Hey, where's all the MLRC love?? Help this guy out!
Based on my TSD time and helping out at performance rallies, start off simple, unless you have $$ to dive right in. Many of us start off (and stay in) TSD rallying, it's good fun, lots of cheap seat time, and you learn a lot about the sport. All rallying is closely related, so it's good to know a bit about everything. Try working at some of the performance rallies before you dive into competing at them (or do both!). Somebody has to help run the event, and you learn a LOT helping out (and it's great fun).
You may want to review current discussions on other club forums (
www.mco.org) regarding modifying your car, and driving it on the street. The interpretation of all matters insurance etc is in a state of flux (it's all fluxed up, basically). Also, go to an MLRC meeting and ask the nice people lots of questions. Between running a million TSD rallies and the Tall Pines every year, they know a few things.
For TSD rally, any car will do. You don't need horsepower, underglow neon, or anything fancy to compete. Subies are popular, VW is popular, lots of Corollas out there, a few pick ups, Boxster, you name it, the list goes on, it rallies (FWD is usually cheaper and a good platform to learn car handling).
Good luck.
Craig
MCO Rally Group, Forum-a-holic