NASFOR Race Rules

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National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders
(NAsFOR)
Racing Rules
(Adapted January, 2002)


Rule 1: What vehicles may be used
for racing?

Section 1 General description of vehicles
Section 2 Engines
Section 3 Tires
Section 4 Vehicle and safety requirements
Section 5 Vehicle modifications

Rule 2: How do we join? What do we do?
The driver and his crew.

Section 6 Drivers above the age of eighteen.
Section 7 Drivers below the age of eighteen.
Section 8 Registration
Section 9 The role of the driver and his crew members.
Section 10 Recovery
Section 11 Winching

Rule 3: How is the race scored?
How is the winner chosen?

Section 12 General concepts of race scoring
Section 13 DNF – Did Not Finish
Section 14 DNS – Did Not Start
Section 15 DNR – Did Not Run
Section 16 Disqualification (DQ)
RULE 1: WHAT VEHICLES MAY BE USED
FOR RACING?

SECTION 1. General Description of Vehicles. – As a general rule, race vehicles must have four wheels, and the ability to drive all four wheels. Production vehicles, modified vehicles, as well as fully fabricated or home-made vehicles are all welcome, but they must be legally registered. ATVs and quads are not allowed.

SECTION 2. Engine. – Any engine, regardless of size or fuel consumed, may be used to power the vehicle. Engine modifications such as superchargers, turbos, nitrous, etc. are all allowed.

SECTION 3. Tires – Any tire, regardless of size, tread pattern, make or manufacturer, may be used on the vehicle. Here are some examples of what are allowed:

(a) Tractor tires and other agricultural tires are allowed.

(b) Earth-moving equipment tires are allowed.

(c) Recaps are allowed.

*Please note, however, that the same set (or combination) of tires must be used for all runs of the vehicle, unless irreparable failure prevents from doing so. Tire chains and studs (metal spikes attached to the tire) are NOT allowed for safety reasons.

SECTION 4. Vehicle and Safety Requirements – Race vehicles must meet the following vehicle and safety requirements:

(a) All soft- or open-topped vehicles must have a roll cage(not just a roll bar)

(b) Hard-topped vehicles may be raced without a roll cage but we strongly encourage the use of roll cages even in hard-topped vehicles.

(c) Anyone riding the vehicle must use three- or four-point racing seatbelt harnesses, properly fastened to the vehicle. Two point seatbelts (lap and sash belts found in production vehicles) are not allowed.

(d) US DOT approved motor sports helmets must be used by all those inside a race vehicle. Motorcycle helmets are ok. Bicycle helmets, combat helmets, construction hard hats, football helmets and miner’s helmets are NOT allowed.

(e) Race vehicles must have an appropriate winch properly mounted and in good working order. Winches may be electrical, mechanical or hydraulic.

(f) When racing, windshields may be folded down, or removed altogether.

(g) Race vehicles must have tow hooks or other recovery points at the front and rear of the vehicle.

(h) While fabrication and modification are very much encouraged, all race vehicles must be aesthetically pleasing to the eye in order to attract sponsors and viewers to the races. Junk vehicles are an insult to the sponsors and to fellow racers. Junk vehicles also give spectators the misimpression that 4x4 racing is “durugan at siraan ng bulok na sasakyan”. There must also be appropriate open and visible space on the race vehicle for the sponsor’s stickers and race number decals, which must be affixed unless there are compelling reasons not to do so (such as product sponsorship conflict).

(i) All items carried in the vehicle must be securely tied down when the vehicle is in motion throughout its whole run. If recovery equipment (jacks, cables, clevises, d-rings, snatch blocks, etc.) are used for recovery (please see Rule 2, Section xx), they must be properly tied down before the vehicle resumes motion.

(j) Two-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed. However, if a four-wheel drive race vehicle is damaged during the race and can only run in two- or three-wheel drive, the driver may continue to race with the permission of the race officials.

SECTION 5. Vehicle modifications. – For the growth of the sport, the Federation encourages the modification of vehicles in order to enhance their off-road racing performance. Examples of modifications are the lifting of vehicles, suspension modifications (quarter-elliptic springs, coil conversions, etc.), engine and transmission swaps, hydraulic or four-wheel steering, axle swapping or the use of lockers or limited-slip differentials.

However, these modifications must not compromise the safety of the race vehicle. Race vehicles are subject to the scrutiny of the race officials, and it is the officials who will have final say on whether the vehicle is race worthy or not. We fully encourage racers to build the safest vehicle possible to ensure that our sport remains safe for all.

