Folkrace
 | The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (April 2010) |
Folkrace is a popular, inexpensive, and entry-level form of Swedish rallycross that originally came from Finland, where it was called Jokamiesluokka (Everyone's Class). The sport also exists in Norway and Denmark, where it is known as Bilcross and Folkeræs respectively.
The races are run on special gravel or tarmac tracks, 2,400 metres (1.5 mi) in length. The tracks are designed to limit the top speed to 80 km/h (50 mph). The competitions are divided into different classes depending on age and gender. Participants can be as young as 15 years of age.
The race is divided into different heats with usually 6 cars. The driver winning a race is awarded seven points, second five points, third four points and so on. When all the heats have been driven, the total score is calculated and the top six drivers get to race in the A final, the next six in the B final and so on. The winner of the A final wins the event.
To maintain its inexpensive nature, there is a rule on price. The races are run in standard cars, but participants are generally free to choose as long as they meet certain minimum safety regulations. Anyone can place a fix-price bid on any car, the buyer is then chosen randomly. The fixed price is 6500 SEK (ca USD 1000) and in Finland €1500. Refusing to sell is grounds for having one's competition license revoked. Not included in the sale is personal equipment such as seat and safety harness. This type of system eliminates the motivation for sinking extensive amounts of work and money into a folkrace car.
Because old road cars are used up in folkrace, retro and antique car enthusiasts talk about "the folkrace death": Folkracing does away with many cars that are too old to be considered usable for everyday driving but too new to have reached the status of a "veteran" or "antique".
Folkrace is not the same as demolition derby, though. While collisions do happen and cars make contact with each other, intentionally ramming or obstructing a competitor is forbidden, and the safety rules are strict, so that teenagers (15 to 17 years old) and drivers without a regular driver's license may participate.
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