Doc1647545523 Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 (edited) This is my story, and I'm stickin' to it. I assume responsibility for any misrepresentations and welcome corrections/additions from other rally teams. What is Rally North America? Rally North America started in 2009 when a group of car enthusiasts planned a fanboy cruise in support of a major road rally along the east coast. The group put on its first independent rally in 2010, The Route 66 Rally: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80707 and followed up with Rally Appalachia in 2011: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94628 Although one of the founders of the Rally, Scott Spielman, is a member of CR (Spieldawg) and joined because of knowing the late George Staton through Buckeye Goats, Columbus Racing came late to the Rally scene in 2010 when there were last minute openings in the roster. From its inception, Rally North America has kept its entry fees low and has raised significant money for charities. Many volunteers, working all year long, make it possible for them to accomplish this. Here is their home page if you'd like to know more: http://www.rallynorthamerica.com/ How the rallies work Beginning about 10 months in advance, rally locations are announced and teams (two co-drivers each) beginning registering their cars. Hotel reservations are locked-in, and events are scheduled. Teams follow the developments on Facebook and on a Forum. Each team makes a required minimum donation to the chosen charity (this year it was the Accelerated Cure Project, $50 per team) and begins fundraising. Each team pays registration (around $200 for registration costs and the decal kits). So, total cost for this rally was $250 per team plus gas, food, and lodging. Compare this to rallies charging $10,000 or even $50,000 per team, and you see how affordable this is. This year's Columbus Teams This was my third Rally North America, and I had Kyle (Mahle) as co-driver of Team Toyota. Team Mercedes was Paul-Michael (FyrhzrdGT)) and girlfriend Nikki in his MB 300D. Aaron (MKVAaron) and his wife drove their GTI, Joe and Justin (Mojoe, 35RFTW) took his Subaru because his RX7 had some last minute issues, another Justin (Cbus FRC) and his friend Dave drove Justin's 'vette. Three soldiers fresh from deployment with Joe stepped up to fill spots that came open at the last minute. Non-CR members Diley and Peterson drove a Firebird and Zuber brought an S10 chase vehicle (more on that later). The Itinerary The Columbus teams met at the hangout in Delaware and drove together on US 36 to the starting hotel. We wanted to avoid I-70 (which a number of us drive frequently) and take in some of the countryside. For example, we ate lunch in Urbana at Crabill's, a little shack with the best sliders around, cooked in a pond of grease: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/18631.jpg This year the Rally launched from Noblesville, Indiana, where there's a drivers' meeting the night before the rally. It's great fun seeing what the other 70 or so teams did with their cars for the rally: Paul-Michael's Benz and Aaron's GTI http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0006.jpg My Celica GT4 WRC http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0034.jpg Justin's vette http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Dscn0625.jpg The Firechicken http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Dscn0668.jpg Some of the rest of the field: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0020.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0048.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0047.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0045.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0040.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0004.jpg My friend, Jon, from Maine, who used his good car (a Mini) on the last two rallies, but decided to bring his toy (Corrado) this time: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Corrado.jpg Canada well represented by Mike and his Dad (52 EH): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Canadianmiata.jpg Edited June 24, 2012 by Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc1647545523 Posted June 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 (edited) Fully costumed Supertroopers, Team Cream 5.0 brought this car: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/TeamCream2.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/TeamCream1.jpg which got a close inspection by the real cops at the starting line http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/realcops.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/smartcar2.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/smartcar1.jpg An Ohio bimmers mod had last minute car problems and brought a rental http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0001.jpg Perhaps the best navigators of the rally, a father/son team in this Porsche http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Porsche.jpg My favorite car of the rally, an M6 belonging to Dan, one of the originators of Rally North America http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/M6.jpg Each morning, teams are handed a pamphlet with clues to checkpoints along that day's route. A starting time is recorded and the clock ticks until you hit the finish line at the end of the day. Clues are usually just a photograph, although sometimes a place name or city is included. The fastest drivers of the day must produce a timestamped photo of themselves at the checkpoint landmarks. Time bonuses can be earned along the way. Sounds simple, right? Example: One checkpoint clue was a photo of the Parthenon. That's it. Where do you go (presuming you recognize it as the Parthenon), Greece? Well, if you knew there was a replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park in Nashville, you could use your internet and nav skills to find it. Kyle @ the checkpoint: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Parthenon.jpg Day one started in Noblesville, Indiana, where they closed the downtown for our staging http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0068.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0056.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/downtown.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0053.jpg Day one was heavy with covered bridges as checkpoints, which offer the additional challenge that they don't have addresses. For example, the reference on the internet may just give you, "....spanning Bent Tree creek, just east of the old Shamley mill pond." Try inputting that into your Garmin. The Ramp Creek two-lane covered bridge in Indiana: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/coveredbridgewithdatestamp.jpg Edited June 24, 2012 by Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc1647545523 Posted June 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 (edited) We were given time to do figure eights at the Indianapolis Speedrome. Some of the drivers were killing it, thankfully Kyle drove spirited laps but without problem or drama http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/CelicaatSpeedrome.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/celicainturn.jpg We also hit a veterans' memorial, Churchill Downs, the Dizzy Whizz (couldn't miss that while we were in Louisville) and ended up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Although the weather was great 95% of the time (only rain was one evening), the cars got their share of dust from some of the roads we were on. One covered bridge was on a steep, winding gravel road (which I bet was fun with the lowered cars) which left Aaron with some cleaning to do: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/DirtyVW.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/DirtyVWwheel.jpg Team Mercedes, Paul-Michael and Nikki, had unexpected circumstances that required they leave the rally early and return to Columbus at the end of day one. Day 2 began at the National Corvette Museum, which a number of teams toured: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/vettemuseum1.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/vettemuseum.jpg We drove from Kentucky into Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and our checkpoints included the Clarksville Speedway, the Jack Daniels distillery and a number of scenic points. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/view.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/lake.jpg Me getting spanked at Clarksville http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0010-1.jpg Fastest reaction time from each pair got a 10 minute bonus on the day's time. Of course, I had my worst reaction time at the track in two years, .79 seconds :fuuuu: Lots of good weather and good driving that day before finishing at the Hampton Inn in Gadsden, Alabama. Day 3 was a "non-compete" day for most of us, who had either already won a podium finish from one of the first two days or else just decided to take it easy and sightsee. The first checkpoint, Noccalula Falls, was tricky to find, but Aaron and Jess got a good shot of it: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/NoccalulaFalls.jpg Although checkpoints included historic buildings in Old Alabama Town, the Alabama State Capital and the first White House of the Confederacy, the high point for us all was Talladega. We were taken out in paced groups onto the track, the longest and steepest banked in NASCAR. We had the place to ourselves. :grin2: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0095.jpg Drivers' meeting. Memorable quotes: "Your cars are not designed to hit the soft wall. They will be destroyed or at least seriously damaged if they do. That is why we have all these emergency vehicles standing by." http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/driversmeeting.jpg Edited June 24, 2012 by Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc1647545523 Posted June 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 (edited) Some of the CR drivers/co-drivers http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Tallylineofpeopleinside.jpg From left to right: Aaron & Jess, Justin, Kyle, me, Justin, Joe Some swapped in/out http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Talladegadrivers.jpg L to R: Dave, Kyle, Joe, Peterson, Justin, Justin, Deley, me Kyle drove the Celica and we both discovered it had a limiter at 200 kph (about 119 mph according to the Garmin). Although you have to stay behind the pace vehicle and not pass other cars, some strategic lagging at certain points allows you to play high-speed catchup on parts of the track. I'm sure Kyle will be posting some video of this event. Although Farkas and I went around Darlington last year, I was shocked at how steeply banked Talladega felt. It was a great experience, and one I highly recommend. The day ended at the Ramada Resort in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The Resort is on the Miracle Strip Parkway on Okaloosa Island at the Pier and Boardwalk. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Beachandocean.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Beachandpier.jpg Although the grounds and the parts of the hotel are impressive, http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Ramadaentry.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Ramadalobby.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/ramadacourtyard.jpg grotto pool: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/grottopool.jpg some of the rooms (the most expensive, oceanview ones) were unfortunately below par. Ours was in a bad location, but a decent room. The ones in the oceanfront tower were stinky and nasty enough that one team left that night for home. An awards ceremony capped off the event, and the Columbus teams did an outstanding job. There were nine podium awards (first, second and third for each of three days) and four special awards. Justin (Cbus FRC) and Dave took 2nd place on day 2. Aaron (MkVAaron) and his wife took 3rd place on day 1. Joe & Justin were awarded 2nd place on day 1, but declined to accept because they were stopped for speed on day 3. They received the loudest applause, because they weren't caught by rally officials but disqualified themselves as a matter of honor. In an event this competitive, it's a pretty rare event for someone to take himself out of the award level to allow others to step up for the prize. Joe kept it classy. :thumbup: The old blue Firebird and its chase vehicle were not forgotten, either. They made it to the checkpoints and events, and the S10 was even allowed on the Speedrome, although it wasn't an actual entry. The Firebird was pretty janky, as it had been stored in a barn for a decade, had cat pee in the fabric, headliner hanging down. Quite a few things didn't work, including the gas gauge. As a matter of fact, they ran out of gas in the one-hour trip from the hangout to Urbana. :lolguy: I believe they also ran out other times. Additionally, they had oil spraying out of the motor, overheated, caught fire once, and installed a new carburator en route. Considering their difficulties, and their courage in taking an old junk car on a rally on short notice, they received the Hard Luck Award and a standing ovation from all. The Columbus winners at the awards ceremony: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/winners.jpg L2R: Aaron & wife Jess, Peterson, Justin, Dave, Diley, and Zubur (S10 driver) Congratulations to you all. Final Thoughts Well, for the third year in a row, CR rookie teams have taken major awards in the national rally. I'm quite impressed by that. Our veteran teams are competitive, but don't quite make it back onto the podium. I think we all had great times despite a few frustrations and hardships. We enjoyed each other's company and made many new friends. Days were spent driving on some great roads to some cool sights and unique experiences, and nights were spent with good food, good drink, and good people. I enjoyed this rally more than the last two, and that's saying a lot. My own special thanks to the Columbus team members--you're all winners in my book. Thanks to the Rally North America volunteers, and to organizers Scott and Tony. Thanks to the CR members and sponsors who donated to the charity. Sean (Crossle) at the North End Wrench did the pre-rally service and inspection of the Celica which was much appreciated. Hats off to Kyle, who was a great teammate, trusted driver and navigator, and displayed tremendous patience by being in close quarters with me for four days. If you're thinking of going on the rally next year, it looks as though it will be partially in Canada. Bookmark the Rally North America website and watch for details and registration information. http://www.rallynorthamerica.com/ Edited June 24, 2012 by Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboRust Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 For example, we ate lunch in Urbana at Crabill's, a little shack with the best sliders around, cooked in a pond of grease: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/18631.jpg my god, aren't they the best? I grew up in Urbana and these were a twice a week lunch for us throughout school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinwebb Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 looks like a blast, would love to do something like that. But sadly i think even the smart car could beat the honda lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMeanGreen Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 Fort Walton Beach has changed quite a bit. I was born there and remember when there was nothing along the strip except for beach front Tina and I are debating on doing this next year, although I keep saying that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Borgen Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 very cool looks like a crap ton of fun and good times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 Just a few details Doc. Joe finished 2nd the first day, and we finished 4th. Because of his ticket (and being an honorable guy), we ended up getting 3rd on the first day. Justin and Dave got 3rd on the second day. They originally were told 2nd, but at the end of the day, it turned out to be 3rd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 I am going to do this one time soon. Looks like another great time was had and an excellent concise wrap up Doc! Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 As far as the Rally goes, it was a blast. Jess and I had a fantastic time. Day 1 was the most "serious" day as far as competing goes. Joe and I were romping on some back roads and were pretty much "in the zone" the whole day. Joe and Navigator Justin founds some amazing back roads to cut some time, one being a gravel road about 2 miles long that Joe was so kind to annihilate my car with dust (pictured above). The second day, we screwed up on the first check point and took it easy going forward. We found ourselves in a state park with some wicked roads. We made it to every check point on day 2, but were not competitive. Third day was Talledega and straight to Florida. Our hotel was a joke, so my wife and I let that night at midnight and drove all the way through and were able to enjoy all friday and the entire weekend here at home. I urge everyone to do this, as it was a blast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 Awesome details...looked fun has hell. Mad props for the participants! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangsn95gt Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 A few more I just uploaded from my phone Talledega http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0155.jpg View from the top of the hotel http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/IMG_0734.jpg A few from a state park http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/IMG_0727.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/IMG_0728.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/IMG_0726.