The Rally Challange!

Unlike auto-x and racetrack events, most motorclub organized rally events depend very little on raw performance of the car or speed. These events organized on public roads, depend on good navigation skills and consistency.

In contrast to professional rallies, most rallies organized for general public concentrate on consistency rather than the shortest time accomplished. To comply with traffic laws, the rallies designed for a "legal" pace. However, to increase the challenge stages can vary in the type of directions. They may range from a map, to diagrams, to worded instructions. Another factor making the competition more difficult, are usually observation questions. Questions that require "scavenger hunt" skills. Lastly to keep the scoring consistent and ensure all the participants stick to the outlined route, each stage may have at least one "checkpoint", which participants have to stop at to validate their time.

Driving too slow, driving too fast, getting lost, taking a shortcut, missing a checkpoint, or not finding all required "landmarks" along the route will cost points. The penalty points are added together and the winning team is the group that scores lowest score.

This is a team activity, one that requires at least one co-driver/navigator. To ensure further further success, the team should know how to efficiently divide the tasks amongst themselves, bringing your own map/road atlas maybe a smart suggestion, having a notepad and pen is also a help. Most off all, the team should consider bringing a healthy attitude.

Rallies are usually designed to explore many back roads so contestants who complete it usually gain a better understanding of the roads, and a satisfaction of sightseeing the area in an unusual way.

I have had the honour of participating in this year's Canada Day Rally, organized in Niagara Region by St. Catharines Motor Club and St. Catharines Standard, a local newspaper. The route of the rally was spread along better chunk of the day, and upon completing the rally, I have gained a better understanding and sightseeing of the local area. It was a wonderful experience and I'm looking foward to participating in future events of that kind.

Check out the pictures.

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