Rulebook / Event Course

Event Course

Official 2026 Ultra4 Rulebook requirements governing the Ultra4 event course, including event duration, timing, scoring, disabled vehicles, checkpoints, pit areas, radio communications and environmental safety.

Section 10 • Event Course

10.3.1 EVENT COURSE

  1. Ultra4 will set the maximum duration and length of an event.
  2. An entrant’s official time shall be the total elapsed time between their assigned starting time and the time they cross the official finish line. This elapsed time must be less than the designated time limit of the event. If an entrant does not report to the staging area in time to stage in their respective starting position, the entrant will be placed in the rear and will start after the last assigned start time. If an entrant does not report to the staging area in time to start before the last assigned starter leaves the starting line, they shall be judged DNS. In all cases, if the entrant does not start at their assigned time, their time will still start from their assigned starting time, not their actual starting time.
  3. The winner of the event shall be the entrant that either: finishes the race with the lowest elapsed time or completes the most laps or greatest distance within the event time limit, or receives the best score for the event. The entrant must also meet all other criteria and must not be disqualified in order to be declared the official event winner.
  4. When encountering an on-course accident, rollover, breakdown, or disabled vehicle, all entrants must make reasonable efforts to assess the condition of the competitors involved. Competitors who are involved in an accident, rollover, breakdown, or whose vehicle is disabled must make every effort to signal their condition to passing competitors (e.g., give a thumbs up). If, upon encountering an on-course accident, rollover, breakdown, or disabled vehicle, a passing vehicle is unable to determine that the competitors involved are OK or if there is any doubt as to the status or condition of the competitors involved, they must inform an Ultra4 or FOCUS official at the next checkpoint, road crossing, or pit stop or by radio (if so equipped) of the location, vehicle number, and any apparent injuries.
  5. Breakdown safety devices (beacons, or reflective devices) must be placed at least 200 feet and again at approximately 20 feet behind any breakdown or accident and be placed beside the track on the same side of track as the disabled vehicle.
  6. Any entrant who must discontinue the event must report to a race official at a checkpoint, paved road crossing, pit stop or start/finish that they are out of the race.
  7. No aircraft including drones are permitted for the purpose of race support. This includes, but is not limited to, flying over any race vehicle; transportation of competitors and/or support crews (unless a medical emergency exists); communication with race vehicle; spotting for race vehicle; transportation of equipment and/or parts; landing on or near the racecourse in areas other than approved by Ultra4 and within FAA rules; and interfering with the normal conduct of the event. Violation of this rule may lead to entrant’s disqualification. Requests for aircraft special use (i.e., filming, observing, etc.) must be submitted to Ultra4 in writing. Requests must include the radio frequencies (helicopter or aircraft frequency and race team frequency) to be used and must be submitted no later than one month before scheduled event. Any request received during the month prior to the event shall not be considered.
  8. Starting procedures will be announced at the drivers’ meeting at each event.
  9. No entrant may leave the start line before their assigned start time. Only those entrants that cross the finish line within the designated time limit will be declared official finishers. Every vehicle must come to a complete stop at each checkpoint. Failing to come to a complete stop at any checkpoint will subject the offending entrant to a minimum fifteen minute time penalty for each occurrence and possibly disqualification, at the discretion of the CRB. Every vehicle must come to a complete stop at each Ultra4 road crossing that has been designated as a full-stop crossing, or when signaled to stop by road crossing officials. Failing to do so will subject the offending entrant to a minimum fifteen minute time penalty for each occurrence and possibly disqualification, at the discretion of the CRB.
  10. All competitors may be checked for their safety gear sticker or armband and all vehicles may be checked for their technical inspection sticker at any or all checkpoints or designated road crossings. Every competitor is responsible for his/her safety gear sticker, armband, and vehicle technical inspection sticker. Any entrant not in possession of the required safety gear sticker(s), armband(s), or vehicle technical inspection sticker may be subject to disqualification.
  11. No entrant vehicle shall be towed, pushed, pulled or otherwise moved or transported by any non-entrant vehicle, or spectator group on the official course while an event is still in progress. Exceptions may be made by course marshals if broken down vehicle is impeding flow of race traffic. If necessary, a course worker may assist with movement of broken-down vehicle without penalty to the driver. Occupants of a vehicle that is pushed, pulled or towed clear of traffic must make necessary repairs to leave, under their own power, the area to which they were relocated. No vehicle may be pushed, pulled or towed by another vehicle within the last one hundred yards (100 yards) (91.5M) of the finish line.
  12. No person may be registered as the Driver of Record for more than one vehicle in the same class at the same event. The Driver of Record may be registered in another vehicle as a co-driver.
  13. A marked course is the official route designated by and marked with official Ultra4 markings and/or indicated via the official GPS Track. All vehicles must follow this route during the event and shall drive only in the correct direction of the course route. Intentionally driving in the opposite direction of the course to gain a competitive advantage is prohibited and shall be grounds for penalties of up to and including disqualification and suspension.
