Get it out the Garage: How to compete in your 4×4

This National Motorsport Week we invite you to get your prized possession out of retirement and give grassroots motorsport a go – this one is for the 4×4 owners. It’s easier than you think to take part in motorsport across the UK, here’s how…

Cross Country

Cross Country events are the best reason for getting your 4×4 out of town and doing what it was designed for! With over 10 different types of events, Cross Country is the gateway to motorsport with some of the broadest types of competition, combining elements of rallying trials, orienteering and much more – there really is something for everybody!.

Cross Country predominately takes place on private land and caters from unlicenced novice drivers as young as 13 on low budgets to high speed purpose built competition vehicles for the highly skilled and experienced driver and everything in between.. One of the great elements about Cross Country is that with only a few minor modifications, the same vehicle is often eligible for multiple different event types.

While Cross Country is the overarching title for this motorsport discipline, there are a variety of ways that you can get your 4×4 back in action…

Tyro

Taking place on private land, Cross Country Tyros are non-damaging events that are aimed at novice & unlicensed drivers and are the perfect entry point to Cross County motorsport. A Tyro requires drivers to negotiate the set course (a ‘Section’) without hitting a marker and without stopping.

Cross Country Tyros are family friendly, and drivers can be as young as 13. They are a wonderful introduction to the world of Cross Country motorsport that enables young and novice drivers the chance to develop their driving skills in a controlled environment.

Tyros fall under StreetCar, Motorsport UK’s programme promoting motorsport participation in your everyday roadcar. To find a club or an event near you, register here.

Find out more about Tyros on Motorsport UK TV:

https://motorsportuk.tv/videos/a-guide-to-beginning-you-off-roading-adventure-welcome-to-tyro-trial/

Trials

Cross Country Vehicle Trials is about how far you go rather than how fast you get there whilst tackling testing terrain – through hills, mud and or obstacles. This is the next level up from Tyro’s which are aimed at novices or those with rather precious vehicles. Trials are open to competitors from the age of 15.

A low-speed but highly challenging discipline, it is one of the most accessible forms of the sport and is not only an ideal entry point for newcomers but also those experienced drivers in specially built competition vehicles. It’s a lot of fun to try in a 4×4 too, with challenging terrain a given as part of the course…

Competitive Safari

Commonly referred to as ‘Comp Safari’, These events take place on off-road courses typically between three to six miles in length but can be longer. While challenging, the course is designed to be driveable for all competitors throughout the day. Each competitor completes the course several times throughout the day, competing against the clock. Lowest aggregate time wins. Due to it being a speed event, vehicles and competitors need to comply with specific safety and technical regulations such as a Roll Over Protection System and helmets. Drivers also require a Full RTA Licence.

Get your intro to Competitive Safari on Motorsport UK TV:

https://motorsportuk.tv/videos/what-is-competitive-safari-an-introduction-to-comp-safari-off-road-racing/