Want to start Rallying - Historic RWD etc

[GravelBen]

chunder27 said:

I think the closed road rule is the future as things sit right now, but not for the times after that. At least until the MSA get the arse in gear and stop being so defensive.

If you think about it logically, what is the safest place to have rallies? Single venues or circuits right?

Not forests, not closed roads and not ,multi venue.

To give you another perspective, here in NZ (and many other countries) rallying is on closed roads or forestry roads more or less by definition - a rally-type event based around a circuit or similar closed venue isn't a rally at all, its a rallysprint (or in smaller cases an autocross).

[chunder27]

I think we could do more of those type events, but we do not have the space. They do them in the rest oif Europe, Belgium, Finland etc. Not something we do in the UK. Perhaps called something else.

There is no off road hillclimbing for instance which they have in Finland or Norway and probably a few places.

[aeropilot]

urquattroGus said:

Just been and done the "Forest Experience" in Wales in a MK2 Escort. Also has a go in a group N scoobie.

Loved the opportunity to drive on something more like a real stage.

Instructor said I was "on it" to set the fastest timed run of the group until I turned the wrong way, d'oh!

This has re-ignited my fledgling desires to go rallying! going to look at doing license and perhaps hiring for an event!

Have you joined appropriate local motor club yet?

Do this before doing anything else.

They will help you with licence, you'll get to talk talk to people that are competing already, perhaps lend a hand spannering on a few single venue's etc to gain some experience of generally what's what, even marshalling at a few would help you've understanding of how events work. There's a wealth of info you need to absorb first before I'd even venture to hiring a car for an event..!!

[Pieman68]

andy97 said:

There is now a BMW Compact rally series in the UK for relatively basic/ cost effective spec cars, similar to the BMW Compact race series.

Details are here: https://www.clubmanmotorsport.com/bimmacup-uk

The Compact is upgradeable from the BMW parts bin later if you wish ( eg 3 Series engines etc)

Noticed Melbourne on the 7th of next month - planning on popping up for a watch with my best mate

This is us on the Lookout stages before divorce/kids got in the way



We tended to focus mainly on single venue due to costs - Melbourne, Leconfield, Binbrook, Swinderby and Manby were favourite haunts - not many of them left unfortunately

Costs are considerably higher than they used to be due to expiry dates on belts, suits, helmets etc

Escorts seem to carry a large price premium - I like the idea of the BMW but maybe look outside the box if you can think of anything feasible - we very nearly bought a Mazda 4x4 turbo before we opted for the Cossie. Previous cars were a Sunbeam 1760 Ti, 309 GTI (with an Mi16 lump dropped in), 205 1.6GTI (taken off the injection and put onto carbs) - obviously we had a mix of FWD, RWD and 4x4 in there

[moffspeed]

If you are still looking - and the emphasis is on having fun and not outright speed how about considering a Lancia Fulvia Coupe ?

Plenty about, solid Series 2/3 road cars at £10K, rally specced at £15K. Spares are relatively cheap and plentiful.

Gorgeous looking cars and they can only appreciate from their current rock bottom values....

[andy97]

moffspeed said:

If you are still looking - and the emphasis is on having fun and not outright speed how about considering a Lancia Fulvia Coupe ?

Plenty about, solid Series 2/3 road cars at £10K, rally specced at £15K. Spares are relatively cheap and plentiful.

Gorgeous looking cars and they can only appreciate from their current rock bottom values....

As cheap as that? Surprised but fair enough. Presumably the spares have to be sourced from Italy?

But, the OP did say RWD!