The Car : Toyota Rav4

We are racing a Toyota Rav 4, 2.0L. The car has been built respecting the rules of Motorsport UK and the French Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile giving it access to many competitive events of differing lengths and formats.

The question many people have asked me is why a Rav 4? The simplest answer is because its a bit different! We'd often thought the Rav 4 is under rated as a 4x4. With Toyota having a good motorsport pedigree, we thought the Rav 4 should make a good racer; its small - so it doesnt take up too much space in the workshop and can fit between the trees on events, its relatively light, and shares some common underpinnings with some other great cars and its Japanese - so it should be reliable!

The Racing : Tout Terrain & Competitive Safaris

The Rav 4 has entered The racing takes place in a format known as 'Competitive Safari'. A Competitive Safari is a timed off road event where a cross-country course is marked out over route that can vary from 2 to 8 miles, depending on terrain. Competitors are required to undertake a number of timed runs (usually about 10) during a set period.

The vehicles taking part vary from highly modified 4x4s, two wheel drive buggies and standard production 4x4s with safety modifications, such as roll cages, safety harnesses and fire extinguisher. Vehicles must pass scrutineering prior to competition and competitors must produce a valid competition license as well as a valid club membership card. Although it is possible to spend limitless amounts of money on a safari vehicle, competition on a limited budget is possible and indeed encouraged by many clubs!

Racing is split into different classes, usually defined by engine capacity, level of modification and 2WD or 4WD drivetrain.

The Clubs :

 

SCOR - Southern Counties Off Road   At SCOR they pride themselves in being a friendly and hospitable Club whose members are dedicated 4x4 users. The Club is run by a committed band of enthusiasts for enthusiasts of Off Road sport. SCOR runs a full calendar of events including Trials and Safaris at locations across the south of England. Please see their website (http://www.scor4x4.co.uk) for an up to date list of future events.

 

AWDC - All Wheel Drive Club

 

The All Wheel Drive club was formed in 1968 to allow people to use their off road vehicles regardless of make or model. 2018 marked their 50th Anniversary when they celebrated being the largest all-makes off road club in the UK. Club members organise events all year round to allow others to put their vehicles through their paces. All events are organised on private land and are permitted and insured by Motorsport UK. Visitors and spectators are welcome at all events and there are no charges for admittance. If you are interested in competing in your vehicle the club offers a broad spectrum of disciplines including Trials, Challenge and Safaris. To find out more about each of these please see their website (http://www.awdc.co.uk) for an up to date list of future events.

 

Video Equipement : Recording the events

 

We are trying to make video clips of each of the events available on the site. This will give people an idea of what the events are like and what its like to be in the car during an event.

Once the event is over the video is then uploaded to our YouTube playlist where after a couple of days it can be viewed by all for free!