This page contains information information about the event for competitors.
Hi everyone, as you know the JLS Mackay Offroad Challenge is coming around quickly. Please read this message carefully as it contains information you need to know about the event.
COVID-19 It has been quite a tricky road getting prepared (and approved) as per the industry frameworks for this event. It is considered "high risk" as far as government policies go and as such, we need you to do your bit to maintain distancing, not come to the event if you're sick, check-in and maintain good hygiene practices.
We have to change the way people enter the event, the way we camp, and how we run our daily business as best we can to comply with the strict requirements. We appreciate your patience and understanding with any changes we've had to make in order to comply.
ENTRY Entry to the event campgrounds is permitted for competitors and their friends/families from 8 am Thursday morning on 1 April. For those who haven't been before head down the Cathu O'Connell River Road and you will see the property. There will be a new entry point (as you're heading down Cathu O'Connell River Road) spectators will be required to check in and enter from a NEW gate on the right-hand side. Competitors (and your family and friends) can proceed down to the usual entry gate (where the stages are). There will be clear signs if you have not been to the event before.
For anyone other than driver and navigator, camping fees are $60 for the weekend which includes entry to the event, kids under 16 are free, and day passes are $20 if not camping.
CONTACT TRACING Every single person entering the event in any capacity will need to sign in using our paper-based form or QR code. You will need to comply with any and all COVID-19 directions (including not entering the event if you are unwell).
CAMPING The event property has two camping areas, one for competitors (including their friends and family) and one for spectators.
We are subject to strict COVID-19 requirements and so there are new arrangements for camping. As competitors, you will all be required to camp on the left side of the road (the side the stages are on). We will have camping areas marked out, and ask that you assist us in ensuring you are 5m away from campers beside you. To assist with space and fitting everyone in, we ask you move any unused vehicles or trailers to a designated area.
As safety is our #1 priority, we have decided that it is necessary to LIMIT all vehicle movement in the competitor only area. To do this, all vehicles entering the competitor only area will need to provide their name and registration upon entry and will be marked as camping with you. No vehicles are to come and go from the competitor only area, unless in an emergency. It is our expectation that the only vehicles moving around on the competitor only area, are the 33 competitor vehicles.
You are responsible for anyone camping with you.
BIO SECURITY For bio security as the property has cattle, please wash your vehicles before you arrive.
TEAM CHALLENGE On Sunday there is a team challenge for teams of 2 vehicles in the Open Class. The team challenge is optional and does not count towards overall scoring, although it does have its own prize money.
AMENITIES There is food and drinks available, BYO alcohol (no glass), toilets and hot showers. We will also have EFTPOS at the event grounds entry gate.
AASA All competitors (each driver AND co-driver) must hold a current licence. You would have received a message from me already with those details. You will not be able to race without confirmation of your licence. Changes to drivers/Navigators throughout the weekend is permitted IF each person has their AASA licence and has signed the MORC waiver.
WAIVERS Each driver and navigator is required to read and agree to a waiver. Those of you who requested this waiver to be emailed to you prior to the event will receive this in the coming days. Copies will be available on Thursday and Friday morning for anyone yet to return these prior to the event.
SCRUTINEERING Scrutineering will be done in the wash bay. We are not allowed to have crowds or group briefings so these will be done over message / UHF or in smaller (physically distanced) groups.
Weekend Warriors, you will need to present to the wash bay at 11:00 am Friday. Please line up as 5 vehicles in each bay. You will receive your briefing individually and your competitor packs when your vehicle is scrutineered.
Open Class, your scrutineering is from 11:30 am. Vehicles numbered 1-13 are expected to present to the wash bay at 11:30 am, we will then call 14 - 33, and 42 - 666 by UHF Ch 10 and loudspeaker when ready. You will receive your briefing individually and your competitor packs when your vehicle is scrutineered.
Scrutineering is going to be slightly different this year:
- You will need to both present, driver and navi, with all safety equipment (both personal and vehicle)
- All vehicles will be inspected
- All vehicles will be checked to ensure working brakes, no pillar rust, structural integrity and good general mechanical condition. - Vehicles are expected to be in a reasonable condition.
- You will need to demonstrate to the scrutineer the tightening of your wheel nuts.
- Your vehicle will go on jacks and wheel bearings checked.
- Batteries will be checked to ensure they are secure.
- Fuel systems will be checked.
