Where to take my buggy build?

[rcx106]

I started building a custom 4x4 spaceframe buggy, I got as far as collecting the parts, designing the chassis, and finding someone to fabricate the chassis for me. It was going to be a trials buggy, but to make it legal for comp safari so that I could occasionally get my need for speed. And road legal (IVA test). I liked that idea because trials is an easy and cheap sport and occasional comp safari would let me have some high speed fun!

Unfortunately a combination of MSA rules, design constraints, and trying to fit everything into an 88" wheelbase (short is good for trials) has made my design a bit dry, so I'm looking for other directions to take my project.

So I thought I'd reverse it, and do something that is mainly a comp safari buggy that is also legal for trials. But now people are telling me that comp safari routes are getting more like dirt tracks to the point where people are starting to use 2wd. I'm less excited about that!

I've started looking at Ultra4. Looks ok, but we don't have true Ultra4 terrains in the Europe so it looks a bit forced. But could be good.

Challenge events look like it all comes down to who has the most expensive winch and biggest tyres. Looks like way too much winching!

Dakar rally has £30'000 entrance fee! But there are some cheaper alternatives that cost £1000. Still very pricey for most people to do regularly.

Green laning is too easy in the UK.

Anyone got any other ideas?

It could also just be a good looking fun 4x4 truck that's capable of a bit of everything. It wouldn't win at anything, being a jack of all trades, but I'm mostly in it for the build. Not sure if anything can be compliant with both Ultra4 and FIA/MSA rules though.

[DelicaL400]

I've watched a fair bit of comp safari, I've seen very few 2WD cars. Yes most of the courses have tracks that you could go down in a rally car but they also have sections that you'd definitely not be able to do in a rally car!

Depends where you are and what your budget is, look at a regional comp safari championship like NORC or a national one like BCCC/AWDC?

[PhillipM]

Tracks are getting smoother, yes, but there's far less 2wd cars running now than there ever was. Courses are geared too much towards 4wd these days, big stops followed by straights where traction and power is a premium.

[rcx106]

Thanks. So Comp Safari is starting to look good again

[rcx106]

DelicaL400 said:

Depends where you are and what your budget is, look at a regional comp safari championship like NORC or a national one like BCCC/AWDC?

I'll have a look at these. I know AWDC.

[PhillipM]

There's loads, staff and shrops run their own, there's a Midlands comp club, SCOR (southern), etc, plenty of local clubs as well as the national ones like AWDC* and BCCC.

*Well, I say national, but if it's not either Wales or south of the M25 everyone gets scared....