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A different day, a different rally. Our first event of the year was the Winter Challenge, 220 miles of brisk TSD during the day and night on unpaved Vermont roads (which we ran in our 2015 Highlander). We decided our second event of the year would be a low pressure, daytime drive in and around northern New Jersey. Leaving all our normal rally gear at home (no tow ropes, flares, fire extinguisher, tools, air compressor, etc.), we were going to take the 1995 Toyota Celica GT convertible to the event. I wanted to run the event with the top down and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. However, based on the weather forecast for rain, took the 2017 RAV4 to the event instead. There were actually two versions to the same event- a SCCA divisional (which we ran) and a SCCA regional (which almost all of the entrants ran).
Two-hour drive from the shore to the starting location (which was a nice mid-morning start—did not have to leave home before the sun came up!). Filled up the gas tank at the local Wawa and proceeded to the registration area—really well run as usual at the Subaru dealership.
Section 1
The advertised 75-mile event (which was actually 81.01 miles but whose counting) started off with a 12-mile odometer check. Although our car entry (#30) was next to last, we left the start before anyone else to wait for all the rallyists at the end of the odometer check. I spoke with every team at the end of the odometer check (everyone made it this far without any issues), reminded the teams to re-zero their odometer (a few of the teams really needed that reminder), and wished them luck in the event. [Note: Believe route instruction 8 misspelled the sign]. [Engineers note: High tension power lines are correctly called high voltage power lines].
The event was broken up into three sections with each subsequent section getting harder and harder. The Rallymaster provided the mileage and the correct arrival time for both of the timed controls in the first leg of the first section that was only 2.502 miles in length with only one turn between controls. Great way to acclimatize the first timers and beginners on how a TSD event works.
The next leg in the section had a couple of free zones within the 13.374 miles. Once again, a mileage and key time was provided to each turn and to each of the seven timed controls. Since the beginners were given an idea on how it all works in the first leg, the second leg was longer—so you had to concentrate a little longer as well.
The third leg in the section was a shorter 6.803 miles with four timed controls ending at a farm nature preserve that provided for a 15 minute break to catch your breath and re-group. Once again, mileages and key times to all the turns and timed controls.
Section 2
The first leg in the second section was 10.14 miles and provided mileages and key times to all the turns. Mileages were provided to the nine controls but not the key time. You could, however, compute the key time in advance knowing the CAS and the mileage if you were so inclined. Since that required some math skills, not sure how beginners actually did any computations. We did the math during the 15 minute rest period.
The second leg in the second section was only 7.042 miles and was similar to the previous leg with mileages and key times to everything but no key times to the three controls.
The third leg in the second section of 8.123 miles had mileages and key times to all of the turns. By now, everyone has an idea on how the TSD rally works. So now there are no mileages or key times to the five timed controls. After this “hard” part, everyone gets a 20 minute break at the TA Travel Center for rest rooms, food and/or gas. [Note: This TA Travel Center seems to be a favorite spot of rallymasters].
Section 3
After the break, you start the last leg and section of the event. This 20 mile portion continued with no mileages or key times to the 12 timed controls. Good scores in this section required computation of times as the miles progressed. We liked this section the best since you had to do “real rally stuff” to get top notch scores. The only bad part in this section was the damn intermittent rain showers.
The rally ended at Tiptons Tavern. Unfortunately, we only had time for a congratulatory beer and only stayed for the awards presentation. Family commitments and navigator obligations required us to be back at the Jersey Shore by 6:00 PM. [Note: We did get back in time, barely]. Would really liked to have stayed a while and mingle with the new folks.
There were four teams entered in the divisional event; there were 13 teams entered in the regional event (including three first time rally teams). We did manage to win the overall event with a score of 55—although driver inattention cost us 13 points at one control. Promise to pay more attention next time. First place in the divisional Stock class went to Brian Stanton/Casey Impagliazzo (hope I spelled that right) with 290 points. First place in the regional event Novice class went to Doug Robinson/Susanne Robinson with 107 points (a really good score that beat a former SCCA national champion); in the Seat of Pants (SOP) class first place went to Michael Acebo/Kyle Acebo with 145 points; in the Beginner class first place went to Lisa Ruano/Jim Morris with 412 points.
At the moment, our next planned event will be going out to Ohio for the US Road Rally Challenge during 10-12 October to participate in three events over three days. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Toys for Tots rally event on December 14, 2025—a worthwhile charity event with almost no pressure (but still a competition).
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