Ready, set, rally!

By: Amanda King

Posted: 5/31/09

The perfect getaway road trip can finally happen this summer with the Steel Cities Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) national tour rally, SCR24.

The two-part rally begins in Pittsburgh June 13, 2009, and ends back in the Steel City 24 hours later. It is open to non-SCCA members, and any car is suitable, even a conversion van. This is not a race of suped-up cars racing at top-notch speeds or for antique, cherished sports cars.

"Some people expect it to be a race, and that's the biggest misconception," Justin Connors, Pittsburgh resident, SCR and SCCA member told the Voice.

"People think we are driving through the woods as fast as we can. It's not grandma driving, that's for sure. But you're not racing or driving above the speed limit."

Headquartered at the Holiday Inn by the Pittsburgh Airport, the first part of the rally runs through Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia, ending near Winchester, Va. From there, on day two, it's back up to Pittsburgh June 14.

SCR24 Rally Master, Rick Beattie, wrote this route and set up checkpoints so the navigator will know the driver is on time at a certain destination.

"The first thing you want to do on the road rally is make sure you don't get lost," Beattie told the Voice. "Navigators are equipped with a map, and bright orange checkpoints along the road help keep the driver from heading off the route."

But true rally enthusiasts always expect the unexpected. Chuck Bell, CCAC North Campus athletic director, took part in a local Sunday afternoon rally in 2003 headquartered in Harmarville.

"It was like we were on a scavenger hunt," Bell told the Voice. "From Harmarville, we drove through West Deer then got lost. So, we entered the next checkpoint late, but it was fun. I would definitely do it again."

The entry fee for a non-SCCA member is $150 for part one or $300 for both parts of the rally. That includes two meals, one at each at designated rest point.

Rally rules state "two, and only two," contestants are permitted in the rally vehicle, and registered cars must be in good running condition and have current state inspection stickers.

Drivers must be the licensed driver of their vehicles, and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for any competitor under 18. Drivers receiving moving violations during the rally are disqualified.

"The speeds are always below the posted limit," said Beattie. "You are using public roads, and the idea is to be on time."

The SCCA offers other chances to participate in rallies. The Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Car Club offers local rally driving once a month on Sundays. They usually begin in Monroeville or Cranberry.

"This rally is a tour rally with a course meant to go through scenic roads, tight turns and other things that might be fun to drive," Beattie told the Voice.

Antique automobile fanatics will love the 3rd Annual H.C. Frick Horseless Carriage Tour road rally Sept. 13 beginning at Oglebay, W.Va. and ending at the Frick's Car and Carriage Museum in Pittsburgh.

The SCCA was established in 1944 and now has 114 regions around the country. Pittsburgh's Steel City Region is one of the oldest clubs.

"Rallying has to be something you enjoy-driving around and seeing the country," said Connors.

* To register for the SCR24, log onto the Northeast Division of SCCA at www.nescca.com. For more information on local rallies, visit www.brmscc.org.