    1. Special attention must apply in environmentally sensitive areas on the official route. Sensitive areas shall be marked by Ultra4 markings and DQ signs. Ultra4 is not responsible for markings that are damaged or removed. Deviation from the marked course, including passing, in sensitive areas is not permitted and may result in disqualification. Passing is only permitted where there is no vegetation on the side of the course.
  14. Failure to stage or report to starting line-up by posted or announced time; or failure to stage or line up in time to start at assigned starting time: Rear start or DNS.
  15. Failure to come to a complete stop at any road crossing designated as a full-stop crossing or failing to stop when signaled to do so by road crossing officials: Fifteen-minute time penalty.
  16. Speeding in a restricted speed area up to 10 mph over announced or posted speed limit by race vehicle or support vehicles: One position penalty.
  17. Speeding in a restricted speed area is prohibited. Speeding in excess of 10 mph (16kph) over announced or posted speed limit by race vehicle or support vehicles may result in disqualification.
  18. Short coursing, defined as intentionally or unintentionally leaving course limits and receiving a competitive advantage, is not permitted and may result in time penalties or a DNF at the point where the course was deviated. Short Coursing Infractions can be corrected without penalty by safely returning to the start point of the deviation and continuing the markedcourse. Correction must be done before the completion of the current lap or crossing finish line, whichever comes first. Specific boundaries of the official route shall be addressed during the drivers meeting. General guidelines include the following:
    1. Any deviation from the marked course outside the limits of the course center, as defined by the following will be considered short coursing:
      • Rock Trails – 50’ (15.25M) on either side of course center
      • Desert Trails – 150’ (45.75M) on either side of course center
      • Trails that are otherwise announced prior to the race in the drivers meeting, with specified limits different from above
  19. Excessive or abusive nerfing or bumping: Disqualification.
  20. Any competitor or competitor’s crew member traveling on the course before the official event finish in other than event-registered vehicles participating in the event, may subject entrant to penalties of up to and including disqualification and suspension. There is no outside assistance permitted on the course or near the course during the event except for in the official areas designated for pits and/or fuel stops. Ultra4 reserves the right to assess each situation and respond accordingly. Situations involving safety are at the discretion of the Directors.
  21. Competitors are not permitted to receive outside assistance during green flag conditions. However, if a vehicle breaks down on the course, or rolls over and requires assistance to be righted, the following rules apply. Any deviation from these rules may result in entrant being disqualified.
    1. Driver or Co-driver who is with vehicle at time of breakdown may travel by foot to and from an official Ultra4 designated pit stop of their choice, in order to retrieve equipment or parts necessary to repair vehicle. Except as detailed below (in 9.3.1 section 21) 2), if any other person delivers equipment or parts to entrant vehicle, entrant will be subject to disqualification. Obtaining equipment or parts from any location other than an official Ultra4 designated pit stop will subject entrant to disqualification.
    2. Another race-entered vehicle may pick up equipment or parts at an official Ultra4 designated pit stop (but not from any other location) and then deliver that equipment and/or those parts to broken down vehicle. The race vehicle picking up and delivering the equipment or parts must travel in the proper direction on the course. Traveling the wrong way on the course will subject both entrants (broken down vehicle and delivery vehicle) to disqualification. If any pit support vehicle or other vehicle not registered and competing in the event, delivers anything to a broken down vehicle, that broken down vehicle entrant shall be subject to disqualification.
    3. No entrant that has officially finished the event or has ceased competing may re-enter the course to deliver anything to a broken down or stranded vehicle. With the permission of the Executive Directors or Race Director, DNF vehicles or vehicles having officially finished the event may enter the course after the close of the course checkpoint immediately after a broken or stranded vehicle to retrieve the broken or stranded vehicle and return it to main pit as a DNF, providing that in doing so neither vehicle travels or crosses any part of the course that is still live or active.
    4. Race vehicle traveling on the course in the reverse direction of the course, before the official completion of the event may result in penalties or Disqualification.
    5. Entrants may receive physical assistance from another race-entered vehicle for the purpose of recovering or moving a disabled vehicle, provided both vehicles remain in compliance with all other applicable rules.
  22. Any entrant who misses a mandatory checkpoint, violates the prescribed course, or otherwise fails to comply with official course procedures may be subject to penalties up to and including disqualification, as determined by Ultra4 Officials.
  23. Entrants are prohibited from operating their vehicle in a reckless or unsafe manner on the course. Actions determined by Ultra4 Officials to create an unnecessary risk to competitors, officials, spectators, or property may result in penalties up to and including disqualification.
  24. Ultra4 Officials reserve the right to stop any vehicle on course for safety reasons, to inspect compliance with the rules, or to address any condition that may affect the safe conduct of the event.

