Appendix 10 – SxS UTV Addendum
1. Welcome Statement
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Gorman Ridge Rally! Adding SxS UTV competition to a
rally event is a grand experiment that no other stage rally in California has yet tackled. As such, we value your
input in expanding rally to include this new area of competition. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback
on the ruleset below, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@gormanrally.com.
Although there are some differences from most off road or desert races, rally shares the same fundamental
principles of speed and endurance. Rally competitors run point to point on closed and tightly controlled special
stages and you may find that the precision required of calling every course feature included in the stage notes
brings a new level of challenge. Gorman prides itself on being a very safe event that runs like clockwork from
late morning into the night, with a mid-rally barbecue for a great cause located at the central service area.
This document defines the supplemental regulations for SxS competition and highlights procedures that may be
notably different from those common to offroad and rules that may not normally be required at other UTV events.
We look forward to running in the dirt with you!
2. Vehicle Eligibilty
Nomenclature
The terms “SxS”, “Side by Side”, and “UTV” may be used interchangeably within this document.
An SxS is a vehicle with a similar layout to a standard two seat automobile with a driver and co-driver with the
exception that the envelope of the cockpit is not fully enclosed. Vehicles are generally production-based SxSs
constructed by a recognized national manufacturer which are available for purchase by the general public.
Definitions of rally-specific terms can be found in GRR Section 1.5 Nomenclature and Definitions (link below).
SxS Ruleset
Inclusion of SxSs is done by special agreement with the Event sanctioning body, NASA Rally Sport (“NRS”).
NASA Rally Sport has not yet ratified a set of rules to include SxS vehicles in sanctioned rally competition
events. NRS has a tradition and precedent of allowing the inclusion of competition vehicles prepared to the
safety specifications of other recognized sanctioning organizations involved with similar types of events.
The Event shall accept SxS vehicles prepared to the safety and performance specifications of WORCS
and the following WORCS SxS classes: Production 1000, Production 1000 Turbo.
Rally competition and event operations shall run per the NASA General Rules for Rallies. Additional operational
and safety requirements noted in the Event Supplemental Regulations and this SxS UTV Addendum shall
supersede any WORCS regulations. It is the participant's responsibility to understand and comply with all rally
safety and event operations.
The official WORCS rulebook may be found here:
http://www.worcsracing.com/images/rulebook/2016-atv-sxs-rule-book.pdf
NASA GRRs (General Rules for Rallies) may be found here:
http://nasarallysport.com/main/rules
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DISCLAIMER: WORCS/ORS neither endorses nor is affiliated with Gorman Ridge Rally or NASA Rally Sport.
3. Vehicle Classes
Event shall recognize competitors in the following (2) vehicle classes (vehicles of lower displacement may
participate in these classes):
Gorman Ridge Rally Class
SxS Production
SxS Turbo
WORCS Equivalent
(Production 1000)
(Production 1000 Turbo)
Ability & Age-Based Classes
As is common in rally, the Event shall classify and score teams based solely on vehicle preparation. No
distinction shall be made regarding an individual driver's rating according to any ability or age classification.
(Ie. the Event shall not recognize Pro, Youth, Women, Sportsman, B, C, etc.).
a) Driver Speed Factors
For teams who do not yet have a speed factor, ability classification or racing experience may be referenced for
the purposes of creating a start order or re-seeding list.
A team consists of (1) driver and (1) co-driver. Both members of the team must occupy the vehicle for the
duration of the event. Teams who alternate driver/co-driving duties will accrue points for awards based on the
driver with the higher ranking. (See GRR Section 2.5.2.1 Traditional Driver and Co-driver).
b) Driver & Co-Driver Minimum Ages
All drivers must be at least 18 years of age to compete in stage rallies. Co-drivers must be 16 years of age or
older. Co-drivers under 18 years of age must secure parental permission and have a parent present. (See GRR
Section 2.5.4 Competitor Eligibility).
4. Scoring
Trophies & Prizes
SxS entries will be scored based on their finishing place in the overall event, not according to any individual CRS
co-efficient 2 event. “Awards will be presented to the top one third of the starters in each class based on the
overall event.” (Supp Regs Section 18.Prizes). There is no payout planned.
SxS Super Rally rules will be in effect for competitors who may drop out, would otherwise DNF, but then wish to
restart in order to become an event finisher. SxS Super Rally shall mimic the NASA Pacific Rally Cup guidelines.
(See Supp Reg 16. Running of the Rally / Super Rally; GRR Section 2.22.6).
No Championship
The SxS portion of the Event is not part of any championship series.
Event Entry payment is sufficient to participate in any Event prize giving. Entrants are required to acquire a
NASA membership and NASA Rally Sport competition license.
