Rallying began in Canada as a test of driving skill on public roads in challenging conditions. As the sport evolved, teams began to modify cars, and rally organizers chose more demanding roads. Cars now represent the latest in performance technology, and roads are closed off for competition, but at the core, rallying is still about teamwork to drive cars as fast as possible on challenging roads.
There are a variety of different disciplines under the umbrellas of rally racing.
Navigational Rally
Know as Time Speed Distance (TSD) Rallies, are navigational challenges where teams are given routes to follow and average speeds to maintain. While the target speeds are below the posted limit, the roads used still provide a challenge for both the driver and navigator. TSDs are often promoted as a gateway to performance rally, but the top-level competition can be really intense. These events take place on normal roads that are open to the public.
Requirements: First aid kits, emergency triangles and fire extinguishers are normally all that are required. Serious competitors will consider skid-plates, driving lights, rally computers (specific TSD computers are available), map lights and specialized tires.
Rally Cross:
Lets drivers get a taste of performance rallying at a fraction of the cost. Events are excellent to get comfortable driving a car on loose surfaces. These events are typically held on open, flat, self contained areas with speeds kept relatively slow, and are normally safe. Cars will run the course one at a time, with the fastest times in the day coming out on top.
Requirements: Safety equipment is limited to a helmet meeting CARS standards for Rally Cross. Car preparation is normally limited to removing loose items and making sure the car is mechanically sound. Again, at the top level competition can get serious and preparation will include lightening the car, improved suspension, specialized tires and race seats.
Performance Rally:
Events require specific licensing and full safety equipment as listed in the National Rally Regulations. These events are held on closed roads with the teams of a driver and co-driver are released at one-minute intervals from the start. While the fastest times on the competitive sections will generally win the event, there is also a navigational portion to Performance Rallies that requires teams to travel between stages and check in on time.
Requirements: Performance rally events require specific licensing, First Aid training, a medical certification, some experience on loose surface (TSDs, Rally Cross, Schools) and full safety equipment as listed in the National Rally Regulations. The safety equipment includes Helmet, head and neck restraint, race suit, race seats, race harnesses, roll cage, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
All of these rally events are sanctioned by CARS, the Canadian Association of Rally Sport.
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