RWYB*

There are any number of outdoor recreation shows, or car shows, or other exhibitions where we can promote road rallying to the masses passing through the doors. We try, as much as possible, to take advantage of these shows to pass on the joys of our sport. One of the usual questions we ask when we discuss these shows is “what car should we exhibit?”

It’s easy for the karting association (“We’ll put a racing kart on display.”) or the road racers (a full-race BMW E-30 should do the trick) or the performance rallyists (pick a Subaru Impreza) but what do you display to generate excitement for road rallying?

We always promote our sport as being accessible to anyone with a license, a partner/co-driver (either day-of or permanent) and a road-worthy and road-legal vehicle. While some of us think a tidy Mini Cooper with driving lights, or a classic Porsche 944 set up for endurance rallying may be the ticket, still others think a mini-van with child seats or a pickup truck or nondescript SUV is more realistic and, while not very flashy or attention-grabbing, reflects a more accurate picture of road rallyists in general.

And that’s the point, really. Anyone with a road-legal vehicle can compete in road rally, as long as they have a driver/co-driver, enough fuel to get them through the event, and a sense of adventure. Dedicated crews competing in the SCCA championships in the USA will even fly into the event with their electronics and odometer systems, rent a car, fit what they need to, and compete in the local event.

So: if you enjoy driving and a bit of friendly competition, and if you’ve ever thought of entering a road rally, don’t let your current daily driver stop you. None of our road rallies are “car breakers” and all average speeds, by rule, are no more than 90% of the posted limit. You’ll damage your car driving over eastern Canadian highways and potholes more than you will on one of our rallies. So whether you drive the aforementioned mini-van or pickup truck, you’ll be welcome and have a hoot on one of our rallies. The best road rally car, right now, is the one in your driveway.

With all that in mind: if you drive something fairly low to the ground (Honda Civic, Mazda 3, or any other typical sedan or coupe), it’s always a good idea to contact the organizer of a mixed-surface pavement/gravel event to ensure you’ll be OK on the designated roads.

Our next event is the historic Bluenose Rally organized by the Bluenose Autosport Club. It’s a highlight of our season, uses crewed checkpoints, and is suitable for novice and beginner crews. Have a look at our Calendar page for event details.

We hope to see you and your Chrysler Pacifica (or Dodge Journey, or F150, or Hyunday Excel – you get the drift) at the Windsor Curling Club on May 16!

*Run What You Brung