WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
The club runs a number of competitive events. These range from gentle introductory Tyros, through to cross country vehicle trails and orienteering events. The following information gives an overview of the disciples, but is no means definitive. If you would like to find out more about the events then please contact one of the committee. For a comprehensive definition of the rules and regulations please refer to the Motosport UK Blue Book.
As a club affiliated to Motorsport UK, BORDC offers events govered by their Year Book, commonly referred to as the Blue Book. These rules are used to ensure events are run safely.
There are a number of different events on offer such as Tyro Trials, Road Taxed Vehicle (RTV) Trials, Cross Country Vehicle Trials (CCVT), Orienteering events amongst others, but due to demand and vehicle suitability the BORDC concentrate on the following disciplines:
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Tyro Trials
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Tyro events provide an excellent starting point if you would like to try your Offroader out off-road. These events are aimed at young drivers or novice drivers in newer vehicles, where gentle sections are taxing enough to get to grips with the car without inflicting damage (reckless driving aside).
One of the biggest bonuses of this type of event is that juniors can compete from the age of 13 (under our supplementary regulations) provided they are passengered by fully licensed driver with some off road experience.
The event comprises of a set of up to 8 sections. Each section has 8 gates. Competitors attempt to drive between the gates without stopping or hitting a gate. The object is to get as far round the section as possible, ultimately receiving ‘0’ for an error free drive.
The sections are set out across open ground with the intention of testing driver and vehicle without the risk of damage. Varying terrain is used to test the driver’s ability. This type of event gives a good introduction to the trials system of gates and scoring that is employed in both RTV & CCVT events.
If you are interested in trying out your vehicle, be it a trusty off roader or Sunday best, come along and see for yourself. Check the calendar page for the next Tyro date.
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Road Taxed Vehicle (RTV) Trials
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RTV trails are based on the same format as Tyros, with sections incorporating 8 gates, but a full driving licence must be held to drive. Similar types of vehicle e.g. long wheel base, short wheel base, coil sprung suspension & leaf sprung suspension are grouped together in classes. These classes ensure drivers compete against like vehicles creating a level system. If vehicle numbers are low in certain classes, the club sometimes amalgamates smaller, but similar type, classes together.
The ground used in RTV is more challenging than in a Tyro. Sections are set out to make the best use of terrain, calling on the driver’s ability to read the route ahead and taking the correct line between gates. Balancing navigation, gear selection, speed and steering this is not as easy as you might think, especially on steep climbs, in water & mud or in forested areas.
RTV vehicles are fairly standard, but the regulations do allow for some modification to be made, making them more capable off road. As part of any of BORDC event, your vehicle will be checked for basic safety and it’s conformity to the vehicle class system. Scrutineers are always on hand to offer advice and guide prospective competitors on the suitability of their vehicle.
RTV trials are well suited to a majority of the Land Rover products. The courses are generally laid out with standard utility type vehicles such as Series, 90 and 110 with a few Range Rovers and Discovery’s thrown in for good measure. As later vehicles with side steps and front valences may struggle with approach angles and risk grounding, it’s best to come along and see for yourself how these type of events work before trying them out. Check the events page for the next RTV dates.
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Cross Country Vehicle Trials (CCVT)
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CCVT events are the most extreme for the trials disciplines, and as such vehicles require mandatory safety features. They do not need to be road taxed. Many competitors in this discipline prefer to setup their vehicles purely for this type of event, opting to trailer their competition motors to the event.
CCVT sections utilise the hardest ground in terms of side slopes, climbs and obstacles. The BORDC run mostly these events throughout the year. Check the events page for the next CCVT date.
Orienteering
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Same as normal Orienteering but in 4X4s! The format of these challenges is more open than the trials events and every driver signed on gets a whole day driving. Punches are laid out across a site, mainly placed in tricky, but sometimes hidden positions. Competitors must get their vehicle to the punch and mark a card fixed inside the vehicle. Same vehicle scruitineering applies and you will be allocated a team of two vehicles, if you've not come as a team, winches are not essential but it's handy to have at least one winch per team if you get stuck. Recovery "Joker" cards will be issued which change hands for recovery by another team. You will be given a map and a list of coordinates, so some sort of navigational aid or app is really needed, then you have a whole days driving to collect as many punches as you can. The team with the most punches at the end of the day are the winners.
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Taking Part
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To take part in RTV’s, CCV’s, Tyro’s and Gymkhana’s you will need to be a member of the BORDC. Occasionally we have events which are open to members of any MSA registered clubs including Tay 4x4 & Edzell off road club, which are determined by the Supplementary Reg’s.
To compete in either RTV or CCVT you will need to be a full member, or an associate, and hold a full driving licence. For Tyro events a driving licence is not required as long as you have a full licence holder as a navigator. Tyro events are also open to junior membership holders.