RULE 2
HOW DO WE JOIN?
WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?
THE DRIVER AND HIS CREW


SECTION 6. Drivers above the age of eighteen.. – With the consent and approval of the race officials, the following may register to join the race as drivers:

(a) NAsFOR members above the age of eighteen. A registration fee will have to be paid.

(b) Non-NAsFOR members above the age of eighteen. However, they will have to pay at least twice what federation members pay to register. The exact amount will be determined by the race officials.

SECTION 7. Drivers below the age of eighteen. – Those below the age of eighteen who wish to register to race must meet the following requirements:

(a) They must present a document of consent signed by a parent or a legal guardian.

(b) They must also present a waiver signed by a parent or a legal guardian absolving the organizers from civil and criminal responsibility for any damages or injury and freeing the organizers from any and all legal claims.

(c) They must be physically capable of operating a race vehicle. This is to be determined by the race officials.

(d) They must also secure the consent and approval of race officials.

(e) NAsFOR members must pay the required registration fee.

(f) Non-federation members must pay at least twice what federation members pay to register. The exact amount will be determined by the race officials.

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SECTION 8. Registration. Federation registration rules are as follows:

(a) Registration will be held before the race. At the close of registration, the drawing of numbers to establish the racing order shall take place. Once the lots have been drawn and a running order established, no further registrants will be accepted (for more details, please see Rule 3, Section 13). Only registered drivers may race.

(b) The organizers and race officials reserve the right to refuse to register anyone they feel should not be allowed to race. Registration as a race driver is a privilege, not a right, and may be withdrawn by the organizers anytime during the race. No reason need be given and refunds are not to be expected. A very strict code of behaviour will be implemented and all racers and crew are expected to cooperate.

(c) A registration fee must be paid. The fee for non-federated racers is at least twice that which NAsFOR members are charged. The exact amounts for these are to be determined by the race organizers. As stated earlier, should there be a problem with a racer, the officials are not obliged to refund the registration fee.

(d) All registrants must sign a waiver absolving the organizers of any responsibility for injury to health or damage to property because of the race. This waiver also frees the organizers from any legal criminal or civil cases.

(e) Only one driver per vehicle. Different drivers cannot register to use the same vehicle.

(f) Drivers who wish to use more than one vehicle will have to register and pay anew for each vehicle they wish to run. This is subject to the approval of the race officials given time constraints.

(g) Swapping to a different set of tires does not turn the race vehicle into “another race vehicle” thus qualifying another driver to register to run in the same vehicle but with different tires. Rule 1, Sec. 3 cannot be used as an argument for multiple drivers for one vehicle.

(h) Registration is non-transferable.

(i) Registration by proxy is not allowed. The waiver forms must be signed personally in front of the race officials.

(j) A driver is allowed up to two crew members (please see Section 10 for their roles). These two people who will serve as crew must be also registered by the driver as part of the driver’s registration.

(k) No fee will be paid by crew but a similar waiver of claims versus the race organizers and officials must be signed by the crew.


(l) Crew members registration by proxy is not allowed as the waivers must be signed personally by the crew in front of the officials.

(m) Crew registration is non-transferable.



SECTION 9. The role of the driver and his crew members. – Each race driver is allowed up to two crew members. The roles of driver and his crew are as follows:

(a) The driver is solely responsible for the operation of the vehicle. Crew members are not allowed to drive the vehicle. Doing so results in a DNF.

(b) Traditionally, one crew member riders beside the driver as a navigator, while another is outside the vehicle as a spotter. Crew may be deployed differently (as both spotters, or as both navigators, or one each). A driver may also choose to have only one or even no crew member. Nevertheless, the following rules shall be in effect:

(c) All occupants of the vehicle must use three- or four-point race seatbelt harnesses while the vehicle is in motion. Should anyone mount, enter and sit in a stopped vehicle, he is required to put on the seatbelt before the vehicle can resume movement. Failure to do so is an instant DNF.

(d) The navigator can dismount the vehicle as long as it is not moving. He now becomes a spotter.

(e) A spotter can mount and sit in a vehicle when it is stopped. He then becomes a navigator. As stated earlier, he must put on the seatbelt before the vehicle can continue. Failure to do so will result in an instant DNF.
(f) Removing a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion results in an instant DNF.

(g) The driver may also dismount the vehicle as long as it is stopped. This way, he can assist in the recovery efforts of his crew members. Upon re-mounting the vehicle, the driver must put on his seatbelt before driving off. This is very important, and failure to comply results in an instant DNF.

