mikeski wrote on 10/28/9 at 20:39:21:Hey guys, I'm currently 20 years old I'm young but I've always wanted to rally race and now I have some money kickin around for this expensive hobbie. I have around $12,000 for a rally car, my uncle owns a bodyshop / is a mechanic so that helps out. I just wanted to know if anyone could give my some pointers where to start/ get into the sport? What car can you use etc?
The rules will let you enter just about any make or model of car you want, but some are more practical than others.
I highly suggest coming out to some events to see how things work. It seems from your post that you're interested in performance rallying (closed stage roads, fully prepped car, go as fast as you can) vs. rallycross (course laid out in a field/gravel pit/what-have-you, no cage required, really twisty and technical course) or navigational rallying (on public roads, no special car prep, navigational challenge and NOT a race).
Assuming that's what you're after, I highly suggest coming out to several rallies to see how things work and to talk to people. The next one on the calendar is MLRC's own Rally of the Tall Pines (
www.tallpinesrally.com). Volunteering for the event is a really good way to see how things work (and I know they'd appreciate the extra help), but even just checking out the service area and talking to the crews would help you learn what you should and shouldn't do.
I know a lot of people suggest buying your first car, but in case your heart is set on building it, here's the rulebook:
http://www.carsrally.ca/CARSRally/Default.aspx?tabid=92It's the official word on requirements for things like roll cages, belts, seats, safety equipment, etc. Remember, though, that the rules only tell you the bare minimum to be legal. You'll probably want to go over and above the requirements of the rules if you want your car to last... which is where talking to other competitors can really help.
Also, make sure to keep in mind the car class rules. They spell out what modifications are allowed or prohibited in each car class.
mikeski wrote on 10/28/9 at 20:39:21:Pretty much I've tryed to research and from what I got is, you need a 1st AID/CPR cert which I have and a racing suit/helmet etc etc
For performance rallying, you'd need a regional rally competition licence to start out. To get one of those, you need:
- membership in a CARS-affiliated club (e.g. Maple Leaf)
- medical exam
- first aid certification (minimum Emergency First Aid w. CPR)
Once you finish two regional events, you can upgrade to a national licence, which would allow you to run national rallies.
In terms of personal equipment, you'd need:
- driving suit (specs are in the rulebook)
- helmet (specs are in the rulebook, but no motorcycle helmets... i.e. no "M" or "DOT"-rated helmets)
- FIA-approved head and neck restraint (i.e. either a HANS or a Hutchens Hybrid Pro)
For rallycross, I'm not sure of the exact requirements, but they're in the rulebook.
mikeski wrote on 10/28/9 at 20:39:21:Things I'm looking for are
What Car can I use 4cly, 6cly, 8cly Turbo/Non Turbo FWD,AWD,RWD?
You can use pretty much anything you want, but some cars just won't be practical for rallying. Engine size, turbo/non-turbo and number of driven wheels will determine which class your car ends up in.
mikeski wrote on 10/28/9 at 20:39:21:Dose the car need a roll cage etc?
For performance rallying, yes. For rallycross or navigational rallying, no.
mikeski wrote on 10/28/9 at 20:39:21:Pretty much I'm asking for a helpin hand for someone to tell me how to build the car to the rules and just have some fun.
Well, the rules are in the link I gave, but they're not the end of the story. It's hard to get a sense of how to build a rally car properly without some experience. I'd really suggest you come out to rallies, see what the cars go through and see what everyone else is running and how they do things. That can mean volunteering for the event, helping out a team as service crew, or if you're so inclined, co-driving.
It's always cool to see more competitors in the sport, but I want you to stay. It's a lot better if you learn what the potential pitfalls are before you start building a car.