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| ARCA Goodyear Extreme Rock Crawling Championshipps | Short Cuts | ||||
| by: ARCA |
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American Rock Crawlers Association
Rules & Regulations 2001
Course Rules
Point System
The following is a list of point assignments for competition in all ARCA events:
Stopping 1 point
One point will be issued after a competitor's vehicle has stopped forward progress for four (4) seconds. Stopping is defined as a vehicle not making forward progress. A team whose vehicle's tires are rotating, but the vehicle is making no progress, is considered stopped and will be marked as such. Once stopped, the competing team will receive no further calls until forward or backward progress is made.
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. Reversals are counted only when the vehicle moves backward. A reverse in an attempt to save a rollover is considered a back and will receive backing points. If a competitor has stopped (after the full four seconds) he receives his points for the stop. If he then chooses to reverse he will receive the point for the reverse. If a competitor reverses prior to the four-second stop rule, he will receive only one point for the back.
Gates
Each obstacle is marked with gates or flags. The gates include the start gate, course gates, Trees and bushes that are tagged with yellow ribbon, and the ending gate. 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. This does not include the base holding the gate. Exhaust, wind, bases that fall over due to unstable rocks that have been touched by the vehicle will not count as a touched gate. Spotters, winch cables, pull straps, etc., will count if a gate is touched. 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. 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 the official. It is the responsibility of the competing team to ask a judge prior to any attempt to leave a laid out course. If a vehicle tire is on the outside of a gate (outside of the course layout), a gate penalty will be issued. 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 gate, the team has only to touch it to receive points.
Tools
Vehicles must pass through an obstacle under the power of the vehicle and spotter. Tools may be used with a ten (10)-point tool penalty. 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. Spotters may, and are requested to use straps on the vehicle to aid in spotter leverage without endangerment and will not be assessed tool infraction for such use. Pullies or any torque/leverage multipliers for spotters are counted as tools. Tools used to clean the course are considered a penalty.
Winches
Winching is assessed a thirty point (30) point penalty for use. Winching is considered when a team hooks a winch cable/rope to any anchor and begins to load the cable. A loaded cable is considered as soon as the cable has tension on it. As an example only, a cable that is off the ground but sagging has tension on it. However, ARCA recognizes that all pulls are not straight and, therefore, does not consider that a cable must be off the ground to be counted. A separate call is issued each time a cable is attached and loaded on an anchor point. Therefore, two anchor points on one obstacle will count as two winches. 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.
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. The team must, however, immediately move the vehicle off of the course when they have timed out (see timing out below). Repairs and work done while on the obstacle clock must be performed entirely by the team (Driver and Spotter). Outside help will immediately time out the team and the vehicle must be moved. Once moved (either after timing out or before), the competitor must advise the Judge of the obstacle that he broke on that he is using his breakdown time. The judge will mark the competitor's scorecard with the time of day and sign it. When the repair is completed the team must tell the SAME judge of the completion. The Judge will then mark down the time, sign it, and mark down the number of the vehicle the competitor is following. The team does not have to use breakdown time if they feel they can make the repair prior to the time they are required to be on the next 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 the remaining obstacles.
Safety
The Judge 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 obstacle. Safety requirements include, but are not limited to, the proper use of seat belts, winch covers, controlling spilling fluids, loose articles in the vehicle, etc.
Judges
ARCA Judges have the final say in all cases save for a misunderstanding of the rule. The ARCA recognizes that there will be, from time to time, errors in a Judge's calls as there are in all sports. ARCA Marshals can overturn a Judge's decision in cases of misunderstanding of rules. This is the case whether the points are given to a team or taken away. Treatment of Judges, spectators and volunteers falls under sportsmanship.
Sportsmanship
An ARCA event begins the morning of sign in and continues throughout the days until the morning after the final day of competition. During this time, proper sportsmanship is required. If a competitor or team member (including backup help) promotes un-sportsmanlike conduct, is rude or abrasive to local authorities, destroys property, displays drunken or disrespectful behavior, they may be disqualified from the current event or future events or both. The ARCA's goal is to promote a respectable sport and promote sponsoring companies in a professional light. Therefore, un-sportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
Purse
Purses will be paid out based on the following percentages:
| POSITION | % | POSITION | % |
| First | 30.0 | Sixth | 7.0 |
| Second | 20.0 | Seventh | 5.0 |
| Third | 12.0 | Eigth | 4.0 |
| Fourth | 9.0 | Ninth | 3.0 |
| Fifth | 8.0 | Tenth | 2.0 |
Vehicle Requirements and Limitations
Axles
ARCA considers axles to be the link between wheels on both front and rear ends. This application begins at the end of the drive shaft and ends at the flange for wheels. It does not include brake assemblies.
