| gerald06sti | 07-07-2006 09:49 AM |
What is the best way to get Rally experience?
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I've caught the Rally bug big time and I'm intersted in seeing how I may go about getting some experience under my belt. I looked up a Rally School online called Incredible Adventures, but it's 1400 bucks for one day. You do get all the equipment you need, car, suit, etc..etc.. and the instructor for the whole day. The break in price comes in if you have 3 people, then it's only 700 a pop.
I can't afford that really, and the school is in Florida, (I'm in Ohio), so my other options are to find a closer and perhaps cheaper school. I'm really looking to find some ways that are cheap to get the experience I am looking for; anything from books, DVD's, websites/internet and obviously seat time on a road/track.
I've thought about doing Auto X and then maybe Rally X events, but there are very few Rally X events from what I have found so far in Ohio.
I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally and any pointers they could provide would be awesome! BTW I drive an 06 STI.
Thx! :banana:
I can't afford that really, and the school is in Florida, (I'm in Ohio), so my other options are to find a closer and perhaps cheaper school. I'm really looking to find some ways that are cheap to get the experience I am looking for; anything from books, DVD's, websites/internet and obviously seat time on a road/track.
I've thought about doing Auto X and then maybe Rally X events, but there are very few Rally X events from what I have found so far in Ohio.
I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally and any pointers they could provide would be awesome! BTW I drive an 06 STI.
Thx! :banana:
| fasteddie | 07-07-2006 10:02 AM |
Go to a rally-X. They're inexpensive, low speed, one day things. Good way to meet rally people and play in the dirt.
Go to a real rally. Sign up to course work or help another team with service. That way you can see what goes on at a bigger event for short money.
Check out TeamO'Neil. In Northern NH. great people. More money, but they can totally set you up.
If you really have the bug, you will get used to driving long distances.
Have fun!!!!
Ted Mendham
Go to a real rally. Sign up to course work or help another team with service. That way you can see what goes on at a bigger event for short money.
Check out TeamO'Neil. In Northern NH. great people. More money, but they can totally set you up.
If you really have the bug, you will get used to driving long distances.
Have fun!!!!
Ted Mendham
| cowapult | 07-07-2006 10:02 AM |
Well, if that's too much money, then you should probably cross off the list:
* being a driver at club/pro/rallysprint level
* rally school
This is what you can afford
* rallyX
* co-driving at any level
* TSD Rallies
I know there have been rallyX's in Ohio recently. You might have to drive a few hours, but that's kinda what rallyX calls for, unfortunately.
If you haven't already, go to the main SCCA page, and DON'T look at their rallyX calendar... it sucks. Instead, go to "Find a Region Near You". Look at the the webpages for all the regions around you, and scour each region's webpage for any sign of rallycross. It's not always obvious b/c rallycross is a side note compared to road racing and autoX.
Alternative #2 would be to go to the contacts page and email Pega Mack.
* being a driver at club/pro/rallysprint level
* rally school
This is what you can afford
* rallyX
* co-driving at any level
* TSD Rallies
I know there have been rallyX's in Ohio recently. You might have to drive a few hours, but that's kinda what rallyX calls for, unfortunately.
If you haven't already, go to the main SCCA page, and DON'T look at their rallyX calendar... it sucks. Instead, go to "Find a Region Near You". Look at the the webpages for all the regions around you, and scour each region's webpage for any sign of rallycross. It's not always obvious b/c rallycross is a side note compared to road racing and autoX.
Alternative #2 would be to go to the contacts page and email Pega Mack.
| mykrrrr | 07-07-2006 10:19 AM |
There are a bunch of rallycrosses in Ohio. Where in OH are you??? We run some in the SE Mich area that some Ohioians come to.
Contact me if necessary.
Contact me if necessary.
| gerald06sti | 07-07-2006 10:27 AM |
I'm located in Columbus. I know that OVR has some RallyX going on, and they have 3 events left this year. Hopefully I'll be attending the AutoX event this Sunday to get some experience on tarmac at least.
I could afford the 1400 but that would be a once a year kind of deal. My plans are to get in to some low level stuff like RallyX and I'd love to attend a real Rally and after a few years when the car is paid off turn it in to a real race car and have a beater to drive to work. In addition, I figure that if I get some experience first before I go to a Rally school, the training I will receive there will stick much more so than if I went in there totally green. Would you all agree?
Thx for the tips so far :)
I could afford the 1400 but that would be a once a year kind of deal. My plans are to get in to some low level stuff like RallyX and I'd love to attend a real Rally and after a few years when the car is paid off turn it in to a real race car and have a beater to drive to work. In addition, I figure that if I get some experience first before I go to a Rally school, the training I will receive there will stick much more so than if I went in there totally green. Would you all agree?
Thx for the tips so far :)
| bjorn240 | 07-07-2006 10:45 AM |
1) Do some Rally X's and go to [url]www.specialstage.com[/url]
2) Attend LSPR to see what it's all about.
3) Save some money and go to Team O'Neil.
4) Beg, borrow, or steal a driving suit and helmet, and learn to co-drive. I know some good co-drivers.
5) Go co-drive 3-4 events and see if you're still totally keen.
6) Decide you want to drive and spend a whole passel of money.
7) Come back here, and we'll tell you to sell the STi and build an old Golf or GC8 Subaru to rally.
Welcome to the sport.
- Christian
2) Attend LSPR to see what it's all about.
3) Save some money and go to Team O'Neil.
4) Beg, borrow, or steal a driving suit and helmet, and learn to co-drive. I know some good co-drivers.
5) Go co-drive 3-4 events and see if you're still totally keen.
6) Decide you want to drive and spend a whole passel of money.
7) Come back here, and we'll tell you to sell the STi and build an old Golf or GC8 Subaru to rally.
Welcome to the sport.
- Christian
| fliz | 07-07-2006 11:55 AM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]
I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally and any pointers they could provide would be awesome! BTW I drive an 06 STI.
Thx! :banana:[/QUOTE]
I'm just getting started as a driver in stage rally.
My first experience was spectating at LSPR. There aren't many rallyx around here, so I did autox and TSD rallies in my WRX.
I also crewed for a few teams (100AW twice, Ojibwe), and worked as a course marshal at LSPR.
Finally, this spring I was ready to take the plunge. I bought an '88 Golf (already prepped), and I'll be competing in my first rally in August.
If you really want to (stage) rally, realize that $1400 is a modest budget for a single event (in a cheap car, not an STi), not a year.
For learning car control, rallyx and autox are invaluable. TSD's are also tons of fun and will help you understand route following and timing controls.
I believe there are a few TSD's in Ohio. The yahoo road rally list ( [url]http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/SCCARoadRally/[/url] ) has lots of info on upcoming events.
I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally and any pointers they could provide would be awesome! BTW I drive an 06 STI.
Thx! :banana:[/QUOTE]
I'm just getting started as a driver in stage rally.
My first experience was spectating at LSPR. There aren't many rallyx around here, so I did autox and TSD rallies in my WRX.
I also crewed for a few teams (100AW twice, Ojibwe), and worked as a course marshal at LSPR.
Finally, this spring I was ready to take the plunge. I bought an '88 Golf (already prepped), and I'll be competing in my first rally in August.
