learn me TSD rally?

I'm considering attending the Press On Regardless Rally. It will be my first motorsport event. I've read all the information on the Detroit SCCA page but still have some questions. What equations need to be worked out? I keep reading equations this and equations that, but no specific info on what math equations need to be used. Do I need specific timing equipment? Do I need some sort of radio or communication equipment for my co-driver? I plan to run my 79 firebird. Its stripped out and prepped for track days. Its pretty loud. This particular rally runs from 1pm-1am. Do I need auxiliary lights, like the "hella" or "PIAA" units?

Anyone here ever participate in the POR? Thanks Zack

Equations?

http://rallybc.com/Novice/WCRA_Novice__2_-_info_only.pdf

Page 8 of 13. You need a digital watch with a backlight (at least), a working odometer, and a calculator (if in novice class, usually that is how it works).

You need a comfortable car and not much else. We once won a TSD in a Chevy 2500HD, and last week we ran a Boxster. Seriously, anything works. If it's a night event, I'd consider lights. If not, don't worry. An accurate speedo/odometer is also key. Most TSD rallies start with an odometer calibration leg.

There's some math, but fortunately Mrs. Editor (the accountant) handles it for us. I don't think it's anything too hard.

For equipment, we usually have a digital clock/stopwatch, clipboard, pen/pencil and then a second watch for the driver to time the pauses.

The big thing is not getting lost and not having a meltdown. And have fun.

Lots to read here:

http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS403US403&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=tsd+site%3Agrassrootsmotorsports.com

Ditto what David said. I've placed regularly in my 323 - the OD is dead-nuts accurate. Helps to have a logical-minded navigator partner, one who can read tulip maps and make calculations without getting flustered. TSDs are a lot of fun, good luck and let us know how you made out!

I met a guy on the MG Glenwood Springs Rallye (it's been running so long it has archaic spelling!) who was running a Triumph TR6. He was driving alone and didn't even have a working speedometer. He'd tuck in behind someone until he got bored, then blast past and try to find another car. Sometimes he'd have to stop and wait until one came along. It was more of a scavenger hunt for him, I suppose.

You couldn't see his face for the grin.

This is no help at all, I realize. But he did inspire me.

First prepare your car for a 12 hour road trip, because that is what a TSD rally is. you may not get anywhere, but you will be driving for almost the entire time.

If you can get some lights that don't break your budget you should use them POR is an afternoon/night rally that a little extra light will help. As for talking in the car, how loud is it really? Can you hold a conversation while driving at 40MPH? How about on a gravel road at 40? Other than that, pens/pencils, a sub $10 calculator, a clipboard, a digital clock/watch, some blank paper for notes, highlighters, and a map light (or small flashlight) should be all you need.

We have a short (5 small pdfs) how to section on our website. It has a good bit of information that should help you get started with the sport. They can be found at http://sjr-scca.org/rally.html at the bottom of the page. Let me quote the most important thing for people completely new to the sport

Jim Wakemen Sr said:

Until a team has mastered staying on course, no calculating should be done while on course.

So read the first two thoroughly. They will help you get through the day. The general instructions for the POR will tell you how the instructions will be presented and how the rally itself will run (checkpoints, breaks, time allowances etc). This will get you all the Detroit Region and POR specifics.

Read the third chapter to see how TSD rally times are calculated so you can compare them to your times. Once you get some experience you can get a feel for how fast or slow you really need to be going, and how consistent you are.

The 4th chapter with the calculator system can take a couple of reads to follow it. When Jeff and I used the system it was tough, but I didn't get enough experience with it before we got our rally computer. I never got fast enough. My father and Mark use it all the time and do very well. They can beat computer equipped cars with it, so it does work.

A PS. Our watches/clocks aren't anything special. Last week we used a Robic stopwatch that I found in my desk. Before that we used a cheapie digital clock that we bought at a drug store. Using a piece of Velcro to attach the clock/watch to the clip of the clipboard might make things more manageable, too. Oh, and start the day with a good pen--and maybe bring a backup--or go with a trusted mechanical pencil. Don't ask me how we learned that lesson.

Thanks guys

For noobs, I suggest not getting worked up on doing any calculations unless you absolutely have to (if you need to submit a time allowance, for example). A rule of thumb that has worked well for my limited experience is to simply add 10% to any CAS speed. This helps average out your slowing for turns, stop signs, etc and is easy to calculate in your head on the fly. I managed to win a few unequipped class TSD's using that simple formula.

