My First Rally
Discussion
My mate and I decided to join the local motor club here in Northamptonshire to find out what all this rallying lark is all about. We had to apply for Motorsport UK RS Clubman licences and sign up to an event, read the rules and hey presto, we are in. Him as driver, myself as navigator. 12 car event on a Friday night, approx 55 miles, landranger map and a headtorch, end up in a pub. We have a number of cars between us, and chose his 1991 BMW 325i Touring.
The night before, one of the club organisers called me and had a run through the format, checked we had familiarized ourselves with the rules, along with a few ideas and suggestions as it was our first event.
We arrived in plenty of time and scoped out the competition, including a TR7 V8, couple of Rover ZR's, a Volvo 740, Skoda Yeti, Mazda MX5. We were towards the back of the running order as beginners, with the cars setting off at 8 minute intervals to find 9 manned checkpoints. I'm relatively OK at map reading, and my driver knew the area fairly well.
When it was our turn to leave we got to the first checkpoint early and had wait for a couple of minutes to get our timecard stamped, and were bang on for the second checkpoint. From that point on, we were running behind due to driver 'convinced' he knew where to go, and my map reading skills in the night. Some of the roads were essentially farm tracks with huge potholes, and the car felt like it was going to fall to bits as its set up more as a track day car. We finished, but missed one check point. Of the other 11 competitors we only saw 2 of them through the entire rally. We came second in the beginners class and beat the TR7.
When we walked into the pub afterwards, there were around 40 club members who were all very welcoming and asking why we bought a nice car (it might appear so in the dark, but it was bought for £600 before E30 prices went nuts) to the event. I was on the verge of puking through map reading / car sickness and couldn't even contemplate a pint.
It was a really well organised event, great people and loads of fun. We have signed up to another rally, but have pensioned off the 325i in favour of a BMW Compact. The club in my area has been running these events for around 70 years and they are always looking for new members as there are a lot of old boys. I'd definitely recommend joining your local club if you fancy doing something car related with like minded people.
The night before, one of the club organisers called me and had a run through the format, checked we had familiarized ourselves with the rules, along with a few ideas and suggestions as it was our first event.
We arrived in plenty of time and scoped out the competition, including a TR7 V8, couple of Rover ZR's, a Volvo 740, Skoda Yeti, Mazda MX5. We were towards the back of the running order as beginners, with the cars setting off at 8 minute intervals to find 9 manned checkpoints. I'm relatively OK at map reading, and my driver knew the area fairly well.
When it was our turn to leave we got to the first checkpoint early and had wait for a couple of minutes to get our timecard stamped, and were bang on for the second checkpoint. From that point on, we were running behind due to driver 'convinced' he knew where to go, and my map reading skills in the night. Some of the roads were essentially farm tracks with huge potholes, and the car felt like it was going to fall to bits as its set up more as a track day car. We finished, but missed one check point. Of the other 11 competitors we only saw 2 of them through the entire rally. We came second in the beginners class and beat the TR7.
When we walked into the pub afterwards, there were around 40 club members who were all very welcoming and asking why we bought a nice car (it might appear so in the dark, but it was bought for £600 before E30 prices went nuts) to the event. I was on the verge of puking through map reading / car sickness and couldn't even contemplate a pint.
It was a really well organised event, great people and loads of fun. We have signed up to another rally, but have pensioned off the 325i in favour of a BMW Compact. The club in my area has been running these events for around 70 years and they are always looking for new members as there are a lot of old boys. I'd definitely recommend joining your local club if you fancy doing something car related with like minded people.
Veteran of many Clithero 800 road rallies here. Including a couple of wins, entirely down to my navigator who was bloody brilliant. Hello Peter 
I never did figure out how to do a circular herringbone!!!
It’s ridiculously difficult to maintain an average speed of 28mph for miles and miles over some bloody potholed backroads whilst keeping a sharp eye out for the next checkpoint. More stress than a 2 hour stint in BGT.
Great low cost fun and very sociable in my experience.
Good on you both.
I never did figure out how to do a circular herringbone!!!It’s ridiculously difficult to maintain an average speed of 28mph for miles and miles over some bloody potholed backroads whilst keeping a sharp eye out for the next checkpoint. More stress than a 2 hour stint in BGT.
Great low cost fun and very sociable in my experience.
Good on you both.
balise said:
JeremyH5 said:
Well done OP, I did a few 12 cars as navigator in the late 70s in Notts.
You’ll be needing a poti and a roamer now
Still got my Don Barrow poti You’ll be needing a poti and a roamer now
I'm hoping the next round will provide some more daylight, which will make it easier from the start. I shall also get some photos.
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