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Rally
Put a driver and a navigator in a specially modified (but still registered) car and send them off into a forest to race the clock on roads they may never have seen before. That’s rallying.
This sport is a test of both the crew and the car in often wildly varying conditions. Cars are sent off along the course at two minute intervals in order to follow the defined route to the end of the event in the shortest possible time. The winning crew will require great teamwork, excellent car control, confident navigation skills and a car that has been prepared and maintained to the highest standards.
Modern forest rally events are held on gravel roads in forests all over Australia. They tend to have approximately 100 – 130 km of competitive ‘stages’ which are separated by non-competitive transport sections. The route is sometimes defined by co-ordinates on maps while in other events a special type of shorthand has been developed specifically for the purpose.
In Victoria all rallies are conducted on roads which are closed to the public. Officials are placed throughout the event to ensure no-one inadvertently strays onto the route. Often there are many more officials than there are competitors.
The cars used are often heavily modified for the job. They have powerful engines, strengthened suspension and larger brakes. They are required to have many safety features such as racing harnesses, roll cages and fire extinguishers while the crew must wear helmets and appropriate clothing.
It is an exhilarating sport and one of the few remaining where teamwork is a crucial element for success.
