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Editor's Note: This special edition of Wheelspin is meant to help you get ready for whatever form of Rally you prefer. Thanks to all the Region members who took the time to help put this guide together for you.
The Differences Between Road Rally,
RallyCross and Stage Rally
By Tom vonHatten
Because I've been involved in rallying and rally-related activities for most of my time as part of both St. Louis Region and the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, I tend to get a lot of questions about rallying, mainly centered on finding out "what it takes to go rallying". Some just want to know what rallying is. Others want to compete. They want to know what kind of car they need, how it needs to be prepared, and what it might cost. They want to know a lot of stuff, and know about it right away.
What do I do? Well, I usually start by saying, "There are different kinds of rallies and rally-related activities that are part of this-so what kind of rallying are you interested in (or what kind do you want to do)?" Once I ask that question, I get a variety of responses-and then can get them the answer(s) that they're really looking for.
Based on this recurring experience, I'm writing this article. That way, you can have a one-stop resource for basic information about what it takes to be part of the different forms of rallies that exist for auto enthusiasts. Here we go.....
First, rallies require the use of cars that are street-licensed and insured. That's because almost all rallies use roads that can be traveled by the general public as all (or as the greater part) of their course. There can be exceptions for "specialty" rallies that don't use publicly-available roads as part of their courses and might not require license plates or insurance cards for their cars, but they are very, very rare.
Second, all rallies require two people in the car: a driver, who (you guessed it) drives the car on the course, and a navigator (or co-driver, as stage rally navs are usually called), who keeps the car on course by telling the driver where to turn to follow the course based on a set of route instructions he is given at the start of the rally.
Third, there are four basic types of rallies. They are:
--"Gimmick" rallies
--"Touring" rallies
--"Course" rallies
--"Stage" rallies
(Editor's note: Gimmick, Touring, and Course rallies all fall under the category of Road Rally. Generally, unless noted, these are all held on hard surfaces.)
Gimm ick rallies have competitors following a course from a simple set of route instr uctions. While on course, they will be asked to do things like find signs along the route (a "sign hunt"), go to specific checkpoints to get cards to make up poker hands (called a "poker run"), or some other sort of gimmick other than using time, speed, and distance traveled over the course to determine a winner.
Touring rallies give competitors directions to follow a course and are told what speeds to travel along that course. They will stop at unknown checkpoints along the course, with aim of arriving at each checkpoint precisely on time, based on the course and speeds specified for each section of the course between checkpoints. Touring rallies have a course that is simple to follow, as in a gimmick rally. Competitors are penalized for either arriving at a checkpoint too early or too late, with the lowest overall score determining the winner.
Course (or "trap") rallies are similar to touring rallies, except the directions for the course to follow are more difficult, often using a hierarchy of "main road determinants" that are used to direct competitors through any intersections that aren't listed in the route instructions. This is done to try and make teams arrive at checkpoints early or late by being misdirected off the correct course on their way to each checkpoint. The scoring is the same as for a touring rally, with the lowest overall score again determining the winner.
Stage rallies are the rallies I get the most number of questions about. The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (also referred to as 100AW) is a stage rally.  The course used for a stage rally is broken up into two distinct formats. These are "transit zones", where the course has competitors sharing the road with the general public, and "special stages", which are sections of public road that have been closed to all but rally competitors for use during the rally (and they include various types of road surfaces such as gravel, low water bridges, cattle guards, etc.). Competitors may travel as fast as they can on special stages; this means that cars, drivers, and navigators competing in stage rallies all require special safety equipment for use during the rally. The cumulative time traveled on all the special stages by a competitor is the primary scoring criteria, with the lowest total time usually determining the winner.
There are two other types of rally-related activity I'm also going to mention here: SCCA RallyCross (tm) and ("European-style") rallycross. These have similar names, but are radically different. Neither requires a navigator-only a driver.
