When people think of rallying, what do they imagine? Adrenaline-fueled exploits at high speeds through forests with glamour, celebrity status, untold riches and adoring fans, just 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 get started in rallying?
Ask some soul-searching questions
The first thing to do is a lot of soul searching and research. Don’t try to enter the rally blind. As a sport, it has inherent risks. Make sure there are close family support mechanisms, because you will need to understand them. Rallying can be a bit of a labor of love, and it will certainly be a waste of free time. Time spent doing extensive research is time and money well spent. The technical nature of rallying means that there are many pitfalls to avoid and decisions to make. Spend time talking to people, going to events, and reading a lot.
Get a driver’s license
Rallying is a licensed sport and no driver may participate until they hold a license from the Motor Sports Association. To obtain a license, any prospective 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 right boxes are checked. Testing is carried out through the British Association Rally Schools (BARS). You can find information about approved schools on the MSA website.
knowing
Finding a local club is very important. A club is a resource of information and experience. Hours can be spent researching information only to discover that the information is incorrect or out of date.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 off the most important boxes. Tricks of the trade, good vendors, and the opportunity to visit events are great ways to prepare. Not having a rally car is not a barrier to preparing for a rally career. Searching for a club must be done through the MSA website, as only recognized clubs are listed.
Find a co-pilot/navigator
A driver can’t race without one, and finding an experienced and skilled co-driver will get you off to a good start. Clubs are a good place to start, as they have members willing to take on the role. The driver/co-driver relationship is based on trust and understanding. If a co-driver is someone new, then the time spent getting to know each other is really important. It is also not uncommon for people to venture out into society. A co-pilot has to meet certain requirements and will also need a license to sail, but there is no requirement for testing.
A matter of personal security
Rallying is 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 the passenger must wear minimum levels of personal protective equipment. An absolute minimum is for rally spec helmets, suits, gloves and boots. Some events will also require flame retardant base layers and balaclavas. An intercom system will also be needed. Costs start at $750 per person and can go up to $2,000 more. Safety is so important that good quality equipment is an investment.
going alone
Most newcomers to rallying will run their own setup. Very few will start the sport with a team drive or a sponsored drive. Running a setup is time consuming and expensive. Racing in rallies is just the bottom line. It takes a lot of planning, preparation, car and equipment maintenance, and training. Going solo means a pickup truck, trailer, and a wide variety of tools and parts will need to be stocked. The cost of all this can run into thousands of dollars. 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 classified ads and on auction websites. Talking to club members can also pay off with equipment, tools, and parts changing hands at reasonable prices.
get on four wheels
Once all the boxes have been checked, it’s time to think about the car. Before you rush out and buy a car, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the rally classification that most appeals to you. The cars and their specifications will change from one race classification to another. Make a budget and have a clear idea about the most affordable and competitive, because it will give a solid base for a budding career in rallying.
Cars will range from vintage classics to high powered world rally cars. A novice would do well to learn the driving trade by starting with a basic low-power car. Specs will be markedly different from a 30-year-old classic to a high-end car. Getting the right advice on car setup and specifications will save a lot of time, effort and money.
Cars start at around $2000 and can go up to $500k for a top spec world rally car. Cheap cars may not produce the speed and adrenaline rush of the top qualifiers, but they do mean cheap parts that equals an affordable rally.
A simple plan to follow
Rallying is an exciting and rewarding activity. Like all things in life, it is very complex and challenging to get into. Rallies require a lot of knowledge to meet the requirements. Deep pockets are also useful. Before you rush out and buy the shiny helmet with the sponsors’ names emblazoned on the side, take some time to do some serious research. Creating a clear action plan will help ensure all requirements are met. Mistakes are very costly and can seriously delay entry into all those important rallies. The hours dedicated to reading; doing research; speaking; and networking will not go to waste. In no time, adrenaline will be coursing through your veins as the course zooms by.
