By Timothy Albrite
You find yourself in a conversation about safari rally and suddenly, a few terms are dropped that you don’t quite understand. You’ve already contributed enough to seem like you know your stuff, so asking what those terms mean now might throw off your game. Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back.
We’ve compiled a list of key rally terms and their meanings, so you can keep up with the conversation.
Here’s a breakdown of some essential rally terms that you should know;
Entry List
The entry list is the official document that names all the drivers and teams participating in the rally. It’s essentially the starting roster for the event, listing the cars, drivers, navigators, and sometimes even the team’s country of origin. The entry list is usually published before the event begins and is a way for fans, media, and competitors to see who will be in the running for victory. It can also include additional details, such as car make and model, sponsors, and race numbers.
Special/ Competitive Stage
The competitive section is the rally zone where the competition will be taking place. The driver’s goal is to complete the section as fast as possible while navigating through sharp turns, jumps, and changing weather conditions. The driver who takes the shortest time to complete all competitive sections wins the rally.
Liaison/ Transport Section
The term “liaison” or “transport” refers to a road section that allows teams to travel from a service park to the next stage, or from one stage to the next, while complying with traffic laws and maintaining a safe speed. This is not a competitive stage, so the drivers are not timed. Drivers can use this time to catch their breath and prepare for the next challenge.
Service Park
The service park is where teams go to make repairs, refuel, and check the condition of their cars during the rally. Between stages, cars are brought to the service park where mechanics and engineers scramble to make adjustments and fixes. Time is tight. The service park is often a controlled environment where the team has only a limited amount of time (sometimes just a few minutes) to get the car back in top shape before heading out for the next stage.
Parc Fermé
This French term, translates to “closed park.” In rally racing, parc fermé refers to an area where cars are parked after completing a stage. The key here is that the cars cannot be worked on or tampered with once they enter parc fermé, except for limited checks. This ensures that all cars are in the same condition and prevents any unfair advantages. If a car is found to be outside of the regulations, it can be penalized or disqualified.
Recce (Recce or Reconnaissance)
Before the competition begins, drivers and co-drivers are allowed to do a recce, which is a reconnaissance of the rally stages. During the recce, teams drive the roads at a controlled pace to observe the conditions and note the various hazards, corners, jumps, and other key features they’ll need to navigate during the rally. The information gathered on the recce is crucial for setting up the car and creating pace notes, which tell the driver how to approach each corner during the timed stages.
Pacenotes
Pacenotes are a system of instructions used by the driver and navigator to communicate the specifics of the rally stage. These notes are prepared during the recce and are essential for a fast, successful run through the stage. Each note tells the driver what kind of corner is coming up, how tight it is, whether there are jumps or hazards, and the ideal way to approach it. For example, a note might say “left 3, opens” – meaning the driver needs to make a left turn that starts narrow but opens up as they go through it. The co-driver reads these notes out loud to the driver during the rally, allowing the driver to know exactly what to expect.
Service Crew
Behind every successful rally team is a dedicated service crew. These are the mechanics who ensure that the cars are in top condition before, during, and after each stage. The service crew’s role can include everything from basic repairs to full engine overhauls, depending on the damage or wear that occurs during the event. While the driver and co-driver get all the attention, the service crew is often the difference between a successful rally and an early exit.
Shakedown
A shakedown is a test run before the actual rally begins. It’s a chance for the team to test the car, fine-tune settings, and make sure everything is working correctly. The shakedown typically takes place on a short stretch of road that mimics some of the rally’s conditions. It’s a vital part of preparation, as it gives the drivers and mechanics a final chance to make adjustments before the real competition starts.
Scrutineering
Before the rally kicks off, the cars undergo scrutineering – a technical inspection to make sure they comply with the rules and regulations of the event. This includes checks on safety equipment, car modifications, and the overall condition of the vehicle. Scrutineering ensures that all cars are up to standard and safe to compete. If a car doesn’t pass scrutineering, it cannot enter the race.