FAQ
What is the most suitable car?
Any car will do, as the trails are accessible. However, it is certain that the more basic the mechanics, the easier it will be to repair if problems should occur. Similarly, the lighter the car (e.g. Citroën 2CV or Mehari, 4L...), the easier it will be to push if you get stuck in the sand. But don’t forget that it will be easier to get a car manufacturer to lend you a more recent model, as publicity for a model that is currently in production is more interesting than for one that is obsolete.
How should I prepare my car?
You can set out without making any preparations at all. But, time and money permitting, we recommend at least a minimum. The points we consider to be crucial:
* Increase the ground clearance if possible (2 cm can make all the difference on a rock).
* Install a protective metal sheet (even a thin one) under the car’s most sensitive parts (oil pan, axle nose).
* Make sure that there is a ring solidly attached to the chassis or the body (one in front and another in the back), to attach a tow strap in order to pull the car if you get stuck in the sand.
* Make sure there are fixtures in the vehicle for attaching dangerous items (tool box, jack…).
* Use tires that are the most resistant to rocks. If you can, bring along at least 2 spare tires.
Is it difficult?
Most certainly not – This raid is accessible to anyone in good health. The legs are not too long; the organisation will reassure you with its supervision and professionalism.
Can we have a mixed team (student/professor or student/former student)?
There is nothing preventing you from setting out with your mother, your brother, your prof…
What are the added values of your Raid?
* A reasonable number of vehicles – allowing more encounters with local populations, and avoiding congestion and traffic problems.
* A reasonable number of participants – allowing participants to get to know each other.
* A reasonable price, less expensive than other raids.
* A professional and respectful organiser (18 years of rally experience)
* A real sporting event with a clear ranking based on clear sporting regulations.
Any car will do, as the trails are accessible. However, it is certain that the more basic the mechanics, the easier it will be to repair if problems should occur. Similarly, the lighter the car (e.g. Citroën 2CV or Mehari, 4L...), the easier it will be to push if you get stuck in the sand. But don’t forget that it will be easier to get a car manufacturer to lend you a more recent model, as publicity for a model that is currently in production is more interesting than for one that is obsolete.
How should I prepare my car?
You can set out without making any preparations at all. But, time and money permitting, we recommend at least a minimum. The points we consider to be crucial:
* Increase the ground clearance if possible (2 cm can make all the difference on a rock).
* Install a protective metal sheet (even a thin one) under the car’s most sensitive parts (oil pan, axle nose).
* Make sure that there is a ring solidly attached to the chassis or the body (one in front and another in the back), to attach a tow strap in order to pull the car if you get stuck in the sand.
* Make sure there are fixtures in the vehicle for attaching dangerous items (tool box, jack…).
* Use tires that are the most resistant to rocks. If you can, bring along at least 2 spare tires.
Is it difficult?
Most certainly not – This raid is accessible to anyone in good health. The legs are not too long; the organisation will reassure you with its supervision and professionalism.
Can we have a mixed team (student/professor or student/former student)?
There is nothing preventing you from setting out with your mother, your brother, your prof…
What are the added values of your Raid?
* A reasonable number of vehicles – allowing more encounters with local populations, and avoiding congestion and traffic problems.
* A reasonable number of participants – allowing participants to get to know each other.
* A reasonable price, less expensive than other raids.
* A professional and respectful organiser (18 years of rally experience)
* A real sporting event with a clear ranking based on clear sporting regulations.
Are we allowed to use a Tripmaster?
Yes, there is no problem with using a Tripmaster.
Is it necessary to have a tow ring at the front and rear of the vehicle?
Tow rings are recommended in case your vehicle needs to be pulled by another vehicle. Otherwise you will need to do a lot of pushing if your car gets stuck in the sand.
Does the towing strap need to be approved?
No – You just need to be careful not to stay close to the strap (approved or not) while towing because if the strap breaks, it could whip around and injure you.
Do we need a 20 liter Jerri can for the longer legs (is it recommended or obligatory?)
A Jerri can is not necessary; the length of the legs is measured for a standard gas tank. In any event, Jerri cans are strictly prohibited within the vehicles.
Do we need distress flares?
Distress flares are neither recommended nor required by the Organizer.
Do we need a fire extinguisher?
Neither the Highway Code nor the Organizer imposes the use of a fire extinguisher.
During the raid, are communication systems between vehicles, like CB radios or walkie-talkies, authorized?
With the exception of cell phones, all means of communicating between vehicles are prohibited.
Yes, there is no problem with using a Tripmaster.
Is it necessary to have a tow ring at the front and rear of the vehicle?
Tow rings are recommended in case your vehicle needs to be pulled by another vehicle. Otherwise you will need to do a lot of pushing if your car gets stuck in the sand.
Does the towing strap need to be approved?
No – You just need to be careful not to stay close to the strap (approved or not) while towing because if the strap breaks, it could whip around and injure you.
Do we need a 20 liter Jerri can for the longer legs (is it recommended or obligatory?)
A Jerri can is not necessary; the length of the legs is measured for a standard gas tank. In any event, Jerri cans are strictly prohibited within the vehicles.
Do we need distress flares?
Distress flares are neither recommended nor required by the Organizer.
Do we need a fire extinguisher?
Neither the Highway Code nor the Organizer imposes the use of a fire extinguisher.
During the raid, are communication systems between vehicles, like CB radios or walkie-talkies, authorized?
With the exception of cell phones, all means of communicating between vehicles are prohibited.
How do you combine a ranked competition with solidarity?
The Students Challenge is, in fact, a competition, which means that the individual is of prime importance.
However, this Raid is supposed to be based on the values of mutual help and solidarity between teams.
These are 2 opposing ideas, and it will be up to each competitor to decide how to handle this duality. Clearly each competitor must position himself/herself between these two extremes, according to his/her values and expectations: to play to win, not bothering with the others, or to help and share, letting performance take a back burner…
We believe that it is possible to reconcile these two extremes. Drive, help out a friend –but quickly – and then make up for lost time…
Are the times calculated very closely?
No, the course was developed with long time periods to allow competitors to drive calmly. But you may choose to drive a bit faster and then stop for a photo break or to help out a friend. Competitors will get their bearings on the first leg and will learn how to pace themselves.