(k) Drivers and navigators must use a US DOT approved motor sports helmets. Motorcycle helmets are ok. Bicycle helmets, combat helmets, construction hard hats, football helmets and miner’s helmets are NOT allowed.

(h) Spotters and navigators are supposed to help the driver pick the best line to clear an obstacle. They are the only ones who are allowed to give advice to the driver. Receiving guidance, advice, line-spotting, or coaching from others than the assigned two-man crew will result in a DNF.

(i) Spotters and navigators are also supposed to help a driver recover a vehicle in case it gets stuck. Outside assistance from anyone other than his crew will result in a DNF for the driver.

(j) Spotters may position themselves anywhere on the track so that they can help the driver. They may run alongside the vehicle, or may pre-position themselves at some vantage point.

(k) Should a driver begin a run with a navigator, and should said navigator dismount during the run (and become a spotter), it is not necessary for the navigator/spotter to re-mount before the end of the run. What is necessary is that all safety rules regarding helmet, seatbelts, mounting and dismounting while not in motion be followed.

SECTION 10. Recovery – Recovery skills and teamwork are often the key to a successful run. Driver and crew are expected to work together as a cohesive team, practicing safe recovery skills and using the tools that they have brought, in order to effectively recover their stuck vehicle. During recovery, all racers must observe the following rules:

(a) Self-recovery is an absolute must. Towing by other vehicles is not allowed. See Rule 2, Section 11 regarding towing while winching. This too is not allowed.

(b) Only a driver and his crew members are allowed to recover the vehicle. Outside assistance from people other than the registered crew members, whether the giving of advice or actual physical help, will result in a DNF for the driver.

(c) Blatantly unsafe recovery practices by driver or crew may result in a DNF. This is for the race officials to decide.

(d) Driver and crew may use anything that they have carried in the race vehicle for recovery purposes (and only these items – outside items are not allowed). Examples of commonly carried items are jacks, spare tires, tire wrenches, tools, ropes, tow straps, clevises, d-rings, snatch blocks, steel matting, land anchors, etc.

(e) All items carried in the race vehicle must be safely strapped down in the vehicle before the run is started, and must be securely strapped down while the vehicle is in motion throughout the run. This is subject to the scrutineering by the race officials who may DNS or DNF racer for non-compliance, as the situation warrants.

(f) Should any items carried in the race vehicle come loose at any time during the run, the vehicle must be stopped and all loose items must be safely stowed before the run can resume. Not stopping to secure loose items will result in a DNF.

(g) If any items are used for recovery or any other purpose, they must be placed back into the vehicle and safely secured before the vehicle can continue to run. Items cannot be left behind. Items cannot be left with a spotter to lug around. Not following these rules will result in a DNF.

(h) Items other than those carried and safely secured within the vehicle may not be used at any time during the run. Outsiders are not allowed to hand the crew anything to use for recovery or repair. Driver and crew are prohibited from going off to pick up tools or items that they need. For an item to be used, it must have been carried and safely stowed in the vehicle. Not following these rules will result in a DNF.

(i) Items may not be pre-positioned inside the track in anticipation of their use during the run, if these were not properly in the vehicle when the run was started. Not following this rule will result in a DNF.

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SECTION 11. Winching – As stated in Rule 1, Section 4
(e), all vehicles must be equipped with a winch of the appropriate size, securely mounted and in good working order. Winches may be mechanical, electrical or hydraulic. It is left to the driver and the crew to carry out safe winching practices during recovery of a stuck vehicle. Blatantly unsafe winching practices (as judged by the race officials) will result in a DNF for the driver. The following rules must also be obeyed during winching:

(a) If a another vehicle is used as a winching point, it is against the rules for the vehicle used as a winching point to tow or pull the stuck race vehicle. The driver and crew must recover their stuck vehicle on their own. Breaking these rules will result in a DNF.

(b) Should the vehicle being used as a winching point be too light, the race driver and his crew should find a way to anchor the winch point (the vehicle) down on their own. External assistance such as bringing up another vehicle to serve as additional anchor is a violation of Rule 2, Section 10 (a,b,d and h) and will result in a DNF.

(c) Drivers and crew of race vehicles whose winches are damaged during the course of the race may, with the consent of the organizers, continue to race the vehicle. This assumes that they began the race in good faith with a properly working winch. The loss of the function of their winch and the resulting crippling of their self-recovery ability is a handicap that the team must work around on their own. Loss of the winch does not entitle them to pre-position an outside vehicle near the track and use the outside vehicle’s winch for recovery. Nor are they allowed to use another vehicle for towing recovery because their winch does not work.

