There are many ways to get into rallying, all of which can be fun and
satisfying. The best method for you depends on your interests, talents, time,
and funding. Here are some suggestions, organized roughly by cost. You can
always switch paths as opportunities present themselves - in fact most rallyists
participate in a variety of ways over time. So let's take a look at some
choices:
1. Working Rallies: Working rallies is one of the most economical
ways to get involved in rallying. Just pick an event, then call or email
the organizer. They will place you with more experienced workers for on-the-job training.
There is no monetary compensation, but often you will get a T-shirt or other
memento of the weekend. Every rally has a variety of jobs, and many don't
require pre-event training. Helping with tech inspection gives you the chance
to see the cars up close. Working as a stage control worker allows you to
interact directly with the teams, while learning how rally timing works. If
you have an SUV or pickup you can drive the course after the rally as one of
the sweep crews, while helping stranded or crashed rallyists along the way. If you are a
ham radio operator you can work within the communications net, which can
involve being located at a start, finish or a road blockage (great spectating).
Larger rallies also need spectator marshals, banner teams, service area
marshals, etc.
Once you have gained some experience you may want to take on a broader area
of responsibility. Team leader jobs like stage captain and communications
captain become open to you. Being a team leader requires pre-event
coordination with your team members and the organizer, but can be very
rewarding. You may decide someday that you want to organize a rally yourself.
You will be involved in all aspects of the event, and will be working with all
of the team leads. In spite of the hard work, it is very satisfying to see
your vision come to life on the day of the event.
2. Service Crew: Being a part of a service crew is also a very
economical way to get involved. Service crews meet the rally teams at
pre-defined service areas and check the car or attempt to repair damage. You
will learn a lot about how a rally car is built, and how to keep it running.
If you like challenging mechanical work in less than optimum conditions,
service crewing is for you. If you would like to build a car of your own at
some point, you will learn a lot about what works and what doesn't.
So how do you get hooked up with someone? One method is to look at
event results and pick a team that is running a car you are interested
in. Then give them a call offering your help - most people appreciate
extra crew members! You may also pick a team at an event and offer your
assistance. A third option is to put the word out on one of the rally
chat groups like SpecialStage.
3. RallyCross Competitor: RallyCross competition is the cheapest way
to compete as a driver. RallyCross courses are generally smooth dirt or gravel
lots, with the course marked by cones. The competition is usually very keen
with competitors comparing times after every run. Entry fees are usually in
the $20 to $25 range, for 3 to 6 runs on the course. While there are classes
for full rally cars there are also several street classes. In
addition the California Rally Series has year-end championships in two rally
car classes (GT and Stock) and three street classes (4wd, Over 2L
2wd, Under 2L 2wd). For those on a budget (either time or money) the CRS
street classes offer a great entry level. At some point you can
then choose to move to one of the rally car classes, and then on to running
full rallies. It should be noted that the GT and Stock Class rules are the
same for both RallyCrosses and rallies, so one car can be used for both.
4. Co-Driver: While co-driving requires certain skills, it can offer
very inexpensive competition while learning a lot about the sport. You will
even learn about rally driving! Co-drivers need to read the route book and
odometer to communicate the route and hazards to their driver, all in a car at
speed. In addition the best co-drivers often keep track of their competition
and act as a team manager, planning resources and strategy. As a co-driver you
will experience what a rally car can and can't do. Many excellent rally
drivers began their rally careers as co-drivers.
So how do you develop co-driving credentials? The first step is to go to
a rally school. Locally, there is one in the spring and one in the fall.
At a rally school you will have the opportunity to learn all of the
skills you will need as a beginning co-driver and even get to do some
in-car practice. The next step is to get your first ride and your equipment
(driving suit and helmet). One method is to call the organizer of the
next event, because he may have had enquiries from drivers who need
a co-driver. Or put your name out on one of the rally oriented chat
groups like SpecialStage.
You need to let people know that you are looking for a ride.
5. Driver: While driving a rally car is by far the most expensive
path into rallying there are ways to control the cost. The first key is to
pick one of the less expensive CRS classes, either Stock or GT class. Stock
Class is for two wheel drive cars worth less than $4,000, with strict car
preparation guidelines. GT Class is for four-wheel drive cars with the same
vehicle preparation limits as Stock Class but with a turbo restrictor required
instead of a price limit. Either of these classes will provide cost effective
rallying since the areas where you can spend money are limited by the rules.
In addition, since you won't be going quite as fast as the cars in the three
open classes, chances are you won't damage the car as much when you make
mistakes (which happens to everyone).
