Rally Racing

Rally racing is a type of auto racing competition that takes place on a public or private road. Unlike other forms of racing, rally racing is not run on a circuit, but in a point-to-point format. Drivers and co-drivers drive to and from each start point. Rally racing cars may be specially produced or modified, but are legally drivable cards. Rally racing can be won using speed alone and driving to different points within the ideal time.

History Of Rally Racing

While what is commonly recognized as rally racing dates back as far as the early 1900's, actual rally races precede that date by almost 20 years. In 1894, there was a Paris-Rouen Horseless Carriage Competition held. Prizes were awarded to the vehicles by a jury whose members rode in each car. The success of this primitive type of rally race led to more road races throughout France and Europe. Other notable events in the early history of the rally race include the 1900 Automobile Club of Great Britain's sponsoring of the Thousand Mile Trial, the 1911 Monte Carlo Rally organized by casino owners to attract wealthy sporting motorists as well as the temporary cessation of the event after World War I. By the 1950's rally racing hit a Golden Age of success, with many long-distance rally races being organized throughout Europe. After World War II the sport started to become organized internationally, including Britain's RAC Rally.

Rally Races Today

In modern times, the rally race has underwent many significant changes. Rising costs of competition over the last two decades have made rallies and stages much shorter, along with the elimination of night time running. The car designs have also changed, as the sport has become more professional and commercialized. Manufacturers have become more involved in sponsoring and building cars (though they have always played a major role in the sport, even from the pre-20th century beginnings). There have also been some unfortunate rally race crashes that have resulted in driver and spectator deaths, leading to some changes in the rules of the sport. Despite changes, the the World Rally Championship is still a very popular and international event, second only to the Formula One races in prestige and popularity. Rally racers are now part of a million dollar business, not merely a contest between peers, which was the origin of the sport.

You can find plenty of amateur rally racing information, rally racing videos and articles about rally racing online. You can never find enough fun facts about the exciting sport of rally racing!