When people think of demonstrating, what do they imagine? Adrenaline-fueled feats at high speeds through forests with glamor, celebrity status, untold riches, and admirers who adore you as part of another day at the office? For the best drivers this is a reality, but for most it is something to aspire to. Getting to the top takes time, a lot of effort, and a lot of money! So how does someone start rallying?
Ask some deep questions
The first thing to do is a lot of introspection and research. Don’t try to jump into rallies blindly. As a sport, it carries inherent risks. Make sure there are close family support mechanisms in place, as they will need to be understanding. Getting together can be a labor of love, and it will certainly be a waste of free time. Time spent conducting thorough research is time and money well spent. The technical nature of rallying means that there are many pitfalls to avoid and decisions to be made. Take time to talk to people, attend events, and read a lot.
Get a driver’s license
Rally is a licensed sport and no driver can participate until they have a license from the Motor Sports Association. To obtain a license, any potential driver must take practical and theoretical tests. The Motor Sport Association (MSA) produces an information pack and DVD for those new to the sport. The package is an investment and will ensure that all the correct boxes are checked. Testing is conducted through the British Association Rally Schools (BARS). Information on approved schools can be found on the MSA website.
Get in the know
Finding a local club is very important. A club is a resource for information and experience. Hours can be spent researching information only to find that the information is incorrect or out of date. Rules and regulations change all the time. Having a friendly and enthusiastic face to talk to will help keep you motivated while checking the most important boxes. Tricks of the trade, good vendors, and the opportunity to visit events are great ways to prepare. Not having a car for rallying is not a barrier to preparing for a race in rallying. Searching for a club should be done through the MSA website as only recognized clubs are listed.
Find a co-pilot / navigator
A driver cannot participate in a rally without one, and finding a co-driver with experience and skill will lead to a successful start. Clubs are a good place to start, as they have members willing to take on the role. The driver / co-driver relationship is built on trust and understanding. If a co-pilot is someone new, then the time spent getting to know each other is really important. It is also not uncommon for people to dare to join in association. A co-pilot must meet certain requirements and will also need a license to sail, but there are no requirements for testing.
A matter of personal safety
Rallies are highly regulated, from the specifications of the car to the driver’s clothing. Specifications will vary from event to event. A good understanding of the minimum requirements will help avoid disappointment. Both the driver and co-pilot should wear minimum levels of personal protective equipment. An absolute minimum is for rally spec helmets, overalls, gloves and boots. Some events will also require fire retardant undercoats and balaclava. An intercom system will also be needed. Costs start at $ 750 per person and can go up to $ 2000 more. Safety is so important that good quality equipment is an investment.
Going alone
Most newcomers to rallying will use their own setup. Very few will start the sport with a sponsored or team campaign. Running a setup is time consuming and expensive. Racing rallies is just the bottom line. It takes a lot of planning, preparation, car and equipment maintenance, and training. Going alone means that you will need to store a truck, a trailer, and a wide variety of tools and parts. The cost of all of this can run into the thousands of pounds. A good way to save money is to buy all your equipment and tools from a specialized supplier. A truck and trailer can be found through local classifieds and on auction websites. Talking to club members can also yield good results with equipment, tools, and spare parts that change hands at reasonable prices.
Get on four wheels
With all the boxes checked, it’s time to think about the car. Before you rush out and buy a car, it is worth spending some time thinking about the classification of rallies that attracts the most. Cars and their specifications will change from one race classification to another. Budgeting and having a clear idea about the most affordable and competitive car will give you a solid foundation for a fledgling rally career.
Cars will range from vintage classics to high-powered world rally cars. A novice would do well to learn the trade of driving by starting with a low-powered entry-level car. The specs will be markedly different from a 30-year-old classic to a high-end car. Getting the right advice on car setup and specs will save you a lot of time, effort and money.
Cars start at around $ 2000 and can go up to $ 500k for a high-spec world rally car. Cheap cars may not produce the speed and adrenaline of the top rankings, but it does mean cheap parts that equate to an affordable rally.
A simple plan to follow
Rallies are an exciting and rewarding activity. Like all things in life, it is very complex and challenging to enter. Rally requires a lot of knowledge to meet the requirements. Deep pockets are helpful too. Before you rush out and buy the shiny helmet with the sponsor’s names stamped on the side, take the time to do your research. Creating a clear action plan will help ensure that all requirements are met. Mistakes are very costly and can seriously delay entry to all those important rallies. The hours dedicated to reading; doing research; talking; and networking won’t go to waste. In no time, adrenaline will rush through your veins as the field sped by.
