Rally: A Guide to the Ultimate Form of Motorsport
Rally is a form of motorsport that involves racing on public or private roads with different surfaces, terrains, and weather conditions. Rally drivers have to deal with unpredictable factors such as traffic, navigation, mechanical issues, and environmental hazards. Rally is considered by many to be the most challenging and exciting form of motor racing, as it tests the drivers' skills, endurance, adaptability, and teamwork.
There are many types of rally events, each with its own rules, format, and objectives. Some of the most common types are road rallies, stage rallies, and other types such as cross country or rally-raid. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, history, examples, and tips for each type of rally. We will also look at the different classes of rally cars and how to choose the best one for your needs.
rally
Road rallies
Road rallies are the original form of rally that are held on highways open to public traffic. They may have a competitive element based on accurate timekeeping, navigation, vehicle reliability, endurance, or motoring ability. Road rallies are usually amateur events that attract enthusiasts who want to enjoy driving on scenic routes with their friends or club members.
Definition and history of road rallies
According to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), a road rally is a "road competition with an imposed average speed run entirely or partly on roads open to normal traffic". A road rally consists either of a single itinerary or several itineraries converging on a rallying-point fixed beforehand. The route may include one or several special stages, which are events organised on roads closed to normal traffic, and which determine the general classification of the rally.
The first road rallies were held in the late 19th century and early 20th century in Europe as a way to test the performance and reliability of new automobiles. Some of the most famous road rallies include the Monte Carlo Rally, which started in 1911; the Tour de Corse, which started in 1956; and the Sanremo Rally, which started in 1928.
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Examples of road rallies and their challenges
Some examples of modern road rallies are:
The Targa Newfoundland, which is a five-day event held in Canada that covers over 2,000 kilometres of paved roads. The challenge is to maintain a precise average speed while avoiding penalties for speeding or arriving late at checkpoints.
The Great Race, which is an annual event held in the US that features vintage cars from before 1974. The challenge is to follow a secret route using only maps and instructions from a book while avoiding breakdowns or getting lost.
The Mille Miglia, which is a historic event held in Italy that recreates the original race from 1927 to 1957. The challenge is to complete a 1,000-mile loop around Italy in classic cars while respecting traffic laws and enjoying the scenery.
Tips and tricks for road rally participants
Some tips and tricks for road rally participants are:
<li Choose a reliable and comfortable car that suits the type of rally you are entering. Make sure it is well-maintained and has the necessary safety equipment and documents.
Find a good navigator who can read maps, follow instructions, and communicate clearly with you. Practice together before the rally and establish a system of signals and commands.
Plan your route carefully and study the road book or the instructions provided by the organisers. Check for any changes or updates before the rally and during the breaks.
Drive safely and responsibly, respecting the traffic laws and the other road users. Avoid speeding, overtaking, or taking risks that could endanger yourself or others.
Have fun and enjoy the experience of driving on different roads and exploring new places. Take photos, make friends, and learn from other participants.
Stage rallies
Stage rallies are the most popular and competitive form of rally that are held on closed roads or tracks with different surfaces, terrains, and weather conditions. They involve timed sections called stages, where drivers compete against the clock, and untimed sections called liaisons or transports, where drivers move from one stage to another. Stage rallies are usually professional events that attract world-class drivers and teams.
Definition and history of stage rallies
According to the FIA, a stage rally is a "competition in which each crew drives each special stage at intervals". A special stage is a "section of road closed to normal traffic on which crews are timed individually". A stage rally consists of one or several legs, each divided into sections comprising one or more special stages and/or one or more liaisons. The total distance of the special stages determines the general classification of the rally.
The first stage rallies were held in the 1950s and 1960s in Europe as a way to test the speed and agility of new automobiles. Some of the most famous stage rallies include the Rally Finland, which started in 1951; the Safari Rally, which started in 1953; and the Acropolis Rally, which started in 1956.
Examples of stage rallies and their challenges
Some examples of modern stage rallies are:
The World Rally Championship (WRC), which is the highest level of international stage rallying. It consists of 12 events held in different countries across four continents. The challenge is to compete against the best drivers and teams in the world on diverse and demanding roads.
The European Rally Championship (ERC), which is the second-highest level of international stage rallying. It consists of eight events held in different countries across Europe. The challenge is to adapt to different cultures, languages, and regulations while racing on varied and challenging roads.
The Dakar Rally, which is a cross-country rally-raid event that covers thousands of kilometres across deserts, mountains, and jungles. The challenge is to survive the harsh conditions, navigate through unfamiliar terrain, and overcome mechanical problems while racing against time.
