French Sports Code
In forceLAND MOTOR VEHICLE EVENTS IN WHICH SPEED IS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE CLASSIFICATION, AND WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DISCIPLINES COVERED BY THE DELEGATION GRANTED BY THE MINISTRY OF SPORT TO THE FRENCH MOTOR SPORTS FEDERATION OR THE FRENCH MOTORCYCLING FEDERATION.
(art. A331-22 and A331-23)
Definition
This includes races involving tractors, combine harvesters or other motorised land vehicles, regardless of the number of wheels or method of propulsion.
Rules relating to the circuit or course
The nature of the surface and the length of the circuit are free. The minimum width at any point must be at least 3 times the maximum width of the machines used, so as to allow other competitors to overtake, where this is possible. In the case of a course on which vehicles travel individually, the width may be reduced to at least 2 times the maximum width of the vehicle. The track must be free of any obstacle or feature likely to present a particular risk to participants.
Where these races take place on non-permanent circuits and the speed that can be reached is always less than 200 km/h, the prefectoral authorisation for the event is equivalent to approval of the circuit for the duration of the event only, in accordance with the provisions of article R. 331-37 of the French Sports Code.
Rules relating to the equipment used
It must be ensured that:
- accessories likely to present a particular danger to the rider or his passenger inside the cockpit are protected or removed;
- a system for securing the rider to his seat is provided, except for motorbikes and quad bikes;
- the maximum noise limit of 100 dB (A) is not exceeded.
Rules relating to competitors or participants
Medical fitness:
- participants must present a medical certificate stating that they are not contraindicated in motor sports for less than one year;
Driving ability:
- participants must present the driving licence required to drive the machine being used, as they cannot benefit from the exemption provided for in article R. 221-16 of the Highway Code;
Personal safety equipment:
- as a minimum, participants must be equipped with an approved helmet.
Rules relating to supervisors
As there is no specific training for this type of event, no particular qualifications are required. The race director must hold a driving licence.
At least one race director and a sufficient number of track marshals must be present at the event, taking into account the length of the circuit.
Medical:
- Medical supervision must be adapted to the risks incurred by the participants, depending on the speed reached by the machines. At least one team of first-aiders must be present on the track. Access to the event site by the emergency services (ambulances, fire brigade and doctors) must be guaranteed at all times during the event.
Provisions for the protection of the public
Protection of the public must be adapted to the speed, weight and size of the equipment used. Reference should be made to the technical and safety rules laid down by the Fédération française du sport automobile or the Fédération française de motocyclisme for related disciplines, in particular, depending on the speed and inertia of the machines, the measures for protecting the public laid down for:
- hill-climbing or karting disciplines, when the machines are used on asphalt;
- off-road circuits or 4 × 4 trials disciplines, when the machines are used on off-road circuits.
In particular, fire extinguishers appropriate to the risks must be provided in sufficient numbers and in suitable locations.
Miscellaneous provisions
These events are subject to all the provisions, particularly with regard to insurance and the filing of applications, set out in articles R. 331-18 to R. 331-44 of the French Sports Code.
