Getting Started

Starting at club level

Its easy to get started in rallying, the hardest decision to make is at what level to enter the sport. In Australia, most people who start rallying like to start out at club level and test their skills at “Come and Try” events. These events have a basic license requirement, can often be done in your own car and are a low cost test and a lot of fun. There are various types of “Come and Try” events which might take the form of a trial or test on certain roads or events such as motorkhanas are really just a bit of fun for getting started. From club level events, you can then begin to compete in multi-club events, state rallies and then the state championship. The step to national rallying is relatively straight forward. The safety requirements for such events are relatively basic as are the license requirements. Needless to say if you are driving, a civil license is the starting point and then you can talk to CAMS (the Confederation of Australian Motorsport) about what sort of license, safety gear and skill you will need to take part. Car clubs throughout Australia can also provide you advice on how to start and what to do to prepare for your first rally. There is a listing of affiliated car clubs on the CAMS website, which is a good place to start researching. Visit http://www.cams.com.au/ or call the CAMS national office on 03 9593 7777 to find out more information.

What if I don’t drive, but I want to start rallying
Good co-drivers are always in demand as are good people to make sure events run smoothly. If you are interested in being an official or would like to have a go at co-driving its as easy as contacting your local car club or asking an official at the next event you go to about being involved. Again, the CAMS website has a listing of all affiliated car clubs and its just a matter of selecting “rally” in the discipline section and then nominating your state. You will then be given access to a range of clubs in different area and a phone number to call them. Easy. They will welcome your call.

Starting at national level
If you’ve done a bit of driving and are pretty serious about wanting to go straight into the national championship, there are some ideal entry level points to start in the ARC. There are still some basic requirements in terms of skill, licensing and safety that you will have to undertake before starting at national level and you can research these with CAMS or your local car club. The Rally Challenge is designed to offer a competitive entry point for the ARC. More information on the series can be found by calling the CAMS National office. Also such categories at the F16 championship for 1600cc cars might be worth considering as a good place to learn the basic skills in a lesser powered car. Once you have completed a season in either of these categories, you will have the basic skills to be able to move into outright competition.

Basic things to remember:

• there are many different ways to begin in rallying as a driver, co-driver or official.
• CAMS website is a valuable resource for information, including licenses, building your skill level and car club information http://www.cams.com.au/
• car clubs can provide some of the best information about competition in your area. This listing is also on the CAMS website.
• CAMS National office number 03 9593 7777

Car Clubs
When you begin rallying or competing in club level events, you will need to be a member of a CAMS car club. Car clubs are also a social group of people who have a common interest in competing, officiating or just being involved in the sport. They can be very rewarding and the ideal way to meet new people with common interests. Many car club members don’t compete but provide valuable resources to the sport, such as producing newsletters, chairing meetings, helping set up events and other such skills. There are many different clubs in each state of Australia, its just a matter of finding one that you identify with. Then its just a matter of learning from your fellow members and enjoying being part of the sport.

For more information on car clubs visit the CAMS website http://www.cams.com.au/ .