- Fire extinguisher will be checked - please take not of the expiry date on your fire extinguisher before the event and replace if expired.
- Isolators will be checked (except Weekend Warrior).
- Window net operation.
- Cages will be checked.
- Handbrakes will be tested on a slope.
To assist in an efficient scrutineering process, please check these things YOURSELF before the event to avoid any disappointment if any issues are identified and you are deemed unable to compete.
RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and regulations are located here (click the orange text at the top of the page), please check over them in advance of the event (note they are unchanged from the 2019 event): https://www.mackayoffroadchallenge.com/nominations.html
COMPETITOR PACKS You will receive your packs at scrutineering. This includes information such as the running orders, information you need for any stages, racing numbers for your vehicle, entry arm bands, your shirts and any other relevant information.
BREATH TESTS All drivers and navis will be subject to random breath tests. The blood alcohol limit is 0.00. It is your responsibility to ensure you are 0.00 at all times to avoid a DNS for any stage.
SECURITY This year we will have security patrolling the camp grounds, however if you do see any stupid behaviour or incidents you should let an official know by phone or radio (UHF Ch 10). Your help in making sure the event is kept safe is much appreciated and allows us to continue to hold the event year after year.
REPAIRS If you need to conduct repairs, and can't otherwise do them at your campsite and request to use the property owners’ facilities, you need prior permission from Jason Dumma or Katie-Ann Matsen, the property owners. You can contact them on UHF Ch 10.
TOP 5 On Sunday morning, the top 5 competitors will be given a super stage where they will compete to take out the outright MORC 2020 winner. This stage is expected to include everything from technical, winching, GPS and high speed. It will be scored like any other stage.
DINNER You would have seen on the nomination form that we hold a dinner for competitors (and their families), volunteers and sponsors on Thursday night for $10 a head. Please RSVP by Sunday 28 March if you can attend. RSVP to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MackayORC
CONTACTS If you have any questions or concerns in the lead up to the event please contact me (Kylie) on this number or via our Facebook page.
OFFICIALS Your key contacts over the weekend are the following:
Kylie Wieden, Chris Wieden, Luke Sims, Mark Cutts, Zac Bartley
I have attached the program to this message for your information.
Hi everyone, as you know the JLS Mackay Offroad Challenge is coming around quickly. Please read this message carefully as it contains information you need to know about the event.
COVID-19 It has been quite a tricky road getting prepared (and approved) as per the industry frameworks for this event. It is considered "high risk" as far as government policies go and as such, we need you to do your bit to maintain distancing, not come to the event if you're sick, check-in and maintain good hygiene practices.
We have to change the way people enter the event, the way we camp, and how we run our daily business as best we can to comply with the strict requirements. We appreciate your patience and understanding with any changes we've had to make in order to comply.
ENTRY Entry to the event campgrounds is permitted for competitors and their friends/families from 8 am Thursday morning on 1 April. For those who haven't been before head down the Cathu O'Connell River Road and you will see the property. There will be a new entry point (as you're heading down Cathu O'Connell River Road) spectators will be required to check in and enter from a NEW gate on the right-hand side. Competitors (and your family and friends) can proceed down to the usual entry gate (where the stages are). There will be clear signs if you have not been to the event before.
For anyone other than driver and navigator, camping fees are $60 for the weekend which includes entry to the event, kids under 16 are free, and day passes are $20 if not camping.
CONTACT TRACING Every single person entering the event in any capacity will need to sign in using our paper-based form or QR code. You will need to comply with any and all COVID-19 directions (including not entering the event if you are unwell).
CAMPING The event property has two camping areas, one for competitors (including their friends and family) and one for spectators.
We are subject to strict COVID-19 requirements and so there are new arrangements for camping. As competitors, you will all be required to camp on the left side of the road (the side the stages are on). We will have camping areas marked out, and ask that you assist us in ensuring you are 5m away from campers beside you. To assist with space and fitting everyone in, we ask you move any unused vehicles or trailers to a designated area.
As safety is our #1 priority, we have decided that it is necessary to LIMIT all vehicle movement in the competitor only area. To do this, all vehicles entering the competitor only area will need to provide their name and registration upon entry and will be marked as camping with you. No vehicles are to come and go from the competitor only area, unless in an emergency. It is our expectation that the only vehicles moving around on the competitor only area, are the 33 competitor vehicles.
You are responsible for anyone camping with you.
