FRMSA: Royal Moroccan Federation of Motor Sports
STAGE: Event during which you will be scored
LIAISON: Section between the base camp and the start (there and back)
WPT: Waypoint, point given by the GPS, you must go through all the WPTs
CP: Passage control, known in advance or not
“Physical” CP (CPP): you must present the time card and notify the organization of a competitor who has broken down, is in difficulty, accident or other.
“virtual” CP (CPV); you must validate the passage of the WPT by passing on the WPT, an area of ​​100m maximum radius around the WPT will be admitted to you
PPO: Obligatory Passage Point. They can be on any box of the road-book and can be a CP (CPP or CPV).
Time allowed: time given to complete the stage, it will be different each time depending on the type of terrain encountered and the group, it is the result of the different averages to be taken during the stage.
Maximum authorized time (TMA): Maximum time given by the organization to cover a stage (this time will vary according to the type of terrain encountered and the group), if this time is exceeded the competitor will be inflicted a fixed
Scratch penalty: c It is the difference between the time taken by the competitor to complete the stage and the allocated time translated into points and possibly including penalties.
Penalties: expressed in points, see article of these regulations.

The MOROCCO SAND EXPRESS 2023 is subject to the Sporting Code of the FRMSA and its Appendices, to which all competitors undertake to comply by the mere fact of their registration.

The MOROCCO SAND EXPRESS 2023 is open to off-road vehicles equipped with open group type safety elements including SSV, Score, buggy, truck historic vehicles.
These historic vehicles can register either like any other vehicle in the “RALLY RAID” and “GPS RALLY” categories, they can also register in the “LOASIS THE ORIGINAL CLASSIC” category specially provided for them with adapted specials .
2 formulas either “RACE” or “SAFARI” the latter being reserved for taking photos (no classification, participants will not go through the stages of the rally).
For the other 2 different classifications depending on the type of vehicle: “BEFORE 1989” and “BEFORE 2000”. An OPEN category and a 2 wheel drive category may be created depending on the number of entries.
Minimum 4-point harness for all crew members
Individual seats for all crew members
2 approved manual 2 kg powder extinguishers (extinguishers accessible by the crew)
Possibility of keeping the original tank, the tanks additional ones must be FIA ​​FT3 homologated and less than 5 years old for petrol vehicles
Roll bars in accordance with the spirit of the FIA ​​regulations; Materials seamless cold drawn carbon steel; anchor points and structure
Wearing a helmet, overalls and gloves is mandatory , shoes, fireproof underwear, as well as the wearing of the “Hans” or similar are strongly recommended.
SSVs must also be equipped with a rigid roof and side protection nets. Wearing a full-face helmet or a helmet with face protection (motorcycle type) is compulsory to protect the occupants from stone throwing.
But also to series vehicles (raid category):
Vehicles not falling into the above categories or according to the competitor’s desire to register in this category.
The competitors will leave after the others (may vary according to the organization’s decision) and must be equipped with survival equipment.
The lighting of the cars must be:
– at the front: minimum 2 headlights, in working order with dipped beam / headlight. Possibility of mounting several additional headlights, their ignition must be operated independently of the other headlights.
– at the rear: (in accordance with technical regulations) at least 2 red lights fitted with stop lights + 2 additional red fog lights, located at the highest point of the car (except for the raid category). These lights must be on throughout the duration of the event
For all vehicles, the filling of the fuel tank(s) must in no case require the opening of the bonnet and the filler opening must not be located in the cabin.
The vehicle must also be equipped with a powerful audible warning device (horn)
The transport of fuel on board the vehicles is prohibited
. The vehicles must have a minimum autonomy of 300 km (+ 10%) whatever the nature of the terrain.
Except:
– SSV mini 100 kms +10%, refueling will be arranged every 100 kms maximum for machines that do not have sufficient autonomy without neutralization
– Vehicles registered in the “LOASIS THE ORIGINAL CLASSIC” category mini 220 kms +10 %, supplies will be available at a maximum of 220 km for vehicles that do not have sufficient autonomy without neutralisation.

In accordance with the sporting code, the organization reserves the right to refuse the registration of a competitor without having to give reasons.
Competitors enter the MOROCCO SAND EXPRESS 2023, fully aware of the risks that the course of this event may lead them to run.
They release the organization in advance from any criminal or civil liability in the event of bodily or material accident during this event.

Entry requests will be processed in the order in which they arrive at the organiser.

The closing of entries is set for April 06, 2023, be careful the number of places is limited so possibility of closing before or put on the waiting list.
Entries will be received at the following address:
Grand Sud Orientation, BP 29 Mhamid EL GHIZLANE Province ZAGORA MAROC,
obligatory to confirm by email: gso4x4@yahoo.fr
Contact Benoît DELMAS 00.212.661.21.40.99

For competitors registered in the “LOASIS L’ORIGINAL CLASSIC” category, they must send email to gillesgirousse@gmail.com
Contact 00.33.608.55.81.83

Insofar as the start of the event could not take place for any reason whatsoever, Grand Sud Orientation would only be liable to the participants for the amounts of the entry fees paid less the administration fees of 4000 dirhams which will be retained by the organizer.
In any case, competitors cannot claim any compensation.

