The 2016 Rallying thread (WRC, ERC, RX, etc)
Discussion
I did 5 events by march last year, might not do a single one this year. The whole spectator pen thing last year means it isn't worth the effort getting up early, putting on all the gear, driving to the rally and walking into the stage just to stand next to the absolute scum that always seem to end up at rallies (only 1% of the spectators, but they are always there) who generally have turned up in trackies and trainers and have a strong scent of weed.
To be fair last time I went on Epynt the marshals let me wander which was great, time before I felt like I had to stay in the pen and it was s
t. So if it's going to be speccy pens then I'm out.
To be fair last time I went on Epynt the marshals let me wander which was great, time before I felt like I had to stay in the pen and it was s
t. So if it's going to be speccy pens then I'm out.
DelicaL400 said:
RyanTank said:
Over the weekend there was a post shared by a friend on facebook of how a navigator had exclaimed that "rallying in the UK was fked!" all because he'd been stopped from standing where he wanted to on the Gwendraeth Rally in Pembrey. when someone suggested he come out and spectate in the woods (where its easier to get to places than on a single venue event)
I can see his point. I'd say the vast majority of competitors/organisers/marshals got into the sport by initially spectating. If it becomes difficult/impossible to spectate then where will the next generation of competitors/organisers/marshals come from? The exodus has already started in my own group of friends, some who previously went to up to 40 events a year have stopped going at all. That can't be good for the long term health of the sport? ked!" all because he'd been stopped from standing where he wanted to on the Gwendraeth Rally in Pembrey. when someone suggested he come out and spectate in the woods (where its easier to get to places than on a single venue event) I realise that something had to be seen to be done of course, otherwise there'd not be a short term future never mind a long term one. It's a shame that the actions of a few idiots have wrecked the sport I used to love to watch.
Saying that, I'm hoping to be out tomorrow on the Red Kite - and Route 60 is the only spectator point.
The essential problem is that we live in an increasingly safety conscious and PC friendly world and Rallying is neither of those.
But still the events go on and entry lists are quite healthy, so theres still hope it can be turned around. Just needs some common sense from all parties.
But still the events go on and entry lists are quite healthy, so theres still hope it can be turned around. Just needs some common sense from all parties.
The essential problem is that we live in an increasingly safety conscious and PC friendly world and Rallying is neither of those.
But still the events go on and entry lists are quite healthy, so theres still hope it can be turned around. Just needs some common sense from all parties.
But still the events go on and entry lists are quite healthy, so theres still hope it can be turned around. Just needs some common sense from all parties.
Allyc85]Legend Boucles Bastogne 2016 [Full HD said:
This is a form of Rallying we don't seem to have over here, which is a shame as it seems to be pretty good. 'High' speed regularity on a mixture of closed and open roads with two levels of 'pace' required. It's like a cross between the Roger Albert Clarke and Rally of the Tests. I'd love to have a go.sanf said:
Yep marshalling at Pikes Peak tomorrow - sleeping in the car tonight could be a bit chilli!!
Allyc85 said:
sanf said:
Yep marshalling at Pikes Peak tomorrow - sleeping in the car tonight could be a bit chilli!!Had a great day at junction 2 - at the top of the hill. Was packed with spectators - haven't seen so many on an event for ages. Especially considering the weather - t'was very windy.
Evans on the 2nd run through Pikes Peak - was a sight to behold, really on it. Bogie had a spin by us and right the end we had to right a fallen over Land Rover. Overall a really great day, and a superb start to the new BRC season/format.
On another note - the MSA Rally Future changes of making cars run in performance order, rather than sub event/category order has actually had a pretty good effect from a spectating point of view. Having the leading Nationals mixed in the with internationals, is not noticeable to those watching and stops the big gaps that tended to spring up before, while waiting for the last of the lower powered to clear before the leading national car would appear (for example).
Anyone heading up to Epynt this Sunday? I'm charged with running starts and or finishes on at least 5 stages!
all info here - http://www.ptmconline.com/downloads.html
Don't be put off by speccy pens. Just be smart about where you go and you should be all right
all info here - http://www.ptmconline.com/downloads.html
Don't be put off by speccy pens. Just be smart about where you go and you should be all right
Vw have been out testing their 2017 car again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihg15919Za4&in...
The new Toyota is meant to have it's first test in Finland next month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihg15919Za4&in...
The new Toyota is meant to have it's first test in Finland next month.
Allyc85 said:
Modern WRC cars are boring to watch though ... 
Allyc85 said:
The new Toyota is meant to have it's first test in Finland next month.
On the basis of that video, they might as well not bother, ditto Ford, Citroen, Hyundai et all.
This car has been running since before Christmas - have their rivals even got a 2017 car ready? If not, then they are unlikely to beat VW.
However, will these cars bring the interest back to the WRC? More power, bigger rear wing, active diffs, etc
From what I've read/ heard, these cars will be even more planted = car driving as if on rails. Not what we need. Hopefully that isn't the case, and 2017 is not yet another false dawn for the WRC.
However, will these cars bring the interest back to the WRC? More power, bigger rear wing, active diffs, etc
From what I've read/ heard, these cars will be even more planted = car driving as if on rails. Not what we need. Hopefully that isn't the case, and 2017 is not yet another false dawn for the WRC.
interesting read that.
I'm not entirely convinced VW signing off to the end of 2019 doesn't have anything to do with the fact they've already invested heavily in the 2017 spec car, and they want to see some return on it.
Watching the Polo testing again, I just cant get used to that big lower lip, I certainly cant see it lasting for long on rough events, but perhaps that's a happy coincidence in shedding weight mid event it'll also make an ace snow shovel in Sweden! Expect lots of end of stage clearing from co drivers
I'm not entirely convinced VW signing off to the end of 2019 doesn't have anything to do with the fact they've already invested heavily in the 2017 spec car, and they want to see some return on it.
Watching the Polo testing again, I just cant get used to that big lower lip, I certainly cant see it lasting for long on rough events, but perhaps that's a happy coincidence in shedding weight mid event
it'll also make an ace snow shovel in Sweden! Expect lots of end of stage clearing from co drivers 
Blimey some positive news for a change! There certainly are signs that the ship has been steadied, but there is still loads of work to do from the promotion/coverage side.
Hell of an entry list for the Circuit of Ireland, gutted I have the following week off work!!
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/user_upload...
Hell of an entry list for the Circuit of Ireland, gutted I have the following week off work!!
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/user_upload...
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