RULE 3
HOW IS THE RACE SCORED?
HOW IS THE WINNER CHOSEN?

Section 12. The general concepts of race scoring. The NAsFOR system of scoring is set up in such a way it favors drivers who can consistently turn in the best times over a number of runs, avoiding mechanical failure. This is why times are cumulative, as opposed to averaged or based simply on single fastest run. This is to eliminate winning by “chamba”. The actual applications will depend on factors such as the number of tracks, the number of competitors, time constraints, etc., but the prevailing concept of consistency being the key is always upheld.

Competitors must also build strong vehicles that can take repeated abuse because taking a DNS (for repairs or any other reason) results in a time penalty. NAsFOR rules are also set up in an attempt to equalize conditions so that as much as humanly possible, racers receive pretty much the same odds (but not the same exact track conditions, which is impossible).

Section 13. Scoring proper – These are the rules for NAsFOR scoring during races:

(a) After the registration period has been closed, the racers will draw numbers to see what the running order will be.

(b) Drawing of numbers by proxy is not allowed.

(c) Racers may not swap places. This is a form of cheating as this is an attempt to gain some advantage over the other racers, recognizing that the track will be either easier or harder to run as time goes by.

(d) Racers will then begin to run the track one by one following the order determined by the drawing of numbers. These runs will be timed.

(e) After all the racers have finished their first run, the order of running shall be reversed. Racers shall again proceed to run the track one by one. Again, these runs will be timed.

(f) The racers’ times for each run shall be added together and the racer with the lowest total time for both runs wins.

(g) There is a maximum time within which a racer must finish the track. Traditionally (and for sample purposes for these rules) it is fifteen minutes, but this is up to the race organizers. Anyone who cannot finish a track within the maximum time will be given a DNF.

(h) If a run is halted permanently by a race official, a DNF will be awarded to the driver.

Section 13. DNF – Did not finish. Receiving a DNF has the following implications:

(a) Drivers who DNF will, for that track, get a time = max time + ½ max time. If max time is fifteen minutes, DNF drivers get a time of 22mins 30secs.

(b) DNF drivers do not get a rerun. See Rule 3, Section 13 (a).

Section 14. DNS – Did not start on time. DNS is given to racers who cannot run when their number is called, and wish to be moved to the rear of the running order. There are many reasons for this such as mechanical failure, repair in progress, etc. Irregardless of the reason, not being at the starting line within a reasonable period when called to race (following the established and accepted running order) will result in a DNS. The implications of a DNS are as follows:

(a) A driver receiving a DNS will be moved to the end of the running order (for that run only, he keeps his regular place for other runs) and will be called to run at the end of the regular runners. At that point he will be called to run and should he be not ready to run again, he will receive another DNS and again be moved to the end of the running order (presumably after the other DNS drivers, who are arranged in order)

(b) Each time a driver receives a DNS a one minute penalty will be added to his time. This is to penalize drivers whose rigs are poorly prepared and break down. It is also to forestall those who would purposely seek to be among the last runners in an attempt to gain an advantage as the track deteriorates.

(c) If a driver really cannot run, he will be given a DNR.

Section 15. DNR or DID NOT RUN – A DNR is given to racers who cannot run the track. This may be acknowledged by a driver who knows that he cannot run, or may be given by the officials to a driver after a series of DNSs shows that truly he cannot run, and is holding up the race for everyone else. Having been DNSed earlier assumes that reasonable time has been given to effect repairs, and if the vehicle is really not ready to run by the time it is being repeatedly called, a DNR is given.

Being given a DNR results in a time = (2 x max time) + DNS penalties incurred. It is the driver’s obligation to keep the race officials informed of his worthiness status and to be ready to race as per the racing order.

Section 16. Races with multiple tracks – Races may be organized with multiple tracks. Some adjustments will have to be made with regard to running order but always the general principles of the federation must prevail.

Section 17. Disqualification (DQ) At any time, the race organizers and officials reserve the right to disqualify racers for unsportsmanlike behavior. Disqualification means the racer is no longer allowed to race and must leave the premises. His registration fee need not be refunded and any prizes he may have won are forfeited. Examples of such behavior include:

(a) The use of alcohol or drugs by driver or crew.

(b) Abusive or violent behavior by driver or crew.