Technical Association Code of Practice No 11.

i)                    Competitors are advised to consult Section Q7 of the MSA Blue Book, for specific requirements of fuel tanks.

j)                    ‘Bag type’ fuel tanks must be within their certified life span, with Certificates available.

g)         It is recommended that one way valves be fitted to the breather lines of all fuel tanks that are fitted the correct way round.

13.               ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)                  All vehicles, especially Modified Trials and Safari Vehicles, should have batteries securely located. The use of sealed batteries or spill-proof batteries is recommended.

b)                  All vehicles, especially Modified Trials and Safari, should have wet batteries enclosed in a leak proof container if they are within the driver / passenger compartment.

c)                  Have an electrical system where exposed terminals are protected from any metal contact that could cause a short circuit in the event of a roll over.

d)         Have the battery earth lead, if not readily distinguishable, identified by a yellow marker and easily accessible without tools in case of emergency

e)                  SAFARI  & MODIFIED VEHICLES must be equipped with a circuit breaker that isolates ALL electrical circuits and must cut the engine.

f)                    The cut-out switch must also isolate the alternator and fuel injection circuits.

g)                  Have a battery, generator, and means of self-starting.

h)                  Be fitted with adequate ignition suppression.

i)               SAFARI  VEHICLES  must have a minimum of 2 high level brake lights and 2 dust lights (running lights), fitted as high as possible, with a minimum of 21w for each light, with a surface area of minimum of 20cm squared, maximum of 40cm squared

j)          Safari vehicles must be fitted with a loud & effective, air or electric horn of single tone.

k)         All cut-out switches should be clearly marked, and fully and easily operable, by the driver when seated and wearing their seat belts correctly, or by any other person without putting themselves into a hazardous or awkward position.

14.   TOWING POINTS AND ROPE   -   ALL VEHICLES

a)         Be fitted with an accessible non-chaffing towing point front and rear, preferably a tow ball rather than a hook.   Standard towing eyes may not be deemed adequate for use.

b)               MODIFIED TRIALS AND SAFARI VEHICLES - front and rear tow points to be painted in a fluorescent or bright colour, and kept clean, to be easily identified.

c)                  Be equipped with a man-made fibre towrope of minimum 24mm diameter with a closed loop at each end, of good condition.

d)                  The use of shackles, chain or wire rope is prohibited.

15.               EXHAUST SYSTEM   -                           ALL VEHICLES

a)         Have the exhaust system isolated from the driver/passenger compartment.

b)               Generally have the outlet of the exhaust system behind the mid point of the wheelbase of the vehicle.              Trials vehicles may have front mounted exhausts.

c)         Have no part of the exhaust system protruding out of the rear of the bodywork by more than 15 cm.                  See the MSA Blue book for detailed specifications.

d)         NOISE LEVELS            These must not exceed the noise level of 100 decibels (dba) at a distance of 0.5 metre measured at an angle of 45 degrees to the side, as per the MSA Blue Book E12-17.8 and this noise level must be maintained throughout event.

16.               WINDSCREENS & SIDESCREENS   -                          COMP. SAFARI  VEHICLES

a)              (Where fitted) have windscreens of either laminated glass or plastic, of a minimum thickness of 4 mm etched with the relevant standards codes. Windscreens must be of an M.O.T. standard.

b)                  Plastic windscreens, where fitted, should also have a minimum thickness of 4 mm. If a plastic windscreen is perforated for viewing, Goggles or visors must be worn at all times during training, practise and racing, unless in a closed-in vehicle. 

c)                  The use of 25mm wire mesh behind and in front of the driver/passenger compartment as protection against a tow rope failure is recommended.

d)         Have rear view  mirror.

e)         It is strongly recommended by the Blue Book that a side mesh restraint is fitted

17.       ROLL OVER PROTECTION    -               SAFARI & MODIFIED VEHICLES

a)         Have adequate protection for driver and passenger in the event of a vehicle roll over.

b)         Have a full structural  roll cage constructed and installed to comply with current MSA regulations. For further information please consult the MSA 'Blue Book' or, have a chat with the MOC Safety Officer.

c)         No roll cage is to be welded directly onto manufacturers chassis.  Must have sufficient stress plates welded to chassis first

d)         Roll cage tubes should have a 6mm hole drilled in the tube for checking its thickness.

18.               OVERALLS & other clothing  -                 SAFARI & MODIFIED VEHICLES

a)         Clean, fire resistant clothing inc. overalls is recommended at all times.

d)                  No oily overalls to be worn by either driver or passenger during an event.

e)                  Materials that are known to burn or melt easily should not be worn at all.

d)                  The limbs and torso of the driver and passenger must be covered at all times during any type of practise or competition.

