How to Compete in an Antique Car Rally

Enthusiasts know that competing successfully in an Antique Car Rally requires great team work, a reliable car, sharp thinking, and lots of luck. Rallies are held throughout the world, and the rules and regulations vary. The common objective among all is to have fun, challenge yourself and your car, and to share your love of vintage, antique or classic cars.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flashlight
• Electronic clock or watch
• First aid kit
• Emergency flares

Planning and Preparing

1. Find a partner who shares your goals for rallying, a reliable person who thinks quickly and logically, a person who can operate well under pressure. Ideally, choose a partner who has good math skills and a fine sense of direction.

2. Be sure that you are familiar with your car's capabilities. For an Antique Car Rally, speed is not as important as reliability. Of course, make sure that fuel, tire pressure, lights, windows and all safety equipment are in topnotch shape.

3. Read all information provided by the Rallymaster well before the event. Rules and regulations will tell you what equipment is required, recommended, or prohibited. The rally material will also notify you whether any special tricks or challenges have been added to the route.

4. Read the rules again, with your partner, on the day before the rally. Mark any items that you will need to clarify with the Rallymaster before you begin the route.

Pressing on, Regardless

5. Set clocks and calculators. The navigator reads each instruction aloud, works with calculations, and monitors how well your car is following speed directions. Both team members watch for landmarks, pay attention to condition of the road, and remain alert for road hazard signs.

6. Watch for checkpoints. Depending on the rules of the rally, some checkpoints will require you to stop and give information. Others will simply record the time at which you passed.

7. Maintain calculations and speed challenges as given in the rally instructions.

8. Keep in mind that luck can have a huge impact on your success. Even if things don't seem to be going as well as you had hoped, keep moving forward on the route. Remember that bad luck can happen to competitors, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Most rally designers will present a list of items that you may not take with you: binoculars, GPS devices, and so forth. Check the rules carefully to avoid being disqualified.