My very 1st event.. any tips?

[Zico]

I hope the mods dont mind this being posted in the WRC section as I'd like to hear advice from as many drivers as possible..

I think I mentioned previously that my brother has offered his car for me to compete in my 1st ever event, an unbelievable gesture, for which I am extremely greatful. The car is a full Grp4 mk2 Escort, fully floating Atlas, 5 spd dogbox, powered by a Vaux 2.0 XE producing aprox 230bhp, the event is the Galloway hills rally which is a forrest event on the 2nd Dec. Im likely to be seeded further back so it should be well cut-up and likely wet and muddy if the weather is typical. I will be doing some more testing a week prior to the event and have a lot of pacenote familiarisation to do.

I'd be greatful for any hints/tips/advice from any experienced drivers on here, with my far back road positioning being my main concern.

Every time I think of it I get butterflys in my stomach, My very 1st event in a car that isnt mine.. I HAVE to learn to remain calm, disciplined and stop the red mist appearing and focus on getting to the end with the car in 1 piece. Any tips on how to get into this mindset would also be very helpfull.

He must really trust me but Yep, I think he's crazy too..

[Josti]

A full Gr.4 mk2 Escort I would just say enjoy yourself!

Seriously, I have no valuable tip, hint or whatever, since I'm no rallydriver. I think you said it yourself, be calm. Try to find the good line, which I'm sure is possible (even though it's an Escort), considering you're starting way behind. I guess it's mostly for fun, so keep the pressure off.

Anyway, good luck! Hope to see some pics

[duff]

Not a bad car to start with

I've driven many a rally with a fair bit of success (yes, only at a club level...) and for people starting out I think there are a few big rules to live by.

1. Like you said, don't let the "red mist" get you. Stay calm do every thing a little slower than you think you can and build up speed as you get experience.

2. Always concentrate, and only concern your self with the next piece of road in front of you, nothing else. As soon as you start thinking of stage times, how well you are driving etc. something goes wrong!
There are endless things to catch you out in rallying and it’s very easy to go from driving fast and having a great time to sitting next to a ball of scrap at the side of the road wondering want went wrong. More so as this is not your car!!

3. Slow into the corner and fast out. Don’t try to test your late breaking too much (again this will come with experience) a lot of rally pace comes from the exit speed of a corner. Play with the car and try to make it do what you want it to.

4. Stay in the wheel tracks. You always have to be thinking about grip and getting the most of it. This is a big part of good stage times especially in a 2 wheel drive.
Along with this as you are far down the order there will be a lot of loose gravel at the side of the road, Stay out of this at all costs!!! Once your outside wheels go into the loose stuff at any speed you usually will be heading for the scenery. I went off the road on my second rally because of this.

5. Stop listening to me and see what Pentti has to say!

6. have a blast!

[noel157]

You're a lucky man.

From a common sense point of view and in order of importantance:
#1 Get to the finish (in one piece).
#2 Enjoy yourself.
#3 Forget about setting fast times, no heroics.
#4 Remember #1

[A.F.F.]

5. Stop listening to me and see what Pentti has to say!!

Pentti will only say; Aja kovaa !

On serious note, have lots of fun Zico

[Zico]

Not a bad car to start with

I've driven many a rally with a fair bit of success (yes, only at a club level...) and for people starting out I think there are a few big rules to live by.

1. Like you said, don't let the "red mist" get you. Stay calm do every thing a little slower than you think you can and build up speed as you get experience.

2. Always concentrate, and only concern your self with the next piece of road in front of you, nothing else. As soon as you start thinking of stage times, how well you are driving etc. something goes wrong!
There are endless things to catch you out in rallying and it’s very easy to go from driving fast and having a great time to sitting next to a ball of scrap at the side of the road wondering want went wrong. More so as this is not your car!!

3. Slow into the corner and fast out. Don’t try to test your late breaking too much (again this will come with experience) a lot of rally pace comes from the exit speed of a corner. Play with the car and try to make it do what you want it to.

4. Stay in the wheel tracks. You always have to be thinking about grip and getting the most of it. This is a big part of good stage times especially in a 2 wheel drive.
Along with this as you are far down the order there will be a lot of loose gravel at the side of the road, Stay out of this at all costs!!! Once your outside wheels go into the loose stuff at any speed you usually will be heading for the scenery. I went off the road on my second rally because of this.

5. Stop listening to me and see what Pentti has to say!

6. have a blast!

Sound advice there I think, interesting point (1) about doing things a little slower than you think you need to, guess that equates to being smooth and avoiding overdriving the car.




Thanks Duff.. and the rest of you!

Noel, yep.. Im very lucky and I know it, the car is due to be re-shelled after the event with extensive work going into the new shell for a larger transmission tunnel and arch work to run on 15's which is the reason he's offered.. He's said it doesnt matter if I have an off just as long as its not a big one.. Gulp.. bad idea to aproach the event with this in mind all the same...

Keep em coming....

[pino]

I am happy for you mate If I were living in UK I would come to this event and give you my support...Good Luck !

[Magnus]

Hmm... a bit yealous of you Zico, but never the less: Good Luck!
..and stay calm...

[Koppomsbo]

I think you should go for Maximum Attack, Compleeeeeetly sideways... And see what happends from that

[Fleur]

If you haven't alrteady organised it, try to get an experienced codriver, one who you respect and that you will listen to if they tell you to slow up a bit, or tidy up, or whatever!
Have fun.
Don't worry bout your times, just get the experience.
Good luck!