BIO SECURITY For bio security as the property has cattle, please wash your vehicles before you arrive.
TEAM CHALLENGE On Sunday there is a team challenge for teams of 2 vehicles in the Open Class. The team challenge is optional and does not count towards overall scoring, although it does have its own prize money.
AMENITIES There is food and drinks available, BYO alcohol (no glass), toilets and hot showers. We will also have EFTPOS at the event grounds entry gate.
AASA All competitors (each driver AND co-driver) must hold a current licence. You would have received a message from me already with those details. You will not be able to race without confirmation of your licence. Changes to drivers/Navigators throughout the weekend is permitted IF each person has their AASA licence and has signed the MORC waiver.
WAIVERS Each driver and navigator is required to read and agree to a waiver. Those of you who requested this waiver to be emailed to you prior to the event will receive this in the coming days. Copies will be available on Thursday and Friday morning for anyone yet to return these prior to the event.
SCRUTINEERING Scrutineering will be done in the wash bay. We are not allowed to have crowds or group briefings so these will be done over message / UHF or in smaller (physically distanced) groups.
Weekend Warriors, you will need to present to the wash bay at 11:00 am Friday. Please line up as 5 vehicles in each bay. You will receive your briefing individually and your competitor packs when your vehicle is scrutineered.
Open Class, your scrutineering is from 11:30 am. Vehicles numbered 1-13 are expected to present to the wash bay at 11:30 am, we will then call 14 - 33, and 42 - 666 by UHF Ch 10 and loudspeaker when ready. You will receive your briefing individually and your competitor packs when your vehicle is scrutineered.
Scrutineering is going to be slightly different this year:
- You will need to both present, driver and navi, with all safety equipment (both personal and vehicle)
- All vehicles will be inspected
- All vehicles will be checked to ensure working brakes, no pillar rust, structural integrity and good general mechanical condition. - Vehicles are expected to be in a reasonable condition.
- You will need to demonstrate to the scrutineer the tightening of your wheel nuts.
- Your vehicle will go on jacks and wheel bearings checked.
- Batteries will be checked to ensure they are secure.
- Fuel systems will be checked.
- Fire extinguisher will be checked - please take not of the expiry date on your fire extinguisher before the event and replace if expired.
- Isolators will be checked (except Weekend Warrior).
- Window net operation.
- Cages will be checked.
- Handbrakes will be tested on a slope.
To assist in an efficient scrutineering process, please check these things YOURSELF before the event to avoid any disappointment if any issues are identified and you are deemed unable to compete.
RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and regulations are located here (click the orange text at the top of the page), please check over them in advance of the event (note they are unchanged from the 2019 event): https://www.mackayoffroadchallenge.com/nominations.html
COMPETITOR PACKS You will receive your packs at scrutineering. This includes information such as the running orders, information you need for any stages, racing numbers for your vehicle, entry arm bands, your shirts and any other relevant information.
BREATH TESTS All drivers and navis will be subject to random breath tests. The blood alcohol limit is 0.00. It is your responsibility to ensure you are 0.00 at all times to avoid a DNS for any stage.
SECURITY This year we will have security patrolling the camp grounds, however if you do see any stupid behaviour or incidents you should let an official know by phone or radio (UHF Ch 10). Your help in making sure the event is kept safe is much appreciated and allows us to continue to hold the event year after year.
REPAIRS If you need to conduct repairs, and can't otherwise do them at your campsite and request to use the property owners’ facilities, you need prior permission from Jason Dumma or Katie-Ann Matsen, the property owners. You can contact them on UHF Ch 10.
TOP 5 On Sunday morning, the top 5 competitors will be given a super stage where they will compete to take out the outright MORC 2020 winner. This stage is expected to include everything from technical, winching, GPS and high speed. It will be scored like any other stage.
DINNER You would have seen on the nomination form that we hold a dinner for competitors (and their families), volunteers and sponsors on Thursday night for $10 a head. Please RSVP by Sunday 28 March if you can attend. RSVP to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MackayORC
CONTACTS If you have any questions or concerns in the lead up to the event please contact me (Kylie) on this number or via our Facebook page.
OFFICIALS Your key contacts over the weekend are the following:
Kylie Wieden, Chris Wieden, Luke Sims, Mark Cutts, Zac Bartley
I have attached the program to this message for your information.
Location Cathu O'Connell River Road, Yalboroo.