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Post by memmek2k on Jun 27, 2013 8:40:03 GMT -6
Stage Rally depends on volunteers -- and that's what makes it so great. It's easy to get involved, too. Simply make an account on Rally Master Pro. Then, click "register now" on your desired rally event. When you show up, there is usually a central meeting area where specific assignments are handed out. There will usually be some sort of team leader for each stage; just follow their instructions and be as helpful as possible. cmartise has an excellent point -- want to get more involved? Find someone with a rally car and ask them what they need help with. cmartise is always breaking stuff :-D Help out enough and you can be on their crew. (inspired by velostard): In terms of preparation: dress for the weather, and be prepared. The two closest rallies, Rally in the 100 Acre Wood and Perryville Farm and Forest Rally take place in February and October. The weather can and will be cold and bad. Bring plenty of warm things, water, and munchies. Wouldn't hurt to bring your own TP, just in case. There are two major rally leagues in America -- Rally America and NASA Rally Sport. It's not uncommon to fly or train to these rallies, and rent a car once you get there. Some people prefer to put the wear and tear of driving rally stages to get to work points on rentals instead of their own cars. But, there's also nothing like taking your Subaru out in the environment it was built for.
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Post by memmek2k on Jun 27, 2013 8:40:50 GMT -6
Volunteer Positions:Spectator Marshal | Marshals are basically crowd control. These are the guys in reflective vests that you've seen standing around near the spectators if you've ever watched a stage rally. As a marshal, your job is to make sure the spectators stay safe. In the US, the nice part is that the spectators generally don't have a death wish, so your job is pretty easy. Mostly, you get to stand at the best parts of the corners and watch the race. | Start/Finish Control | Control teams usually consist of a captain, a ham radio operator, and a few marshals. This team is in charge of keeping track of the times for the racers -- using synchronized clocks and time cards, usually. You usually get to talk briefly (very briefly for finish control!) with the drivers, and get a nice look at the cars. This position is a little higher stress than regular marshaling, but very rewarding as well. The rally times depend on you! | Ham radio operator | Most of the volunteer teams have at least one ham radio operator to communicate with the rally master and coordinate the events. You need to have a ham radio license and your own gear for this. | Medical | From Rally America: "Volunteers qualified to provide Basic Life Support services are at the start of every stage, and all spectator areas. There are ambulances and back-up support at several locations. Proof of certification, medical kit and car are all usually necessary, but each event has specific needs." | 000 through 0 Drivers/Codrivers | A coveted volunteer position, you usually need to be known by the right people in the rally community. Drivers need their own car capable of running the actual rally stages, and codrivers need to be ham radio certified with their own gear. For each stage, the 000 car (usually a truck/jeep with a chainsaw) will run first, going slowly to make sure the course is clear. The next car to go is the 00 car, and they run the stage at half to three-quarters speed. Last, the 0 car runs the stage at nearly full speed. Their jobs are to confirm that the stage is absolutely free and clear so that the rally cars will not hit anyone or anything when they come through. |
How your first rally will work:Most first- and second-time volunteers will be assigned a marshal position, either at a spectator point or with a start/finish control team. After showing up in the morning for volunteer registration and meeting your team captain, you will usually have a list of points at certain times. What you do in your free time is up to you, but don't be late! I recommend making sure your car has a full tank -- don't want to get stranded an hour outside town. Show up at the meeting point (sometimes the captain will prefer to meet in town, then caravan to the stage) and get in place and set up. About an hour before the stage is set to open, the zero cars will start going through the stage. Your particular rally will probably provide a notes sheet detailing when the stage is closed to public in relation to the zero cars. Spectator marshals should be giving the zero cars the "OK" sign. You may need to talk briefly with the 000 and 00 cars if things are getting a little confusing (they often do), but the 0 car is usually in a hurry and should be treated as essentially the first race car. At this point, the stage is most definitely closed to the public and the race cars will start the stage. After they finish, the sweep cars will follow to make sure the stage is clear, tow crashed rally cars out, and give medical assistance where needed. The "green light" sweep will be the last car through the stage, and will open the road back to public use. Depending on your particular rally, you maybe staying in the same spot, or you may need to travel to a new stage at this point. Rinse and repeat! Celebrations follow -- make sure you attend! You can usually meet and talk to the drivers. More Information:Rally America Volunteer InfoRally America Glossary of Terms
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Post by cmartise on Jun 27, 2013 19:00:52 GMT -6
The smaller local teams are also in the need of people to help crew. Not as exciting but just as important.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jun 27, 2013 19:04:02 GMT -6
We're a Subaru community here! Let's definitely get some support going for these guys.
