TeamD Adventures

Last weekend was the Olympus International Rally. Based in Shelton Washington and run on the gravel roads of the Olympic Peninsula, it’s the closest thing the Northwest has to a WRC event (in fact, the Olympus Rally was a WRC event from 1986-1988). Two years ago I (and others in RASC) worked one stage of the rally, lending our bodies to start control, finish control, flying finish timing (my spot) and course marshal. This year, on Sunday, I rode alongside Ron Sorem in car 00, the first of the pace cars. Before the race cars take the road, three different cars come first to clear the stage and make sure all is well. The first car, the course clearing car, drives through the stage slowly, checking to make sure the banner tape (like police caution tape, blocking the possible roads that are not part of the course) is in place, that all course markers are visible, that the course is clear of spectators, and that the crews are ready for cars. Car 00, slow pace, follows approx. 30 before the competitors, and checks the same things but runs closer to the start time. Car 0 runs the course 10 minutes before the competitors and at approx. 80% speed. Volunteering for local Pro Rallys is a great way to get closer to the sport. You can do everything from monitoring spectators to working timing positions and you get an up close view of the proceedings and the appreciation of the competitors. I heartily recommend contacting the organizers.