VT: Winter Challenge Rally

The 15th Annual Winter Challenge Rally Weekend will consist of a single SCCA New England Region rally running from 4 PM Saturday until 2 AM Sunday with two breaks. Although no car-breaking roads will be used, the majority of the roads chosen are rural and unpaved roads, which will undoubtedly be snow and ice covered. The rally will go no further east than Littleton, NH, no further north than Lyndon, VT, no further west than Montpelier, VT, and no further south than Randolph, VT.

This year the rally will again be STRAIGHT-FORWARD; no tricks and traps, perhaps a bit less ‘busy’, but with two or three opportunities to get off time – but NOT off course! It will, of course, be necessary to drive ‘briskly,’ mostly in the third section.

The route of the rally will be approximately 250 miles, with a maximum distance between gas stops of 90 miles. The break between sections will be about 1 hour. There will be approximately one control per every 9 miles of rallying! (That’s one of the things that makes rallying ‘fun’.)

Much of the rally will be run at night on remote back roads. You and your vehicle must be prepared for backcountry winter driving. This means good winter tires or DOT-approved studs, a warning triangle, a shovel, and a tow rope for the vehicle. This means warm clothes, blankets, flashlights, food, and whatever else you deem essential.

The 15th Winter Challenge Rally will be broken into three sections, each with its challenges and instruction format.

The first section will be in the written instruction format. This section will be a TSD rally; a relatively easy course following; I don’t expect people to go off-course! Some TSD experience is always helpful. Boringly slow!

The second section will be a combination of 2-15 mile map sections and tulip diagrams, brisk in places.

The third section will be tulip drawings, with mileages to most instructions; brisk in places.

Overall the Winter Challenge will be a thorough test of competitors’ rally expertise, ability to use their heads, and car control on snowy roads.

START/FINISH: The Winter Challenge Rally Weekend will headquarters at The Hollow Inn. There are some additional lodging options in the area. The Hollow Inn will try and accommodate an early check-in time of 11 AM; ask about it when making reservations.

DIRECTIONS: From I-89, take Exit 6 (Rte 63); follow four mi. to the traffic light. Left on Rte 14. On the right, approximately 3/4 mile.

FEE SCHEDULE:

SCCA Member           $ 50.00

2 Non-Members         $ 60.00

Late                             + $20.00

RALLY CLASSES:

Class A: Allows full rally computers and/or extra odos.

Class S: Stock Odometer in stock location or GPS – odo portion only.

No NER Novice

SCHEDULE:

Registration: 1 PM – 2 PM

Question time (optional): 2 PM

RI’s given out: 3 PM

Driver’s Meeting: 3:30 PM (mandatory)

First Car Start: 4 PM +

First Car Finish: 2 AM (approximately)

Awards/we’ll have some: 3 AM

GENERAL NOTES:

1. The rally entry will be limited (30 cars).
2. Normal entries close [in hand with proper fee]: Monday, 4 February 2019
3. 4PM start again to allow people from far away to get to the start on time.
4. The rally this year will be straightforward – no ‘onto’, no ‘redundant instructions’, etc.

The Rallymaster had his fill of these setting up A Bridge Too Far.

5. The “Question Time” will explain TA’s, TZ and basic timing info only (not required).
6. Rally Generals will not be mailed (posted at www.winterchallengerally.com).
7. Rally will run regardless of the weather.
8. Recommend for map reading: Large Magnifying Glass, Dividers.
9. Start order: Class A (A ‘draw’ will be held for actual start positions); Class S.
10. There will be an adjustment factor between 2-wd & 4-wd in Section 3.
11. Ongoing information will be on www.winterchallengerally.com.
12. Questions can be addressed via: johnbuffum1@gmail.com (JB).
13. This rally tries to emulate the road rallies of the 60s.

The winner will be, indeed, the most versatile and best road rally team!