Tips and tricks for stage rally participants
Some tips and tricks for stage rally participants are:
Choose a fast and agile car that suits the type of rally you are entering. Make sure it is well-prepared and has the necessary performance parts and accessories.
Find a skilled co-driver who can read pace notes, monitor the car's condition, and assist you in case of trouble. Practice together before the rally and establish a system of signals and commands.
Study the route carefully and make your own pace notes or use those provided by the organisers. Check for any changes or updates before the rally and during the breaks.
Drive fast but smart, respecting the road conditions and your own limits. Avoid mistakes, crashes, or penalties that could cost you time or damage your car.
Have fun and enjoy the thrill of driving at high speed on different roads and tracks. Take photos, make friends, and learn from other participants.
Other types of rally
Besides road rallies and stage rallies, there are other types of rally events that have their own characteristics, rules, and objectives. Some of these types are:
Definition and examples of other types of rally
Some examples of other types of rally are:
Rallycross, which is a form of sprint-style racing that involves multiple cars racing on a short circuit with mixed surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, mud, or snow. The challenge is to race against other drivers while dealing with changing grip levels and obstacles such as jumps or water splashes.
Hillclimb, which is a form of speed event that involves a single car racing up a steep and winding road. The challenge is to reach the finish line in the shortest time possible while avoiding going off the road or hitting obstacles.
Gymkhana, which is a form of precision driving that involves performing various maneuvers such as drifting, sliding, spinning, or reversing on a tight and complex course. The challenge is to complete the course in the fastest time possible while following the rules and avoiding penalties.
How do they compare to road and stage rallies?
Some of the main differences between these types of rally and road and stage rallies are:
They are usually shorter and more intense, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours.
They are usually more spectator-friendly, as they take place on smaller and more accessible venues.
They usually require less preparation and equipment, as they do not involve long distances or multiple stages.
They usually have different scoring systems, such as points, laps, or knockouts.
Rally car classes
Rally cars are specially modified or built vehicles that are designed to cope with the demands of rally racing. They have features such as roll cages, fire extinguishers, skid plates, suspension systems, turbochargers, and four-wheel drive. Rally cars are divided into different classes based on their specifications, regulations, and performance. Some of the most common classes are:
What are the different classes of rally cars and how are they regulated?
Some of the different classes of rally cars and their regulations are:
ClassDescriptionRegulations
World Rally Car (WRC)The top class of rally cars that compete in the WRC. They are based on production models but have extensive modifications and enhancements.They must have a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a 36 mm air restrictor, a four-wheel drive system with active centre differential, a sequential gearbox with paddle shifters, and aerodynamic devices such as spoilers and diffusers. They must weigh at least 1,190 kg and have a minimum production of 2,500 units per year.
Rally2 (formerly R5)The second-highest class of rally cars that compete in the WRC-2, ERC, and other regional championships. They are based on production models but have limited modifications and standardised parts.They must have a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a 32 mm air restrictor, a four-wheel drive system with mechanical centre differential, a five-speed sequential gearbox, and no aerodynamic devices. They must weigh at least 1,230 kg and have a minimum production of 2,500 units per year.
Rally3A new class of rally cars that will debut in 2021. They are designed to be more affordable and accessible than Rally2 cars. They are based on production models but have some modifications and standardised parts.They must have a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 30 mm air restrictor, a four-wheel drive system with electronic centre differential, a five-speed sequential gearbox, and no aerodynamic devices. They must weigh at least 1,080 kg and have a minimum production of 1,500 units per year.
Rally4 (formerly R2)The third-highest class of rally cars that compete in the WRC-3, ERC-3, and other regional championships. They are based on production models but have some modifications and standardised parts.They must have a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with a 29 mm air restrictor, a front-wheel drive system, a five-speed sequential gearbox, and no aerodynamic devices. They must weigh at least 1,030 kg and have a minimum production of 2,500 units per year.
Rally5 (formerly R1)The lowest class of rally cars that compete in the Junior WRC, ERC-4, and other regional championships. They are based on production models but have minimal modifications and standardised parts.They must have a 0.9-litre or 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 26 mm air restrictor, a front-wheel drive system, a five-speed manual gearbox, and no aerodynamic devices. They must weigh at least 980 kg and have a minimum production of 10,000 units per year.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each class?
