Rallying

Rallying is a form of motorsports run on public and private roads using modified cars or cars specially designed for this purpose. There is no track for such a race. Rather the drivers race from Point A to Point B and change drivers at regular intervals. This sport originated with the Monte Carlo Rally in 1907, although the existence of the sport dates back to 1894. After 1907, there were many rallies held in Europe, which led to the establishment of rules for the races.

Britain was involved in rallying in the early years, as well, with the Scottish Automobile Club starting its annual trials in 1902. The Motor Cycling Club started rallying in 1904 with trials such as London-Edinburgh, London-Land’s End and London-Exeter, still taking place. The Royal Automobile Club held a 2000-mile International Touring Car Trail in 1908.

There was little interest in rallying during World War 1, but the Monte Carlo Rally was revived and apart from the years of the Second World War, it has been an annual event ever since. It is part of the World Round Championships and is the premier event in Europe. During the 1920’s and 1930’s rallying became very popular all over Europe. Ireland started the Ulster Motor rally in 1931 and this has evolved to become the present-day 1000-mile Circuit of Ireland Rally. The Mille Miglia was founded in Italy in 1927.

The 1950’s were truly the Golden Age of rallying in Europe with new events taking place in almost every country. In other parts of the world, rallying also started up, especially in areas where there were lost of demanding roads and terrain, such as in South America.

Although most rallying did take place in areas where there was little traffic, the problem of driving on ordinary roads was solved with the separate timing of these sections of the race. This was especially helpful for the RAC Rally because the laws of Britain did not permit closing any roads for races. Therefore the rally had to be run in short sections and at night. When the Forestry Commission opened its road system for the rally, in 1961, this race became the most challenging and demanding. It is now known as the Wales Rally GB.

At the same time as changes were taking place in the rules and venues of rallying, so too were the cars. Car companies began to manufacture special vehicles for the races, such as the Escort Twin Cam in 1968 and the A110 Berlinette coupe and the Lancia Stratos in 1974. The Audi Quattro made its appearance in Germany in 1980. The Lancia Delta Integrale won six successive championships from 1987 to 1992, setting a record that has yet to be beaten.