What is a Cross Country Tyro?

Taking place on private land, Cross Country Tyros require drivers to negotiate the set course without hitting a marker and without stopping. Unlike a Car Trial, a Cross Country Tyro requires a 4 x 4 vehicle designed to tackle the testing terrains – though courses are planned to prevent damage to the cars.

Cross country tyros cover challenging terrain, with hills, mud, or other obstacles. The courses are marked out with coloured markers, or canes, and the aim is to get from the start line to the finish line without stopping.

Speeds are low and there is no time limit, but momentum must be maintained in a forward motion in the direction of the course. These events are designed for standard production 4×4 cars that are registered, taxed and MOT’d where appropriate.

As a guide to the terrain you may encounter, the regulations say:

• The terrain chosen should ensure that vehicles do not catch any bodywork on approach, ramp breakover, or departure angles, and consideration should be given to the vehicles entered when laying out sections
• Any longitudinal gradient must be 50% maximum
• Any transverse gradient must be 25% maximum
• The depth of any water must be 0.3m maximum

Cross Country Tyros are family friendly, and drivers can be as young as 14. They are a wonderful introduction to the world of cross country motorsport.