Participants may wish to consider joining the California Rally Series as an Associate Member for $10. This will
allow them a voice in discussions about the possibility of including SxS classes in future CRS championships as
well as input on regulations. http://www.rallydata.com/coldfusion/crs_membership.cfm
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Timing
Transponders are not required and will not be utilized. Timing shall operate under the standard rally method of
utilizing a paper timecard for all special stages and transit sections. Each timecard is the responsibility of the
participant team. You are reminded that the loss of a timecard may incur severe time penalties – keep it in
a safe location with you at all times! (See GRR Section 2.21.2 Time Card).
5. Safety
Emergency Procedures
Competitors new to rally should familiarize themselves with GRR Section 2.16.7 Emergency Procedures on a
Special Stage. This section explains the proper use of triangles, OK sign, red cross, and general competitor
emergency procedures.
New Competitor Orientation
Drivers and co-drivers of all SxS teams shall be required to attend the NCO to familiarize themselves with rally
stage operations and safety procedures. (See Supp Regs Section 23.Novice Competitor Orientation for time and
place). SxS competitors with sufficient rally experience to satisfy the requirements listed in GRR 2.5.9 New Rally
Competitors are exempt from attending the NCO.
Technical Inspection
All vehicles and participant personal safety gear will be required to pass a technical inspection (“scrutineering”)
prior to the event. Vehicles shall be roadworthy and all modifications must be done in a safe and workmanlike
manner. (See Supp Regs 13.Scrutineering, Sealing, Marking).
Personal Protective Equipment
a) Helmets
Helmets used by SxS teams must comply with Snell Memorial Foundation M2005 or SA2005 or newer
certification; or may comply with those standards specifically approved for rally in GRR Section 3.35.1.1
Helmets. Open or closed-face helmets are acceptable.
Considering that rally is a team sport with significant real-time communication required between driver and codriver, an intercom system is highly recommended.
b) Head & Neck Restraints
Head and neck restraints are highly recommended. (See GRR Section 3.35.1.3 for guidelines).
c) Driving Suits
Fire retardant suits are required. 3-layer Nomex racing suits meeting SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 1986 standard are highly
recommended. (See GRR Section 3.35.1.2 Suits for guidelines).
Vehicle Safety Equipment
a) First Aid Kit
Per GRR Section 3.13 First Aid Kit, a comprehensive first aid kit shall be carried in the passenger compartment.
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The first aid kit must include:
1. Antiseptic (ointment or liquid)
2. Gauze pads or rolls
3. Adhesive tape
4. Arm sling
5. Safety pins
6. Scissors
7. 2 “space” blankets
b) Warning Devices
Each SxS shall carry a minimum of three self-supporting, light-reflecting, daylight-visible triangular warning
devices in the vehicle. One of which must be located within easy reach of the Driver or Co-Driver when seated.
(See GRR 3.14 Safety Triangles).
c) Tow Rope
All vehicles must carry a tow rope and have front and rear tow eyes. (GRR Section 3.28 Tow Rope).
d) Fire Extinguishers
One fire extinguisher with a minimum UL rating of 10 BC or two each with a minimum rating of 5 BC must be
installed inside the passenger compartment. During installation, consideration must be given to quick release
and security of attachment. One fire extinguisher must be located within easy reach of the Driver or Co-Driver
when seated. Evidence must be produced that the extinguisher has been purchased or recharged within the
preceding two years. (GRR 3.12 Fire Extinguishers).
e) Additional Fire Safety Equipment
Due to the recent drought conditions, the Event is extremely sensitive to fire safety. To better prepare
competitors to prevent a fire at the Event:
• Each rally team must carry on board their competition vehicle a shovel suitable for use in extinguishing a
small grass fire. Folding field shovels are acceptable for this requirement. Shovels will be checked
during scrutineering.
• At any time a competition vehicle is forced to stop along a stage, after placing warning triangles, the
team must remove fire safety equipment from their vehicle and stand ready to prevent a fire from their
vehicle’s catalytic converter.
• Parking of any vehicle off road in vegetation is not authorized.
(See Supp Regs Section 24.Emergency Procedures & Special Fire Safety Requirements).
6. Additional Vehicle Requirements
Lights
The Event includes night stages. SxSs must include a forward facing white light and a rear facing red light.
A proper off road auxiliary light bar or individual driving lights are recommended options, but the vehicle must dip
to low beams in control zones and on transits.
Competition Vehicle Numbers
Vehicle number assignments are maintained by NASA Rally Sport. Competitors may choose their own number.
If a preferred number is already in use by another competitor, an NRS representative will contact the requestor.
Race numbers must be a minimum of 8 inches tall, readable from each side of the SxS. SxS vehicle numbers
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and/or backer area are not required to be color-coded according to class. NRS will provide (2) sets of vinyl
numbers for those competitors who do not currently have numbers or who require numbers specific to the event.
Body Work
Body work intended to significantly alter the vehicle's outward appearance from other than stock will be
considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the organizers for further information.
