Well, it is official. There will be rally cross at the Smithton hole. Go to www.smithtonhole.com for directions and details about the facility. There is going to be 9 races. In addition, there are races going to be held at other locations. There may be a point series, but that will be gone over later. Pittspeed and tri-state rally club (www.trisrc.com) are the main boards who will help promote the events.
What is rally cross?
It is a timed event where one car takes the course in a timed racing event. Time is measured via start and finish line with the use of a timing system (i.e. no stop watch). The course itself consists of a multiple of turns with some straightaway which test the drivers skill at being able to accelerate, corner, and be in complete control of his or her vehicle. The course itself is a hard clay dirt mix, which should be packed in fairly well inclimate weather. The course will be marked out with caution tape/cones w/ pointer cones, so you know where to go. The object is to try and maneuver your car through the course without hitting the cones/caution tape as quickly as possible. If you kill the cones/tape, 2 seconds are added to your time per each infraction.
What do you need to rally cross?
Three basic items are needed. A safe running car, a helmet for the driver and a fire extinguisher for safety precaution are all that you need.
The car can be anything–as long as it is not a truck or a suv. The car should be in good working order, i.e. no belts showing on tires, decent brakes, etc. It can have rust holes in it and be a complete beater–just as long as it is safe for the driver and spectators.
The helmet is self-explanatory. If you don’t own one, I have some loaner helmets. Keep in mind, only 1 car is on the track at a time, so sharing of helmet is possible.
A fire extinguisher is just for added safety in the event that someone catches his or her car on fire. An extinguisher that is available when needed–not rolling around in the back seat. can be the smaller ones you get at Wal-Mart for $12 that fit in the glove box or you can permanently mount it inside the car.
How much does it cost?
$20. All money goes back to the drivers with a 100% payback. Pending on how many cars per class, payouts can go as far back to 6th place or more.
For spectators, prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children younger than 6. Those with a student I.D. get in for $3, and anyone with a military I.D. get in for free.
There is a concessions stand, bleachers, pit area, bathrooms and ample parking available at the Smithton Hole. Don’t be afraid to come out just to watch
What are the classes?
car classes are broken down by drive train and forced induction or naturally aspirated. This is subject to change if there is not enough cars to field a class (i.e.- 5 rwd turbo cars show up, and 2 rwd N.A. cars. Lump them in together).
Right now, the classes are the following–
awd N.A.
awd forced induction
rwd N.A.
rwd forced induction
fwd N.A.
fwd forced induction
What are the dates?
Most races are on Saturday. Saturday racing starts at 7pm, gates and pits open at 5. Sunday racing starts at 3pm, gates open at 1. There is no rainouts. Come ready to run no matter what the weather is like.
April 7th, a Saturday
May 6th, a Sunday
June 16th, a Saturday
July 14th, a Saturday
august 11th, a Saturday
September 22nd, a Saturday
October 27th, a Saturday
November 3rd, a Saturday
November 17th, a Saturday
How many runs will I get?
you will get a minimum of 3 runs, with the maximum being unknown pending turnout. usually get anywhere form 6-8 runs
How is the winner decided?
winner is decided by total time. so if we run 8 laps, your best 5 times are added up. lowest one wins.
any comments or suggestions about anything, please post up. As these events are run by the racers for the racers–hence the 100% payback.
Thanks
Sailor
