About Offroad Racing
Off-road buggy racing involves competitive racing of off-road buggies, which are lightweight, high-performance vehicles designed for navigating challenging terrains. These buggies are typically purpose-built for off-road racing, featuring sturdy construction, specialised suspension systems, and powerful engines. Off-road buggy racing is popular in various forms and can include different types of events and race formats and we have more racing information for you below.
Here are some key features and racing Information of off-road racing:
Vehicle Design:
Off-road buggies are characterised by their open-wheel design, often with a tubular frame chassis. They usually have minimal bodywork, providing a lightweight and agile structure. The design allows for better visibility and manoeuvrability during off-road racing.
Suspension:
Buggy suspensions are designed to absorb the impact of rough terrain. They often feature long-travel suspension systems with shocks and springs capable of handling jumps, bumps, and uneven surfaces.
Engine Performance:
Off-road buggies are equipped with powerful engines to provide the necessary torque and speed for navigating off-road tracks. The engine types can vary, but they are typically high-performance units capable of delivering quick acceleration.
Off-Road Tracks:
Off-road buggy racing takes place on tracks that feature a mix of natural off-road terrain, including dirt trails, mud, rocks, and jumps. The tracks are designed to challenge the driver’s skill and the capabilities of the buggy.
Events and Series:
Off-road buggy racing events can range from local club races to national and international competitions. Some events are standalone races, while others are part of a series with multiple races throughout a season.
Classes:
Off-road buggy racing often includes different classes based on the type of buggy and its level of modification and engine size. Classes may be divided by engine size, weight, or other specifications to ensure fair competition.
Endurance and Short Course Racing:
Off-road buggy racing can include both endurance races, where vehicles cover long distances over challenging terrain, and short course races on closed circuits with multiple laps.
Off-road buggy racing attracts a diverse group of participants, from amateur enthusiasts to professional racers, and it provides an exhilarating and challenging experience for both drivers and spectators. The sport has gained popularity for its dynamic nature and the technical skill required to navigate the diverse off-road landscapes. For more racing Information you can contact one of our club members here and you can find out more information on our national New Zealand association (ORANZ) here.
Racing Information – Off Road Event Types
Short course off-road racing is a form of motorsport that involves racing on a closed circuit, typically a short and compact track with a mix of various obstacles and features. This type of racing is characterized by its tight turns, jumps, bumps, and other challenging elements designed to test the skills of the drivers. Short course off-road racing is popular in various parts of the world, and it often involves off-road vehicles such as trucks, buggies, or other purpose-built racing machines.
Enduro off-road racing is a form of motorsport that involves long-distance races over varied terrain, testing the endurance, skill, and navigational abilities of the competitors. Unlike short course off-road racing, which typically takes place on closed circuits with defined laps, enduro races cover much longer distances and often span natural, off-road environments such as forests, mountains, deserts, or a combination of terrains.
Racing Information – Off Road Race Classes
The below list allows you to dive into the heart of the action as we present a diverse lineup of off-road racing classes and further racing Information, each designed to cater to specific vehicles, skill levels, and the unique challenges of the terrain.
Class 1
Space frame Offroad Race Car with unlimited modifications to suspension, drive train and powerplant.
Class 3
Space frame Offroad Race Car, 1640cc maximum displacement engines of any manufacturer, unlimited suspension and drivetrain modifications.
Class 4
Modified Production 4×4 vehicles. Limited engine modifications and unlimited suspension modifications.
Class 5
Space frame Offroad Race Car, 1321cc maximum displacement engines of any manufacturer, unlimited suspension and drive train modifications.
Class 7
Space Frame Offroad Race Car. Standard air-cooled VW 1200cc engine, Standard VW Swing-Axle Gearbox, Standard VW 1960’s Kombi Front Suspension.
Class 8
Unlimited modification 4×4 or 2wd Truck class. Any engine configuration, any Drivetrain, any suspension modifications.
Class 9
Baja Bug Class, Full car body of any manufacturer on the standard manufacturers floor pan (chassis or sub-frame). unlimited engine, drivetrain and suspension modifications.
Class 10
Space frame Offroad Race Car, Motorcycle engine, no engine size limits, unlimited modifications to suspension, drive train and powerplant.
Class C
Space Frame Offroad Race Car. Standard air-cooled VW 1600cc engine, Standard VW Swing-Axle Gearbox, Standard VW 1960’s Kombi Front Suspension.
Class E
Exhibition Class
Class U
Approved Factory produced naturally aspirated UTV up to 1000cc. No engine modifications, standard transmission and clutch. Some bolt on modifications permitted.
Class S
Modified UTVs from approved manufacturers up to 1500cc for naturally aspirated engines or up to 1000cc factory production turbo engines.
Class J
Junior Kiwi Truck. Single seat mini race truck with 9hp 270cc 4 stroke. Restricted to minimum age of 6 years old to maximum of 15 years old.
Class M
Modified Kiwi Truck. Single seat mini race truck with 200cc 4 stroke farm bike motor. Restricted to minimum age of 10 years old to maximum of 15 years old.
