How to Compete in a Kit Car Rally

Rally racing is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. Worldwide, rally drivers are considered the best of the best, combining skills with all types of roadways, plus the stamina to drive through any element in the day or night. The kit cars driven by rally racers are also beautiful creations; combining street legality with the performance to win on a tortuous course.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Kit car
• Way to get your rally kit car to the race
• Copy of the rules and regulations specified by the rally organizers
• Valid insurance policy with the amount of liability coverage specified by the rally organizers
• Valid driver's license
• Completed rally registration form/preregistration papers
• Sponsors
• Co-driver
• Knowledge of rally racing

1. Get sponsors as soon as you can. Building a rally kit car is very expensive and unless you're made of money, you'll never make it on your own. Sponsors will pay in exchange for an advertising spot on your car; the bigger the advertisement, the more money the sponsor pays you.
2. Find a co-driver. Rally racing is a team sport, and you will need your co-driver many times before you're done. If you're competing in one of the very short rallies, you won't need a co-driver, though one will be helpful. In the larger races, a co-driver is a must.
3. Build your kit car. If you've already got a kit car, make sure it's road worthy, and remember all rally cars are required to be street legal. If you need to build or buy a kit car, there are many places on the Internet to buy rally kit cars already set up.
4. Register for the rally. Do this as soon as you can; pay your entry fee, print out the rules and regulations and send in the appropriate forms. Spots in rally races go quickly so don't drag your feet or you'll be relegated to the sidelines, watching with envy as some other Joe wins fame and glory.
5. Take your rally kit car to the race. Trailers can be rented or purchased; choose which is better for you. You can always drive your kit car, though this will add wear and tear on the car. Trailer the kit car to the race; it is a better option than driving it.
6. Talk to a race official as soon as you get there. Make sure you have all the paperwork filled out before hand. If you haven't prepaid your entry fee, pay it now. You will also have to provide proof of license and insurance now.
7. Go to the meet and greet. Don't miss this opportunity to speak with other racers and hear what they have to say about the track or the sport in general. Racers are a great source of information about all things to do with the rally.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the rules and regulations cover to cover. There is important information in here that will keep you out of the race if you don't follow it. The rules and regulations book is usually downloadable from the website of the rally organizers; for an example check out the Rally America website.
• Know what the minimum liability insurance coverage is. The coverage is usually pretty steep, so before you sign up, make sure you can foot the bill. Accidents are at your cost, the organizers insurance does not cover you, so make sure your insurance is up to snuff. You'll also have to show proof of your insurance coverage before they let you in the race.
• Choose your co-driver wisely. They will act as your navigator and driver when you need a break. You want someone who will be there in the crunch, not crumble under pressure.
• Rally drivers with little or no experience may only be allowed cars with two wheel drive, and no turbo. This is regulated by the rally organizers. If you're competing strictly on a regional level, rather than national level the regulations may be different.
• Rally racing is an expensive sport. Find sponsors as soon as you possibly can to help offset the costs of the car.