SCCA RallyCross events are autocross (or Solo II) events held on a loose surface, like gravel or dirt. Competitors follow a course marked out by traffic cones. Drivers are to negotiate the course as fast as they can without upsetting any of the cones, and incur a time penalty for those cones that they do knock over on a run. The cumulative score for all the runs made by a competitor at a day's event determines the winners in a variety of classes. Cars need not be street-licensed or insured to run in an SCCA RallyCross event, although most are.
European-style rally cross is a race, usually between anywhere from 4 to 12 cars, over a course of about a mile or less in length that is "mixed-surface", made up of both "hard" (tarmac or concrete) and "loose" (dirt or gravel) surfaces. Cars usually begin the race from a standing start, with the races generally being short (usually 4-10 laps in length). These events are usually run in a manner similar to sprint-car or midget-car racing, with cars qualifying for a feature race through a series of shorter heat races.
So....what does it take for you to "go rallying"?
--If you want to have fun on a weekend with your favorite sports car or "daily driver", competing in
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Two-time SCCA National Road Rally Champion Ron Ferris of Florissant, MO.
Jim Heine photo.
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local gimmick rallies is a good place to start. Some will be put on by local SCCA regions, others by area car clubs, even more by other organizations, like local or regional charities. Competing in touring rallies is also a good way to start; while there is time-keeping and math involved for the navigators, these rallies are designed to keep competitors on course, which keeps the pressure on a team down quite a bit.
--If you want more of a challenge than sign hunts and poker runs, but don't want to spend the money on the safety gear and car prep for stage rallies, you can either run touring and course rallies, go and run in SCCA RallyCross events, or do both. All of these events can be done in a "regular" street car, and done so competitively.
--If you want to go fast in the woods (or at least feel like it), then stage rallying and/or European-style rallycross is your ultimate goal. You shouldn't try to get there all at once, though; it's a good idea to try your hand at some touring rallies to get used to the interaction between a driver and navigator, as well as acclimating to the timing aspect present in most rallies, and start running SCCA RallyCross events to sharpen your driving skills (and maybe get a head start on car prep-stage cars are often seen at SCCA events).
--No matter where you want to end up as a rallyist: don't hesitate to ask for help at an event, and volunteer to give help to an event whenever and wherever you can. I've found that I've learned as much if not more by helping at rallies and RallyCross events as I ever did by competing at them. There's a lot of knowledge out there to be learned whether you're a driver, navigator/co-driver, or volunteer.
And...if you have more questions about rallies and/or going rallying, don't hesitate to ask me. If I don't have the answer at hand, I can sure go and find it....
St. Louis Region's Road Rally Program
By Eileen Waters
Region Member Ron Ferris is taking a much deserved break as the Program Chair to focus on competing in SCCA National Road Rally events. The Region is looking for someone to chair this program. There have been plenty of rallies written that could be "dusted off", checked for current accuracy and reused. If you'd like to help host a rally or two contact Cesare Venegoni.
RallyCross Tech
by Douglas Voss
First and foremost, I should explain that I've been involved with SCCA RallyCross for the past 4 years and was the tech steward during the past season. So what I'm talking about is either from first-hand experience or what I've seen with other competitors. Before going into any racing event you have to know that there is always a risk of damage. Organizers do everything they can to minimize this risk, but it is still there. What you should also expect, though, is that you will have fun regardless of how you finish. I came from drag racing, where the only time I had an adrenaline rush was the initial launch. After that, it was just driving fast for a couple seconds. With RallyCross, it's a constant adrenaline rush. I've actually been quoted saying that "It's the most fun you can have in a car with or without your clothes on." It's absolutely true. So, you've decided to take your car to a RallyCross. Great! Now what? The first thing you have to do is make sure your car is prepared for the conditions. The most important thing is to INCREASE your tire pressure. I typically run between 40 and 45psi in my tires for a race, whereas I only run 35psi on the streets. Why? Well, it's pretty simple actually. When you turn hard, your sidewall wants to flex. This flex can cause the tire to debead. Raising the tire pressure decreases this risk by putting more pressure against the bead. Second, you have to be able to pass the tech inspection that I have to conduct.  | Steve Slotten is seen in this picture teching a car at the 2012 season opener.
