Do you harbor the dream of becoming a professional rally driver? Well, if you answered yes, here are some tips of what you should expect to find ahead. This article explains some of the equipment you need to start rally racing, prerequisite training, etc. We also look at some of the most prominent racing destinations in Africa where you might consider beginning.
Relaxed Rules in Rally Driving
Navigation is key in rally driving.
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First, rally racing is one area where restrictions are very minimal. To qualify to be a racer in this area, very little is required. For example, unlike many other competitions in Africa where age is a major limiting factor, many racing rally competitions and events do not limit entrants based on their age. This is an accepted practice all over the world. Some legend rally drivers such as Ian Duncan (Kenya) began racing at very tender ages. Ian specifically began racing at the age of 18, rising to full professional racing at 20. For most of these racing events the driving license is not mandatory too.
Attrition survival, Navigation and Speeding
However, there are basic requirements that every racer needs to comply with. These include navigation techniques (map reading is a critical component here), ability to take instructions, and ability to pressure yourself in order to perform at peak levels. This means that your personal confidence needs to be very high to soak the pressure of competition and at the same time perform optimally. With minimal training, a passionate driver will learn the basics of rally driving which include mastery of techniques to survive attrition, expertise in navigation, and speeding in the race against time. It is also very necessary that the driver gets used to quick communications from the co-driver. This is all the training required before you begin.
The equipment
To measure the distance covered in racing, Odometers are essential.
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Rally racing is an equipment-specific sport with particular facilitating equipment. As a rally driver, equipment such as the odometer will prove very essential. This equipment enables the crew measure the distance that they have traveled in a race or several races. Another equally important piece of equipment is the intercom system that enables you, the driver, to communicate with your co-driver. Others include navigation equipment such as co-driving watches, map pockets, foot rests, map lights etc. These are some of the rally specific items.
Finally, general car items such as spanners (in case of a mechanical breakdown), warning triangles, first aid kit, roof vents and mud flaps are key equipment that you will need in rally racing. Africa’s leading racing destinations include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda and Morocco.
