I live in Canada. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to be exact, and I have visited some local rally org 's websites. All they have is info on upcoming races and stuff. I want to find some info on how i can START http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gifhttp://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif rallying. Any schools in Ontario, or northeastern US, for eg..as well, what does one need to participate in a rally.

Thanks a lot. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

I can offer some advice on this topic : )
The first thing I'd suggest is to find a co-driver, navigater, partner (choose a label?)that is equally as dedicated to succeed as you are.
Now research all the equipment needed to complete your first event. Study Bens Rally Page, it's a great resource. http://www.bensrallypage.com/
I advise you find a used rally car with common body parts (cheap) and all the needed modifications included -
(roll cage, race seats , harnesses, co-driver foot rest, alloy pedals & dead pedal, rally computer, map light, intercomm, fire extinguishers, tow strap, saftey triangles, medical kit, light pod, Rally struts, skid plate, under car UHMW (plastic)protection, mudd flaps and spare rims & tires . WOW!
Did I forget anything?
Get an SCCA licence for rally (it comes with a rule book).
Go to a local event and ask many??? Make friends, crew for a friend, take a Ride along!!
Don't wait, life is short, Rally is INCREDIBLE!!!
Be careful your first couple events.
Check out our team site
http://www.fast-focus.com/
Call me with questions - 12-10pm(253)565-9050
Eric

I started by just showing up at an event (STPR '94) and was just going to watch. I ended up running service for one of the teams. After that, I was "hooked". I ran service for a bunch of people over the next couple of years. Running service is a great way to get your hands on a real rally car and to see how things are put together and to learn what breaks in a rally. In '98 we put a car together and ran the '99 NEDiv series (won the G2 NEDiv drivers championship! http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif). Took 2000 off to buy a house and do some other things. I'll probably do a couple of events this year.

If you want to get into the sport, I recommend spending some time running service or working at the events. You will learn a ton. To find somebody to run service for, just post a message here, on the special stage forum ( http://www.specialstage.com/forum/dcboard.cgi ), or just show up at an event and ask someone (people almost always want more service crew). Good luck!

My first rally was Maine Winter '94. A co-worker dragged me along and we worked, guarding a side road. (Hint: workers get the best spectator spots) I was stunned when Paul Choiniere drove by at 80MPH sideways in the snow about 10 feet from me. Hooked me instantly. I was also amazed that a 110HP Golf came in 4th overall, ahead of a 400HP Ur-quattro. Clearly this was a motorsport that put driving skill above all else.

I worked rallies for the next few years, drove my GTI around looking for dirt roads like it was a rally car. I ran a few TSDs--there were no Rallycrosses back then--and organized a fast TSD.

Then I found my rally car, a 1988 Celica Alltrac, and spent the next year driving it around and saving money for mods. My girlfriend (now wife) started to get into rallying too, and we had the Celica converted by Union 7 Motorsports in 1998.

We got our licenses at Ski Sawmill rally school in April, 1999. We had a lot of mechanical problems in 1999 and only ran one other event. In 2000, the car was well sorted out and we ran 9 events and won the NEDiv championship.

So, yeah, start going to rallies and working. There is no better way to get close to the cars. If you're mechanical, turn a wrench for one of the teams. And drive all you can. It doesn't matter what kind of car you have, people rally pretty much anything.

Good luck.

I first got into it by going to the Ramada Express Rallie. My buddie and I called up the promoter and asked if he wanted volunteers. For volunteering, we got hooked up with a hotel room. Once there, I just talked to every body I could. Then I enrolled in a Rally school in Laughlin, NV. Once you go through this, you can apply for your license.

Hi Lafora, I am in Toronto too, are you one of the Toronto Subrau Club member???
There will be a Navigational Rally School on March, you could check it out at this site to get more info. Or you could come to the Autoshow this Friday from 11am to 2pm, I will be promos the rally sport beside McGeer's WRX, come and find me and lets talk about it, BTW, I'm a Chinese guys and you won't miss me!!
http://www3.sympatico.ca/pwatt/rsodocs/2001/scht01.htm
Almost forget, there will be an Yokohama Winter Rally in this Friday , Saterday and Sunday, its the 2 overnight event and I will just go for the Sat. to Sunday overnight event only, its fun and you will disappoint it!

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited February 12, 2001).]

I currently don't race BUT I do help marshall SCCA events.

I worked time control this year for Sno*Drift and if I have time I plan on doing some other SCCA events.

Before I die, I plan on being behind the wheel of my own rally car...hopefully in my RS when it's paid off since it's a great platform for a rally car... http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/biggrin.gif

I'm also going to do some brisk TSD rallies and perhaps learn to be a navigator.

-myk