Since that rally runs after dark, you'll want a rally style map light. Dome lights are too distracting to the driver. I just so happen to have one of the Hella ones that plug into the lighter I no longer use. PM me if you'd like to have it for the cost of shipping.

I loved doing TSD's, especially on gravel roads. That sort of dried up around where I live so don't do them anymore, but we had some fun times and we still tell stories about our spectacular FAILs.

Time, Speed, Distance. Get from here to there in this time. A fast car doesn't normally help. In fact, it tends to cost you points.

Conversation is important. You and the navigator have to be able to talk. So a loud car is not a good rally choice.

The navigator has to be able to write and read and play with a stop watch and such. So hard suspensions that bounce them all around aren't good either.

I've rallied in my CRX, my Spitfire, and my brother in laws Blazer. The Blazer was the best. Our scores reflected this.

Staying on course is hard for a novice driver and team. REAL HARD. The concept of "go straightest" is truly alien for someone used to normal driving, be it street or track. Focus on this, let the speeds and time come secondary to staying on course.

Go have fun. Stay on course, get back on course, wrack up absurd time penalties, and have a good time.

Some more advice, and I'll put it in caps since I sometimes forget it myself: RUN YOUR OWN RALLY!!!

Last week I got concerned since a team left a checkpoint right on our tail. Am I going too fast or too slow? Are we that off schedule? I'm used to the cars being released in minute intervals. What's up?

Well, guess what? With this group (the PCA), they release cars whenever they want, so there's a chance that two cars will be released only seconds apart. Of course, wish I knew that then....

Some more related advice:

Several years ago we were running an event with the (now deceased) Orlando Sports Car Club. They released cars on one-minute intervals. We were on course, but our time was messed up. We got to a traffic light that had a one-minute pause. I realized that the car in front of us was in the rally and had left a minute before us. Plus the guys were supposed to be really good. So instead of taking the one-minute pause, we just zipped around them. If I remember correctly, we did okay on that leg.

At the Coker rally two years ago, we again got messed up on time. We got stuck behind a truck on a winding road, and he would not let us pass. Honestly, he was blocking up. Eventually we wound up right behind the car that was theoretically a minute ahead of us, so we took a minute pause to "get us back on schedule." Again, these were some good guys. We caught sight of them later on that leg and were still a minute behind--we were feeling good about that leg. Well guess what? Their gear was messed up. In fact, the navigator realized what we were doing and said he wished he could have notified us that they were having problems. We both got 500 points on that leg. :(

David S. Wallens wrote: Some more advice, and I'll put it in caps since I sometimes forget it myself: RUN YOUR OWN RALLY!!!

Plus eleventybillion. Especially if you have a rallymaster like me. I once set up a TSD with four different sets of instructions. At one point (if everyone was on time) when you pulled up to a 4-way stop in a small town you would see a competitor at each of the other 3 stop signs.

And then you each made a right turn and went on your way!

Got cussed out by some "professional" rally types for that one. They were totally confused and fighting with each other as to who didn't read the directions properly. It didn't help that there were several other places where you passed other competitors going in the opposite direction.

Hal wrote: It didn't help that there were several other places where you passed other competitors going in the opposite direction.

I hate those, but it reinforces the fact that you have to RUN YOUR OWN RALLY. At the Coker rally, just as we got to a T intersection another rally car came from the left. What? What did we do wrong? Anyway, turns out he was lost.

Also, being comfortable in the car has to help, meaning a/c and heat. We were one of the few cars in the Coker rally to have a/c, and it was a rainy weekend. I almost felt bad for everyone else, as the field was mostly full of prewar cars.

ddavidv wrote: For noobs, I suggest not getting worked up on doing any calculations unless you absolutely have to (if you need to submit a time allowance, for example). A rule of thumb that has worked well for my limited experience is to simply add 10% to any CAS speed. This helps average out your slowing for turns, stop signs, etc and is easy to calculate in your head on the fly. I managed to win a few unequipped class TSD's using that simple formula. Since that rally runs after dark, you'll want a rally style map light. Dome lights are too distracting to the driver. I just so happen to have one of the Hella ones that plug into the lighter I no longer use. PM me if you'd like to have it for the cost of shipping. I loved doing TSD's, especially on gravel roads. That sort of dried up around where I live so don't do them anymore, but we had some fun times and we still tell stories about our spectacular FAILs.

If he doesn't want your Map light I would take it.