If you really want to (stage) rally, realize that $1400 is a modest budget for a single event (in a cheap car, not an STi), not a year.
For learning car control, rallyx and autox are invaluable. TSD's are also tons of fun and will help you understand route following and timing controls.
I believe there are a few TSD's in Ohio. The yahoo road rally list ( [url]http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/SCCARoadRally/[/url] ) has lots of info on upcoming events.
| Rally_wgn | 07-07-2006 12:05 PM |
+1 on keep the STi as a daily driver and buy a beater to rally in. Google used rally cars and you'll be amazed at how little you need to spend to buy a full prepped, older rally car. Lot cheaper than prepping your STi.
| bjorn240 | 07-07-2006 12:28 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally[/QUOTE]
I grew up in Sweden. Rally is big there (bigger than Ace of Base, but smaller than Roxette), so I knew what it was. Went to college in Chicago and moved to SoCal after that (1997). Met a fellow who owned a Volvo shop and had a rally car. Crewed for him for about 8 months. Learned to wash windows, apply Rain-X, and do a tire change! :)
He decided the following year (1998) that he wanted a new co-driver and asked if I was interested. I decided I was and sat with him on a test. Scared myself silly, and proceded to learn to co-drive.
Sat with him on and off until 2002. Also sat with a few other guys. From 2000 to 2002, I basically co-drove for anyone who asked, and ran regional and national races in both the US and Canada. Tried to continually get rides in faster cars and with faster drivers. Went to co-driving school in Finland for a week, and generally tried to be smarter and better and work harder than the next guy. (This was definitely the hardest part of my co-driving "career" - booked team travel, wrote movement and service schedules, did all the co-driving duties, split costs, and ate a lot of Subway sandwiches.)
In 2003, I was burned out from 16 events in 2002 and was going to take the year off, but got a phone call from Lauchlin O'Sullivan in April about filling in temporarily on the Mitsubishi team as a co-driver for him. His original co-driver was hurt in an (non-rally) accident, and his second choice already had a ride for 2003, so I lucked into that. Really liked Lauchlin, and thought a real "factory" team would be a neat experience, so I did that for a year.
Since 2004, I've been sitting with Travis Pastrana in the 199 car. In 2006, we're part of Subaru Rally Team USA, which has been very rewarding.
- Christian
I grew up in Sweden. Rally is big there (bigger than Ace of Base, but smaller than Roxette), so I knew what it was. Went to college in Chicago and moved to SoCal after that (1997). Met a fellow who owned a Volvo shop and had a rally car. Crewed for him for about 8 months. Learned to wash windows, apply Rain-X, and do a tire change! :)
He decided the following year (1998) that he wanted a new co-driver and asked if I was interested. I decided I was and sat with him on a test. Scared myself silly, and proceded to learn to co-drive.
Sat with him on and off until 2002. Also sat with a few other guys. From 2000 to 2002, I basically co-drove for anyone who asked, and ran regional and national races in both the US and Canada. Tried to continually get rides in faster cars and with faster drivers. Went to co-driving school in Finland for a week, and generally tried to be smarter and better and work harder than the next guy. (This was definitely the hardest part of my co-driving "career" - booked team travel, wrote movement and service schedules, did all the co-driving duties, split costs, and ate a lot of Subway sandwiches.)
In 2003, I was burned out from 16 events in 2002 and was going to take the year off, but got a phone call from Lauchlin O'Sullivan in April about filling in temporarily on the Mitsubishi team as a co-driver for him. His original co-driver was hurt in an (non-rally) accident, and his second choice already had a ride for 2003, so I lucked into that. Really liked Lauchlin, and thought a real "factory" team would be a neat experience, so I did that for a year.
Since 2004, I've been sitting with Travis Pastrana in the 199 car. In 2006, we're part of Subaru Rally Team USA, which has been very rewarding.
- Christian
| gerald06sti | 07-07-2006 12:48 PM |
I saw Travis on the speed channel! Were you in the car when he rolled the subie? I think he did an interview on two wheel tuesday and they were discussing his move from motorcycles to rally. That interview has partially inspired me to get in to Rally, although I have had a casual interest in Rally racing for a long time, but until recently have not persued it at all.
I have a couple other questions:
What is LSPR and TSD rallies? Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering? I don't know much about cars but I am technical. I was a PC Tech for 8 years, and am a quick learner. Is there mundane tasks that I could perform to get started? Would it be benefical to pick up an ASE book and read about motors and the like or even get an ASE cert. for some book knowledge?
Thx again :)
I have a couple other questions:
What is LSPR and TSD rallies? Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering? I don't know much about cars but I am technical. I was a PC Tech for 8 years, and am a quick learner. Is there mundane tasks that I could perform to get started? Would it be benefical to pick up an ASE book and read about motors and the like or even get an ASE cert. for some book knowledge?
Thx again :)
| mykrrrr | 07-07-2006 12:56 PM |
DAMN CHRISTIAN!!!! You know how to apply rainX... :lol:
| JC_595 | 07-07-2006 01:20 PM |
Matt Bushore needs a crew person for Maine Rally in a couple weeks if you want to learn about rally from a Regional perspective. PM me for contact info. He is a moderately fast Group 2 Jetta driver & he & Andy are fun to hang with. You could drive the "Vambulance" service van too!
There is a RallyX in Ionia MI tomorrow. Again, PM me & I can get you Jeff Secor's Email for info on that (I dont know the website info, cuz I cant go). There will also be several MI stage rally folks there you you talk to for advice in person- Colin McCleery, Jeff Secor, Jerry Brownell, etc...
There are also very inexpensive rallies in ONtario like Galway-Cavandish (sp?), near Peterborough in early August you could go to, that are easy to drive to & work at for experience to gain knowledge into our sport, or try to find a codrive ride at, which at very low pressure events to learn at. One day formats, lotsa fun, great ways to learn & make sure it's what you want to spend money on...
Tim Oniel's school is the one you want to save your money for. Seriously.
LSPR is the Lake Superior Pro Rally [url]http://www.lsprorally.com/[/url]
A TSD rally is a Time Speed Distance rally. It is not a stage rally. Mykrr could answer that better than I can. It is a test of accuracy more that speed, and requires you be on time. You run in cars not prepped for racing, so you could use your STI, and the roads are not closed to civlian traffic, so you are not actually racing...
my site hasnt been updated for awhile- I have had sever probs- [url]http://www.gnimotorsports.com[/url]
There is a RallyX in Ionia MI tomorrow. Again, PM me & I can get you Jeff Secor's Email for info on that (I dont know the website info, cuz I cant go). There will also be several MI stage rally folks there you you talk to for advice in person- Colin McCleery, Jeff Secor, Jerry Brownell, etc...
There are also very inexpensive rallies in ONtario like Galway-Cavandish (sp?), near Peterborough in early August you could go to, that are easy to drive to & work at for experience to gain knowledge into our sport, or try to find a codrive ride at, which at very low pressure events to learn at. One day formats, lotsa fun, great ways to learn & make sure it's what you want to spend money on...
Tim Oniel's school is the one you want to save your money for. Seriously.