19.               CRASH HELMETS   -               SAFARI  VEHICLES

a)                  These must conform to current MSA specification and must be worn whilst competing by both the driver and any passenger. 

b)                  Helmets that are out of specification, damaged or of poor fitting are not permitted. 

c)                  All helmets must carry a current MSA helmet sticker.

d)                  For further information, please consult the MSA 'Blue Book'.

20.       SEAT BELTS   -                  ALL VEHICLES

a)                    RTV and SPT Vehicles must comply with current DOT requirements for seat belts, relative to the type of vehicle and its age.

b)                    Where they are not required by law, they are recommended for competitions.

c)                    Seat belts must be worn if fitted.

d)                    SAFARI vehicles must be fitted with full harness seat belts, in good clean condition.

e)                    Each seat belt set must be complete with all parts being from the original set.

f)                      All installed components must be used e.g. all parts of a 5 piece harness, not just 4.

g)                    They must be worn during all competition driving and they are recommended for drive rounds, where these are allowed.

h)                    MODIFIED vehicles may be fitted with just lap straps, but it is recommended that full harness seat belts, to Safari vehicle standards, are fitted.

i)                      During events seat belts must be worn, no matter what type is fitted. 

j)                      Lap straps are allowed in Modified Trials events.

k)                    All seat belts must be fitted as per the fitting instructions, Section 2 MSA Blue Book

21.       FIRE EXTINGUISHERS   -               ALL VEHICLES

a)                 A fire extinguisher system is required for Modified Trials and Safari Vehicles.

b)                 They are recommended for RTV and SPT vehicles.

c)                  Extinguishers must comply with current MSA regulations.

d)                 Hand operated extinguishers must not be carried loose or mounted outside the main structure of the vehicle.

e)                 All extinguishers must be operable by the driver when seated and wearing their seat belt correctly.

f)                    All gauges must be visible for inspection during scrutineering.

22.               COMPETITION NUMBERS   -               SAFARI VEHICLES

a)                  Have visible competition numbers displayed on each side of the vehicle, at least 9 inches high and 1 inch wide.

b)                  They should be black in colour and mounted on a white surface.

c)              Competition numbers, at least 3 inches high, should also be displayed on the front of the vehicle.

d)             Number boards are not to be made of any type of metal unless the vehicle has a closed in back.

e)               Competition numbers must be kept legible and clean at all times

23.       ROAD TAXED VEHICLES  

To be classified as a Road Taxed Vehicle for RTV Trials, the vehicle must :-

a)                  Display a current road fund licence valid for that vehicle.

b)                  Have valid DOT MOT and Insurance certificates.

c)                  Have tyres legal for normal road use. (Consider pressures, damage & tread)

24.            GENERAL CLUB RULES    -               ALL COMPETITIONS

a)                  All vehicles must be clean and tidy at scrutineering.

b)                  All drivers and passengers must have arms and legs covered when driving any section or lap.

c)                  Attempting to drive or travel as a passenger whilst being under, or suspected of being under, the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal or otherwise) may lead to disqualification.              Other actions may later be considered by the MOC committee.

d)                  The drinking of alcohol by drivers / passengers / service crew / officials / etc. is prohibited at any time from the start to the finish of an event, and anyone caught doing so will be disqualified or removed from the event.

e)                  Drivers and passengers must not smoke whilst competing in any events.

f)                    Smoking is prohibited by anybody whilst near refuelling or scrutineering areas.

g)                  The signed-on Officials decision is final on all matters.

h)                  Marshals and other Officials are appointed as Judge of Fact for all matters within their area of operation as designated by the Clerk of the Course and Chief Marshal.

i)                    Appeals against decisions which are covered by ‘Section O’ of the MSA Blue Book should be made according to procedures laid down in the MSA Blue Book.

j)                    Appeals against any other actions or decisions made by officials should be made, in writing, within seven days of the event, and forwarded to the Club Secretary.

k)                  Children must be kept under control whilst around the pits, competition area, and any other areas where vehicles of any type can be expected to be moving around.

l)                    Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

m)               No loose objects are allowed in any vehicle whilst competing.

n)                  It is recommended that the guideline of ‘a seat for each person’ is followed.

o)                  No persons are allowed to stand up in the back of any vehicles that are in motion.

p)                  Children should be suitably restrained or seated safely at all times when in vehicles.

q)                  Please ensure that when leaving the venue, you take your litter home with you.

r)                   The speed limit on the campsite is 5 mph and when leaving a venue, please give consideration to the landowner and local residents.

s)                  Any vehicle involved in an accident or roll during an event must be re-scrutineered before continuing.

t)                    Handbrakes will be checked at random during events.

u)                  Tyre pressures will be checked at random during events.

v)                  Take necessary steps to avoid ground being contaminated by oil etc.

REMEMBER  

                MOTORSPORT   CAN   BE   DANGEROUS

Published by

Midland Offroad Club

P.O. Box 91, Wolverhampton,

West Midlands.

WV10 0YT