7. SxS OHV Legal Compliance
The Event takes place in the Hungry Valley SVRA, a park specifically designated as a state OHV area, and
includes transits on open public roads and trails approved for SxS use. All SxSs will be subject to CA OHV laws.
However, it is understood that SxSs are generally not street legal and will not be required to present registration
or insurance documents at event registration.
OHV Permit Requirements
Participants will be subject to CA OHV green or red sticker permit regulations (or non-resident permit as
applicable). Permits must be obtained prior to registration. http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26886
For states bordering California, the Oregon OHV Permit, the Nevada OHV Registration Decal, and the Arizona
OHV Decal meet the requirement for OHV registration. http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/25010/files/le_quickbookoct2014final.pdf
Spark Arrester
Because of the dry conditions and high fire danger, additional fire safety precautions are required by the Event's
special use permit. The exhaust systems of all SxSs shall include either a muffler or a spark arrester capable of
fulfilling the requirements of CA Vehicle Code section CVC 38366. http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23039
Noise Limits
Per AB 2274 (CA noise limit law), sound emissions of competitive off-highway vehicles manufactured on or after
January 1, 1998, shall be limited to not more than 96 dBA. There are no plans to check sound levels during
scrutineering, but park rangers may spot check vehicles while in the park.
Alternative Transit Routes
Because rallies generally include non-competitive transit sections that utilize open public highways not approved
for SxS use, some transit routes between special stages will be altered for SxS-specific traffic and will deviate
from the car routes. Supplemental transit instructions will be provided to SxS teams with the Stage Note books.
Gold Hill Road is the main road that serves HVSVRA. This road will be utilized by the rally cars to access various
stages and the service area, but it is a public highway not legal for travel by SxSs.
Crossing Gold Hill Road at specified intersection to access another trail is legal for SxSs and will be required
during several transit sections. When crossing Gold Hill, SxS teams must come to a complete stop, yield to
cross-traffic, and proceed across only when it is safe to do so. These intersections may or may NOT be staffed
by event marshals.
Any SxS team caught transiting on unauthorized sections of Gold Hill Road will be considered to be deviating
from the course (per GRR 2.14 Route Book) and will be assessed time penalties (5 mins per GRR 2.27 Time
Penalties / 2.27.1 The Course).
Per the Event's special use permit, certain transit sections may utilize a pilot vehicle staffed by a rally official to
lead a caravan of competitors between special stages. More information will be provided in a later bulletin.
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8. Additional Clarifications for Off Road Competitors
Disqualifications and Unplanned Assistance
Unplanned Assistance on the race course does not necessarily lead to automatic disqualification. (See GRR
Section 2.16.9 Assistance on a Special Stage or Transit).
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Contact
Intentional vehicle contact (ie. “nerfing”) is strictly prohibited. (See GRR Section 2.12.1.5 Passing). Given the
speeds and distances, vehicles should not encounter one another on the race course. Re-seeds will take place
at various points throughout the event. If dust becomes an issue, the organizers may decide to increase the time
between vehicle starts (increasing the “dust window”).
Radio Communications
In-vehicle radio use is allowed, but per Supp Regs Appendix 2, competitors may not broadcast into Net Control,
with the exception of emergency traffic.
Note that rally operations use frequencies allocated to the HAM radio bands. Only FCC-licensed operators may
transmit on these frequencies UNLESS THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. MURS commercial frequencies,
commonly used in off road racing, are not restricted in rally, but be aware that your radio may not be able to
communicate on the rally net because it may not be capable of transmitting on the HAM bands.
Pre-Running (aka. Recce, Reconnaissance, or Notes Familiarization Pass)
Recce is different from pre-running. A 25mph speed limit is enforced and street cars are typically used. (See
Supp Regs Section 11.Stage Notes Familiarization Pass).
Organizer-supplied Stage Notes will be provided at registration. Recce will only be allowed on Friday 8/19 during
a specified schedule. Please be aware of Supp Regs Section 10.Testing; no testing is allowed on the roads used
for the special stage portions of the competition for a period of 30 days prior to the event. All other roads in
HVSVRA are available for your enjoyment.
Service Area
Service areas work slightly differently from off road racing pits. Typically, competitors must check in and out of
the service area via a Main Time Control during scheduled service periods. Time used during these periods is
not factored into elapsed stage or transit time. There are strict (low) speed limits.
Service areas at rally events are tightly controlled and provide a safe opportunity for the general public (including
families and children) to see the vehicles up close. Once your service crew has setup in the service area, there
is no plan to require them to relocate until the end of the rally, when the Event moves back to the Headquarters
Hotel.
This Event is unique in being able to offer unscheduled service stops any time the rally course passes by the
service area, but note that these unscheduled stops DO count toward transit time.
The Event service area is located at a group camp site and includes a large shaded area, BBQ facilities, and
vault toilets. Hungry Valley plans to have a recreation resource officer on hand to offer activities for children.
(See GRR Section 2.30 Service Crews and Servicing for more info on service areas).
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