It's coming up in less than 2 weeks! For those who don't know, this is the closest "real" rally event to us, at about 2 hours from here. Your realistic options for involvement in this event are:
- Help work the event (course marshall)
- Help someone crew (see next note)
- Spectate.
IMO (having done this stuff for 15 years), Option 1 is the clear winner. First off, course marshalls have (or can walk to) some of the best spectating locations at the event. Second, you get to participate in all the event perks, scoring t-shirts (which in the past have been really nice ones), bumper stickers, and invitation to the pizza and beer parties. You also get a real "inside view" what happens at a rally that you just won't see if you just go spectating. And last but not least, rally events need
lots of workers, and by helping out you (even if you've never done it before) really
are making a difference in keeping this sport going.
Crewing for someone is also a good option. Although usually pretty far from the racing action, the service areas are the 2nd most exciting places. You get to see cars rolling on "on a wing and a prayer" after surviving some major shunt, and teams working frantically against the clock to replace windshields or clutches or what have you. You get the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping one or more competitors make their goal of finishing one of these tough events. You also get to participate in the pizza party.
Spectating, frankly, is likely to be a disappointment. These events are way too small and understaffed for there to be (most likeky) any kind spectator information packets, or even maps, so you could easily find yourself driving around for hours trying to find some racing action. And when you find it, the fastest cars have likely gone by already.
So anyway, that's my little speil about rallies. You can find more info about the event at
http://sandblastrally.com/2005/ Anders is the webmaster and I'm sure will be working at the event in some capacity. Emmie will be there, almost certainly as a stage captain. I'll be there too, the current plan is to co-drive (navigate) for a local guy, but that's dependent on his getting the car running. If he doesn't, I'll be co-captain with Emmie. There is actually a very strong local (ie. Cary/Apex) rally contingent, and many of them will be there either competing or working as well.
So come one out and see what it's all about!
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