In South Africa rallying is enjoyed by many competitors across various championship events (National Championship, Regional Championships and Club racing).
How does Rallying work?
Rallies mainly take place on farm land and comprise of stages, with the winner being the crew (driver and co-driver) that completes them in the lowest total time. The co-drivers read route direction notes issued by the organisers on both the stages and the linking road sections to ensure the car is heading the right way.
There are several different forms of rallying such as Economy Runs, Historic Rallies for classic cars, where the emphasis is on good navigation and time-keeping.
How do I start?
If you want to compete in Motorsport SA Rally Racing you will need to join a Rally Racing club and take out a Rally Racing competition licence, which is done online via the MSA online licence portal. If you just want to co-drive, you can apply for a Navigator’s licence.
What is the age requirement?
If you want to be a driver you will need to be at least 17 years of age (with a learner’s licence), in which case the navigator must be in possession of a full drivers licence, but you can compete as a navigator from as young as 15.
What kind of car do I need?
For Rallies you will need a car that complies with the regulations. This will generally entail modifying the car with safety components such as a roll cage, special seats and harnesses, fire extinguishers and suchlike. You can either buy such a car second-hand and prepare it yourself, or you can get a preparation company to modify a standard road car for you.
As Rally cars have to use the public highway to get between stages the car will also need to be licenced as per the National Road Traffic Act.
For further guidance and advice about the technical aspects, including your kit and vehicle, please click on the link below to download the Rally Regulations.
For more information, please get in contact with our Rally Co-Ordinator Poka Lehapa on poka@motorsport.co.za