LSPR is the Lake Superior Pro Rally [url]http://www.lsprorally.com/[/url]
A TSD rally is a Time Speed Distance rally. It is not a stage rally. Mykrr could answer that better than I can. It is a test of accuracy more that speed, and requires you be on time. You run in cars not prepped for racing, so you could use your STI, and the roads are not closed to civlian traffic, so you are not actually racing...
my site hasnt been updated for awhile- I have had sever probs- [url]http://www.gnimotorsports.com[/url]
| Yotsuya | 07-07-2006 01:21 PM |
You could also work a few rallies. Try to work a control rather than a marshall spot. You get to spend a few moments with each team, and on the start line you get to feel all the pressure of a few dozen cars lined up and have to manage how they set off and deal with car order, mechanical issues, and (as I was told) "devious tricks" by teams to score a dust window.
| JC_595 | 07-07-2006 01:22 PM |
[QUOTE=mykrrrr]DAMN CHRISTIAN!!!! You know how to apply rainX... :lol:[/QUOTE]
AND he does WINDOWS!!!!
Christian- can you talk to my wife?
AND he does WINDOWS!!!!
Christian- can you talk to my wife?
| JC_595 | 07-07-2006 01:24 PM |
[QUOTE=Yotsuya]You could also work a few rallies. Try to work a control rather than a marshall spot. You get to spend a few moments with each team, and on the start line you get to feel all the pressure of a few dozen cars lined up and have to manage how they set off and deal with car order, mechanical issues, and (as I was told) "devious tricks" by teams to score a dust window.[/QUOTE]
Devious? Rally teams are devious...
:devil:
Devious? Rally teams are devious...
:devil:
| Easy Rider | 07-07-2006 01:52 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]I'm also very interested in reading anyone's story on how they got involved with Rally and any pointers they could provide would be awesome! BTW I drive an 06 STI.Thx! :banana:[/QUOTE]
For myself :
- I spectated for a couple of years.
- Got a "demo" ride from Pat Richard and was 1000% hooked.
- Then volunteered for almost a full season at stage events, while also doing a couple of TSD events.
- Built a Talon - ran it for 2 years - rolled it - built my street car (04 WRX) and am currently racing it.
I would strongly suggest the TSD and Rally X route to start with.
For myself :
- I spectated for a couple of years.
- Got a "demo" ride from Pat Richard and was 1000% hooked.
- Then volunteered for almost a full season at stage events, while also doing a couple of TSD events.
- Built a Talon - ran it for 2 years - rolled it - built my street car (04 WRX) and am currently racing it.
I would strongly suggest the TSD and Rally X route to start with.
| rallynutdon | 07-07-2006 01:53 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]I have a couple other questions:
What is LSPR and TSD rallies? Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering? I don't know much about cars but I am technical. I was a PC Tech for 8 years, and am a quick learner. Is there mundane tasks that I could perform to get started? Would it be benefical to pick up an ASE book and read about motors and the like or even get an ASE cert. for some book knowledge?
Thx again :)[/QUOTE]
No offense, but if you're asking those kind of questions. you need to attend every rally event of any kind you can find for a year or two as a worker, crew, etc. Use Google and read everything you possibly can on [url]www.specialstage.com[/url] for a couple of months.
What is LSPR and TSD rallies? Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering? I don't know much about cars but I am technical. I was a PC Tech for 8 years, and am a quick learner. Is there mundane tasks that I could perform to get started? Would it be benefical to pick up an ASE book and read about motors and the like or even get an ASE cert. for some book knowledge?
Thx again :)[/QUOTE]
No offense, but if you're asking those kind of questions. you need to attend every rally event of any kind you can find for a year or two as a worker, crew, etc. Use Google and read everything you possibly can on [url]www.specialstage.com[/url] for a couple of months.
| WRX-ECE | 07-07-2006 01:57 PM |
It's all been said but I'll add my two cents:
1) It seems you've mentioned you might auto-X, do it. It's the cheapest and most prolifient way to get seat time. it will help you termendously in learning car control even if it isn't directly applicable to rally
2) Rally-X, same as above, do as many as you can. I'm beginning to organize a plan to get into rally and will most likely take a year doing mostly rally-x after we get our car together. Can't complain about a few hours drive when you are looking at 8-10 for almost every event in rally.
3) Do as many TSDs as you can with either the person you might want to co-drive with or an expereinced person. It will help you get an idea of start times, hearing (reading) notes etc.
4) If you can't afford $1400 for rally school then you need to start thinking about cost a little more. Currently I am planning on budgeting $1500 a rally... not including the inevidable forey into the trees.
5) It can cost you $15K+ to properly outfit your STi
6) Listen to all, go to events. I learned more about an actual event working at Rally West Virginia then reading all of the online stuff there is. I'm planning on going to Maine in a few weeks and will work if I can.
7) Buy an already prepped gulf to rally, some can be had for cheaper then the cage will cost for your STi, with spares.
Jeremy
1) It seems you've mentioned you might auto-X, do it. It's the cheapest and most prolifient way to get seat time. it will help you termendously in learning car control even if it isn't directly applicable to rally
2) Rally-X, same as above, do as many as you can. I'm beginning to organize a plan to get into rally and will most likely take a year doing mostly rally-x after we get our car together. Can't complain about a few hours drive when you are looking at 8-10 for almost every event in rally.
3) Do as many TSDs as you can with either the person you might want to co-drive with or an expereinced person. It will help you get an idea of start times, hearing (reading) notes etc.
4) If you can't afford $1400 for rally school then you need to start thinking about cost a little more. Currently I am planning on budgeting $1500 a rally... not including the inevidable forey into the trees.
5) It can cost you $15K+ to properly outfit your STi
6) Listen to all, go to events. I learned more about an actual event working at Rally West Virginia then reading all of the online stuff there is. I'm planning on going to Maine in a few weeks and will work if I can.
7) Buy an already prepped gulf to rally, some can be had for cheaper then the cage will cost for your STi, with spares.
Jeremy
| bjorn240 | 07-07-2006 03:04 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]I saw Travis on the speed channel! Were you in the car when he rolled the subie?[/QUOTE]
Yes. Delightful, wasn't it? My wife loves that footage. :)
[QUOTE]What is LSPR and TSD rallies?[/QUOTE]
LSPR is the Lake Superior Performance Rally held in the UP of Michigan the third weekend in October every year. It's a great rally and the best stage rally teams will be there. Definitely a good show, and a great event to get your apetite for rallying up another notch.
TSD rallies are "navigation" events run on open roads in standard road cars. They don't let you go flat out like a stage rally goes, but it does have a lot of similarities to the transit sections of stage rallies.
[QUOTE]Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering?[/QUOTE]
A thread unto its own I think. You can: help with technical inspection of cars, guard side roads to prevent entry of unauthorized traffic (good spectating), start cars at the start line, time cars at the finish line, work as a HAM radio operator (if you have a license) keeping the rally on schedule, etc. etc. etc. Lots of stuff to do.
And no, if you're going to be a crewmember for a while, I don't think you need an ASE cert or book. You'll learn most of it just by hanging about. It's good to hook up with a team that is local to you so you can have a look at the car between events, too, and practice different service techniques. Our service guys can change an STi gearbox in 16 minutes, but I don't think they did that on their first try...
