Hey everyone

Don't know exactly if this is the place to put this but I'm going to anyway. Name is Jon, and currently own a 86 fox mustang 5.0 and a 06 dodge magnum R/T. I want to get into rally racing with my fox and doing this on a tight budget. I have no clue on how to get started or what to do. So everyone that knows I'd really love the input on your experience. Also located out of California, if that helps any. But thank you in advance for any advice.

Are you looking for build advice, race training advice, a local group to join or just want to share your experiences.

All options are real and welcome here

Enjoy

My 86 build, not a rally car but some interesting hints are in here

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/86-mustang-challenger-build/41304/page1/

My suggestion is to join your local SCCA region, start with rallycross and work your way up to stage rally from there. Many stage rally guys rallycross just for practice and to make sure their cars are sorted. These are the guys you want to meet, they can give you advice and maybe even help with resources. Good luck!

You're in the right part of the country, actually. These guys have a weekend rally school that's a good introduction to what goes on, and you can get a NASA rally license from it.

http://www.californiarallyseries.com/

http://www.crsrallyschool.com/

Another vote for California Rally Series. The first stage event I ever ran was a rally school and rally they put on back in 1974 (yeah, I'm old) - great group that has been in existence for decades. Once you make contact, it 's really helpful to volunteer to work an event (you get to see things from the inside), either helping to put on the event or as a crew member. You'll get a real feel for the work, costs, and effort required. This will either turn you on or scare you off.

Rallycross is a great way to start driving, not nearly the investment required in car preparation. Co-driving is very important, too, and requires what many may consider an unusual skill set (be able to read at speed without throwing up, being adaptable when the unexpected happens - and it will, being able to make basic repairs, being able to keep track of several things at once, trusting your driver not to kill you - stuff like that).

And as we used to say, the ability to throw the driver a banana at service stops and keep him/her away from anything that distracts from the driving. Can you tell I was a co-driver?

Stage rally is the most satisfying thing I've done in 45 years of motorsports. It takes a LOT of work and dedication, and it's a real TEAM sport - but reaching the finish is an amazing feeling.

This is all really helpfull. And your read on your lx build is awesome. Right now seems like no events are starting up for awhile (friend on mine races at SCCA events). For right now I'm practicing the dynamics of dirt with the stang and what it can and can't do. So far I've learned it doesnt like catching even the slightest bit of air. Still stock suspension. But I'm going to look into this more and see about doing a SCCA event.