How do I start?
We also started somewhere, this is an insight to hopefully get you started. There will be more questions, maybe we cannot answer, but we will try.
BEWARE when you get the hang of Road Rallying, it becomes a drug!!

What is Road Rallying?
In 1989 the rules changed somewhat so its no use telling you about how it used to be!, it will only depress you if you compare it to todays standard. (Unless you want to compete in the Welsh championships)!!
In a nutshell: the navigator tells the driver which way to go based on a set of instructions he is handed at the start and at various controls along the way. The driver does what he is told, drives as fast as he can to keep up with the navigators route information, collect clues and signatures to confirm you have been the right way at the right time, bob's your aunty.... you've won the event.
Thats easy, you must be thinking, actually it is. The hard bit is for the navigator, plotting the instructions, keeping an eye on the road, map and controls whilst being thrown about the car is not the easiest thing in the world to do! Dont worry - you get used to it, if not, take sickness tablets like I do!!
As a navigator getting a driver that listens to you, knows what you are looking for and can drive fast to what he can see makes the winning combination.

Is it expensive?
We all know rallying is not cheap, but this is.
Each Rally costs in the region of £60-00, this includes the entry fee any insurances needed and (usually) a breakfast in the morning to get you home!! On top of that is the fuel and tyres. One set of tyres will last 4/5 rallys and fuel... well depends what car etc. Split this between the two of you and it is really quite cheap.
The driver has the easiest job, so he usually provides the car. (If he smashes it up its his fault! As a navigator you only need to tell him which way to turn!! ( And if anybody tells you they can read the road features off a 1:50,000 scale map, tell them the b*ll*cks, it aint true.)
All this has to be worked out amicably, there are no rules. Set your own rules before you start, that way you wont fall out!!

Do I need a fast car?
Not really, we did most of the complete season last year (with the execption of the first four rallys) in a 205 DIESEL!! It was a 1.7 Ltr standard car when we started. We junked the suspension for some better stuff and fitted GTI brakes but basically the car was standard.
In fact on the rolling road and the best we could get was 39 BHP at the wheels !!
So no, you dont need a fast car to have fun.
The way to look at it is, get good at the navigation part, then look for a fast car. You might be able to go fast but if it is the wrong direction your knackered anyway!!

Does the car need any preparation?
If you are doing the Midlands stuff like Derbyshire then yes, it would help with a little strengthening. A sumpguard is a good start, make sure the fuel and brake lines are out of the way of scraping rocks etc. and thats about it.
If you really want you can go the full way, roll cage, extinguishers, all the buisness but just remember it has to stay with an interior. Read the Blue book from the MSA that you get with your licence.

Experience?
It helps, but you have to start somewhere. People that have been doing it 20 years have a pretty good idea about the navigation and make it look easy, but trust me, work hard, remember the right things and you can make it. There are only so many roads organisers can use, after a couple of years you will get to know the areas that are PR sensitive and cannot be used.

Police?
Yes, they are out in force and yes, they do have a copy of the route for authorisation before an event. If you get caught speeding in a competitive section then you were not trying hard enough! If you get caught in a village, which are always neutral, then its your own stupid fault.
In neutrals there is so much time given you can crawl through the villages and still get to the control on time. Even then losing time in a neutral does not add up to time lost at the end of the evening, it will only come off your OTL time.
So, yes police are out but they are out to catch the nutters driving like pratts through little villages. The only thing that achieves is p*ssing you off (getting a ticket), p*ssing the neighbourhood off (noisey b*st*rds) and preventing a crucial part of a rally from being used the following year.
DON'T DO IT!!

££££ Winnings ££££

The best part.... exactly NONE!!! Actually one event in Ripon does have prize money. Enough to pay for have the entry fee or some fuel - dont knock it - they are the only club to do it and something is better than nothing.
Most of the time you just do it for the fun.

How do I start?
Well if you have read this far its a miracle! Iif you're still interested in starting, thats even better. Basically you need to find your local motor club, go along to a club meeting and ask other members.
Start with "Table top rallys", most clubs will run them, when you have a good idea of the basic navigation principles do a few 12 car rallys, again your club will know when 12 car rallys are taking place. Once you like competing in those get a licence from the RAC and have a go at a road rally.
Every Motor Club is a member of 2 or 3 championships around their area, join the championship (around 5 - 10 quid) and they even send you all the entry forms through the post, couldnt be simpler.
The East Midlands have started what is called the 'Millennium Challenge', basically this is a very simple road rally championship with very simple navigation. It has been created for complete novices.
Dont worry if you want any more info. or help to find your local club drop me a line.

GOOD LUCK.........(let me know how you get on).
Andy Baker.
andy@abmotorsport.co.uk