HTH,
- Christian
Yes. Delightful, wasn't it? My wife loves that footage. :)
[QUOTE]What is LSPR and TSD rallies?[/QUOTE]
LSPR is the Lake Superior Performance Rally held in the UP of Michigan the third weekend in October every year. It's a great rally and the best stage rally teams will be there. Definitely a good show, and a great event to get your apetite for rallying up another notch.
TSD rallies are "navigation" events run on open roads in standard road cars. They don't let you go flat out like a stage rally goes, but it does have a lot of similarities to the transit sections of stage rallies.
[QUOTE]Also, what kind of duties can one do when voluntering?[/QUOTE]
A thread unto its own I think. You can: help with technical inspection of cars, guard side roads to prevent entry of unauthorized traffic (good spectating), start cars at the start line, time cars at the finish line, work as a HAM radio operator (if you have a license) keeping the rally on schedule, etc. etc. etc. Lots of stuff to do.
And no, if you're going to be a crewmember for a while, I don't think you need an ASE cert or book. You'll learn most of it just by hanging about. It's good to hook up with a team that is local to you so you can have a look at the car between events, too, and practice different service techniques. Our service guys can change an STi gearbox in 16 minutes, but I don't think they did that on their first try...
HTH,
- Christian
| wgl | 07-07-2006 05:32 PM |
If you are located in the Columbus, Ohio area you are right in the middle of a fair amount of rally-x and TSD rally activity.
Both Ohio Valley and Western Ohio Regions of the SCCA plan to host multiple rally-x's yet this year. Likewise Detroit Region, SCCA will host events in lower Michigan.
SCCA's Neohio and Detroit Regions each host multiple TSD rallies that are part of the Central Division Rally Championship. These rallies run over a wide variety of roads, in all weather conditions. Some of these rallies are quite challenging.
For example, Detroit Region's Press On Regardless (POR) rally in September will run over 500+ miles of forest roads in the northern third of Michigan's Lower Peninsula over two consecutive nights - all at an extremely brisk pace.
Neohio Region, SCCA will host three Central Division Championship TSD rallies in the hills of east-central Ohio in October and November.
Central Ohio Rally Club (CORC) hosts a series of Saturday night rallies each summer.
Look for information about these events on the various SCCA websites (linked through [url]www.scca.org[/url] ), or at [url]www.myautoevents.com[/url]
Of course, if some enterprising souls were to resurrect the Sunriser 400 and Tulip rallies, you'd have stages to run right in your backyard (State Forests in the Chillicothe & Portsmouth areas)...
Both Ohio Valley and Western Ohio Regions of the SCCA plan to host multiple rally-x's yet this year. Likewise Detroit Region, SCCA will host events in lower Michigan.
SCCA's Neohio and Detroit Regions each host multiple TSD rallies that are part of the Central Division Rally Championship. These rallies run over a wide variety of roads, in all weather conditions. Some of these rallies are quite challenging.
For example, Detroit Region's Press On Regardless (POR) rally in September will run over 500+ miles of forest roads in the northern third of Michigan's Lower Peninsula over two consecutive nights - all at an extremely brisk pace.
Neohio Region, SCCA will host three Central Division Championship TSD rallies in the hills of east-central Ohio in October and November.
Central Ohio Rally Club (CORC) hosts a series of Saturday night rallies each summer.
Look for information about these events on the various SCCA websites (linked through [url]www.scca.org[/url] ), or at [url]www.myautoevents.com[/url]
Of course, if some enterprising souls were to resurrect the Sunriser 400 and Tulip rallies, you'd have stages to run right in your backyard (State Forests in the Chillicothe & Portsmouth areas)...
| LyveWRX | 07-07-2006 05:45 PM |
Here are some TSD Rally links for you:
[url]http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/usr/moose/plug.html[/url]
[url]http://www.jcna.com/library/rally/index.php[/url]
[url]http://www.mco.org/files/rally/TSD_TheVeryBasics.pdf[/url]
[url]http://www.goss.com/rally.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.reasonability.net/~fairbank/tsd.html[/url]
[url]http://www.scca.com/Rally/RoadRally.asp[/url]
[url]http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/usr/moose/plug.html[/url]
[url]http://www.jcna.com/library/rally/index.php[/url]
[url]http://www.mco.org/files/rally/TSD_TheVeryBasics.pdf[/url]
[url]http://www.goss.com/rally.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.reasonability.net/~fairbank/tsd.html[/url]
[url]http://www.scca.com/Rally/RoadRally.asp[/url]
| SlideWRX | 07-07-2006 06:00 PM |
[QUOTE=JC_595]my site hasnt been updated for awhile- I have had sever probs- [url]http://www.gnimotorsports.com[/url][/QUOTE]
JC, your website is 4 vehicles behind. ;) Truck, Golf, Mustang, Impreza #2.
Tom
JC, your website is 4 vehicles behind. ;) Truck, Golf, Mustang, Impreza #2.
Tom
| mykrrrr | 07-09-2006 06:05 PM |
[QUOTE=JC_595]
A TSD rally is a Time Speed Distance rally. It is not a stage rally. Mykrr could answer that better than I can. [/QUOTE]
I know nothing about TSD rallies JC. I only know Tom and I need to do a couple before LSPR or we'll be FUBAR w/the computer... :lol: :huh:
A TSD rally is a Time Speed Distance rally. It is not a stage rally. Mykrr could answer that better than I can. [/QUOTE]
I know nothing about TSD rallies JC. I only know Tom and I need to do a couple before LSPR or we'll be FUBAR w/the computer... :lol: :huh:
| randy zimmer | 07-09-2006 07:26 PM |
A lot of good tips and info, I especially like Christian's, "sell the STi and build an old Golf or GC8 Subaru to rally."
Boo Hoo, I can afford an STi but not traveling or attending a school.
Being a rally-guy has nothing in common with being comfortable, well-rested and solvent. It has everything to do with sacrifice, trial and error, suffering, disappointment and a lot of driving - in the event and to and from them.
BTW, re: "when the car is paid off turn it in to a real race car and have a beater to drive to work"
If you turn your STi into a rally car, it will BE a beater in no time.
Hope to see you at some events when you look the sport over in person.
rz
Boo Hoo, I can afford an STi but not traveling or attending a school.
Being a rally-guy has nothing in common with being comfortable, well-rested and solvent. It has everything to do with sacrifice, trial and error, suffering, disappointment and a lot of driving - in the event and to and from them.
BTW, re: "when the car is paid off turn it in to a real race car and have a beater to drive to work"
If you turn your STi into a rally car, it will BE a beater in no time.
Hope to see you at some events when you look the sport over in person.
rz
| Howl | 07-10-2006 08:55 AM |
I know of one guy who turned his new STi into a rally car thinking he could just waltz in and start winning trophies. I'm not even sure he had driven on a gravel road before. He certainly hadn't been to any of the local TSD's or rallyx's. After spending thousands of dollars and a whole summer getting the car ready, he lasted all of one event. I don't know whether he ran out of money, lost interest or was just pissed off P4 cars (eg. production-class Swifts) beat him, but he now has a gutted and caged STi as a daily driver.
| blueb3 | 07-10-2006 03:46 PM |
Since you are in Columbus, come out with us to the Rally-X's They are a blast. I have been working for the past year with Faribanks Motorsports, he campaigns a MK2 GTI. It's been a great learning environment. And since you wanted some stories, here's mine:
I wanted to try this out for myself after sectating at an event and a great chick gave me a ride in her WRX wagon during a fun run. Needless to say, I was HOOKED.
Prepping the car was super simple, take off hubcaps, clean out the car, gas up and have a blast.
I took some time to walk the course and familiarze myself with how it was laid out.
Work assignments were handed out and I was assigned the DUSTIEST section of the track. Every time a gar went through we had to wait a good 15 seconds till we could see the cones again.
There were 21 cars at this round (including a couple 2 and 3 driver cars), split up into 2 groups, and more course changes than you could shake a stick at. It hasn't rained here in a week, and the thought was since there was a ton of dry, cut grass as well as regular green grass and hard pack dirt they would let the guys wearing rally tires run first. By the way, Ohio dirt is mostly clay, and it retains water FOREVER. So needless to say the course was very interesting for us running all season tires. We started on dry loose dirt, and throughout the course went through grass, hard pack dirt, loose dirt, rutted clay and even a bit of muddy clay.
After the first group went did their runs, I decided to walk the course one more time. Better safe than sorry right?
Now it's my turn to race. I was more than a little nervous actually running my car. I have to drive home in this car, and if I break anything my wife will KILL me. So my first lap was a very slow and cautious 63.something. As my confidence grew and realizing that my car handles this stuff amazingly well, I was able to shave 10 seconds off my lap times. The 6th run was a very respectable 52.9! I was STOKED, and I wasn't in last place!! :toast:
Since I was on the crew that ran second and worked for the first group, there was over 2 hours before I got to run again. That time was not spent wisely. I stayed out in the sun and heat (90+ deg.) drank some pop, and failed to take the opportunity to walk the course for my second runs. Needless to say that I only have myself to blame for my performance (or lack there of) during the second heat. :wacko: :crazy:
[b]1st [/b]run - [color=red]DNF[/color] did not finish. I somehow got lost out on the course (didn't I just spend the last hour standing out here watching cars do this and then have a parade lap)
[b]2nd-5th[/b] run - Kept missing the same gate (automatic 10 second penalty) I kept over running it.
[b]6th[/b] run - Found the gate, hell I [color=red]PLOWED[/color] the gate. Took out the marker and pointer cone :lol: But still had a good run.
So, was I happy with how the day turned out? Mostly. I had a great morning, and met up with some great people and had a great time. I just didn't bring my A-Game to the second half and it really showed. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. I had an absolutely thrilling time, and would love to do it again. Unfortunately life is stepping in and putting the Kabosh on the rest of the season for me. My wife is due with our daughter in a month and as such, this was my one and only chance to be gone for a whole day for the forseeable future. But I will be back next year, and will be more competitive to boot, now that I know what myself and my car are capable of.
As far as pictures: I forgot to take my camera out during the first heat, and during my runs I asked a complete stranger to take some pics of me out running my car, since the only guys I really knew were running in the same group as me. For the second heat, I took the camera out, and got some great pics of people out running through the dirt.
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix130.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix123.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix122.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/[/url]
I wanted to try this out for myself after sectating at an event and a great chick gave me a ride in her WRX wagon during a fun run. Needless to say, I was HOOKED.
Prepping the car was super simple, take off hubcaps, clean out the car, gas up and have a blast.
I took some time to walk the course and familiarze myself with how it was laid out.
Work assignments were handed out and I was assigned the DUSTIEST section of the track. Every time a gar went through we had to wait a good 15 seconds till we could see the cones again.
There were 21 cars at this round (including a couple 2 and 3 driver cars), split up into 2 groups, and more course changes than you could shake a stick at. It hasn't rained here in a week, and the thought was since there was a ton of dry, cut grass as well as regular green grass and hard pack dirt they would let the guys wearing rally tires run first. By the way, Ohio dirt is mostly clay, and it retains water FOREVER. So needless to say the course was very interesting for us running all season tires. We started on dry loose dirt, and throughout the course went through grass, hard pack dirt, loose dirt, rutted clay and even a bit of muddy clay.
After the first group went did their runs, I decided to walk the course one more time. Better safe than sorry right?
Now it's my turn to race. I was more than a little nervous actually running my car. I have to drive home in this car, and if I break anything my wife will KILL me. So my first lap was a very slow and cautious 63.something. As my confidence grew and realizing that my car handles this stuff amazingly well, I was able to shave 10 seconds off my lap times. The 6th run was a very respectable 52.9! I was STOKED, and I wasn't in last place!! :toast:
Since I was on the crew that ran second and worked for the first group, there was over 2 hours before I got to run again. That time was not spent wisely. I stayed out in the sun and heat (90+ deg.) drank some pop, and failed to take the opportunity to walk the course for my second runs. Needless to say that I only have myself to blame for my performance (or lack there of) during the second heat. :wacko: :crazy:
[b]1st [/b]run - [color=red]DNF[/color] did not finish. I somehow got lost out on the course (didn't I just spend the last hour standing out here watching cars do this and then have a parade lap)
[b]2nd-5th[/b] run - Kept missing the same gate (automatic 10 second penalty) I kept over running it.
[b]6th[/b] run - Found the gate, hell I [color=red]PLOWED[/color] the gate. Took out the marker and pointer cone :lol: But still had a good run.
So, was I happy with how the day turned out? Mostly. I had a great morning, and met up with some great people and had a great time. I just didn't bring my A-Game to the second half and it really showed. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. I had an absolutely thrilling time, and would love to do it again. Unfortunately life is stepping in and putting the Kabosh on the rest of the season for me. My wife is due with our daughter in a month and as such, this was my one and only chance to be gone for a whole day for the forseeable future. But I will be back next year, and will be more competitive to boot, now that I know what myself and my car are capable of.
As far as pictures: I forgot to take my camera out during the first heat, and during my runs I asked a complete stranger to take some pics of me out running my car, since the only guys I really knew were running in the same group as me. For the second heat, I took the camera out, and got some great pics of people out running through the dirt.
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix130.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix123.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/Mix122.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/blueb3/[/url]
| gerald06sti | 07-10-2006 04:39 PM |
Rock on! Thx for the stories and the advice so far. :) :)
| Fred | 07-11-2006 11:08 AM |
We're planning to add a rallyx school to our schedule in August. You can come down and play with us, if you'd like. Entry fee will most likely be less than $50, and you'll get to ride with and get instruction from some of the guys who brought home 1st and 2nd place trophies from the SCCA National Challenge at Oakland Acres, VA.
[url]http://www.thscc.com/rally/index.html[/url]
As far as the "Boo hoo, I have an STi but can't afford rally school" stuff goes... :lol: I have an STi and I agree with them to a certain extent. You can buy a rally car, go to rally school and do a bunch of rallies with the $ you're paying for the STi. You just have to determine whether you'd rather drive a POS daily and do a rally once every few months (or whenever), or drive an STi daily and do rallyxes as often as you have time to do them. I've decided to sell my STi to save some money, and eventually I'm going to find a decent 2.5RS rally car, or a decent 2.5RS to turn into a rally car myself. But I have some things to take care of first, so I'll just continue to rallyx my 2000 2.5RS until I'm ready.