I'm in and registered will Rally Master Pro now. Just let me know when and where I can help out!
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Post by memmek2k on Jun 27, 2013 20:31:00 GMT -6
The smaller local teams are also in the need of people to help crew. Not as exciting but just as important. Definitely. Added in to the original post.
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velostard
Subie Newbie
South Korea is Best Korea
Posts: 45
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Post by velostard on Jun 27, 2013 20:33:17 GMT -6
For the love of God, dress warmly and in layers.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jun 27, 2013 20:43:03 GMT -6
For the love of God, dress warmly and in layers. I was thinking shorts and a tank top. Maybe no shirt at all
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velostard
Subie Newbie
South Korea is Best Korea
Posts: 45
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Post by velostard on Jun 27, 2013 20:46:04 GMT -6
ಠ_ಠ I don't need your sass.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jun 27, 2013 20:59:50 GMT -6
I wouldn't be JP without it
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Post by dkdekes on Jun 27, 2013 23:06:18 GMT -6
Im in stl till mid august, but I'd still really want to help out with a team before i leave. Is it still possible for me to get involved? Any events coming up before the end of August?
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Post by memmek2k on Jun 28, 2013 14:25:10 GMT -6
Updated with more info, please provide feedback. Thanks! dkdekes -- There are a couple of events, but they're pretty far up north. You might be able to put together a group to road trip up there, though.
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Post by dkdekes on Jun 28, 2013 16:47:33 GMT -6
Alright Il see what I can do. Any teams that need my hands? I have little experience with working on cars or rally tuned cars, for that matter, so Id suspect they wouldn't really prefer to have me
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jun 28, 2013 17:09:56 GMT -6
^This guy can install mudflaps. Like a BOSS
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Post by dkdekes on Jun 28, 2013 23:34:53 GMT -6
Any brand, any color. I'll slap the suckers on there within hours
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jul 10, 2013 10:12:42 GMT -6
Is St. Louis RallyX (stlrallyx.org) dead now? It would be nice to have local events rather than have to drive hours out to just enjoy some scca rallycross. Anybody on the inside with stlrallyx?
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Post by cmartise on Jul 10, 2013 10:41:08 GMT -6
Brian schwanter is the rallyx organizer, he hasn't posted anything since the Christmas eve rallyx.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jul 10, 2013 20:58:14 GMT -6
Ahhh if only I had some more time to take on another project lol
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Post by cmartise on Jul 10, 2013 21:01:23 GMT -6
Several people are wanting to get it going again, like the Williams brothers with the old school festiva rally car. No one has the time though sadly.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jul 10, 2013 21:03:43 GMT -6
I know another guy that wants to get it moving again too in addition to myself.
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Post by cmartise on Jul 10, 2013 21:10:26 GMT -6
I would like it to get going again aswell, wonder if we could get a few guys together to contact Brian and of not help with it take it over ourselves. I just don't have the time with working 50-60 hours a week and the multiple projects to try to take it on myself.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jul 10, 2013 21:13:25 GMT -6
^Same here, but I would be down to help out where I can
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Post by memmek2k on Jul 11, 2013 7:02:02 GMT -6
Count me in for volunteer work as well. We just need someone to head it up.
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Post by dkdunn04 on Jul 11, 2013 17:16:43 GMT -6
I would help out when I could as well, when I move there.
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Post by scoobtube007 on Jul 11, 2013 20:30:39 GMT -6
If anyone talks with Brian, you may want to let him know the members here that are offering assistance.
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Post by cmartise on Jul 11, 2013 21:01:22 GMT -6
I emailed him, letting him know people here and other teams in the area were interested in getting it going again and willing to help.
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