The following are approved for competition:
All axle widths, Live Axles, Solid axles, Independent, Military style drop in axles.
All axles must be mechanically differentiated (geared).
Gear reduction may be prior to the axles or after the axles or a combination of both.
Axles must be located in such a way that the only change to wheelbase is due to reactive forces. No manual change of axle wheelbase is allowed.
Body
ARCA considers the body to be the vehicle's outer layer and includes the floor, sides, rear, hood, fender, grill, and firewall.
The following are approved for competition:
Hood- Must cover the top of the engine completely. Hood scoops and breather holes are acceptable. Fully open space cannot exist beyond twelve (12) inches in diameter without a baffle.
Fenders- Vehicles must have an inner and an outer front fender.
Tub/Cab- General condition must be in good shape without excessive rust that would warrant concern for safety. ARCA strongly suggests handles on the body to attach straps for spotters.
Firewalls are required for fire safety and must be a minimum of .0040 aluminum or 20-gauge magnetic steel.
Foot holds (Fold down type) are strongly recommended.
Brakes
ARCA considers the brakes to be the source of control for slowing and stopping wheels.
The following are approved for competition:
Mechanically operated brakes.
Hydraulic assisted brakes.
The brake pedal on the floor must operate all four brakes. Competitors may use secondary brakes for operating individual brakes on the vehicle.
Transmission brakes are not approved for competition.
Brakes must be located on all wheels.
Emergency brake hydraulic locks or mechanical locks are approved.
Emergency brake gears (mechanical type) must be in good shape and not worn to a point of possibly disengaging while under a load.
Brakes must be in good working condition with adequate pads. Brakes that are worn out or oil soaked will not pass.
Brake lines must be in good shape without leaks and ran in a safe route from cylinders to brakes.
Master and slave cylinders must be in good shape without leaks.
Adequate braking resistance at the pedal is required.
Bumpers
ARCA considers the front bumper to be the foremost part of the frame excluding push bars, stingers, etc. The rear bumper is considered to be the rearmost part of the vehicle.
Bumpers must connect the right and left frame rail.
Cooling
ARCA considers the following to be part of the cooling system: radiators, hoses, engine ports, heater hoses, coolant product.
The following are approved for competition:
Air Cooling
Water cooled systems
Radiator must be covered so that, in the event of a break in the radiator, spectators, spotters and drivers are protected from the coolant spill.
Radiators must be securely mounted
Hoses and connections must be in good condition without cracks and all connections have a tightening device.
Top mount (roof mount) radiators are not approved.
Radiators must have an overflow bottle connected to the radiator by an overflow tube.
Drive Shafts
ARCA considers the drive shaft to be the working link between the transfer case and the axles.
The following are approved for competition:
All mechanical drive shafts.
Electrical
ARCA includes all wires, lights, batteries, and any other item controlled by or conducting electricity as its function to be part of the electrical system.
The following are approved for competition:
Batteries that are in good shape with adequate mounting to keep the battery in place in the event of a roll.
All batteries must be of a non-spill type.
Mounting must be a clamp type mount that "cages" the battery in position. Foot type clamp mounting is not approved.
Wires must be in a condition and position that is safe. Exposed or burned wires are not approved.
Engine
ARCA considers the system designed to create torque and horsepower, including blocks, heads, valve cover, oil pan and all internals of such system to be classed as the engine.
The following are approved for competition:
All engine sizes and configurations.
Engine must be free of leaks of fluids that pose a fire threat.
Fuel System
The fuel system includes all components and connections used to store, deliver, and mix fuel and air on the vehicle. This includes the type of fuel used.
The following are approved for competition:
Carburetors.
Fuel Injection systems that either inject fuel from a throttle body or thru ports.
Non-vented gas caps. (Vented gas caps are not approved.)
Unleaded, leaded, and diesel fuels.
Fuel additives (of not more than 10.0:1 ratio).
Alcohol is not approved for competition as a main fuel. (See Above.)
Fuel systems must be sealed with a rollover valve installed in the fuel vent line.
