RALLYING

British legends Colin McRae and Richard Burns became stars in the World Rally Championship, but that’s only the tip of an enormous iceberg, because, in the UK, rallying is enjoyed by thousands of competitors every year.

Special Stage rallying is the better-known sport, but navigational events, known as road rallies, have a long and successful history, and are easily accessible to anyone who owns a road car.

Almost everywhere in the country, there is a local motor club organising stage or road rallies. It’s a sport that rewards a team effort combining driving skill with navigational or co-driving back-up.

Where do the events take place?
Stage rallies are held mainly in countryside areas, particularly Wales, Scotland and Yorkshire. Because an Act of Parliament is needed to close public roads on the British mainland for rallying, most events are held on Forestry Commission land or on disused airfields, with special stages often linked by public roads. However, in the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland, events can be held on closed-off public roads.

Road rallies are held exclusively on the public road, and usually at night. Because they share the roads with other traffic, average speeds are deliberately kept relatively low. Even so, you will need to learn the skill of keeping alert at 3 or 4 a.m.!

How do the events work?
In stage rallies, it’s a simple ‘fastest wins’ format, with the lowest aggregate time over all the special stages providing the winner. Co-drivers read route direction notes issued by the organisers on both the stages and the linking road sections to ensure the car is heading the right way.

For road rallies, the emphasis is as much on navigation as driving skill, as crews must maintain a time schedule through all the control points. The navigator, who uses Ordnance Survey maps to direct the driver around the route, must be very careful with timing - it’s just as bad if you check in too early as it is to check in too late at a time control.

So how do I start?
To get involved in stage rallying, you’ll need a full driving licence. Then you need to get a Go Rallying starter pack from the MSA, which is full of useful information for beginners.

You will need to pass a one-day course at a rally school. This has to be a member of the British Association of Rally Schools (BARS), which is recognised by the MSA. Once you have passed the course, you can apply for your MSA National B Rally licence. If you just want to co-drive, you can apply for a Navigator’s licence without having to pass the BARS course.

For road rallying, all you need to do is join a motor club then you can enter events straight away. If you want to be a driver you will need to have a full driving licence and be at least 17 years of age, but as a navigator you can participate from the age of 12 and without a driving licence.

But what can I compete in?
For stage rallies you will need a car with all the necessary safety equipment. In theory, you could get yourself a World Rally Championship car straight from a factory team, but, unless you have very deep pockets or a major sponsor, it’s best to start with one of the many smaller-engined cars that are available through the small ads in specialist motorsports magazines.

A good beginner’s car will cost from a couple of thousand pounds, but don’t forget to get it properly checked out for hidden damage, and make sure it is mechanically sound before you buy. With so many rallies and championships catering for all different sizes and ages of car, you can soon find one that will suit you. There are even rallies for historic cars; in fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing branches of the sport.

For road rallies, just bring your road car!

Am I ready to get out there now?
All you need to do now is join a motor club or register for a championship and you’re ready to go.

What equipment do I need?
Driving at high speed down a narrow forest track can be dangerous, so, for stage rallying, you will need personal safety equipment, including a helmet and fireproof overalls. It’s wise before buying to check with the MSA about current standards and see if any are going change soon.. You don’t want to find that all your new kit is no longer acceptable next season!

These are mandatory (not for road rallying):

• Helmet – buy the best you can afford from a reputable stockist. Some special helmets have a built-in intercom for the driver to hear the co-driver’s instructions on the stages. These cost up to £300
• Race overalls – the two main types are made from either Proban or Nomex. Nomex overalls are more expensive, but give generally better protection. Again, buy the best you can afford. Cost: up to £300

The following are also highly recommended:

• Racing gloves – made from Nomex, give good grip on the steering wheel. Cost: up to £60
• Racing boots – a good pair of fireproof boots improves grip on the pedals. They cost up to £80
• Fireproof top/long johns – approximately £75
• Fireproof balaclava – around £15
• Fireproof socks – approximately £12

There are many reputable race wear stockists in most areas of the country. If none are near, you can buy online or via telephone.