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each class are:
World Rally Car: The advantage is that they are the most powerful, advanced, and spectacular rally cars. They can reach speeds of over 200 km/h and handle any road condition. The disadvantage is that they are the most expensive, complex, and restricted rally cars. They require a lot of maintenance, support, and expertise to operate.
Rally2: The advantage is that they are the most balanced, versatile, and popular rally cars. They offer a good performance, reliability, and affordability ratio. They can compete in various championships and events. The disadvantage is that they are still quite costly, demanding, and competitive rally cars. They face a lot of rivals and challenges in their class.
Rally3: The advantage is that they are the most accessible, innovative, and promising rally cars. They offer a new opportunity for drivers and teams to enter the four-wheel drive category. They have a lower cost, weight, and complexity than Rally2 cars. The disadvantage is that they are still unproven, limited, and experimental rally cars. They have not yet been tested in real competition and may face technical or regulatory issues.
Rally4: The advantage is that they are the most fun, agile, and responsive rally cars. They offer a great driving experience, especially on tarmac or gravel roads. They have a low cost, weight, and power consumption than higher classes. The disadvantage is that they are less powerful, durable, and adaptable than higher classes. They may struggle on rough or slippery roads or in extreme weather conditions.
Rally5: The advantage is that they are the most simple, basic, and economical rally cars. They offer a good way to start rallying or to learn the basics of driving. They have a very low cost, weight, and fuel consumption than higher classes. The disadvantage is that they are the least competitive, exciting, and rewarding rally cars. They have a very low performance, speed, and handling than higher classes.
How to choose the best rally car for your needs and budget?
Some factors to consider when choosing the best rally car for your needs and budget are:
Your level of experience and skill: If you are a beginner or an amateur driver, you may want to start with a lower class such as Rally5 or Rally4. If you are an intermediate or an advanced driver, you may want to move up to a higher class such as Rally3 or Rally2. If you are a professional or an elite driver, you may want to aim for the highest class such as WRC.
Your type of event and preference: If you are interested in road rallies or historic events, you may want to choose a classic or a vintage car that suits the theme and the regulations. If you are interested in stage rallies or cross-country events, you may want to choose a modern or a custom car that suits the terrain and the conditions.
Your budget and resources: If you have a limited budget or resources, you may want to choose a cheaper or a simpler car that does not require much maintenance or support. If you have a generous budget or resources, you may want to choose a more expensive or a more complex car that offers more performance or features.
Conclusion
Rally is a form of motorsport that involves racing on different roads with different challenges. It is one of the most thrilling and diverse forms of motor racing that appeals to drivers and spectators alike. There are many types of rally events such as road rallies, stage rallies, and other types such as rallycross or hillclimb. There are also different classes of rally cars such as WRC, Rally2, Rally3, Rally4, and Rally5. Each type and class of rally has its own characteristics, history, examples, tips, advantages, and disadvantages.
If you are interested in rally, you may want to learn more about it by watching some videos online , reading some books , or visiting some websites . You may also want to try it yourself by joining a local club , attending a school , or entering an event . Rally is a great way to enjoy driving on different roads and exploring new places.
FAQs about rally
Here are some frequently asked questions about rally:
What is the difference between rally and rallycross?
Rally is a form of motorsport that involves racing on public or private roads with different surfaces, terrains, and weather conditions. Rallycross is a form of sprint-style racing that involves multiple cars racing on a short circuit with mixed surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, mud, or snow.
What is the difference between rally and rally raid?
Rally is a form of motorsport that involves racing on closed roads or tracks with different surfaces, terrains, and weather conditions. Rally raid is a form of cross-country racing that involves racing on open roads or tracks across deserts, mountains, and jungles.
What is the difference between rally and hillclimb?
Rally is a form of motorsport that involves racing on different roads with different challenges. Hillclimb is a form of speed event that involves a single car racing up a steep and winding road.
What are the best rally cars to buy?
The best rally cars to buy depend on your needs, budget, and preference. Some of the factors to consider are the type and class of rally you want to enter, the performance and reliability of the car, the cost and availability of the car, and the maintenance and support of the car. Some examples of popular rally cars are the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Ford Fiesta R5, the Toyota Yaris WRC, the Peugeot 208 Rally4, and the Suzuki Swift Sport Rally5.
How to start rallying?
To start rallying, you need to have a valid driver's license, a suitable rally car, and a membership in a rally club or association. You also need to have some basic knowledge and skills in driving, navigation, and mechanics. You can learn more about rallying by watching some videos online , reading some books , or visiting some websites . You can also try rallying by joining a local club , attending a school , or entering an event .
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