There are different forms of road rallies such as touring packages without timing, economy races, historic rallies for classic cars and more competitive night events where the focus is on good navigation and timing. Many well-known rally co-drivers have cut their teeth on the British road rally scene and have become stars of the World Rally Championship. As with all new seasons, there are new rules and regulations that you need to stay up to date on, and it`s worth taking a look at your ASN directory for the latest changes. For stage rallies, you need a car that complies with the regulations. This usually involves modifying the vehicle with safety components such as a safety cage, special seats and belts, fire extinguishers and others. You can either buy such a used car and prepare it yourself, or hire a preparation company to modify a standard road car for you. Special stage rally is probably the best-known branch of the discipline, but public road navigation events, known as road rallies, have a long and successful history and are easily accessible to anyone with a road car and driver`s license. British legends Colin McRae and Richard Burns have become stars of the World Rally Championship, but that`s just the tip of the iceberg, as in the UK alone, rallying is enjoyed by thousands of participants in dozens of championships and events. Most local car clubs organise a so-called “12 cars” event, ideal for launching any type of rally – this is limited to 12 cars and almost any car can participate. You don`t need any special equipment to attend street events, just the proper map, a map magnifying glass and a map light. To obtain a Category 2 rally car identity form, the car must be inspected by a Motorsport UK technical commissioner. Further details on the procedure can be found in the Category 2 guidelines. Since stage rally cars must use public roads to move between stages, the car must also be taxed and insured with a TÜV certificate, as in road rallying.
Another novelty for 2022 is a class of classic cars. This applies to vehicles in categories 1, 2, 3, 4a and 4b – Period Defined Vehicle (Rally) according to the Motorsport UK Yearbook. One thing we`ve discovered that you may not have is Motorsport UK`s requirement that all stage rally participants must wear an FIA-approved hood from 01.01.2022. We have also tried to create a level playing field and avoid different tyre regulations at different events. We have also tried to stay close to the motorsport directory and record events that make 4×4 possible. This cannot be applied to all championship events at the moment, but we try to keep the necessary tyre range low and use the same car in most events. You can take part in a junior stage rally as a driver from the age of 14 – more information can be found on the U18-Motorsport page. With a wide range of events, you can choose the events that suit you. Stage rally cars must be equipped with safety equipment such as a roll-over protection system (ROPS), FIA-approved seats and belts and two fire extinguishers, details of which can be found in section R of the Motorsport UK Yearbook. Keep in mind that it is important that we also support the running of events so that points are available to organize (or organize) an event. To get started in road rallying, simply join a car club that organizes events such as 12-car rallies or navigation scatters.
All you have to do is apply for your free RS Clubman license. Some events require at least a rear cage and belts due to the nature of the terrain. However, there are many events where a standard car can be used, where newcomers and those from other disciplines contribute to the participation (take a look at BTRDA® all-rounder). Race & Rally has access to most major motorsport manufacturers, but in our opinion, there`s only one FIA-approved underwear brand you need – Walero. A category 2 rally car is a car that no longer retains the manufacturer`s powertrain configuration (for example, a front-wheel drive vehicle converted to rear-wheel drive), a car that has undergone significant chassis modifications, or a car whose replacement engine has a displacement of more than 25% compared to the original. See Category 2 guidelines for details. Check out their range of “head socks” or balaclavas for you and me, HERE (Image courtesy of Andy Manston at M&H Photography) Road rallies on public roads focus on both navigation and driving skills.