Faced with an ever-increasing number of competitions, ever-more seasoned participants and ever-growing spectator numbers, these two disciplines have structured themselves.
Quad / Motocross / SSV federations
The various federations involved in quad, motocross and SSV have specific tasks, and share out the organization of car and motorcycle sports :
regulations, organization of associations, competitions, access for youngsters...
- FIA - Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
- The FIA is primarily responsible for managing the world's most important motor sport competitions. However, its scope of action covers everything to do with the automobile, from roads to the environment, mobility and road safety...
- FFSA - Fédération Française du Sport Automobile
- The FFSA is one of the national sporting associations affiliated to the FIA. Its mission is to regulate, organize, manage and develop motor sport and karting in France.
- The FFSA is responsible for issuing licenses, approving circuits, checking the accreditation of driving schools and instructors, participating in the organization of competitions...
- FFM - French Motorcycling Federation
- Founded in 1913 under the name Union Motocycliste de France, it took its definitive name in 1945.
- Its mission is to organize and develop the sport of motorcycling and quad biking. It participates in the regulation and organization of competitions.
- The FFM works to give young people access to motorcycles and quads, by facilitating initiation and advanced training. At the same time, it develops new leisure activities and helps to create infrastructures and train sports instructors and officials.
- UFOLEP - Union Française des Œuvres Laïques d'Éducation Physique (French Union of Secular Physical Education Organizations)
- UFOLEP is France's leading multi-sports federation. Motor sports are just one of its 130 sports activities.
Its ambition is to make sport a tool for citizenship and education, and a vector for personal and collective emancipation and fulfillment. UFOLEP aims to unite sports associations and organize competitions at all levels.
Race personnel
Organizers of quad and SSV competitions must obey strict rules of organization and safety for participants, accompanying persons and spectators. The pillars of the official staff are the track marshal and the race director.
The track marshal
The role of the track marshal is to keep a constant watch on drivers, wherever they may be on the circuit. He shares this mission with the race director or the steward. He acts under the responsibility of the race director.
The track marshal must ensure compliance with sporting regulations, and the safety of drivers and the public. He is also responsible for the immediate protection of injured persons and for clearing the track.
The race organizer must provide the track marshal with signal flags, as well as all the equipment needed to carry out his mission.
To become a track marshal, you need to take out a one-year Trainee Track Marshal license - OFS - to prepare for the training course. Training takes the form of seminars run by regional leagues.
The race director
The race director holds all powers relating to the sporting conduct of a competition. His area of responsibility includes the track, the courses and all areas dedicated to the sport. However, he or she is not responsible for the overall organization of the sporting event.
There are three levels of qualification to become a race director.
1 - The 1st level race director can officiate at events taking place within the European Union, excluding the French Championship.
The training course, valid for four years, is the responsibility of the automobile league. It includes a section on the Sporting Code and a discipline-specific section.
2 - The 2nd degree race director officiates at International events (excluding F.I.M. cups, trophies and championships), at European Union Zone events (excluding U.E.M. cups, trophies and championships) and at National French Championship events.
Training is valid for four years and is the responsibility of the relevant National Sporting Commission. The training syllabus includes a section covering the Code Sportif and a discipline-specific section.
3 - The 3rd degree race director works on F.I.M. and U.E.M. Cup, Trophy and Championship events.
All registrations for these courses are subject to the approval of the Commission Sportive Nationale.
The meaning of flags
During competitions, track marshals keep drivers informed of the situation on the track by raising flags as they pass. Each flag has a specific meaning.
Information flags
Country flag: Signal to start the race and close the track to non-competitors.
Checkered flag: End of race or practice.
Green flag : opening of the track. The track is clear of all hazards.
The green flag cancels the action of the yellow flag. It means that the incident has been resolved and the track can be used without restriction.
Blue flag : overtaking
The blue flag signals to the driver that a faster car is behind him and that he must let it pass.
Injunction signals
Danger signals
Yellow flag: Danger on the circuit : accident, broken-down car, slippery surface... Drivers must slow down and overtaking is forbidden.
Yellow and red striped flag: Beware of slippery track and changing grip conditions.
White flag: Serious danger, drivers must prepare to stop. Overtaking is forbidden. The white flag is also used to call for help.
White flag and red cross: Medical personnel are on the track and drivers must slow down. Overtaking is forbidden.
Injunction signals
Red flag: Signal to stop a race or practice session. Everyone must return to the pits.
Black flag: Stop signal, driver must return to pits. Either the rider is behaving in a way that is dangerous to himself and others, or the steward has noticed a problem with his machine : fluid leakage, abnormal behaviour of the machine, etc.
Black flag with yellow circle: The driver with the number indicated by the steward must leave the track immediately.
Specific signals
White speed flag
A vehicle is idling on the track. Passing is authorized.
