The rules

A car-like vehicle with no engine, four wheels, steered with a wheel or handlebars that the driver must be able to control. Suspension is allowed; brakes are compulsory on at least two wheels; no pedals or chains. It moves by gravity alone and must be hand-built from wood, metal or salvaged materials. Build rules are kept to a minimum to leave room for imagination and creativity.

All competitors race in a single category, from age 10, in one- or two-seater cars (two people on board at most). Minors need written parental consent signed by both parents, with a legal guardian present all day. Every crew member must hold personal third-party liability insurance and sign the official rules.

For the descent, the following are mandatory: a helmet — full-face preferred, otherwise an open-face (jet) helmet with chin guard and goggles; a full-face helmet is compulsory for underage drivers; bicycle helmets are not accepted —, gloves that protect the fingers, long trousers, a long-sleeved top and closed shoes. Knee and elbow pads are mandatory for minors and strongly advised for adults. If your helmet is not full-face, you will be asked to sign an addendum to the rules at scrutineering.

The car has 4 wheels, is at most 3 m long and 1.50 m wide, weighs no more than 150 kg (crew excluded) and must be movable by two people — at scrutineering, it must be possible to lift it with the driver and co-driver alone. Effective brakes on at least two wheels (no ground brakes), steering with minimal play, a full floor protecting the crew, no glass or sharp parts. Seat belt or harness required for under-18s; a roll bar is strongly recommended. Front and rear towing points plus a strap kit with carabiners are required. Car body shells and spark-producing smoke devices are banned. The only power allowed is gravity — with at most two pushers at the start. Finally, leave room for a race number of about 30 × 30 cm: at the very least, the car's number must stay clearly visible.

Cars and equipment are inspected on race morning from 8 am, place du Champ de Foire: each driver presents their car, gear and straps. Both the driver and the co-driver must attend, with their gear. The scrutineers' decisions are final; an unsafe car will not start. First-time builders from the Fayence area can request a pre-check two weeks before the race, and experienced volunteers can help with the build — get in touch!

Cars set off one at a time on a track fully closed to traffic, marked out and secured (straw bales, barriers), watched over by marshals in permanent contact with race control, with first-aiders on site. The race is run over 2 or 3 timed heats: the best single time wins. Four prizes are awarded: Race (fastest time), Creativity, originality and entertainment (the jury), Public's favourite (your vote, on this website on race day!) and Best young driver. If the Public's favourite ends in a tie, the car that reached its final score first wins (rule set by the committee).

A festive day demands respect for everyone: offensive words or decorations are banned, alcohol is prohibited before and during the race (breath tests possible), and respect for the environment and neighbourhood is expected. Any breach means immediate exclusion.

In case of rain — which damages the straw bales and makes the track slippery — or any event endangering competitors, the organisers may alter the course, shorten, postpone or cancel the event, even during the day. If the event is cancelled before the first start, entry fees are refunded.