MULTI-VENUE STAGE RALLY

A multi-venue stage rally takes in multiple competitive sections, or stages, which are joined together by road sections on the public highway. Stages tend to take place on forest tracks or on closed-public roads.

It’s you vs the clock as your co-driver navigates you through the event using route notes supplied by the event organisers. The crew that completes the event in the lowest aggregate time wins. But beware, you will receive penalties for checking into a timing control early or late.

The majority of multi venue stage rallies in forests have no more than 45 competitive stage miles, whereas on events on closed public roads this can be more than 75 miles. Road mileage (sections between stages where normal RTA rules apply) will vary depending on the event location.

A standard event format would see technical checks and event sign-on taking place on the Friday afternoon prior, with the main event taking place all-day on a Saturday. It is therefore important to build in food, travel and accommodation costs into your event budget.

A ‘one make’ series can be a good place to start to keep costs down and compete against a friendly community in similar vehicles.

Check out rallying footage on Motorsport UK TV for inspiration, or head along to an event near you and chat to competitors in the service area.

Once you’re ready to get started, purchase your Motorsport UK Rallying Starter Pack which includes the cost of your first rally competition licence and details all you need to know to go rallying. See you on the stages!

The BARS Assessment

To compete in stage rallying in the UK you will need to purchase a Motorsport UK Rally Starter Pack. This costs £110 and includes the cost of your first competition licence.

Inside your pack you’ll find an exclusive ‘Rally Driver’ keyring design, plus a booklet and video series explaining your next steps. Once you have your pack you will need to learn the National Competition Rules for rallying and complete a BARS assessment at your chosen rally school. Costing around £250, the assessment entails a multiple choice test based on the competition rules and a short practical assessment to review how you handle a vehicle.

Once you have completed your assessment, return your licence form to Motorsport UK who will issue your first stage rally licence.

Each starter pack is valid for two years, meaning you have two years from the date of purchase to take out your first stage rally competition licence. Motorsport UK competition licences are valid for 12 months and run from January – December each year, so think about when you might want to apply get to the most out of your licence.