Rally preparation

[chris.richard]

Can those of you that compete help?

- where do you carry your spare(s) is there any room after battery and fire extinguisher go in the front?

-what underbody protection is needed?

Thanks

[Stratos]

Chris,

I only do tarmac single venue events, never gravel rallies, so what I say should be taken in that context.

1. Spare Wheel

I don't carry a spare wheel. 2 Reasons for that.

Main one is that I don't have enough space for one of the correct size up at the front. I have the fire extinguisher and battery there.

I have considered looking at carrying a space saver type, but it's never really got past the consideration stage. If you carry a spare wheel, you also have to carry a jack, and a wheel brace, which is all extra weight.


Second reason is - how often am I likely to get a puncture, and how far am I likely to travel on it, and how long would it take to change it.

If you get a puncture on a tarmac single venue event, the time taken to change it is going to put you right at the back time-wise, and the time you are going to record for the stage is going to be about the same as a stage maximum, so you might as well just short-cut out of the stage if possible, or drive slowly to the finish.

I've only had 1 puncture in all the rallies I've done, and that was at Abingdon this year, when a rod end on the rear suspension broke and this allowed the end of the wisbone to dig into the inner wall of the tyre.

If you are planning on rallying on gravel, then the risk of punctures is probably much higher.

I suppose another option is anti-deflation mousse.


2. Underbody Protection

I have minimal underbody protection, because all my rallies are on relatively smooth tarmac, but front and rear guards are probably advisable.

If you are rallying on gravel, then I'd say they are essential.

[chris.richard]

sorry, I should have said just for tarmac - you think I'd risk it in a forest!?:eek:

[Stratos]

Andrew Dearing was doing the ANCRO Clubmans Championship in his car, but, after 2 events, he has found the post-event repair cost too high, and has withdrawn from the series.

Gary Lomas has a second car, which he built for forest rallying, but has never got round to using it yet. He built mountig points in the roof, so that he could carry a roof-mounted spare wheel - Safari Style!!!

Chris, so we can expect you down for the rally at Abingdon next year??:) if so, that would be good, because I've got about another 3 possible cars for the rally next year, in addition to those competing in this year's rally - AND I'm going to finish the rally next year!!