Hello from RI and needing help!

[shauny423]

Hey there as I am a complete beginner in the whole world of rally and only watch Grc highlights, gymkhana videos and will soon be attending Team O'neil I need help. 15 looking to get into racing and have a lot of questions so all input would be apprecaited. First off how do the vehicle classifications work I hear the words like B-spec and that stuff and don't really get it? Also if looking for a AWD relatively cheap rally car to get me into ralyl racing as amatuer and once class is over hopefluly relatively soon pro what and where would I go to find a car for rallying and what calss should I be looking for Super Spec ect.? thanks

[RobBohn]

Check out the rulebooks for details on classes and car preparation - http://rally-america.com/rules

[RichardM]

Shaun, first off, there really aren't any professionals in performance rally in the US. Well, there are some people who make money driving but they are the extremely rare exception. Next go to http://www.nasarallysport.com/d734/Rally-University It has all sorts of information on it. I like your enthusiasm and hope you don't get scared off by the difficulty of rallying.

[shauny423]

Hey thanks so much for the input the help goes a long way

[dunhamr1]

Rule books are important, but wordy and hard to start with as the outset. Definitely read them but don't fret if you still have questions, some competitors rally for years but don't understand some of the rules (which is unfortunate). Rally university is a great resource to get started, as Richard mentioned. The link is also in my signature.

First off, get out there and see some cars! Get out there and volunteer! If you're close-ish to Team O'Neil you'd probably be able to get out to ESPR which will be later this year as the NASA Rally Sport national final. It'll be a great opportunity to get out there and see how the events function, and MEET Drivers and codrivers, and ask them questions! Now, they're not going to be Ken Block (ie, famous) but they made it there, they can help you.

Unfortunately we're nearing the end of the season and there's only a couple winter rallies (unless you go to Canada, which I wouldn't worry about for now unless you're RIGHT THERE). Things will really start going again in Feburary next year as things thaw out and a few more events get going. Ah! One thing you might do is go to Team O'Neil during one of their rallycrosses, as a lot of stage rally drivers bring their cars out and I know that they're going to have a winter rallycross/ rallysprint.

I started like you once, and eventually found my way into a car, it's very attainable. The biggest thing to know is that rally, in America at least, is a hobby. It's quite enjoyable, and sooo much fun, but 98% of people who do it are spending their own money to go do it and aren't trying to "go pro."

READ the Rally University, and shoot me a message if you still have questions, I'd love to help if I can. Stay in school, and hope to see you out on the stages some day.

[shauny423]

Hi there and although I realize how late this response is I want to thank you so much for the knowledge and support!! People like you make this 1000x easier as I try to understand and get involved in the in's and out's of rally!! Thank you so much again!

[dunhamr1]

Hi there and although I realize how late this response is I want to thank you so much for the knowledge and support!! People like you make this 1000x easier as I try to understand and get involved in the in's and out's of rally!! Thank you so much again!

You're welcome mate, let us know if you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer.