Preparing Your Car
A good Great Race begins long before the starting line. Reliability, consistency, and preparation make the entire experience better.
Vehicle requirements and approved rally equipment can change. Always verify your setup against the current rules.
Event Regulations →Drive It Before You Rally It
Do not let Great Race be your car's first major trip after restoration, repair, or modification. Put meaningful miles on the vehicle before the event.
The goal is to find problems at home — not hundreds of miles into the event. Practice also helps the driver learn how the car accelerates, brakes, turns, and holds speed.
Brakes & Steering
Make sure the car stops and steers predictably.
Cooling System
Prepare for long days and changing summer temperatures.
Electrical System
Check charging, battery condition, and essential wiring.
Fuel System
Confirm reliability and adequate driving range.
Tires & Wheels
Inspect condition, pressures, and compatibility with the regulations.
Belts, Hoses & Fluids
Replace questionable wear items before traveling.
Learn How Your Car Behaves
Rallying rewards consistency. Practice accelerating, braking, stopping, and turning the same way repeatedly.
This is also how your team develops useful performance charts. Your charts should reflect your vehicle and your driving style — not someone else's car.
Watch Performance Chart Tutorials →Set Up the Car for Your Team
Speedometer
Use an approved speedometer and understand how to calibrate it.
Timing Equipment
Know what clocks, watches, and stopwatches are permitted under the current rules.
Navigator Workspace
Use a lapboard or another organized setup for Course Instructions, performance charts, and notes.
Backup Supplies
Bring extra pens, pencils, approved equipment batteries, and other small items your team depends on.
Keep the Basics Within Reach
Arrive Ready
The competing vehicle and rally equipment must pass Technical Inspection before the event begins. Vehicles may also be reinspected during the event.
If repairs or modifications are made after Technical Inspection, follow the current Event Regulations regarding notification and reinspection.
Practice Before the Main Event
The Spring Rally is a great opportunity to practice rallying, work as a driver-navigator team, and make sure your car is ready for the demands of Great Race competition.
Explore the Spring Rally →