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93fox Posted June 24, 2012 Report Share Posted June 24, 2012 No shit, ft walton beach? I'm right down the road from there, about 30 mins. I would of swung over if I knew some fellow CR members were going to be down this way. Looks like it was a blast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 I love hard luck awards. They are always so well deserved and the stories are MOST excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dammit Charlie Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Alltrac celica... rhd...:masturboy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Borgen Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Alltrac celica... rhd...:masturboy: don't be such a philistine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boosted98gst Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 my god, aren't they the best? I grew up in Urbana and these were a twice a week lunch for us throughout school. Thank you for sharing, looks like so much fun! Btw i miss the heart attack sliders!!!! Best ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoe Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Great write up Doc. Aaron thanks for the add ins. Doing this rally was insanely fun. CR people working together and making things happen. Day one, Justin and I ran into Aaron and his super cool wife in their GTI early in the day. They gave us a quick correction and then we hung and ran together all day to find all the points. A few fun things to add: Each car having it's own time made for a mathematical battle. Time VS speed VS distance. We realized we were a bit out in front of most of the teams early in the day. We made some great calls on traffic and routes. It help tremendously having 2 iPhones searching the net, and Garmin running routes, once we found where our check points were. Justin was pretty awesome running all of that. At one point, our route had use going up a mountain, and then sending us back the way we came down the mountain. Along that route there was a small construction crew on the narrow mountain road. We were the first to get to the check point, but leaving, we saw other teams were close to us. On the return through the construction area, I stopped and gave the guy holding the stop/slow sign a cold water and $20, I asked him if he would slow down cars with stickers on them. He laughed and said sure. Later that night it was pretty funny hearing people talk about how slow the sign guy was in the construction area. It didn't keep anyone from CR out of placing that day, so we were all laughing about it. The end of the day had us on 100+ miles of highway to the final check point at a restaurant, easy find, off the highway. We had moved so quickly, the GTI with us, we were worried about finishing TOO early. There was a penalty for that. So we slow roled the highway at 75 in a 70. We were the first 2 cars in. A few minutes later, another car came in. We opted to skip the bonus check point for 12 minutes off our time. We were pretty worried for finishing and finding all the points so quick and easily, coupled with some great luck in traffic and side roads. Turns out the car that came in after us, beat us with the bonus minutes, by 3 minutes. Later we found out they had been between 90 and 120 on the 100+ mile stretch of highway. Had we even picked it up a little, we could have cut 20+ minutes off our time. No issue, we had a great time and came in safe. Aaron can drive his ass off in that GTI. Huge props to him. For not knowing you at all before this, I was impressed every time I checked my mirrors for him. Some corners, I didn't know how I made it through them, yet the GTI was right there. I'm working on a little vid from what I do have. I'll comment on day two later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoe Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 This is a short clip of the figure 8/circle track we played on before we left to search for the check points. Then it cuts to a fun little section of road we were on. It's no deals Gap. But, it was fun and had no traffic. We stopped for all stop signs. We signaled all turns when we were around cars and we never cut anyone off or tailgated. Those are my simple rules. Sticking to them saved our but on day two. more one that later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farkas Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 I'm really glad more CR members took part of the rally this year. Just reading the stories and seeing all the pictures makes me pretty upset I didn't get the chance to go this year. Normally I can get away with putting classwork off for a week, but this year the rally fell directly on my testing days for my finals, and really had no choice of going. That being said, I'm also very happy everyone had a blast and it's probably pretty obvious why this is a repeat thing for Doc and I the past few years. You make some great friends along the way, and great stories to tell for years to come. I plan on making next year's rally, and hopefully everyone who participated this year will do the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRD2BDF Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 I think it is awesome that you're taking your toys out and actually driving them instead of storing them in hermetically sealed garages and never driving them. Looks like a blast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brrcats Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Thats pretty awesome, I was reminded about it a few times this weekend. Saw a truck pulling a trailer with Rally Dixie stuff all over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draco-REX Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 I want to do this next year. Gotta find a co-driver though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImUrOBGYN Posted June 25, 2012 Report Share Posted June 25, 2012 Awesome. Thanks for the picks and write up for those of us unable to join in on the fun. One of these times... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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