The History of the Auto Rally

by JANETTE VINCE

A rally is a special competition in which drivers race on a point-to-point route. Usually, they race against a clock rather than against each other. The cars used in professional rallies are specially modified for the race, and are not road-legal.

Many early rallies were intended to promote automobiles��still a new form of transport at the time��and many of the competitors worked for auto companies. In the early 1900��s, rallying caught on throughout Europe. Races would be run between cities, and some events would include hill climbing competitions and speed tests.

In the 50��s, rallies saw an increase in popularity and began to increase in difficulty. Organizers designed rallies over difficult terrain, setting almost-impossible time limits. Drivers who took longer than the time limit to finish a section of the race were penalized, and many organizers designed their races with the expectation that all drivers would be penalized. Many rallies required all-night racing. Today��s rally races are not as grueling as those of decades past, mostly due to safety concerns and expense. The large international rallies are no longer accessible to amateur drivers. Amateur rallies are now common among local auto clubs, however. It��s still possible to get involved in rallying, even if you��ve never done it before.

About the author

Janette Vince works at the online company http://www.thanksdarling.com For more information on driving experiences and motor sport gifts visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/categories/cricket,-golf-and-motorsport-gifts.htm