White flag and red cross speed race. Start of rain.
SC speed flag
A safety car is on the track. Overtaking is forbidden and drivers are not allowed to overtake each other.
Yellow flag black cross on track. Announces the last lap.
Outdoor equipment
When taking part in a race, drivers, their mechanics and accompanying persons must comply with certain rules.
Stands
Every stand must have a fire extinguisher for hydrocarbons, which must be visible.
Every quad or SSV must be parked in its stand on an environmental mat. Lubricants - oil, grease, brake fluid, etc. - must be stored in airtight containers and must not be left on site, like all other machine or team waste.
The stand provided by the organizer must be returned in its original condition.
Refreshments
Refuelling must be carried out with the engine switched off, and only within the stand area. Special fuels - in particular aviation fuel - are forbidden.
The maximum quantity of petrol allowed is 20 liters, stored in metal containers or in materials approved for petrol.
Repairs
All repairs must be carried out in the pits. Any machine that breaks down or is involved in an accident may only be repaired by the mechanics and/or drivers.
Any mechanical work carried out outside the pits is forbidden and may result in penalties. Specific work, such as welding, must be carried out in a secure area defined by the organizer.
Towing is authorized only by the organization's vehicle.
Compulsory equipment
Driver's equipment
The rider must be equipped with :
- a European-approvedmotorcycle helmet less than 5 years old
- Goggles are recommended but not mandatory.
Quad vehicle equipment
Quad bikes must pass a technical inspection before they can take the start, and this must be carried out throughout the race. An official may carry out a further check at any time, including a sound level meter. In the event of non-compliance with the regulations, the competitor is stopped during the round by a black flag with an orange circle.
(we do not sell sound level meters).
The rear wheels of the quad must be mounted on the same rigid horizontal axle. The engine may under no circumstances be located behind the rider, and any differential transmission system is forbidden. Overall width must not exceed 1.30 m.
Studded or chained tires are forbidden. Rims, front or rear, may not exceed twelve inches in diameter.
The exhaust noise level must not exceed 116 decibels + 2 maximum under acceleration. The exhaust silencer must not extend beyond the rear plumb line of the quad or a vertical line tangent to the rear tires. Steering must be by the front wheels.
The chain drive must be fitted with a shoe or casing at the bottom to protect the sprocket and disc. A buffalo guard or shock absorber must be fitted. Both ends must be rounded and plugged to a minimum diameter of 15 mm.
The rider must be isolated from the rear wheels by two plastic or polyester fenders, which may or may not be attached to each other. A circuit-breaker interrupting the power supply must be connected to the pilot.
A round protective tube (or nerf-bar) without protruding parts must be provided on each side of the machine. It must be fixed at two points, one at the level of the articulation support of the lower suspension arm, the other on the footrest support, with metal straps or trellises fixed to the nerf-bar tubing and designed to prevent the rider's foot from accidentally touching the ground.
The choice of frame, engine and fuel tank location is free.
Quads authorized for racing
Age by capacity :
From age 12 Maximum 90 cm3
From age 14 Maximum 125 cm3
From age 16 Maximum 250 cm3
From age 18 Free
The two categories 90 and 125 cm3 must be ridden separately, the others can be ridden together in the same round.
Major quad and SSV events
Every year, quad and SSV enthusiasts gather around three major events in France.
The 12 hours of Pont de Vaux
The Mondial du Quad takes place at Pont de Vaux in the Ain region, between Mâcon and Tournus. Every year, the 12 heures de Pont de Vaux is the benchmark race that brings together the world's top riders. For the 2019 edition - its 33rd - 110 teams from 20 different nations are expected to compete in the three rounds of the event, including a night round. This major event brings together all the attractions to delight enthusiasts : the quad expo, an international quad and accessories show featuring 70 exhibitors, a freestyle quad, SSV, TT motorcycle and BMX area, quad tours, a test track...
Watch all the videos of the preparation and testing of the YFZ450-R TONNYCAT at PDV 2019
The Enduropale du Touquet
The Enduropale du Touquet has been held on the Opal Coast since 1975, on the beaches of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Stella-Plage and Merlimont in the Pas-de-Calais. Since 1997, the day before the competition, the Quaduropale has been held, organized jointly by the town of Le Touquet and the FFM.
This quad race takes place under the same conditions as the motorcycle race that follows, although the circuit is a little shorter : 550 quads set off on 12.6 kilometers of track. It usually lasts three hours non-stop.
Paris Motorcycle, Scooter and Quad Show
The former Mondial du Deux Roues has become the Salon de la Moto, du Scooter et du Quad de Paris to include quads and SSVs.
Enthusiasts will find themed exhibitions, manufacturers, new products, shows...
This is one of the most popular motor shows, along with the automobile and agricultural shows.