10.3.2 CHECKPOINTS & ROAD-CROSSINGS

  1. All vehicles must enter each checkpoint or designated road crossing at a safe speed. Unsafe racing into and/or through any checkpoint or designated road crossing is prohibited. Speeding through a checkpoint or designated road crossing shall result in disqualification. Safe speed is defined as a speed at which a vehicle can make a controlled stop without endangering anyone in the immediate vicinity of the checkpoint or designated road crossing.
  2. Passing is not permitted within 300 feet (91.5M) on either side of any road crossing or checkpoint, except at the direction of a Ultra4 or FOCUS official. Failure to comply shall subject entrant to disqualification or a time penalty of 15 minutes for each occurrence, at the discretion of the CRB.
  3. Rolling through a checkpoint (i.e., failure to come to a complete stop): 15 minute time penalty for each occurrence.
  4. Speeding through and/or unsafe racing up to or through a checkpoint: Disqualification.

10.3.3 PITS

  1. Stationary pits or chase crews outside of designated areas or traveling in restricted areas: Disqualification.
  2. Reckless driving in pit areas or on any access roads by race vehicle or support vehicles: Disqualification. No vehicle shall be permitted to enter pit areas or course area without a valid Ultra4 pit pass, displayed as prescribed in this rulebook. At all times the Driver of Record assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her pit crews, support crews, and all others associated with his/her team. Pit bands must be worn by all members of the pit crew. No exceptions. Penalties for non-compliances will be:
    1. First level minor infraction: First offense, warning and non-banded person removed from the pit area until banded. Second offence will result in a 5 minute penalty for each non-banded person in the pit area added to the driver of records elapsed time.
    2. Second Level Major infraction: Automatic disqualification if any non-banded person touches the race vehicle in any way or performs any race pit support to the vehicle, driver or co-driver.
  3. The driver of record assumes all responsibility for their pit area. If someone is in your pit without a pit band, it is on you whether you know them or not. Police your pit area.
  4. No person under suspension by Ultra4 or FOCUS will be permitted to participate in any event or be permitted to enter the pits or course area.
  5. Any pit support vehicle running on or near the course shall result in the entrant being disqualified. Any pit support vehicle traveling in a restricted area shall result in entrant being disqualified. Any pit support vehicle stopping at a road crossing may cause entrant to be disqualified. Any pit support vehicle stopping on a road that is near the course and not in an official, designated area may cause entrant to be disqualified.
  6. Pits (stationary, roving or chase) located in any areas other than those areas officially designated as pit areas by Ultra4 may cause entrant to be disqualified.
  7. Any competitor, crew member, or other pit pass holder who takes part in any demonstration in the pits, on the course, or in the surrounding area before, during, or after an event shall be subject to expulsion from the area, suspension from future Ultra4 events, and possible legal action.
  8. Maximum speed limit on all main pit access roads and in all pit areas shall be 15 mph (24 kph) for all vehicles. Maximum speed limit on all other access roads shall be 35 mph (56 kph).
  9. Ultra4 reserves the right to change speed limits to account for conditions.
  10. The Ultra4 Pit Stop Captain shall determine the pitting zone around each pit stop.
  11. All pit supplies must be at least 50 feet (15.25M) from the edge of the course. No pit may be in the first 50 feet (15.25M) leading into, or the first 100 feet (31M) leading out of, a turn. Pits located within this turn area or less than 50 feet (15.25M) from the course will subject entrant to penalties of up to and including a minimum one-hour time penalty or disqualification, at the discretion of the CRB.