Technical and administrative checks will take place on May 7, 2023 from 7 a.m. in Merzouga.

Any competitor may be represented by production of the original documents

Administrative checks:
Tout concurrent doit se présenter avec les documents originaux suivant en cours de validité :
– Driving license
– International regularity license for non-residents
– Moroccan license for residents
– Possibility of contracting a participation certificate on site test with the FRMSA (provide a medical certificate of no contraindication to the practice of motor sport)
– Identity card or passport for foreigners
– Approved helmet with name and blood group on the helmet

For all vehicles:
– Insurance valid in Morocco
– Authorization of the owner if the vehicle is not in the name of the driver

The competitor undertakes on his honor to present papers perfectly in ruler.

Technical verifications :
Crews having passed the administrative checks must present themselves at the scrutineering.
The checks are of a general nature, conformity with the group, safety elements, etc.
Any vehicle which appears to be non-compliant for a group may possibly be changed group or refused at the start of the event before being brought into conformity
.
The names and blood group of the competitors must be affixed to each side of the vehicle on the fenders or front doors.

The numbers will be stuck on the front doors of the vehicles and the plates (stickers) must be affixed to the front of the hood and to the rear of the vehicle.

The stickers of the various sponsors (compulsory publicity) will be stuck on the vehicle on the sides towards the rear part + a sun visor on the windshield.
The dimensions of the stickers will be specified by addendum which will be distributed on the day of the administrative and technical control
Any competitor not wishing to stick these stickers will have to pay an increase of 50% of his commitment.

Each vehicle must be equipped with the following equipment throughout the event.
Controls may be carried out at any time and may result in penalties or exclusion from the event.
– your own GPS (any type is authorized)
– a satellite beacon and a “snitch” GPS (to be collected on site on May 7, 2023 at the administrative checks against a deposit by check of 450 euros which will be returned to you on May 7, 2023). Provide a 12V direct battery power supply
– a Moroccan or international mobile phone
– a water reserve of 5 liters per person
– motorcycle type goggles, one per person
– a survival blanket: aluminum sheet allowing ground-air signals
– a flashlight
– a lighter
– a belt cutter
– a first aid medical kit
– a towing strap with shackles
– a pocket mirror
– a spare wheel (recommended 2) firmly attached
As the competitors will have to face the sand and the dunes it is imperative to have sand removal plates and shovels.
Any competitor who cannot present all of his equipment at the start of a stage will be refused the start until it is compliant.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory during all the stages unless the organization advises otherwise.

For competitors in the “GPS RALLY” category, navigation will be done with your own GPS, the road book will be reduced to a simple A4 sheet and will include major dangers and major changes of direction with a possible description of the stage. In all cases, the route must be scrupulously respected.
For competitors in the “RALLY RAID” category and the “LOASIS L’ORIGINAL CLASSIC” category, navigation will be done with a classic paper road book (plan a trip) and your own GPS. Depending on the stages, the navigation can be done using a road book and/or GPS, in this case the road book will be reduced to a simple A4 sheet and will include the major dangers and major changes of direction with a possible description of the stage. . In all cases, the route must be scrupulously respected.

The next day’s road-book will be given every day during the briefing (GPS RALLY category) or at the finish of the stage (RALLY RAID and LOASIS category).
For the GPS RALLY category, the loading of the GPS will be done the day before at the end of the stage, the GPS will only be returned on the morning of the stage after the start of the last competitor in the Rally Raid category.

The presence of at least one member of the crew is mandatory at the briefing (for explanation of the next day’s stage) which will be held every evening at 8 p.m.

Before the start of each stage, competitors are given a time card. This will be given at the start, to the CPs and at the finish to have it stamped by the controllers.
Insofar as stages include several loops, a card will be given for each loop.
Any loss or deterioration of this card (illegible) will result in penalties and the competitor loses the right to any claim.

It will be done for the first stage according to the list provided by the organization.
For the following competitors will leave according to their ranking of the previous day’s stage, every minute, this may be modified according to the number of participants and/or safety requirements.
A minimum gap of 15 minutes will be respected between the theoretical start of the last motorcycle and the first car.
Similarly, a 30-minute gap will be respected before the start of the GPS RALLY category.
For the last stage, modifications may be applied with in particular starting line.

During all stages, as soon as the competitor is in the vehicle, wearing a harness (or a belt in the raid category) is compulsory as well as pilot and co-pilot equipment, unless the organization advises otherwise.

It is forbidden to travel in the opposite direction of the stages unless authorized by the organization

. Any competitor must present himself at the start at the time indicated, he may leave the base camp at his convenience.
Any delay will result in penalties.
Vehicles must present themselves on the starting line with headlights and red lights on, and during all stages

Any breach of sportsmanship or the spirit of the event may be penalized according to the decision of the organization (bad behaviour, dangerous behaviour, non-compliance with the course, non-compliance with safety rules, etc.).

