Question 1

What is a stage rally race?

Accepted Answer

A stage rally is a motorsports competition where drivers and co‑drivers race against the clock on closed public roads across multiple timed stages. Cars start individually and compete on gravel, dirt, tarmac, or snow surfaces. Overall standings are determined by the lowest cumulative time across all stages.

Question 2

Where does the rally take place?

Accepted Answer

The rally takes place on closed public and private roads within the host region. Exact locations, stage maps, and spectator zones are published on the event website and spectator guides prior to the event.

Question 3

What is a rally “stage”?

Accepted Answer

A stage is a closed section of road where competitors are timed. Rallies are made up of multiple stages, often spread across a wide geographic area. Only stage times count toward results — not the driving between stages.

Question 4

What sanctioning body oversees this event?

Accepted Answer

LSPR is sanctioned by the American Rally Association, the premier governing body for stage rally competition in the United States. ARA establishes vehicle regulations, safety rules, licensing requirements, and national and regional championship series.

Question 5

How is rally different from circuit or track racing?

Accepted Answer

Unlike track racing, rally:
Takes place on real roads, not permanent racetracks
Uses point‑to‑point stages, not laps
Runs cars one at a time, not in packs
Includes changing surfaces like gravel, dirt, snow, and pavement
This makes rally unpredictable and highly dependent on driver skill and teamwork.

Question 6

What do the driver and co‑driver each do?

Accepted Answer

Rally teams consist of:
Driver – controls the car
Co‑driver (navigator) – reads pace notes, manages timing, and ensures the team follows the route
Pace notes describe upcoming corners and hazards, allowing drivers to go fast on roads they’ve never raced on at speed.

Question 7

What are pace notes?

Accepted Answer

Pace notes are a set of shorthand instructions describing the road ahead, including:
Corner direction and severity
Crests, jumps, and surface changes
Hazards like rocks or ditches
The co‑driver reads these notes out loud during the stage so the driver knows what’s coming next.

October 9-10, 2026

The Oldest, Toughest, Meanest Rally on the Circuit

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