I think you'd probably be better off keeping your STi, doing some rallyxes when you feel like it, and volunteering at rallies (the stage marshals get to drive through the stages to get to their position, btw :cool: ). But if you're really that hooked and want to be in a rally car NOW, and you can't afford both, the STi will have to go. :lol:
[url]http://www.thscc.com/rally/index.html[/url]
As far as the "Boo hoo, I have an STi but can't afford rally school" stuff goes... :lol: I have an STi and I agree with them to a certain extent. You can buy a rally car, go to rally school and do a bunch of rallies with the $ you're paying for the STi. You just have to determine whether you'd rather drive a POS daily and do a rally once every few months (or whenever), or drive an STi daily and do rallyxes as often as you have time to do them. I've decided to sell my STi to save some money, and eventually I'm going to find a decent 2.5RS rally car, or a decent 2.5RS to turn into a rally car myself. But I have some things to take care of first, so I'll just continue to rallyx my 2000 2.5RS until I'm ready.
I think you'd probably be better off keeping your STi, doing some rallyxes when you feel like it, and volunteering at rallies (the stage marshals get to drive through the stages to get to their position, btw :cool: ). But if you're really that hooked and want to be in a rally car NOW, and you can't afford both, the STi will have to go. :lol:
| stirich | 07-11-2006 12:13 PM |
Get out and get some track time.
�
�
Gravel, Tarmac, dirt...Just get out and drive... :banana:
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa7.jpg[/IMG]
Enjoy, R. :)
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.raceramps.net/media/usa1/usa7.jpg[/IMG]
Enjoy, R. :)
| mykrrrr | 07-11-2006 01:12 PM |
Remember if you go the rally car route, you can't go straight into an AWD car if you run with Rally America. You need to run a few rallies in a production or G2 class car before you can go PGT, Grp. N or Open.
| JC_595 | 07-11-2006 04:12 PM |
rumor has it NASA Rallysport is gonna do that too in another year or so...
| davis10 | 07-11-2006 05:48 PM |
Does anyone else who has never rallycrossed before but wants to worry about being bad at it?
| fliz | 07-11-2006 06:05 PM |
[QUOTE=davis10]Does anyone else who has never rallycrossed before but wants to worry about being bad ?[/QUOTE]
I never did.
Beginners are supposed to be bad...that's why they call them n00bs!
Get there early, walk the course multiple times, and take it easy until you get a feel for how your car will respond.
I never did.
Beginners are supposed to be bad...that's why they call them n00bs!
Get there early, walk the course multiple times, and take it easy until you get a feel for how your car will respond.
| bjorn240 | 07-11-2006 06:31 PM |
Dude, I am so bad it stinks in here. Last year, I rented a rally car for a regional rally in California. I (we, long story) finished second in class (PGT). SIX MINUTES DOWN on the guy in first. We lost SIX minutes on a guy in 60 miles. That's 360 seconds in 60 miles, or SIX SECONDS PER MILE.
That is so ridiculously slow that it is almost beyond comprehension.
Also, I had a very very very good time, and laughed so hard my sides hurt. In other words, bugger the result; go out and have a good time. In time, you'll get better!
- Christian
That is so ridiculously slow that it is almost beyond comprehension.
Also, I had a very very very good time, and laughed so hard my sides hurt. In other words, bugger the result; go out and have a good time. In time, you'll get better!
- Christian
| akuhner | 07-11-2006 08:16 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]I could afford the 1400 but that would be a once a year kind of deal.[/QUOTE] That's half what you'd need to complete a single weekend of stage rally, assuming you had a rally car and all the safety bits already. I think your plan sounds good, just be ready to drive a lot to get to events - distances that you might have balked at in the past will become an "easy drive!"
| akuhner | 07-11-2006 08:17 PM |
[QUOTE=davis10]Does anyone else who has never rallycrossed before but wants to worry about being bad ?[/QUOTE]
Did the same thought cross your mind the first time you rode a bike? No? What's the difference?
Did the same thought cross your mind the first time you rode a bike? No? What's the difference?
| RallyCat66 | 07-11-2006 08:27 PM |
[QUOTE=fliz]I never did.
Beginners are supposed to be bad...that's why they call them n00bs!
Get there early, walk the course multiple times, and take it easy until you get a feel for how your car will respond.[/QUOTE]
And talk to the competitors. You'll be surprized how willing the majority of the top competitors are to help people who are just starting. That is until you start beating them! :lol:
Seriously, don't worry about it, get out and have some fun.
Beginners are supposed to be bad...that's why they call them n00bs!
Get there early, walk the course multiple times, and take it easy until you get a feel for how your car will respond.[/QUOTE]
And talk to the competitors. You'll be surprized how willing the majority of the top competitors are to help people who are just starting. That is until you start beating them! :lol:
Seriously, don't worry about it, get out and have some fun.
| blueb3 | 07-12-2006 12:56 AM |
Exactly, even with my piss poor showing in the second heat I came in 13th out of 21. Not bad for a first time out. The main point is "Have Fun" Best $30 I ever spent.
| JC_595 | 07-12-2006 01:54 PM |
Dude- I STINK at RallyX. And i race stage rally.
Go try it.
Tell me when you decide to make a RallyX in SE MI & I may be able to run also. That way you already be able to beat at least one person, right out of the gate. :lol:
Go try it.
Tell me when you decide to make a RallyX in SE MI & I may be able to run also. That way you already be able to beat at least one person, right out of the gate. :lol:
| ryan j | 07-12-2006 11:12 PM |
Don't worry about being "bad" at rallycross. Beginners usually place well because most of the people are just out there to slide around in the dirt and dont' worry about saving a tenth here and there.
edit--good results in rallycross don't always translate to stage rally, kind of like autocross and an actual track.
If you want to get into the sport quickly and cheaply, find someone that needs a codriver and give it a shot. It's the next best thing to driving, and costs a fraction of driving. It's fun, but it's also a very stressful and harsh environment inside the car. Find out if it's a place that you want to be before you turn a nice car into a piece of rolling scrap metal.
edit--good results in rallycross don't always translate to stage rally, kind of like autocross and an actual track.
If you want to get into the sport quickly and cheaply, find someone that needs a codriver and give it a shot. It's the next best thing to driving, and costs a fraction of driving. It's fun, but it's also a very stressful and harsh environment inside the car. Find out if it's a place that you want to be before you turn a nice car into a piece of rolling scrap metal.
| gerald06sti | 07-13-2006 10:10 AM |
Hey all thx again for the input. I think the plan is to get my butt to a rallyx in the near future. However what kind of tires should I invest in first? I have the Bridgestone Potenzas that come on stock, and I'm sure those have to be terrible in the dirt/mud.
| fliz | 07-13-2006 10:12 AM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]Hey all thx again for the input. I think the plan is to get my butt to a rallyx in the near future. However what kind of tires should I invest in first? I have the Bridgestone Potenzas that come on stock, and I'm sure those have to be terrible in the dirt/mud.[/QUOTE]
You're going to need snow tires for the winter. Buy them now and use them for rallyx.
