How to go Rallying
Special Stage rallying is the better-known sport, but navigational events, known as road rallies, have a long and successful history, and are easily accessible to anyone who owns a road car.
Where do the events take place?
Stage rallies are held mainly in countryside areas, particularly Wales, Scotland and Yorkshire. Because an Act of Parliament is needed to close public roads on the British mainland for rallying, most events are held on Forestry Commission land or on disused airfields, with special stages often linked by public roads. However, in the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, events can be held on closed-off public roads.
Road rallies are held exclusively on the public road. Because they share the roads with other traffic, average speeds are deliberately kept relatively low.
There are national championships for Historics, and there is also a championship for Endurance Road-Rally Cars, which are limited to 1400cc petrol engines, or two-litre non-turbo diesels, with virtually standard engines and gearboxes. Some events go off-road, with timed sections in woods, forests or airfields.
How do the events work?
In stage rallies, it’s a simple ‘fastest wins’ format, with the lowest aggregate time over all the special stages providing the winner. Co-drivers read route direction notes issued by the organisers on both the stages and the linking road sections to ensure the car is heading the right way.
For road rallies, the emphasis is as much on navigation as driving skill, as crews must maintain a time schedule through all the control points. The navigator, who uses Ordnance Survey maps to direct the driver around the route, must be very careful with timing – it’s just as bad if you check in too early as it is to check in too late at a time control.
There are several different forms of road-rallying such as Runs with no timing, Economy Runs, Historic Rallies for classic cars and more competitive night events, where the emphasis is on good navigation and time-keeping. Lots of well-known rally co-drivers cut their teeth in Britain’s road-rally scene and went on to stardom in the World Rally Championship.
Most local motor-clubs run what is known as a ’12 Car’ event which is ideal for starting out in any kind of rallying – this is limited to 12 cars and just about any car can take part.You do not need special equipment to take part in road events, but often a map magnifying glass, map light and a sump-shield comes in useful on the more competitive events.
So how do I start?
To get involved in stage rallying, you’ll need a full driving licence. Then you need to get a Go Rallying starter pack from the MSA, which is full of useful information for beginners.
You will need to pass a one-day course at a rally school. This has to be a member of the British Association of Rally Schools (BARS) GO FIND SCHOOLS, which is recognised by the MSA.
Once you have passed the course, you can apply for your MSA National B Rally licence. If you just want to co-drive, you can apply for a Navigator’s licence without having to pass the BARS course.
For road rallying, all you need to do is join Ystrad Mynach Motor Club then you can enter events straight away. If you want to be a driver you will need to have a full driving licence and be at least 17 years of age, but as a navigator you can participate from the age of 12 and without a driving licence.
But what can I compete in?
For stage rallies you will need a car with all the necessary safety equipment. In theory, you could get yourself a World Rally Championship car straight from a factory team, but, unless you have very deep pockets or a major sponsor, it’s best to start with one of the many smaller-engined cars that are available through the small ads in specialist motorsports magazines and the MotorsportAds website.
A good beginner’s car will cost from a couple of thousand pounds, but don’t forget to get it properly checked out for hidden damage, and make sure it is mechanically sound before you buy. With so many rallies and championships catering for all different sizes and ages of car, you can soon find one that will suit you. An ideal starting point is the Formula 1000 Rally Series, where, for a couple of thousand pounds, you can get kick-start your rallying career on tarmac or forest stages. There are even rallies for historic cars; in fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing branches of the sport. A useful contact for further information is the Historic Rally Car Register.
For road rallies, just bring your road car!
Am I ready to get out there now?
All you need to do now is join a Ystrad Mynach Motor Club and register for a championship and you’re ready to go.
What equipment do I need?
Driving at high speed down a narrow forest track can be dangerous, so, for stage rallying, you will need personal safety equipment, including a helmet and fireproof overalls. It’s wise before buying to check with the MSA about current standards and see if any are going change soon.. You don’t want to find that all your new kit is no longer acceptable next season!
These are mandatory (not for road rallying):
- Helmet – buy the best you can afford from a reputable stockist. Helmets must fit the wearer and be to an approved standard. Some special helmets have a built-in intercom for the driver to hear the co-driver’s instructions on the stages. These cost up to £300
- Flame resistant overalls – these must be to an approved FIA standard and must be clean and in good condition. Flame resistant overalls can be expensive so make sure you buy products that comply with the most recent specification. Cost: up to £300
The following are also highly recommended:
- Racing gloves – made from Nomex, give good grip on the steering wheel. Cost: up to £60
- Racing boots – a good pair of fireproof boots improves grip on the pedals. They cost up to £80
- Fireproof top/long johns – approximately £75
- Fireproof balaclava – around £15
- Fireproof socks – approximately £12
There are many reputable race wear stockists in most areas of the country. If none are near, you can buy online or via telephone.
Original article courtesy of the GO Motorsport Initiative. www.gomotorsport.net
