Introduction

• Rallycross is a form of racing for closed cars which takes place on a mixture of sealed and unsealed surfaces.
• A permit for Rallycross will only be issued to a Club which is registered with the MSA.
• Competitors must hold the appropriate MSA Competition Licence.
• The Clerk of the Course, Timekeepers and Scrutineers must all be MSA licensed officials.
• The MSA will appoint a Steward to all Rallycross events.  All other officials are appointed by the organising club.

The course

• Most Rallycross venues in the UK are at permanent race circuits, and utilise part of the circuit, plus unsealed sections.  In Europe, many Rallycross venues are purpose built.
• The track is continuous, with the length of a lap varying between 800m and 2000m.  Between 40% and 60% should be sealed.  Steep gradients should be avoided, and ideally any sharp corners should be sealed to avoid cutting up.
• The track layout must be approved by the MSA.
• Plans for a new circuit should always be discussed with the MSA before any construction work commences.
• Safety works similar to a race circuit will normally be required at any Rallycross venue.
• The essential criteria for Rallycross circuits are contained in the FIA Annuaire, Section 7.
• If the unsealed sections become dusty, they should be watered to avoid a safety hazard, but this should only be done at the end of one complete set of heats and before the next set of heats or finals start.

Format

• Depending upon the track licence, cars start each heat or final in groups of 6, 8 or 10.
• Competing cars are split into various categories and classes.  Classes are not normally mixed in the heats or finals.
• Each heat normally lasts for 3 or 4 laps.
• Each competitor normally gets the opportunity of taking part in 3 heats, with start positions being varied in each heat.
• When all competitors have completed one heat, they are arranged in time order and points are allocated in a descending scale.
• At the conclusion of all three heats, and depending upon the size of the grid permitted, the competitors with the 9 best scores from two out of the three heats, go into the A Final.  The next best 9 or 10 go into a B Final.
• Finals are normally one or two laps longer than the heats.
• The winner of the B Final normally goes onto the back of the A Final grid, thus making up the correct number of starters.
• Depending upon the number of entries, and the supplementary regulations for the event, there is sometimes a C Final as well.
• Also, depending upon the supplementary regulations, some events run a Super Final for the fastest 8 or 10 cars. regardless of class.
• With a large entry, it is essential that heats should follow each other as rapidly as possible, and a target time schedule should be of the order of 5-6 minutes between the start of each heat.  It is important to stress this fact to rescue and recovery crews.
• A close watch should be kept for avoidable contact and the offending competitor penalised.

Vehicle regulations

• Detailed vehicle regulations are given in Section G of the MSA Competitors' Yearbook.
• All cars must be passed by the Scrutineer before taking part in practice or racing.
• Any competitor whose car is damaged, must be re-scrutineered.
• It is important for competitors to remember that whilst Rallycross is not a deliberate contact sport, it is virtually unavoidable that contact will occur, especially in slippery conditions, and cars should always be prepared to the highest standards of safety.
• Competitors considering preparing a car for Rallycross are advised to consult a Scrutineer before commencing any work.
• A full roll-cage must be fitted.
• A four point Safety Belt must be fitted.
• An external cut-off switch for electrics is mandatory.
• Lights may be removed, but all cars must be fitted with two red lights, of the anti-fog type, at the rear, connected to the brake system.
• All cars competing in Rallycross must have either an MSA or FIA log book.

Safety

• Drivers must wear an approved Crash Helmet and approved flame retardent overalls.
• The minimum medical coverage is one doctor, or MSA licensed paramedic, one rescue unit and one ambulance.
• The maximum size of the grids for the fastest "super-cars" is normally reduced from that permitted for other cars.
• In addition to the normal complement of flag marshals, observers etc, it is usual to appoint a number of Contact Judges to watch for, and report, avoidable contact.  These Judges need to be experienced in Rallycross, preferably having driven themselves.

Minicross

• Minicross is a special form of Rallycross restricted to Minis.  Details are available from the Minicross Drivers' Association, address from the MSA.

markup by webmaster@ukmotorsport.com