Fuel lines must be run from the fuel tank or cell to the engine in a safe route.
Fuel lines must be free of leaks or cracks in hoses.
Throttle assemblies must be in good order and work smoothly. Throttles that do not move smoothly throughout their entire range of motion will not pass.
Hand throttles are approved.
Hand throttles must automatically return to the non-throttle position.
Frame
ARCA considers the frame of a vehicle to be the two rails supporting the mounting of the body and drivetrain as the main frame, and connecting cross members as the sub frame.
The following are approved for competition:
Boxed or semi boxed Mainframe material made of a magnetic steel.
Tubing mainframe material no less than 2.0" outside diameter magnetic steel.
Roll bars/Cages
ARCA considers the cage as the safety bars surrounding the driver. They are designed to protect the occupant in the event of a rollover.
The following are approved for competition:
Six (6) point mounting cages covering the driver.
Round steel tubing (D.O.M Preferred) is compulsory for the basic roll cage and must be ARCA approved.
Aluminum and /or soft metals are not permitted.
Roll bar construction must be welded.
Roll Cage padding is required on all roll cage bars that may come in contact with the driver's head or helmet.
Connection positions of the roll cage must tie in to the frame of the vehicle. Body mounts are considered a tie in point.
The front-most position must be no farther toward the rear of the vehicle than fifteen (15) inches behind the throttle and brake pedals.
The Cage must have a total of two spreader bars between the front main bar and rear main bar no less 12" to the right and left of the center line of the driver seat.
Main bars must be constructed from a continuous length of tubing.
Gussets, no less than 3" long and 2" wide must be welded at the upper connecting point and bending point of the main bars and spreader bars.
Magnetic, expanded sheet metal must cover area immediately over the driver seat and be welded to the top of the front main bar, rear main bar, and left and right spreader bars.
ARCA recommends a spreader bar to be mounted under the dash area to the right and left side of the front main bar.
Seating
The following are approved for competition:
All seats having padded rib protectors and seat leg extensions on the left and the right side.
Adequately padded headrest acceptable to ARCA officials.
Steering
ARCA considers steering to be all components designed to turn the vehicle wheels to the left of right of the vehicle center line.
The following are approved for competition:
Hydraulic front steering is permitted.
Rear steering. Brake Steering (See Brakes.)
All steering components, u-joint, fitting, must be in good working order as determined by an ARCA official.
Hydraulic steering fluids must not leak.
Hydraulic lines must be ran in a safe route and be in good shape, free of cracks or fraying as determined by an ARCA official.
Suspension
The following are approved for competition:
Reactive suspension systems.
Manual suspension controls must compress or unload both sides of one axle only. Manual controls are not approved that allow controlled movement of only one side of either the front or rear axle.
Suspension pivot points, connecting points, must be free of cracks and in good physical condition as determined by an ARCA official.
Tires
The following are approved for competition:
All factory built tires from any manufacturer.
All proto-type tires from any manufacturer.
Tire size limits is 40" measured using a measuring device and measuring actual diameter on the wheels that will be used for competition with the vehicle on the ground measuring in a horizontal plane at the tire center line.
Vehicles must have no less than four (4) and no more than six (6) independent tires.
Tires are to be the only source of forward, side, or back movement of the vehicle. Any device used to move the vehicle in these directions other than the tires is considered a tool or winch and points will be assessed accordingly.
Transfer Case
The transfer case transfers power to the front axle and rear axle of a vehicle.
The following are approved for competition:
All mechanical transfer cases.
Transmission
The following are approved for competition:
All automatic or manually operated transmissions.
Wheels
The following are approved for competition:
All steel and aluminum wheels.
Bead lock wheels with locks on both the inner and out side of the wheel or any combination thereof.
Wheels and bead locks must not interfere with the proper operation of brakes.
Wheels must be mounted onto the axle with a minimum of four lug studs. All lug studs must have the proper nuts on them.
Winches
The following are approved for competition:
All professionally built and sold electric, hydraulic, and power take off winches.
Winches must use rope type cable substitute or cable with a minimum burst strength of nine thousand five hundred (9,500) pounds. (Subject to change to rope only.)
Rope must be in acceptable condition with minimal fraying or kinks.
Clevis hook must be rated at ten thousand (10,000) pounds.
Winch must be mounted using all factory mounting positions either on the bottom or front and back.
2001 Rule Addendums and Corrections
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