Rulebook and categories

The Rules were compiled by the Off-road Club Herceg ProTeam, and represent an official binding document for all participants in the “BlidinjeChallenge” race held in the Blidinje Nature Park; Bosnia and Herzegovina. The club management reserves the right to amend and supplement certain provisions of the Rules.

 

RULES

 

1. VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS AND CLASS SCHEDULE

 1.2. Vehicles that meet all the requirements required by the regulations for public transport vehicles may participate in the race, and must have lighting and signaling (stop lights) and competition equipment prescribed by the Rules.

 1.3. Participating vehicles are classified by classes:

 1.4. ADVENTURE class

 – It is desirable to have a roll bar (The roll bar is for your own safety. The minimum propositions of the roll bar are 1 solid arch; bent along or over the roof, not welded to the roof, and that it has 2 supports welded at the highest point. It must have 4 firmly fixed bases. The roll bar is strongly recommended. )

– No portals are allowed for this class.

– Maximum tire size is 35″ (88cm).

– Agricultural tires, work machine tires, and off-road tires are allowed. Tires must be MT and similar markings, AT and road tires are not allowed.

– Front winch is mandatory. Electric winch of max 9500lb must have synthetic or steel rope 8 mm   thick or more. Electric winches over 9500lb, hydraulic and cardan winches must have synthetic or steel rope 10 mm or more.

– Adequate lighting on the vehicle is mandatory due to the night part of the race.

– Tire chains are not allowed.

– Spare wheel is mandatory.

– Tree protection strap is mandatory.

– A spanner of minimum length 9 m is mandatory.

– A towing hook for front and rear on the vehicle is mandatory.

– First aid in accordance with ECE standards or better is mandatory.

– A fire extinguisher of at least 2kg (or 2x1kg) is mandatory, which must be charged and certified.

– Seat belts with at least 3 anchorage points (as in serial vehicles) or more are mandatory.

– Helmets for the driver and passenger are mandatory, which must be ECE tested for automotive or

for standard use in traffic (cannot be recreational).

– There must be no oil or any other liquid leaking from the car

– Treads and anchors are allowed.

– Tripmaster is mandatory.

– Compass is mandatory.

– Gloves are mandatory.

 

1.5. CHALLENGE class

– Must have a roll bar (Roll bar is for your own safety and is mandatory. The minimum roll bar requirements are 1 solid arch; bent along or across the roof, not welded to the roof, and to have 2 supports welded at the highest point. Must have 4 firmly fixed bases. Roll bar is strongly recommended.)

– Portals are allowed for this class.

– There is no limit on tire size for this class.

– Agricultural tires, work machine tires, and offroad tires are allowed. Tires must be MT and similar markings, AT and road tires are not allowed.

– Front and rear winches are mandatory. Electric winches of max 9500lb must have

Synthetic or steel rope 8mm thick or more. Electric winches over 9500lb,

Hydraulic and cardan winches must have synthetic or steel rope 10mm or more.

– Adequate lighting on the vehicle is mandatory due to the night part of the race.

– Tire chains are allowed.

– Spare wheel is mandatory.

– Tree protection strap is mandatory.

– A spanner of minimum length 9m is mandatory.

– A towing hook at the front and back of the vehicle is mandatory.

– First aid in accordance with ECE standards or better is mandatory.

– A fire extinguisher of minimum 2kg (or 2x1kg) is mandatory, which must be filled and certified.

– Seat belts with minimum 3 anchor points (as in serial vehicles), or more are mandatory.

– Helmets for the driver and passenger are mandatory, which must be ECE tested for automotive or standard traffic use (cannot be recreational).

– There must be no oil or any other liquid leaking from the car.

– Tread strips and anchors are allowed.

– Tripmaster is mandatory.

– Compass is mandatory.

– Gloves are mandatory.

 

PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE, A RIGOROUS INSPECTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT, SO WE ASK YOU TO PREPARE ALL EQUIPMENT AT THE START OF THE VERIFICATION CONTROL. VEHICLES THAT DO NOT MEET THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

 

2. RULES, REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES

 2.1. All participants must be of legal age (minimum 18 years).

2.2. Drivers must have a valid category B driving license.

2.3. The race consists of several roadbooks and several special tests.

2.4. Assistance to the competing crew (driver and co-driver) is not allowed during the duration of the

Special test and roadbook, not even in the event of a rollover of the competing vehicle.

2.5. During the roadbook race, assistance is only allowed from other competing teams and only those who are still participating in the race.

2.6. During special tests and roadbooks:

– Crews must wear helmets and seat belts at all times, except when they are not in the vehicle of course.

– It is advisable to wear gloves when using straps, ropes or winches in any way.

– For each violation of the above rules, the crew will be penalized with 10 minutes of additional time. Safety penalties will be multiplied if the violation is repeated more than once.

