Andrew Harvey Brother and sister duo Nick and Kelly Mathew of 2Brits Racing tackle the night stages at the 2011 Rally of the Tall Pines.


Canadian Rally ChamPionshiP R


allying 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 sec-


tions, where all regular rules of the road are applied. Service breaks allow time for 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


8 WWW.tallpinesrally.com


the driver of what lies ahead. Te service crew also plays an


important role by performing re- pairs and routine maintenance. Rally cars start out as regular road cars but have extensive modifica- tions to ensure they are safe, reliable 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. Performance-enhancing modifications vary depending on the car’s classification. •


car classes Tere are numerous classes that


accommodate a range of cars and budgets. Rally cars are grouped into categories that separate them dur- ing competition.


tall pines is the annual finale of canaDa’s most prestiGious rally series


proDuction Restricts teams to very few mod-


ifications, which allows competitive, low-cost competition. Production is subdivided into tw categories (Sport and GT), 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 horsepower monsters compete.


Group 2 For two-wheel-drive, naturally


aspirated cars, with few restrictions.


Group 5 For two-wheel-drive, large dis-


placement and/or forced induction, cars with few restrictions. •


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 provide train- ing. 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, experienced club mem-


bers are happy to share advice with newcomers to the rally community. •


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