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General >> Rally >> Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
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Message started by Zweistein on 10/05/4 at 10:42:24

Title: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by Zweistein on 10/05/4 at 10:42:24

Would anybody be willing to share some basic strategies for Rally Cross, for those who never attended one? :) I've read the rules several times by now, but there doesn't seem to be anything in terms of strategy, or DOs and DON'Ts on the website.

I'll be coming down with a non-turbo Impreza. I've never really gone nuts like this before, so I'm not really sure what to do to get non-sucky times while not wrecking my car. Should I be gunning the engine all the time and slide around, or try to hold my grip on the road? Are there practice runs? Would more experienced drivers be willing/able to co-drive and give basic instructions during the first run (I'd be happy to forfeit my results to get some useful hints)?

As Rally Cross is a introductory event, and I don't know any official schools that cover this type of driving, it might be really helpful to post some general hints & tips for newbies like myself. (I'd be more then happy to organize any input into a webpage that could be posted on the site somewhere). Links to useful resources would also be appreciated!

Thanks! :)

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by RyanHuber on 10/05/4 at 12:11:21

I think the most important thing for a newbie to keep in mind is being smooth. Walk the course well ahead of the driver's meeting, preferrably with someone who knows what they're doing and what decent lines are. Watch and listen to what they're planning. Once you get out there, try not to overdrive the car. Keep it neat and tidy for your first few runs, and once you're comfortable with the whole thing, start being more aggressive. Remember, we lay out the course with safety in mind, and try to keep you away from anything that might do damage to your car. So, stay on course and you'll be fine. Don't cut corners until you're really confident in what the car will do, what's there, etc.

Oh, and if you want someone to ride along, I'm sure you'll find an experienced competitor willing to help out. Also, go for rides with competitors before your run, so that you get a feel for the layout at speed. Above all, make sure you're confident in knowing where the course goes. Nothing kills a decent time more than an off-course.

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by Zweistein on 10/05/4 at 20:51:41

Thx Ryan - helpful as always!
I was actually just about to ask about riding with another competitor - seems like a perfect way to familiarize myself with both the track, and the driving methods. Guess I'm looking for friendly volunteers now... ;D

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by John_Vanos on 10/05/4 at 21:55:48

you are more than welcome to come for a ride with me. Just look for my silver RS near the big green ford pickup

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by RyanHuber on 10/05/4 at 22:28:01

Yup, same here, though I'll be running after you as I'm in that pesky class 4! Dang turbo :o

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by Zweistein on 10/05/4 at 23:19:40

Awesome; riding in Imprezas to boot! :)

I'll be a very, very quiet passenger (no side-seat driving ;D), only occasionally yelping for dear life, but I'm sure my screams will diminish as time progresses... ::)

(on the plus side, I'll be happy to share videos I record with you guys:))

Ryan: I thought you had the Impreza RS as well; shows how much I know... :P

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by RyanHuber on 10/06/4 at 09:12:45

Nope, this is me:

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by ErikO on 10/06/4 at 21:15:01

hey Ryan, you should remove your light bar before the rally-x's. They're not doing much good. your air resistance is going through the roof! ;D

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by dtompsett on 10/06/4 at 21:32:12

ErikO wrote on 10/06/4 at 21:15:01:

hey Ryan, you should remove your light bar before the rally-x's. They're not doing much good. your air resistance is going through the roof! ;D

wrong.... lights look good... hafta add atleast 15hp (that is when they're off)

teehehe

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by RyanHuber on 10/06/4 at 22:23:41

I've gotta keep the lights, it makes the car distinctive. Yeah, that's it. It's got nothing to do with the rusted bolts ::)

Oh, and next time, I'm going to fire them up just for the hell of it! ;D

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by Zweistein on 10/06/4 at 23:40:10

The lights are nothing compared to the awesome power of the "Type-S" or "Type-R" after-market stickers though - now those make the car go really fast ;D

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by Andrew_Harvey on 10/07/4 at 05:17:22

NO! don't turn your lights on. Lense flare sucks.

andrew

Title: Re: Any tips for Rally Cross Newbies? :)
Post by RyanHuber on 10/07/4 at 07:05:30

Hmmm, true dat. OK, nevermind then. ;)