Taking Part

There are several types of events that you can take part in - Tyro, RTV, CCV and Comp Safari.

The courses of the three types of trial are divided into sections, which are marked by pairs of sticks or canes "gates" to define the route. These are precision driving events where competitors attempt to drive their vehicles through a dozen or so such gates without touching any of them or stopping. Sounds easy but the ground used will be hilly, bumpy, muddy, sandy, gravely or partially flooded!

TYRO

Showroom Vehicle Event.

This a newly introduced event similar to RTV, catering for the standard road taxed showroom type vehicle as produced by the manufacturer, as well as for the enthusiast who wishes to take his "Cherished" vehicle into competition. It is seen as a starting point for beginners to more serious off-road trialing. The type of terrain used must not risk damage to the underside or bodywork of competing vehicles and contours may not exceed 50% (1 in 2) fore & aft gradient, 25% (1in 4) transverse gradient, or have water sections deeper then 0.l3 metre.

Any 4x4 with an MOT and road tax, can compete. All passengers must be in forward facing seats and they must wear seat belts. The driver will need to hole a full driving licence and be a member of and ALRC affiliated club. At the Club's discretion, anyone over 14 years old or over may drive, provided they are accompanied by a front seat passenger who holds a full car licence and is an experienced off road trial driver. No passengers under 14 yrs old in the front and none under 2 yrs old in the back.

RTV

Road Taxed Vehicle Trial

This event is aimed at competitors with a greater level of experience than the Showroom Vehicle Event, and may use more severe terrain, though still being non-damaging to sensibly prepared basic production vehicles. All vehicles must be fully road legal with tax, MoT, insurance etc and must be on road legal tyres, inflated to at least 22psi.

The only compulsory modifications required are for suitable recovery points, front and rear. Front; usually by the use of "JATE" rings that bolt through the chassis using the existing front bumper mounts. Rear; usually by the fitting of a standard tow bar (Note: High Tensile nuts and bolts must be used to secure it to the rear cross member, welding alone is not strong enough). Although not laid down in the rules, just about every club will require you to have your own tow rope, preferably made of 1" rope with loops either end, shackles are also a good idea but must have a pin size of at least 2/3" (19mm). Wire ropes and chains are not permitted.

CCV

Cross Country Vehicle

This is a more difficult event and competition vehicles are to a different specification. They are often cheaper than RTV's as they don't have to be road legal. They must all be provided with rollover protection and carry a fire extinguisher, but may otherwise be similar to vehicles used in RTV.

Full rules for CCV/Time Trial vehicles can be found in the ARC Handbooks.

Time Trial

This is a timed version of a CCV Trial. Formulae are applied to determine scores based on the time taken compared to a pre-set time period. All vehicles must be fitted with a roll-cage for safety and carry a fire extinguisher