Everything you need to know
Checkpoints, scoring, safety, refunds and more, for the drive from Newcastle to Marrakesh.
9-15 April 2027
What are checkpoints?
Mandatory rally stop points where your vehicle and attendance are verified by QR-code scan, photo and signature. You must reach each one to stay in the running.
Where are the checkpoints?
Burgos, Barcelona and Granada in Spain, Gibraltar (where you catch the ferry to Tangier), and the finish in Marrakesh, Morocco. Fuel-economy points are scored at Barcelona, Granada, Gibraltar and Marrakesh.
What if my car breaks down and I miss a checkpoint?
Contact the organiser straight away. If you provide evidence of the breakdown (photos, a recovery invoice), you will be excused and won't receive a Strike, though any rally points you have accumulated are forfeited. You can continue as pit-crew support for another team.
What is a Strike, and what happens if I get two?
A Strike is issued for deliberately missing a checkpoint without a valid excuse. One Strike is a warning; two Strikes means disqualification without refund, and you will need to make your own way home.
Can I appeal a Strike?
Yes. Within 12 hours of being notified, email info@rust2dust.com with your explanation and evidence (breakdown photos, a medical certificate, a recovery invoice). An independent reviewer decides within 24 hours, and their decision is final.
How do I score points?
Five ways: Car Purchase Savings (every £1 under the £999 baseline earns a point; paying over £999 scores negatively), Best Costume on Day 1 (50 points, single award), Daily Fuel Economy (plus or minus one point per mpg against a 35 mpg baseline), Charity Donations (£1 = 1 point, during the rally), and Pit-Team Content (up to 25 discretionary points per checkpoint).
If my car breaks down, do I lose my points?
Yes. If your vehicle cannot continue, the points you have accumulated are removed from the leaderboard. The rally rewards reliability, not just speed.
Can I drink alcohol during the rally?
Moderate consumption at meals and social events is fine, but you must not drive within 8 hours of drinking. If you are driving, stay well under the UK legal limit (35 micrograms per 100ml of breath).
Will breath tests be carried out?
Yes, random breath tests may be conducted before departures. Refusing a test is treated as being impaired and means disqualification, as does being over the legal limit.
What if I need to cancel?
Refunds depend on when you cancel: up to 31 December 2026, 90%; 1 January to 28 February 2027, 75%; 1 March to 8 April 2027, 50%; from 9 April, no refund. Email info@rust2dust.com with your reference. See the Terms & Conditions for full details.
What if I am disqualified during the event?
Disqualification forfeits your entry fee. The organiser will help arrange transport, but you must book your own journey home.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You need motor insurance (at least third-party) covering France, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco, checked at registration and again at scrutineering. Personal travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment and repatriation is strongly recommended.
What travel documents do I need?
A valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the rally. UK nationals currently need no visa for France, Spain or Morocco. Carry your V5C logbook, insurance proof, MOT certificate and a GB sticker.
What happens to my car at the end?
When you reach Marrakesh your vehicle stays at the finish, and LMR Management Ltd arranges all onward collection, storage and disposal. You are not responsible for moving the car after you arrive.
Can the organiser use my photos?
Yes, for marketing, the website, social media and documentaries for up to 10 years. Images won't be used in a defamatory, political, sexual or commercial-endorsement context without your consent. You can opt out by emailing info@rust2dust.com before 1 April 2027.
Who do I contact?
Email info@rust2dust.com. For emergencies during the rally, use the emergency number provided at the start, and check rust2dust.com for updates.