You're going to need snow tires for the winter. Buy them now and use them for rallyx.
| anders8 | 07-13-2006 11:07 AM |
[quote=mykrrrr]Remember... you can't go straight into an AWD car if you run with Rally America.[/quote][QUOTE=JC_595]rumor has it NASA Rallysport is gonna do that too in another year or so...[/QUOTE]From talking with John Shirley at the last rally, my understanding is that the current NRS policy (allowing new competitors to drive AWD turbo cars) is not changing. So if someone wants to build an STi as their first car, they're still going to be allowed to do that via NASA Rally Sport.
Cheers,
Anders
Cheers,
Anders
| f1vlad | 07-13-2006 12:03 PM |
Anybody on here went to Team ONeil? I am going in August.
| The neck | 07-13-2006 03:14 PM |
Based on my own experience, I would highly recommend going to Tim O'Neil as step one. He teaches you a system of car control that puts everything else you learn in context.
I only went there once in 2001 for only two days. This was before I'd even entered a rally-cross much less a stage rally. As far as rally was concerned I was a tabula rasa.
I have learned a huge amount since then from all of the methods mentioned by others; discussions with veterans, reading, rally/autox and most importantly stage-miles. But everything I learned I learned faster and more intuitively, because I could relate it all back to the basic O'Neil system of car control.
(Note, despite the fact that this reads like bumf from a bad O'Neil brochure, I have no connection with Tim havn't been to his school in five years now, (my bad) and I doubt he would even recognize me. I just found his school a valuable starting point.)
I only went there once in 2001 for only two days. This was before I'd even entered a rally-cross much less a stage rally. As far as rally was concerned I was a tabula rasa.
I have learned a huge amount since then from all of the methods mentioned by others; discussions with veterans, reading, rally/autox and most importantly stage-miles. But everything I learned I learned faster and more intuitively, because I could relate it all back to the basic O'Neil system of car control.
(Note, despite the fact that this reads like bumf from a bad O'Neil brochure, I have no connection with Tim havn't been to his school in five years now, (my bad) and I doubt he would even recognize me. I just found his school a valuable starting point.)
| RB5 Clone | 07-13-2006 05:31 PM |
developing driver software is by far the most cost-effective speed/safety $$ you can spend getting started in rally. Until you get the driver set up, $ spend on go-fast hardware for the car is largely wasted.
I DO have vested interest in O'Neil's, I'm a teacher there. However, I started out as a customer, got hooked on rally, and it's been a long slippy slope since then.
Dave G
PS--Monsieur Neck, where is your Maine Forest Entry? Gp 2 needs more leadfooted Brits!
I DO have vested interest in O'Neil's, I'm a teacher there. However, I started out as a customer, got hooked on rally, and it's been a long slippy slope since then.
Dave G
PS--Monsieur Neck, where is your Maine Forest Entry? Gp 2 needs more leadfooted Brits!
| The neck | 07-13-2006 06:22 PM |
Blew the budget on a new car (formerly property of a Mr. Bottles) and a DNS at Rally WV. :( Now I have to content myself with sitting in the car and making vroom vroom noises.
Have fun. Good luck. I expect to see you qualify for the X-games.
Have fun. Good luck. I expect to see you qualify for the X-games.
| anders8 | 07-13-2006 08:54 PM |
[QUOTE=The neck]Blew the budget on a new car (formerly property of a Mr. Bottles) and a DNS at Rally WV. :( Now I have to content myself with sitting in the car and making vroom vroom noises.[/QUOTE]
Come now! I _know_ that car will make it's own vroom noises!
:)
ANders
Come now! I _know_ that car will make it's own vroom noises!
:)
ANders
| mykrrrr | 07-13-2006 09:42 PM |
[QUOTE=JC_595]Dude- I STINK at RallyX. And i race stage rally.
Go try it.
Tell me when you decide to make a RallyX in SE MI & I may be able to run also. That way you already be able to beat at least one person, right out of the gate. :lol:[/QUOTE]
Yeah I'm faster than JC @ rallycross but he'll be faster than Tom and I @ stage rally. :lol:
Next rallycross in the Detroit region is on Aug 19 (I think) @ Bob's Family Raceway on the western side of the state. It's supposed to be a super fun and pretty fast set up. :devil:
Go try it.
Tell me when you decide to make a RallyX in SE MI & I may be able to run also. That way you already be able to beat at least one person, right out of the gate. :lol:[/QUOTE]
Yeah I'm faster than JC @ rallycross but he'll be faster than Tom and I @ stage rally. :lol:
Next rallycross in the Detroit region is on Aug 19 (I think) @ Bob's Family Raceway on the western side of the state. It's supposed to be a super fun and pretty fast set up. :devil:
| RB5 Clone | 07-13-2006 10:03 PM |
[QUOTE=The neck]
Have fun. Good luck. I expect to see you qualify for the X-games.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the good wishes. X Games? I Wish!
OK, here's the plan...qualify for X Games in special class: Old Guy Driving Old Subaru (No Turbo) Built Out Of Parts From About 10 Other Old Scoobies
Tulip rules!
DG :rolleyes:
PS--Neck, what is the car you got?
Have fun. Good luck. I expect to see you qualify for the X-games.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the good wishes. X Games? I Wish!
OK, here's the plan...qualify for X Games in special class: Old Guy Driving Old Subaru (No Turbo) Built Out Of Parts From About 10 Other Old Scoobies
Tulip rules!
DG :rolleyes:
PS--Neck, what is the car you got?
| thechickencow | 07-13-2006 11:35 PM |
My input -
My first competitive driving event was a rallyx in my impreza. I had no idea what I was doing, but was hooked immediately. From that point I ran as many rallyx'es as I could, ran as many autoxes as I could, track days, tsd, ice racing, etc. Everything to learn the car.
I started going to spectate/work rallies as I could, LSPR was the first I was at and I had a blast. It was the one where Tim O hit a deer one night, and I was working the stage where he tore up his bumper on teh whoops at the end (gratiot lake).
I saw a few people roll their cars at rallyx'es, and said - hey, I don't want to roll the subie so maybe I should pick up a rally car or at least a beater. I looked for a LONG time on the rally classifieds pages and other places and finally found my 92 laser (G5 car) - about 340hp, turbo, etc.
It was a huge step to spend the money to get a car. I did what I could to do it because I really wanted to take the next step. I didn't go on many trips, buy other stuff, etc. Rally and racing related expenses were the priority.
I planned on waiting a while before actually rallying, but after buying the car in January I did the first rally that was even close to my location, Headwaters ClubRally. The car broke as I pulled it off the trailer (turned out to be a bad ecu) and I DNF'ed the rally on the 2nd stage. It still was awesome.
I did a couple more rallies that year, then 100aw the next year where I blew my headgasket, wore out the last of my tires, etc. The car needed work, I was tired of not doing cool stuff with my friends, and I needed a break (this was Feb).
I sold the car in september last year to regroup and get some money saved up for another effort into rallying. I want to eventually prep my wrx which is only a few grand away (cage and suspension left really besides the actual work).
In the meantime, I'm going to start codriving to get my fix. The rally community is awesome, everything is a blast, and the people are great.
Biggest advice I can give is just jump in there if you think its something you want to do. Make sure you'll have some cash to get running and do some rallies, and don't expect to ever get any help until the sport takes off a bit (thats partially why I got out when I did - no light at the end of hte tunnel as far as spending money goes)
Any questions just ask. Definitely buy your first car already prepped, it'll get you on the stages sooner/cheaper and you'll trash the car anyway.
