Rally Discussion and Bar Talk Thread

[Mirek]

IMHO this is a lost fight which is mostly about minimizing loses but for sure not about any victories. Motorsport in the current social and political environment in Europe (where it has the largest support base) will be ostracized more and more and it will continue to decline.

[Francis44]

IMHO this is a lost fight which is mostly about minimizing loses but for sure not about any victories. Motorsport in the current social and political environment in Europe (where it has the largest support base) will be ostracized more and more and it will continue to decline.

Guys, lets be somewhat positive.

Aslong as there are a few engineers with as much passion as the competitors and spectators, something will be made to appeal us enthusiasts.

[AndyRAC]

Guys, lets be somewhat positive.

As long as there are a few engineers with as much passion as the competitors and spectators, something will be made to appeal us enthusiasts.

That's fine in theory. Who is going to pay for this - and appeal to enthusiasts? Rallying, and WRC is reliant on the manufacturers? Some series can run without much manufacturer involvement - but not rallying.

[Francis44]

That's fine in theory. Who is going to pay for this - and appeal to enthusiasts? Rallying, and WRC is reliant on the manufacturers? Some series can run without much manufacturer involvement - but not rallying.

Debatable, the ERC is a good example of that.

[Mirek]

Guys, lets be somewhat positive.

Aslong as there are a few engineers with as much passion as the competitors and spectators, something will be made to appeal us enthusiasts.

You have to differentiate between two things. Yes, the sport can continue on the enthusiastic basis but in that case it will become a minor curiosity like horse races instead of a global show run by one of the biggest and richest corporations for their marketing purposes (as it has been for past decades).

Debatable, the ERC is a good example of that.

No, all ERC cars have been developed and homologated by manufacturers who are either directly or indirectly involved.

[Francis44]

No, all ERC cars have been developed and homologated by manufacturers who are either directly or indirectly involved.

And they are mostly bought and runned with private funds. Because obviously there is some sort of economic gain to be had with those sales.

[Mirek]

And they are mostly bought and runned with private funds. Because obviously there is some sort of economic gain to be had with those sales.

Those sales are possible becuase of the marketing value of the championship which is largely created by the manufacturers. When they leave the public interest will go down and so will the total sum of money circulating in the sport.

[Rallyper]

If starting from square one WITHOUT FIA and have own series, I could think manufacturers will have another look. Rallying do not depend on FIA or manufacturers. If new rules allow some sort of cars (maybe even hybrids) it´s possible to start all over again.

I think at least the fan base, will be there, to begin with.

[Rally Power]

Rally Power: Both articles are from clear pro EV websites, they always tend to muddy the waters in their favor.

The first link is pro EV but the second it isn’t; they mostly quote German or French automotive sources (VDA, CCFA). The EU official document, with 3 options for future emissions standards (only option 1 seems possible for ICEs to cope), can be seen here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better...ries-and-buses

For sure we’re free to remain positive, but one must admit that EVs lobby managed to establish a politically correct view on EVs among the general public and the politicians won’t dare to question it, even if they should.

[AndyRAC]

Debatable, the ERC is a good example of that.

Erm, those are cars originally built by manufacturers, and homologated for competition. You can't run a 'home built' special in FiA series......

F1, WEC, etc could in theory run without manufacturers. LMP2 has had a Gibson engine for all cars, and an off the peg chassis by several motorsport constructors. Rallying needs manufacturers - unless there is a drastic change from the FiA; and then who finances any venture?