Rob Benowitz photo. |
This consists of checking that there is nothing loose inside the passenger compartment such as floor mats, debris, etc., checking the return spring on the throttle, and making sure there is nothing loose in the engine compartment or the trunk. This includes the battery - make sure that it's strapped down and does not move. We also do a cursory check of wheel bearings, suspension, ball joints, etc., to make sure the risk of a failure is as low as possible. Personally, I put the car up on jack stands and check all the undercarriage bolts and other suspension components, but that's me being paranoid. If you have a helmet, that gets checked as well. Snell approved helmets are excellent. DOT approved ones tend to throw a red flag, but there's a chance that it's approved by Snell as well. Make sure you check all of this over BEFORE coming to an event. It's hard for me to tell someone new to RallyCross that they can't race because of something simple that could easily have been taken care of beforehand. I'm also going to check to see if you are in the appropriate class. You wouldn't want to run a pure stock AWD car in the modified AWD class. Now it's race day, you've checked your car out, driven to the event site, and are getting those butterflies. Remember - you are there to have fun. If it wasn't fun, the rest of us wouldn't do it. Fill out the entry form, sign the waiver, pay your fee, move the car to the pits, and get the car teched. Just come find me and hang out while I look your car over. Then, WALK THE COURSE! Many new drivers tend to just wander through the cones not really knowing what they should be doing. The first thing you are looking at is obvious--the layout of the course. Simply looking at which way to turn, though, is going to hurt you. You must also ask "How tight is the turn? What gear do I approach in? How is the track surface?" These are all questions to keep in mind, but the most important ones (to me) are track surface and which way to go. Look at the dirt/grass/gravel/whatever you are racing on. How slick is it going to be? Yes, this is only a guesstimation, but it helps you understand what kind of grip your tires are going to have, which determines how fast you can take the turn and HOW you take the turn. Everyone initially wants to go as fast (mph) as possible, but that's not always the fastest (time) way to get through a turn. Yes, there are times when you can just push the happy pedal down and slide the tail end out a bit. Again, all of this is just a guesstimation and WILL change as the day goes on. What works on the first run is not going to work on the last run, I can promise you that. So, when you walk the course, take as many notes as you can, either mentally or on paper, but remember - it's not concrete. Another thing that helps is to find a veteran racer and talk to them. Have them walk with you through the course and explain what they are looking at. Once you finish the walk through, check your tire pressures. You should have done this on the way to the site but it doesn't hurt to check them again. I usually recommend checking them after each run as well, if you have time. Then, before the driver's meeting, talk to some of the other drivers. Not only are there some great drivers willing to share advice but there's also some funny stories to hear from everyone. Like I said earlier, we are here for fun. Pay attention in the driver's meeting, and don't be afraid to ask a question if there's something you don't understand. Chances are, someone has asked the question before, but that didn't help you, and if you are thinking about the question, someone else is as well. Finally, find out which heat you'll be running in and which you'll be working. Time to race! Keep in mind you have two goals: to be safe and have fun. Since it's most likely cooled off in the time between your arrival and now, warm up the engine. You don't want to be beat on a cold engine--that's just bad juju. Find a spot in grid and remember what number and car you are following. Chances are good that there will be multi-driver cars, where it's the same car but a different number. Always follow the same car in grid-it makes it easier on the Control guys. Make sure you follow instructions from the course workers as well. We may be a laid back group, but we still have rules and procedures to follow. Again, have fun out there. Good luck! Now you get to work the course... Typically, you will have a red flag, radio, and fire extinguisher at your worker station.  | Course worker keeping his eyes on the car.
