The Canadian Rally Championship’s title battle is often decided at the Rally of the Tall Pines. Canadian Rally Championship


Tall Pines is the annual finale of Canada’s most prestigious rally series Service breaks allow time for


Rallying tests competitors to the limits of their abilities. Day or night, rain or shine (or blizzard), teams face a wide variety of condi- tions while traveling down chal- lenging roads, with a route book as their road map. Te competitive portions of ral-


lies are “special stages” run on closed forest roads, which competi- tors must complete as quickly as possible. Stages are linked by transit sections, where all regular rules of the road are applied.


CAR CLASSES


Tere are numerous classes that accommodate a range of cars and budgets. Rally cars are grouped into categories that separate them during competition.


PRODUCTION


Restricts teams to very few modifi- cations, which allows competitive, low-cost competition.


8 WWW.TALLPINESRALLY.COM


rest, repairs and meals. Rally teams consist primarily of a


driver and a co-driver. Te driver has the obvious task – to drive as fast as possible.


Te job of the co-driver is to keep the team on time and on route, in addition to reading the notes during the stages to inform the driver of what lies ahead. Te service crew also plays an


important role by performing re- pairs and routine maintenance.


Production is subdivided into four categories, which separate cars based on displacement. Tere are classes for all cars, from Suzuki Swifts to Subaru Imprezas.


OPEN


Allows any car, with virtually no restrictions. Tis is where most of the flame-spitting, high horse- power monsters compete.


Rally cars start out as regular


road cars but have extensive modifi- cations to ensure they are safe, reli- able and fast. Roll cages, safety harnesses, hel- mets and flame-retardant suits pro- vide protection for the crew. Beefy suspension systems soak up the bumps and jumps. Special tires offer greater traction


on gravel and icy roads. Perform- ance-enhancing modifications vary depending on the car’s classifica- tion. •


GROUP 2


For two-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated, cars with few restric- tions.


GROUP 5


For two-wheel-drive, large dis- placement and/or forced induction, cars with few restrictions. •


* For more information visit Carsrally.ca Andrew Harvey


WANT TO GET INVOLVED?


You’re in luck! Tere are several ways to get involved in rallying.


VOLUNTEER Organisers are usually looking for people to act as marshals and control workers. No experience is necessary. Veteran marshals pro- vide training. Volunteering at a rally is a great way to learn the inner workings of the sport.


JOIN A CLUB


Tere are rally clubs in most Canadian and U.S. cities that or- ganize events for all skill levels and racing budgets. Often, expe- rienced club members are happy to share advice with newcomers to the rally community. •


Andrew Harvey


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