TSD Rally

I just ran my first TSD rally and managed to finish 6th overall (3rd in class) with 330 points. Woo-hoo! We had a number of excellent stage times, and only one off-course excursion.

Our only attempts at staying on-time were me consistently asking the codriver what the hell our current speed was supposed to be. Next time we've got to implement timing controls...

 

'97 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro

 

Time-Speed-Distance. It's over public roads maintaining average speeds at or below the speed limit (note: there still may be some quite spirited driving, depending on how the rally was laid out). The rally I most recently ran included stretches of road designated 40 MPH average speed, but had curves that were marked 15 MPH. You figure it out. I actually got airborne at one point. I also got stuck behind some 'vette out on a Sunday drive, had to pass on double-yellow (twisty road), and make up lost time.

For example, you show up at the rally point, they give you directions, and you simply follow them. Depending on the instructions, that can be really easy or really hard. In the rally I ran about 1/3 of the cars did not finish (ie, got hopelessly lost).

The goal is to pass every single point on the rally exactly on time, because the next checkpoint might be right over that rise or around that bend, or it might not. A perfect score is to arrive exactly on time - not early or late - at every checkpoint.

Obviously, you need a navigator. If it's a "mild trap" or "trap" style rally, your navigator really has to pay attention and can't spend all their time enjoying the scenery.

Also, I just competed in my first autocross. Damn, that's fun! My times weren't all that hot - my best was 47 sec, while all the damn WRX's in my class were posting 43 and change. I did manage to beat some Corvette's tho - mostly because those guys were too heavy on the throttle into some tight portions of the course. I need better tires, tho.

Next up: Rallycross, baby!