Leading up to this weekend’s DirtFish SCCA RallyCross National Challenge, we have received a lot of great questions about this type of RallyCross. Below are a few facts to help get you started:
Tips
Pre-Race
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Facebook, email Northwest Rally Association or find us at an event. We are all here to help each other out!
- Don’t stress about performance modifications – just show up. Talking about what you want to do to your car won’t get you anywhere. Go race!
- Shake down your car before a race. Just drive it around and make sure she is ready.
- Partner up with an experienced driver – course walks, ride alongs, etc.
- Pack well: bring a lunch, water, a towel, garbage bag and a change of clothes.
At the Race:
- Ask people about their cars and experience.
- If you want to go fast, talk to people who are fast, watch what they do and learn from them as best as you can.
- Be ok with hitting some cones – losing control can be a great way to learn about your car.
Other Stuff
- Get an SCCA membership. We promise you will come out again (Pro Tip: you can apply the cost of your first-weekend membership to your annual membership). Not to mention, you get discounts at other events like Track Night in America and Auto Cross)
- Volunteer if you aren’t ready to race. It’s a great way to experience a race and meet other RallyCrossers.
FAQs
Is RallyCross safe?
Speeds are kept under control, thanks to great safety stewards and reasonable rules. We don’t run near hard objects and make sure the course is maintained throughout the day.
What kind of car do I need?
Almost anything! It has to be production based and pass safety inspection. There are classes from stock (where you can’t change anything on the car) to highly modified and everything in between. Many people RallyCross their daily driver.
What kind of tires are best?
It depends on your class!
Stock Class: Generally, an aggressive snow tire works best.
Prepared/Modified Class: We recommend some form of a reinforced rally tire. The tire compound and width depend on the surface.
No matter the class, our suggestion is to see what experienced drivers in your region use – they know the surface and have likely tried different options already.
What safety equipment is required?
Your car must be in sound operating condition and have:
- working seat belts,
- doors that operate
- a windshield without cracks
- functional brakes
You must also have helmet with a SA/M 2005 rating or newer.
How do I figure out what class I should be in?
Class breakdown is totally dependent on the modifications made ot your car. For example, if your car is completely stock, you will compete in stock class. If you have a cold air intake and turbo back, you will be in prepared class. If you have an engine swap, you’re in modified class. For a full list of the class breakdowns, check out the SCCA RallyCross rule set.
What happens on race day?
When you arrive, you will be asked to sign a waiver. Once that is done, you will find a place to paddock and set up your space. Prep you car (remove loose objects, change your tires and any other preparations needed) before going through tech inspection and heading to registration.
Take some time to walk the course and get comfortable with it. This is a good time to make friends and get their take on the best approach.
A driver meeting will be held about 30 minutes before race start where you will be given a run order and work assignments. When you are not running, you are expected to perform your work assignment. This may be working a corner, helping with start, finish or timing.
Once the driver meeting is complete, it is time to race!
Do you still have questions? Send us an email – we are here to help!