2.7. For lost or misplaced items on the course (used as assistance on the special course), the crew will be penalized with 5 minutes of additional time.

2.8. For garbage or waste thrown from the vehicle, the crew will be penalized with 5 minutes of additional time.

2.9. If something is dragged behind the vehicle (winch rope, cable, spanner or any accessory) when passing the finish line, the crew will be penalized with 5 minutes of extra time.

2.10. The winch rope must be wound at the start and finish.

2.11. During a special stage (after the start or before the finish), the winch rope or attached straps may be IN or ON the vehicle, but never in the crew cabin, as this is a violation and will be penalized with 10 minutes of additional time.

2.12. The driver and navigator (co-driver) may cross the finish line or start only if both are in the vehicle.

2.13. Whoever tears a pole or strap in a special stage will be penalized (10 minutes of additional time for a pole, 5 minutes of additional time for a strap).

2.14. Each special stage and roadbook will have a maximum passing time (set time), if 1/3 of the course is not completed in the set time, there is no point in continuing the ride according to the roadbook/special stage.

2.15. Time regulations for roadbooks and special tests.

– If a crew does not arrive at the roadbook start line at the start time and plans to start the stage, the start time is released and that same crew starts after the last vehicle in its class.

– If a crew starts the roadbook, but receives unauthorized assistance, the crew will be considered not to have completed the stage DNF.

– Each stage (roadbook and special test) will have a specific set time and a specific number of checkpoints, the set time will be divided by the number of checkpoints, for each checkpoint stamp that is missing at the finish line of each stage (roadbook and special test) the value of the checkpoint x 2 will be added to the achieved time for that stage (e.g. if the set time of the stage is 4 hours, the stage has 4 checkpoints, each checkpoint carries 1 hour, if 1 checkpoint is missing the penalty is 1 hour x2 = 2 hours, if 2 checkpoints are missing the penalty is 2 hours x 2=4 hours, etc…plus the achieved time).

– Competitors who do not finish the stage in the given time (roadbook and special test) will be given the overtime increased by 2 times plus the time set for that stage (e.g. the set time for the stage is 4 hours, the competitor finished the stage in 4:10 hours, the total time will be 4 hours +10min X 2=4:20 hours)

– Crews who do not arrive at the starting line of the special test will be given the set time for the given stage increased by 50% x 2

– A crew that starts but does not finish a special stage (through no fault of their own) will have the time remaining until the end of the same stage x2 added to their time achieved in the given stage

– A crew that starts but does not finish a special stage will have the set time x2 added to their time

– For all special stages, the total time achieved, as well as the penalty time, will be increased by 3 times.

2.16. Before the starting line of the track, the crew may remove anything they do not need from the car and they cannot use it before the finish line because it will be classified as outside assistance.

2.17. If a crew member gets lost, falls ill or is injured during the race, he may be replaced by another member.

– By another member who has decided not to continue the race (but not with a team member who has previously successfully completed the challenge)

– Other people may also replace a crew member, but only if they are registered.

2.18. A replaced member does not have the right to continue the race in any other vehicle.

2.19. A crew with a replaced member may remain in the race for a prize; and may receive the prize.

2.20. If some crews have a spare vehicle, they must register it and check that it meets the prescribed technical requirements before the start. Different crews may later use this vehicle as a replacement, but only once is allowed to replace the main vehicle. After that, it must be brought to the finish line of the race. The previous vehicle may no longer be used during the race.

2.21. If a vehicle is seriously damaged during the race, each judge has the right to stop it and send a crew to repair the vehicle. After such a situation, the vehicle must undergo an urgent technical Inspection, which will be organized before the start of the next race.

2.22. The driver and co-driver may be changed during the race at any time.

2.23. The winner will be the team with the best time combined with all special tests of the entire race.

2.24. All crews are required to pay the entry fee according to the prescribed conditions.

2.25. The consumption of alcohol or other drugs is strictly prohibited during the official part of the race.

2.26. The organizer is obliged to provide a special vehicle for the removal and transport of defective or damaged vehicles to an appropriate location.

2.27. Competitors are allowed to use all types of advertising on their competition vehicles as long as:

– Advertising is not placed in places designated for registration marks and competition numbers;

– In places that reduce visibility;

– Do not contain inscriptions of any political content, or any hate speech.

2.28. Competitors are obliged to stick on their vehicles all stickers that the organizing club distributed at the start of the race.

2.29. The organizer is obliged to provide a valid and clear roadbook, and all other instructions related to the official part of the race.

2.30. During the official part of the race, only the driver and the co-driver may be in the vehicle.

2.31. Vehicles will start according to the serial number they secured in the prologue that is run on the first day of the race, after verification of all registered vehicles. Vehicles that did not run the prologue, but want to enter the race; will start last in the next stage.

2.32. The start of the next stage (roadbook or special test) determines the placement from the previous stage.

2.33. Each crew is obliged to appear at all given time controls, and Other given points.

2.34. Vehicles will start at 2-minute intervals. In the event that the crew whose turn it is to start does not appear on time, the organizer will start the next crew at the scheduled time of the next crew. Crews that are late to the starting line have the opportunity to start after all vehicles in their class have started.

 

3. PRIZES

 3.1. The first three places in the Adventure and Challenge classes will be awarded in the following

order:

 3.2. Adventure Class

1st place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

2nd place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

3rd place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

 3.3 Challenge Class

1st place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

2nd place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

3rd place diploma, cup and merchandise prize

 

4. DISCIPLINE IN THE RACE

4.1. All participants in the race are obliged to comply with traffic regulations in public transport.

4.2. Drivers are particularly obliged to respect speed limits on roads, especially during

Riding through populated areas and those highlighted by the organizer in the roadbook. Any

Non-compliance with the above will be punished with an additional 60 minutes of total time. This

restriction does not apply to special test routes that are closed to public traffic.

4.3. The following are considered as particularly serious disciplinary violations, which will result in disqualification and DNF of the current stage:

– Obstructing overtaking (breakdown, impossibility, incapacity or other reason); not allowing other crews to overtake; they have the right to remove it or record it with an audio/video recording that will be forwarded to the organizer;

– Leaving the scene of a possible accident on a public road and not providing first aid to the injured (lost time with the presentation of the traffic police or a health institution will be neutralized);

– Placing obstacles on the road, moving or removing road signs set by the organizer;

– Taking drugs, alcohol or other intoxicating substances during the competition.

 

5. REGISTRATION FEES AND CONDITIONS

5.1. Each crew is obliged to pay the prescribed registration fee, which is:

– 900.00 EUR per vehicle (registration fee includes 2 crew members)

– For accompanying crew members (up to 5 people), the registration fee is an additional 300.00 EUR per person.

– For persons/crews who do not want to sleep in the race organization; the registration fee will be reduced by 20% (on the listed prices).

5.2. For registration, it is necessary to pay 50% of the stated amount no later than 05.08.2025. After this date, it is not possible to get a refund of the money paid, and anyone who cancels the registration by this date will be able to get a refund.

5.3. The remaining 50% of the amount must be paid upon arrival, at the official registration of the race.

5.4. All registrations and payments received by 05.08.2025. will be considered valid. After 05.08.2025. registration will no longer be possible.

5.5. All crews will receive official race T-shirts at the start of the race.

5.6. Car washing will be available on the main plateau for a fee.

5.7. The registration fee includes:

– Wednesday: Dinner and accommodation

– Thursday: breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation

– Friday: breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation

– Saturday: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodation

– Sunday: breakfast and lunch

 

*All meals (except lunch on Saturday) will be served in hard, purpose-equipped facilities.

*Accommodation will be provided in facilities of categorization 3*.

 

6. PENALTY PROVISIONS

 6.1. Penalties for competitors (disqualification) if they commit the following violations:

– Crews whose vehicles do not have starting numbers or stickers of the race sponsor;

– Loss of crew card and/or starting number;

– Any unauthorized change in the crew card;

– Refusal or impeding of traffic police requests;

– Any irregularity, violation or unsportsmanlike behavior of competitors;

– Refusing to remove the broken vehicle and/or interfering with other crews;

– If any attempt at fraud is detected regarding the prescribed technical conditions of the vehicle.

 

7. APPEALS

 7.1. All complaints, appeals and the like must be submitted to the race organizer, in writing, with a fee of 100EUR, as soon as possible after the problem,

misunderstanding or any irregularity occurs (immediately after the finish line of the stage, and before the start of the next stage) with valid evidence and/or presentation of a video recording.

7.2. In the event of acceptance of the appeal, the money will be refunded, while in the event of rejection of the appeal the money will be retained.

7.3. Decisions on appeals are made by the race organizer, judges and the competition commission consisting of:

– Judge

– Organizer

– Independent member

 

8. OTHER PROVISIONS

 8.1. All participants in the competition are required to fully familiarize themselves with the Competition Regulations and confirm this by signing the registration form upon arrival. By signing, they undertake to comply with all provisions of the Regulations. The provisions of the Regulations cannot be changed in any way during the competition, unless the organizer is prevented from doing so by unforeseen circumstances or force majeure.

8.2. Competitors drive at their own risk and responsibility, with full moral, material and

Criminal liability.

8.3. Part of this race will be held in public traffic and it is necessary to comply with

Regulations and orders of the traffic police.

8.4. The race organizer reserves the right to change parts and sections, roadbooks and special tests during the competition, to stop the competition or exclude individual crews from further competition.