My first competitive driving event was a rallyx in my impreza. I had no idea what I was doing, but was hooked immediately. From that point I ran as many rallyx'es as I could, ran as many autoxes as I could, track days, tsd, ice racing, etc. Everything to learn the car.
I started going to spectate/work rallies as I could, LSPR was the first I was at and I had a blast. It was the one where Tim O hit a deer one night, and I was working the stage where he tore up his bumper on teh whoops at the end (gratiot lake).
I saw a few people roll their cars at rallyx'es, and said - hey, I don't want to roll the subie so maybe I should pick up a rally car or at least a beater. I looked for a LONG time on the rally classifieds pages and other places and finally found my 92 laser (G5 car) - about 340hp, turbo, etc.
It was a huge step to spend the money to get a car. I did what I could to do it because I really wanted to take the next step. I didn't go on many trips, buy other stuff, etc. Rally and racing related expenses were the priority.
I planned on waiting a while before actually rallying, but after buying the car in January I did the first rally that was even close to my location, Headwaters ClubRally. The car broke as I pulled it off the trailer (turned out to be a bad ecu) and I DNF'ed the rally on the 2nd stage. It still was awesome.
I did a couple more rallies that year, then 100aw the next year where I blew my headgasket, wore out the last of my tires, etc. The car needed work, I was tired of not doing cool stuff with my friends, and I needed a break (this was Feb).
I sold the car in september last year to regroup and get some money saved up for another effort into rallying. I want to eventually prep my wrx which is only a few grand away (cage and suspension left really besides the actual work).
In the meantime, I'm going to start codriving to get my fix. The rally community is awesome, everything is a blast, and the people are great.
Biggest advice I can give is just jump in there if you think its something you want to do. Make sure you'll have some cash to get running and do some rallies, and don't expect to ever get any help until the sport takes off a bit (thats partially why I got out when I did - no light at the end of hte tunnel as far as spending money goes)
Any questions just ask. Definitely buy your first car already prepped, it'll get you on the stages sooner/cheaper and you'll trash the car anyway.
| randy zimmer | 07-14-2006 06:58 PM |
[QUOTE=davis10]Does anyone else who has never rallycrossed before but wants to, worry about being bad at it?[/QUOTE]
I did but went anyway.
Then I was worried about being able to rally well.
So I went to school and tried it out with their car before buying my first.
Rally school is still not the same but you have a learned person to be objective about your ability - unless its Dave (ha).
I did but went anyway.
Then I was worried about being able to rally well.
So I went to school and tried it out with their car before buying my first.
Rally school is still not the same but you have a learned person to be objective about your ability - unless its Dave (ha).
| anders8 | 07-15-2006 08:08 AM |
On the other hand, in many ways, your driving ability in rally is irrelevant.
Since their is no prize money, it doesn't matter whether you're first or last. The only question is do you have fun? I guess the same goes for rallycross. So many other factors (your amount of free time, amount of free money, desire to travel, availability of a car, your current geographic relation to events, your personality, etcetera) are ten times more important than "can I drive competitively?"
:D
Anders
Since their is no prize money, it doesn't matter whether you're first or last. The only question is do you have fun? I guess the same goes for rallycross. So many other factors (your amount of free time, amount of free money, desire to travel, availability of a car, your current geographic relation to events, your personality, etcetera) are ten times more important than "can I drive competitively?"
:D
Anders
| kwh29 | 07-15-2006 01:11 PM |
So true.
I routinely get tromped by 10 seconds total over the day :o by Kevin A (Fred on the board) and have a great time. I'm usually close to the other rally tire cars but we all get stomped and still manage to have fun somehow.
In stage rally, I navigate for a friend with a 2WD Eclipse. We run at the back of the pack and still have a great time.
Just go do it with a positive attitude and have a blast!
--Kevin H.
I routinely get tromped by 10 seconds total over the day :o by Kevin A (Fred on the board) and have a great time. I'm usually close to the other rally tire cars but we all get stomped and still manage to have fun somehow.
In stage rally, I navigate for a friend with a 2WD Eclipse. We run at the back of the pack and still have a great time.
Just go do it with a positive attitude and have a blast!
--Kevin H.
| gerald06sti | 07-17-2006 03:29 PM |
Anyone have recommendations for snow tires/all season/good for Rallyx??? :)
| ghostlyneon | 07-17-2006 04:14 PM |
just fyi there is a rallyx near Dayton, OH this Saturday July 22.
This is at Dwire Farm near West Alexandria, OH and put on by WOR SCCA.
Info and directions can be found at [url]www.worscca.org[/url]
Come check it out. Ride alongs free!
Dave
This is at Dwire Farm near West Alexandria, OH and put on by WOR SCCA.
Info and directions can be found at [url]www.worscca.org[/url]
Come check it out. Ride alongs free!
Dave
| WRX-ECE | 07-17-2006 06:30 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]Anyone have recommendations for snow tires/all season/good for Rallyx??? :)[/QUOTE]
Mine are the best, they were free. Cost is 90% for me since I know they are gonna get destroyed ASAP.
Also: [url]http://www.falkentire.com/rally_ad.htm[/url]
Jeremy
Mine are the best, they were free. Cost is 90% for me since I know they are gonna get destroyed ASAP.
Also: [url]http://www.falkentire.com/rally_ad.htm[/url]
Jeremy
| greg donovan | 07-17-2006 07:06 PM |
[QUOTE=gerald06sti]Anyone have recommendations for snow tires/all season/good for Rallyx??? :)[/QUOTE]
if you have the cash the Nokian WR is an awesome all season tire that has a severe duty snow rating.
any of the Nokian Hakka snow tires will be great as well.
but for right now the RE-92s will work fine for you in rally cross.
if you have the cash the Nokian WR is an awesome all season tire that has a severe duty snow rating.
any of the Nokian Hakka snow tires will be great as well.
but for right now the RE-92s will work fine for you in rally cross.
| fliz | 07-17-2006 07:23 PM |
[QUOTE=WRX-ECE]
Also: [url]http://www.falkentire.com/rally_ad.htm[/url]
[/QUOTE]
That ad is over a year old. Falken no longer has any rally tires.
Also: [url]http://www.falkentire.com/rally_ad.htm[/url]
[/QUOTE]
That ad is over a year old. Falken no longer has any rally tires.
| RRR-K2 | 07-17-2006 11:08 PM |
Two thumbs up for Hakkas
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[QUOTE=greg donovan]any of the Nokian Hakka snow tires will be great as well.[/QUOTE]
I'll second that. :disco:
I've had a lot of success using Hakka One's. In fact, I've had people ride with me that think I'm running on rally tires! :D
Matt Kennedy
[URL=http://www.RockyRoadRacing.com][U][COLOR=DarkRed]www.RockyRoadRacing.com[/COLOR][/U][/URL]
I'll second that. :disco:
I've had a lot of success using Hakka One's. In fact, I've had people ride with me that think I'm running on rally tires! :D
Matt Kennedy
[URL=http://www.RockyRoadRacing.com][U][COLOR=DarkRed]www.RockyRoadRacing.com[/COLOR][/U][/URL]
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