[TheList] Rally (official vehicles)
ZLScanner
ZLScanner at clear.net.nz
Sat Jun 13 22:33:05 AEST 2009
The "official cars" in a car rally are usually known by the
following.... (call signs) Yes I have been involved with running car
rallies in the past.
"Arrows/stage setup" - travels way ahead of safety car 1 where they
set up the coloured arrows and stakes thru the route advising drivers
of hazards and approaching corners and which direction to turn, they
also set out danger tape where the road needs to be blocked off,
where there are farm gates they tape the gate shut and tie warning
stickers to the gate. Then they go back to the start of stage 1 and
take it all down again - you never get recognition for doing this job.
"Safety car 1" - way out in front of the event, checking rally
arrows, taping closed any gates with plastic danger tape, making sure
the start, finish and block marshals crews are in place along the stage.
"Safety car 2" - double checking rally instructions and directional
arrows and mainly ensuring that nothing is going to move on the road
behind them.
"Double Zero Car" - usually one of the assistant clerks of course -
travels the stage at close to rally speed - ensures everyone in place
and that a final comms check is done from each point as they pass
thru the stage. Only when that car has exited the stage will the
person in charge of that vehicle advise rally control when they are
happy to do so, that the stage may be allowed to start.
"Zero Car" - is a proper rally car with full roll cage and 5 point
seatbelt - travels about 2 minutes ahead of car 1 with siren blaring
and flashing lights to warn cars coming shortly - this is also a test
for the start and finish crews of their timing systems.
And of course following the last rally car - about 30 minutes later
allowing for stage lateness is the "sweeper car" what used to be
called tail car. Followed by the "recovery vehicle(s)" and any first
aid vehicle if it needs to travel thru a stage to reach another point
on the rally route. After the sweeper car has passed then the road is
open to the public once again.
More information about the TheList
mailing list