  12. All pits must have the equivalent of a UL approved 20 lb. ABC fire extinguisher at all times. This capability may be accomplished using fire extinguishers of any combination (minimum 5 lb. extinguisher) that equal 20 lb. (i.e., one 20 lb., two 10 lb., four 5 lb.). A minimum of 10 lb. worth of extinguisher(s) must be manned during all pit stops (e.g., if 5 lb. extinguishers are used, then the pit crew must man two fire extinguishers).
    1. All pit fire extinguishers must have current (less than one year old) fire marshal’s tag, seal in place, and be fully charged. Random checks will be made and time penalties may be assessed if extinguishers are not manned and ready.
  13. All young children and pets must be kept out of the immediate area where vehicles will pit. Pets must be kept on a leash. All campfires must be kept out of immediate pit area. Campfires must not be placed between the course and pit. Campfires may not be permitted due to federal and state regulations. Firewood with nails is prohibited.
  14. All entrants are responsible for cleaning the pit areas they used during the event.
  15. All fuel cans must be kept off native soil and be stored on an impervious barrier. Vehicle refueling shall take place over an approved fuel mat or tarp acting as an impervious barrier. Fuel mats or tarps shall be free from defects or tears which could result in a fluid spill onto native soil. Fluid absorption products are highly recommended. Teams responsible for fuel spill onto native soil may be fined and liable for clean-up expense. Any team refueling outside an approved pit location, or without a fuel mat or tarp, may face disqualification.
  16. Fuel mats are required for all refueling. No vehicles shall be refueled outside approved pit locations. Storage of fuel in the pits shall consider safety the highest priority. Check with local event restrictions concerning the storage, transportation, and transfer of fuel. Ultra4 highly recommends the use of safety tape and “No smoking/No open flame” signs in the area surrounding fuel storage and transfer locations. See Section 10.3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY for more information and rules related to environmental concerns and considerations.
  17. All vehicles may only be refueled with vented fuel cans or gravity fed fuel towers at atmospheric pressure only. No pressurized fueling systems are allowed. Overhead fuel towers must be located at least 50’ (15.25M) from the course. All towers shall only use a fueling hose that incorporates a manned spring-loaded dead-man valve that automatically closes the fueling hose when the handle is released. All towers shall only use a fueling hose that incorporates a break-a-way feature that seals the tank/fueling hose if the fueling hose is detached (e.g., in the event the vehicle departs with the hose still attached to the vehicle.) Some form of fuel catch can or container must be in place to prevent overflowing fuel from touching the ground. An attendant manning a fire extinguisher must always be in attendance during the transfer of fuel into the cans or overhead rig. It is highly recommended that your fuel system and your vehicle are grounded during refueling.
  18. Refueling personnel (any one actively involved in the refueling of the car) must wear a one piece or two-piece fire suit minimally rated to the SFI Foundation’s 3.2A/5 manufacturer’s certification. The suit shall cover the crew member from the neck to the ankles and to the wrists. This suit must be free from holes, rips, tears, and not worn thin. Additionally, refueling personnel must wear:
    1. SFI spec balaclava and fire rated goggles or SFI spec balaclava and SA rated full face helmet with visor in the closed position
    2. SFI spec 3.3 fire retardant gloves
    3. SFI spec 52.1 fueler apron must be worn by person operating fuel connection to vehicle

