56 replies to this topic

[lindy119]

Hi all,

Just entered into my first road rally with the mini , and having just read the info about the night I'm feeling a little underprepared!! Has anyone else done one of these before and if so what inside tips can you give me?

Should also say that its a 3-5am rally, so I'm looking out for some spotlights at the mo! I've also had some advice already that because there is a rough loose gravel section - a sump guard might be a good idea (anyone got one going!!) and also maybe a roll cage!!

Will my navigator really need an interior light? Or will a head torch do?

Thanks in advance

Ollie

[lindy119]

Bump...no-one have any experience of rallying in a mini.....?

[Davethepioneer]

A sump guard is a must and if your having spot then I would suggest some sort of guard to cover them like the mesh ones you see, as for a head torch I dont see why not but I would suggest a red filter on it so you dont loose your night vision, I think the problem with a head torch is obviously the co driver has to look out the windscreen and with a head torch on you may get glare back from the screen and he wont see anything. Maybe you could use a maglight instead but whatever you use I would filter it and not use white light.

[mini93]

if its gravle make sure ur arches are bolted on sufficiently, also maybe conside some mudflaps mainly just to save the side of your car if nothing else. just usual junk make sure all the suspension is upto spec etc
interior light those map lights with movable storkes are alright, with ur co-driver poping his head up to see where your going i wouldnt suggest the head torch as it may reflect off the screen etc

[samsfern]

its also worth covering the brake and fuel lines with rubber hose, this is done by slicing down the middle of the hose with a very sharp stanley knife, then pushing the brake/fuel lines into it, and securing it with cable ties, that is if they dont run inside the car. Im guessing you already have braided brake hoses as well?

A sump guard is also a good idea, unless you want to run the risk of the gearbox casing taking a hit and cracking.

make sure your exhaust is a far out the way as possible, and fit the clamps, to the nuts are at the top, if you see what i mean. As mini93 says, mudflaps are an idea unless you want to shotblast the side of your car.

Also check that you have a laminated windscreen, and not a toughened one.

Edited by samsernie, 04 August 2010 - 06:48 PM.

[GraemeC]

Which rally have you entered?

Do you have an experienced nav?

The best advice you'll get is to take it easy, no heroics and get the route right. For the first time out do not worry about speed or time too much, just get it right.

For car prep - sump guard is useful. Make sure eveything works, everything is tight and you have some reasonable tools. Service the ignition side thoroughly and give it a good coat of something to keep water at bay (Damp Start is good). Check fluids.

Prioirities, in order:
1) Get you and the car back safely
2) Get the route right and visit all controls and get all code boards
3) Enjoy yourself
4) Learn from your mistakes
5) (ie the last thing to think about!) Try to get the timing right

[daveholman]

I did night rallies about ten years ago. I'd basically agree with GraemeC's sentiments in that your should go out and have fun. Take some time to learn how your navigator talks to you and what this equates to on the road. It's fine going out practising but there's no substitute for doing it in a competition scenario.

Car prep is upto you, it all depends on how you want it. The road rallies we used to do were held on open, public roads so there was nothing we encountered that we wouldn't come across whilst driving everyday. Obviously, because they were held on back roads, the roads were generally very narrow and bumpy. I'd say try to keep the costs down initially, I know a number of people who did a couple of events and then decided it wasn't for them, now obviously if you've spent a fortune on car bits then it makes it even worse. There should be a list of car requirements in the regs for the rally, these are things like fire extinguisher, double throttle return spring, first aid kit and a SOS/OK board. Check these first and make sure they are all there. It pointless fitting a shiny roll cage and sump guard if your car won't pass scrutineering. Also consider that scrutineering includes things like how loud you car is and the paint job (94db and maximum two base colours, no sponsorship decals of any kind in my day I think). I was nearly failed in my first event because I had a Union Flag painted on the roof of an otherwise white, stickerless mini.

The one thing you will need is some good lamps, you will be driving quickly down very dark, narrow back roads. The more you can see the better. I originally used some Hella Rallye 1000's but swapped for a 'borrowed' pair of Cibie Oscars. Also pay attention to the beam pattern, I always used close range lamps (fogs or drive I think) because the lanes near us were very twisty so it was pointless having some spots which lit the road 30 yards in front. Also consider uprating your headlights and fitting some brighter bulbs, every little helps.

All in all, go out and have fun, the people who are involved are always really friendly, you will inevitably be sat in a car park for a while before hand so make sure you talk to some of the other competitors and get some advice. Don't forget that a lot of the big name rally drivers started off doing this sort of thing so there's a lot of advice and tips floating around. You just have to ask for it. Don't try to go too fast, you'll find that it's frustrating when you know that everyone is quicker but as you do a few rallies and learn to better interpret what the navigator is telling you then you'll naturally become quicker.

[tony13]

good luck mate

[lindy119]

thanks for all the advice!!

So my list now is:

Spot Lights (Hella Rallye 2000s do?)
Uprated Bulbs for headlamps - Can anyone recommend a good bright option?
Sump Guard
Double Throttle Return Spring (what is this? )
Possibly a Roll Cage
A clear Speaking navigator!!

Thanks for all the help, I think as it is my first attempt I'll just treat it as a Sunday drive!!


EDIT: Oh and if anyone wants to know - its the Morecambe Club Rally.

Edited by lindy119, 05 August 2010 - 10:36 AM.

[mike.]

You can buy 100w rally bulbs from halfords for headlight and sportlights - They'll be bright!

[pikey7]

following on from your spotlight wiring thread, if you are going to fit uprated bulbs, then you'll need very chunky wiring to supply power to them. You don't want your way to be lit by an electrical fire!

[GraemeC]

The Morecambe on the 14/15th? Not to put you off, but you've gone in at the deep end - the navigation will be challenging and there will be a good few miles of 'whites' (unsurfaced roads & tracks).

By all means give it a go but don't worry if it is too difficult, it is geard to a lot of very good local crews. Does your nav have any prior experience?

[danrock101]

The Morecambe on the 14/15th? Not to put you off, but you've gone in at the deep end - the navigation will be challenging and there will be a good few miles of 'whites' (unsurfaced roads & tracks).

By all means give it a go but don't worry if it is too difficult, it is geard to a lot of very good local crews. Does your nav have any prior experience?

I don't think he has a navigator yet

[Pooky]

Sorry, noob question! What does this actually involve? Are these 'races' on public roads? What's the objectives? Sounds interesting!

[Sacaasi]

I have a used sump guard that Im never going to use. £20 plus postage and its yours?