Rob Benowitz photo. |
The most important tools you have are your eyes. Keep them on the cars. I've nearly been hit before because I took my eyes off a car that came around a turn, lost control, and slid inside the turn I was working. Thankfully, another worker at my station warned me in time. Always remember that these are large, heavy metal objects moving quickly. They can hurt you and nobody wants that. You also need to watch the cones that mark the course and report any cones that are hit to Control with the turn number, car number and number of cones hit IN THAT SECTION. Occasionally you will need to ask Control to confirm they heard the report, but usually they are pretty good about acknowledging a cone count quickly. Make sure the cones are back in place before the next car comes through. Yes, in many cases you are going to have to run. After your first two heats, everyone breaks for lunch. Be back ON TIME or, even better, be early because there is more racing to do. You still have another heat to work and one to race. After that, stick around for results, help clear the cones, clean up your pit area and get the car packed up. We try to leave the area as clean if not cleaner than when we got there. It's a courtesy to the property owners for allowing us to use their land. That way, we stay in their good graces and are allowed to have fun racing there again. Before leaving, check your tire pressure again, and bring it back down to normal street pressures if you are using the same tires to drive home. You've completed your first RallyCross - congrats! By now you are probably hooked on the sport and we'll look forward to seeing you at the next one. That's what happened to me 4 years ago. Editor's Note: There are three classes of cars in RallyCross and each has three sub categories. There are Stock, Rally Prepared, and Modified classes. Within each of those classes are front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive sub categories.
My First RallyCross
By Alan Benowitz
Growing up with the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood in your hometown makes you want to drive like the competitors do. As a newly-minted 17 year old, I got the chance to drive Zach Williams' Ford Festiva in a Rallycross south of Salem, MO that was held March 25th. Arriving there, seeing the cars in the field and the track set up almost overwhelms you, but you know it will be a good time. Once I went through registration, which is very simple, it was time to walk the course.  | |
Alan (right) registering with Bryan Schwantner.
Rob Benowitz photo.
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I was looking for any bumps, or spots to avoid in the track, and the dew made the ground pretty slick. By this time, I was feeling the nerves start up because I knew that shortly, I would be going as fast as I could around this track. Zach (who owned the Festiva that I drove, the same car that he rallied at 100AW this year) already had the ca r through tech inspection, in which they basically make sure nothing is loose in the car, and everything is functional. | The Driver's Meeting.
Rob Benowitz photo. |
Next it was time for the driver's meeting.
We were told the starting order, and how the track would run. I was about to explode waiting to go. All thedrivers went back to their cars and fired them up to go to the start line. Zach ran in the first heat and I was to run in the second heat. After his two runs, it was my turn, soI put the helmet on, got buckled up, and headed over to the start line. We got in thecorrect starting order, and drove on the track for a 'parade lap' to see how the track ran.
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RallyCross drivers check out the course during a "parade lap". Rob Benowitz photo.
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This was just a first gear putt-putt lap. Then we drove off the track and lined the cars back up. While waiting to go, there were a ton of thoughts running through my brain. "Don't kill the car. Be smooth. Watch this corner. Dad's here, do well. Don't hit any cones." This was what I had always wanted to do as a kid, and now I could. Brian Schwantner's hands went up, and I was ready. His hands went down and I dropped the clutch and off I went. It took a few seconds to hook up on the grass but once it did, it ran pretty well.  I think I smiled the whole run. Once I crossed the finish line, the pressure of the first run was off, and I thought to myself, "You know, I can do this now." I got back in line and ran my second run. After that run, I parked the car and told Dad how much fun it was. Everyone ran two runs, and it was time for lunch. After lunch, we were able to do three runs that afternoon. The sun had dried out the track quite a bit, so the grip level improved a bunch. My times in the afternoon got faster and faster and my smile got bigger and bigger. I felt more at home in the car with each run that I made, and I was able to focus on driving. When I finished my last run of the day, I was not ready to be done! A big thanks to Zach Williams for letting me use his rally car, and another one to Brian Schwantner for setting up such a great event. I wound up fourth overall out of twenty, and second in the rally car class, which added even more to the experience. The next one is at the Big River Sand Drags April 22 in Bonne Terre, MO. You can rallycross virtually any car, so bring out what you have to one of the events this year. It is so awesome, I am still excited about it, and can't wait to get back in a car to race some more! Editor's note: Alan is a Junior at Salem High School. That's a very thoughtful Alan in the number 789 above (Rob Benowitz photo). Zach and Kyle Williams, both recent graduates of the same school, put their stage rally car together over the winter. They had a lot of help and support from the folks in Salem and the rally community. Rob Benowitz is Alan's father.