    SFI spec 3.3 fire retardant shoes are also strongly recommended. NFPA 1971, 1977, or 2112 are acceptable alternatives to SFI rated garments with the exception of the SFI spec 52.1 fueler apron.

  19. Any individual within 6 feet of the car and fuelers during fueling must satisfy the above requirements for safety gear.

10.3.4 COMMUNICATIONS

  1. Ultra4 announces main race channel at driver’s meetings. Ultra4 reserves the right to change the main race channel frequency if deemed necessary. Ultra4 will make all reasonable efforts to notify all entrants of any changes to the main race channel frequency.
  2. Medical emergency operations frequency will be announced, if separate from race ops, at driver’s meeting during all stand- alone Ultra4 events.
  3. All radio or other transmissions which interfere with Ultra4 control communications are strictly prohibited except in the case of medical emergencies.
  4. All race and support-vehicle radio equipment is strictly prohibited from interfering with or disrupting race communications on all frequencies allotted to the amateur radio band, public service band, citizens band, marine band and aircraft band as defined by FCC rules. Outboard linear amplifiers with an output exceeding 25 watts are prohibited. An outboard linear amplifier is a device that boosts the power of the radio and is connected between the radio and antenna.
  5. In cases where Ultra4 is the co-promoter using an existing sanctioning body’s event logistics, that sanctioning body’s radio frequencies will be used. All entrants must verify radio frequencies before attending any event.
  6. For long course races, the race car and at least one pit radio must be able to receive and transmit on Race Ops and Weatherman. These frequencies will be available in the driver’s packet and at the driver’s meeting.
  7. For short course races, all teams in all divisions are required to have one spotter per race vehicle in the Ultra4 designated area any time the race vehicle is on the race track.
    1. Spotter must check in with the Ultra4 official in the designated spotter area before the start of the race and must remain in the area as long as his/her vehicle is on the track.
    2. Spotters must have 2 working radios consisting of 1 working “listen only” radio and headset with the ability to hear the competition director as well as 1 two-way radio to communicate directly with the driver in the race vehicle.
    3. Drivers may be penalized for inappropriate spotter behavior.
    4. Spotters must have vehicle numbers marked clearly on front and back of person so as to be easily visible to Ultra4 officials. Numbers must be black on a white background with a minimum size of 2 inches by 3 inches.

10.3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

  1. Each vehicle shall carry a 13 gallon or larger disposable plastic trash bag to extract any soil contaminated in a roll over. Contaminated soil may be left in plastic 13 gallon trash bag on side of course for sweep crew to collect and dispose of.
  2. Index of all environmental-related rules:
  3. Index of all environmental-related rules:
    1. Section 2.7.1 (engine leaks)
    2. Section 2.7.2 (engine fluid containment)
    3. Section 2.7.3 (spark arrestors)
    4. Section 2.8.1(transmission leaks)
    5. Section 2.8.2(transmission fluid containment)
    6. Section 2.9.1 (transfer case leaks)
    7. Section 2.9.2 (transfer case fluid containment)
    8. Section 2.11.1(power-assisted steering leaks)
    9. Section 2.11.2 (power-assisted steering fluid containment)
    10. Section 2.12.3 (shock absorber leaks)
    11. Section 2.13.1 (brake system leaks)
    12. Section 2.15.3 (fuel valves and vents)
    13. Section 10.3.3 (fuel mats)
    14. Section 10.3.1 - subsection 21f (recovery)
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