The Pioneer Category:
Cars of a model-type in production prior to 1920 with only authentic period modifications permitted.
The Vintageant Category:
Cars of a model-type in production prior to 1940 without disc brakes, regardless of age or supporting manufacturer documentation.
The Classics Category:
Cars of any model-type in production prior to 1960.
General Requirements
In line with the overall concept of the event, the Organisers have devised technical and eligibility regulations which will ideally see all the cars maintain their historical integrity and original appearance. The use of any modern day technology and components is against the spirit of the event. Due to the extreme terrain and the distance of this unique event the only changes allowed to the original specifications will be those for improving safety and reliability. All cars will comply with the FIVA Event Code by respecting these specific technical regulations.
Before the start the chassis, engine block, cylinder head(s), may be marked. Replacement of any of these parts during the event will incur a penalty.
Honesty Declaration Forms
These forms will be posted to all competitors 12 months before the event and must be completed and returned to the Rally Office as soon as possible. On the forms the competitors must record any modifications made to their cars for checking by the scrutineer to ensure compliance with the following technical specifications. A copy of the form will be returned to the competitor with comments from the scrutineer as appropriate. If following this further modifications are made to the car the onus lies with the competitor to resubmit the form to the Rally Office. No verbal approval of any modifications will be accepted. At pre-event scrutineering if the car shows any variance from the Honesty Declaration Form the competitor will be reported to the Clerk of the Course and penalties 'up to exclusion' from the event will be applied.
Chassis and Suspension
Strengthening of chassis and suspension components is permitted. Suspension must remain to the original manufactures design (for example live axles cannot be replaced by independent suspension nor leaf springs replaced by coil springs). Anti-roll bars and up-rated or additional springs and shock absorbers are permitted. Lever arms may be replaced by telescopic shock absorbers.
The fitting of underbody protection is strongly recommended for the engine sump, gearbox, rear axle, fuel tank and silencing system.
Engines
The cylinder block and the cylinder head(s) must be either from the original model or from a car made by the same manufacturer, providing this was in production during the period. They must be of the same design configuration, have the same number of cylinders, camshafts and valves. Cars fitted with non-original engines will compete in the Specials Category. Engine and gearbox mountings may be modified or replaced. The location of the radiator may not be changed but its capacity may be increased. The fitting of an oil cooler is permitted.
Carburettors may be changed or additional carburettors fitted providing that their size and make is of a type available in the period. The same applies to the inlet manifold. Air filters can be changed or modified but externally mounted air intakes are not permitted.
The exhaust system is free, however, if the exhaust pipes are mounted outside of the bodywork they should be shielded to avoid possible injury to spectators.
Cars must at all times comply with local noise regulations.
Cars should be tuned to run on local fuel supplies. These may be 75 octane in Mongolia and 80 octane in Russia.
Transmission
The gearbox can be changed to a unit from a model from the same manufacturer within the period. Overdrive is permitted where the model was not originally fitted with one. A limited slip differential is not permitted unless fitted as original equipment.
Axles and axle ratio can be changed providing the type of axle and suspensions system is not changed.
Brakes
All cars must have four-wheel brakes. Post-war classics may replace drums with discs providing all the components are from a production car of the period and from the same manufacturer as the original car. Discs are not permitted on any pre-war cars.
Electrical
Magnetos or dynamos can be up-rated or replaced by an alternator. Hand-operated advance and retard mechanisms can be fitted. Uprated bulbs and additional lights may be fitted. Cars may not have more than 6 forward facing lights fitted.
Fuel Tanks
The original fuel tank can be enlarged or additional tanks fitted providing the original basic location remains unchanged and that they are manufactured to a professional safety standard.
It is forbidden to carry fuel cans within the passenger compartment.
A fuel range of at least 375 miles or 600 kms is necessary.
Body (exterior)
The body should remain original in respect of shape and construction materials with the exception of small modifications, for example, additional cooling vents, bonnet and boot straps or catches, lamp guards, roof rack.
Minor flaring of the wings/mudguards to accommodate larger tyres is permitted but must cover the full width of the tyre over at least two thirds of the tyre circumference. All cars must have mud flaps fitted to all four wheels.
Body (Interior)
Car interior should be original or be of authentic appearance for a car of the period. Seat belts must be fitted, the steering wheel may be replaced, the front seats may be replaced, additional instruments, switches and controls may be added providing the layout of the original components is not changed. Interior accessories may be added to improve comfort, convenience or safety provided they do not affect the performance of the car. Radio transmitters are not permitted.
Tyres and Wheels
Wheels must be of a type available in the period. Alloy wheels are not permitted. The number of tyres and wheels carried on the car is free.
Spares
There will no limit to the quantity or the range of spares that can be carried on the car, however trailers will not be permitted.
Safety
Wherever practical cars are strongly recommended to be fitted with a roll-over bar, the minimum requirement being a single hoop and two back stays. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. A fire and liquid proof bulkhead between engine/fuel tank and passenger compartment is strongly recommended.
All cars must be fitted with a laminated windscreen or aeroscreens, glass cannot be replaced with plastic.
Racing style driver overalls and helmets are prohibited.
All cars must carry a warning triangle, a tow rope, at least one spare wheel and have mud flaps on all four wheels. An AFFF fire extinguisher of at least 1.75 litres must be securely fitted and within easy reach within the car. A comprehensive first aid kit, as specified by the organisers, is a mandatory requirement. A tent and sleeping bags for the crew is also mandatory. The carrying of a firearm or explosive device will lead to immediate exclusion.
Identification and Advertising
The Organisers will supply each crew with two metal rally plates and two adhesive front door panels bearing the competition numbers. These panels may incorporate publicity for the Organisers and/or sponsors of the event. The metal rally plates must be fixed to the front and rear of the car in a visible position for the duration of the rally and not obscure any part of the licence plate. Failure to display rally plates or competition numbers as required may be penalised.
There will be a limit to the amount and size of advertising on cars. It should be in period style and preferably confined to the bodywork to the rear of the front doors. There should be no commercial advertising on glass areas, front wings, or bonnet which are reserved for the names of crews, the name of the team and a national flag. The front doors should be kept clear for the competition number panel which may include space for the Organisers' advertising material.
Servicing and Repairs
Competitors should be self sufficient and able, where possible, to repair their own cars. However, the Organisers will use their best endeavours to arrange for Official Assistance crews to follow the whole route with instructions to assist in the event of emergency road-side repairs. They will not be expected to provide a towing service nor to work late hours at the end of the day. The Organisers cannot accept any responsibility for the performance or actions of the Assistance crews.
The only persons who may work on the competing car are its own crew, other competitors or Officials of the event. Additionally, members of the public, the employees of garages and motoring organisations may assist competitors provided their services or the supply of parts has not been pre-arranged. Non compliance will be penalised 'up to exclusion'.
Competitors are permitted to send spare parts in advance of or during the event to any point along the route by commercial postal or courier services. The movement of mechanics or spare parts by aircraft or helicopter specifically organised by the competitor is forbidden.
The towing of one competing car by another will be allowed but only to the end of that day. Towing or transportation of cars by other vehicles including trucks and breakdown vehicles for a reasonable distance to where assistance may be obtained is permitted. The Clerk of the Course will be the arbiter of what is a reasonable distance. The towing or transporting of competitors cars in the vicinity of a Time Control will be penalised as if the competitor had not visited the control. All Officials are considered to be Judges of Fact in the application of this rule and their decision can not be queried.