Three Quick Tips for the New (or Old) RallyCrosser
By Kim DeMotte
St. Louis Region's 2011 RallyCross Driver of the Year
 | Kim DeMotte at the Big River Sand Drags.
Tim Williams photo.
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First let me say that I bring 40 years of rally driving and co-driving experience to RallyCross. That may not be all good!
You might also want to read something from some of our crossover autocrossers.
In RallyCross we only get one shot at most corners....so, unlike autocrossing, I'm pretty much going at it to maximize early (first) runs. This is especially important when, as has been the case in the last few RallyCrosses, all runs count. We can't afford to go to school on the first 1-2 runs....they count!
1. I'm an advocate of the Tim O'Neil Rally Driving school in New Hampshire. If you want to learn how to throw a car around effectively and quickly, Tim's the guy. His whole approach revolves around weight transfer, so we drive with the left food hovering over the brake pedal all the time.
When you want to dive hard into a left hander around a pylon on a dirt course, you want as many pounds per square foot on the RIGHT FRONT tire as you can get. After all IT'S doing the lion's share of the turning. How do we get that? As I begin to turn in I stab the brake hard, pitching the car forward while turning. It may take you a time or two to get the hang of this, but you will notice you won't understeer as much as you normally do if you just drive around the corner....or pitch the car without this weight transfer.
2. I use tubes in my tires and adjust tire pressure down to get maximum adhesion...probably 22-24 pounds. I wouldn't do that without tubes. Most tire beads won't take the sidewall pushes we get on a RallyCross course.
3. I pull the ABS fuse. I don't want to be fighting a computer when I stab the brakes entering a hard turn.
Bonus...I see a lot of time lost at the start line. Late acceleration, tire spinning, are the main culprits. I rev fairly high (around 4000 RPM), and abuse my clutch a little to keep adhesion as maximized as I can....fastest guy from 0 - 25 has a terrific advantage. At those speeds just backing off a little is very costly.
Editor's Note: Kim is the founder of Corporate CoDriver, a Nationally Ranked Rally Co-Driver, Team Performance Professional and Executive Leadership Coach. His tagline is "There is a clear and present danger when we are neither clear nor present."  For more information on the St. Louis Region's RallyCross program check out their website at stlrallyx.org. The program was named the 2011 Midwest Division RallyCross Program of the Year. The program is chaired by Brian Schwantner (seen here).
Rob Benowitz photo.
Stage Rally
By Eileen Waters
The SCCA had a Stage Rally (similar to the World Rally Championship) program, only they called it Pro Rally. SCCA National dropped their Pro Rally program following the 2004 season after about 35 years of competition. If you want to follow stage rallying in North America you'll find that Rally America is the sanctioning body these days. The closest event, hosted by a group of dedicated individuals based in St. Louis (mostly made up of Region members), is the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood. It is held the last weekend of February each year and is headquartered in Salem, MO.
Kim DeMotte, affectionately known as "Pooh", created this legendary event back in the late 1970's. The committee took a break to raise kids in the mid-1980's and resurrected it in 2002 thanks to Salem resident Rob Benowitz. This year Curt Faigle served as the Chairman, Tom vonHatten as the Co-Chair, and there were eight "local" teams entered among a record entry of 65 teams.
You can find information, photos, videos, spectator guides, volunteer signup, links to the local communities who make the event possible, and more at the 100AW website.
The same committee is planing to hold a stage rally in Perryville, MO later this year that will be chaired by Rob Wright. This event was first held last fall tied to the Perryville Chili Cook-off.
Stop by a RallyCross and ask Bryan Schwantner (also a 100AW competitor), DeMotte, Faigle, Benowitz, or vonHatten about the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood if you'd like to be more informed or involved.
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