The competitor must not deviate from the proposed course unless authorized by the organization

. Any competitor seeing another competitor in difficulty must go and find out about his problem. He must then and by all means notify the organization without delay.
In the event of a problem (breakdown requiring external intervention, injury, etc.), try to contact the organization by all means (satellite tracking, telephone, radio, message to another competitor, etc.).
In any case, do not take unnecessary risks and position yourself on the route in the most visible place possible.

Any competitor who has not completed the entire stage or who arrives after the deadline will not be excluded and may leave the next day.
He will receive a maximum fixed penalty which will vary according to the length and the difficulties of the stages and the number of CPs missing from the stage
. Any competitor who cannot present himself at the start of a stage will not be excluded and will be able to restart the next day.

A sweeper vehicle will close the stage and will be able to pick up competitors whose vehicles have broken down.
It is clear that if a competitor deviates from the race lane, he will not be picked up by the sweeper truck, so it is the duty of the crew to respect this safety instruction.

All controls: start and finish of stages, passage control will be indicated by standardized panels.                                                                                                 See appendix n° 1 These panels will always be placed on the right side of the zone, which will have a width of 15 meters maximum. It is forbidden: – to enter a control zone from a different direction than that planned – to return to this zone after checking in at this control – to remain on standby in this zone, to do mechanics or other. The passage checks will generally not be known (number and geographical position) by the competitors so that they scrupulously respect the route of the stage. All WPTs can be CPs (CPP or CPV). On certain boxes of the road-book it may appear the mention PPO (compulsory passage point) which may be a CP (CPP or CPV) A competitor arriving at a CP and realizing that he is missing one is prohibited from doing U-turn to go and point it under penalty of heavy penalties. The start and finish will be close to each other to facilitate assistance in the stages involving a loop to be done several times. The finish area: – Panel with a yellow background; start of area – Panel with red chrono background 50 m later, end of chrono – Panel with red background stop: between 100 and 200 m later, stop point, the competitor must return his time card on which the controller will write the time of arrival – Panel with beige background: 50 m later, end of zone

All competitors must scrupulously respect the highway code.

All competitors must respect a certain ethic with respect to other competitors, members of the organization, the local population as well as any animal found on the course.

Any breach of sportsmanship or the spirit of the event may be penalized according to the decision of the organization (bad behaviour, dangerous behaviour, non-compliance with the course, non-compliance with safety rules, etc.).

Any competitor caught will have to pull over to be overtaken, even if it means stopping.
Just as any competitor who overtakes another must not make him take any risk.

The competitor must not deviate from the proposed course unless authorized by the organization

Any competitor seeing another competitor in difficulty will have to go and find out about his problem. He must then and by all means notify the organization without delay.

In the event of a problem (breakdown requiring external intervention, injury, etc.), try to contact the organization by all means (satellite tracking, telephone, radio, message to another competitor, etc.).
In any case, do not take unnecessary risks and position yourself on the route in the most visible place possible.

In the , start, CP and finish areas, competitors must slow down well before and arrive at moderate speed so as not to put the controllers at risk. Similarly, when starting, avoid going all the way with the risk of stones being thrown.strong>
The controllers will be grateful to you with a faster pointing for example.

On and during a stage exclusively by the competitors of the event.
An approved assistance team can be sent with authorization from the organization.

In the assistance zone (near the start – finish): free assistance by authorized persons.

At the base camp: free assistance by approved people with the possibility of getting help from an approved local garage without harming other competitors.

For the time of the day:
– late check-in: 1/100 point per second
– early check-in: 2/100 points per second
CP (CPP or CPV) missed: different penalties depending on the type of terrain
Voluntary non-respect of the course (cut ): according to decision of the organization which can go as far as exclusion.
Exceeding the maximum authorized time (TMA): Fixed penalty of the day (TMA + 72 points). Any competitor who cannot finish a stage or arrives after the closing of the finish CP must imperatively return his time card to the race PC as soon as possible or at worst the next day 10 minutes before the start of the first car to the controller of the starting area).
Not starting a stage: Fixed penalty for the day + 72 points + all the penalties for the day.
Delay at the start of a stage: 60/100 points per minute late (up to 30 min, after start refused unless advised by the organizer)
Loss of card: 18 points
Oncoming traffic on a stage: 72 points which can go as far as exclusion.
Bad behavior presenting a danger: penalties on decision of the organization which can go as far as exclusion.

The classification of the stage and the provisional general classification will be posted every evening.
At the end of the event, a classification by group will also be established.
A specific classification will be displayed every evening (stage and provisional general) for the “LOASIS L’ORIGINAL CLASSIC” category.

Any complaints may be made in writing to the race management by the competitor concerned within a given time limit (1 hour maximum after display of the provisional classifications).
The complaint must be accompanied by the sum of 2000 dirhams, an amount which will not be refunded if the complaint is deemed unfounded or unjustified.

Anything that is not explicitly authorized by these rules is prohibited, except prior authorization.

Any competitor, assistant authorizes Club RUC and GRAND SUD ORIENTATION to use or have used and reproduce or have reproduced their name, image, voice and sporting performance within the framework of the MOROCCO SAND EXPRESS 2023 for any direct or indirect exploitation of the worldwide and by all known means.