Come join us in 2023 for DC RallyCross in the Mid-Atlantic!
With the winter here, it's time to start thinking about something fun to do with your car in 2023. So come join us in the Spring for some off-road competition that you can do with almost any car! The season usually gets going in March/April so you have all winter to find/build a car (or just use what you have!)
What is rallycross?
Rallycross is racing/timed competition on dirt, gravel, mud, grass, and any mixture of those. If you're familiar with autocross, it's the same concept, but with more seat time, constantly-changing courses, and way cooler pictures of your car
Where does DC RallyCross run?
Most of our events for 2023 will be either at Summit Point Motorsports Park (about an hour outside DC) or at Panthera Training Center in West Virginia (about 2 hours outside DC). Both venues have multiple courses that we use, for variety, and both have very different surfaces and terrain.
Is this like stage rally?
Kind of, but without the high risk of danger and damage. This is rally but for street cars, too. RallyCross courses are designed to avoid hitting trees, flipping your car, or crashing into a ditch. There are no gap jumps, stream crossings, or cliff-sides. Most of our attendees drive their cars to the events, and drive them home afterwards.
Can I do this with my car?
YES. Pretty much any car at or near stock height can do it, as long as you don't mind getting it dirty. Lots of folks bring their daily-drivers out or find cheap "Craigslist beaters". Or, build a car specifically for this! You do not need a fancy race car to come race with us!
So what kind of car do I need?
Really, almost anything will work” A cheap front-wheel drive econobox, A Crown Vic you found on marketplace. Your Subaru with rusty quarter panels. A Miata with a hardtop. And pretty much everything in between.
Are SUVs allowed?
Some crossover-type SUVs are allowed, but most body-on-frame SUVs/pickups are not, unless they are fairly low to the ground. You can contact us directly if you have questions about whether your vehicle is allowed to compete.
Will I damage my car?
Not usually, if you drive within your – and your car's – limits. Your suspension will get a workout and your car will get dirty but don't expect your paint to be 100% perfect afterwards. A skid plate under the engine is usually a good idea, but not totally necessary.
Does my car need to be modded or “set up" for rallycross?
No. Any car can run, and any car can win. You just need to hone your driving abilities. You will need a helmet. We do not require a roll cage, race seat, fire suit, or other expensive safety device but anything to increase your safety is encouraged. We even have loaner helmets for the first-timers!
What are the classes?
There are classes for stock vehicles (full interior, street tires/snow tires) with minimal modifications allowed (shocks, mufflers, etc), Prepared vehicles (more modifications, no interior required, competition rally tires allowed), and Modified vehicles (most modifications are allowed, provided they are safe). Each of those has a sub-class for FWD, RWD, and AWD cars. We also have a class for side-by-sides with certain competition requirements.
All-wheel drive classes are largely made up of various Subarus, but any AWD car can compete. Front-wheel drive is competitive in almost any compact car – Civic, Sentra, Focus/Fiesta, or whatever 15-year-old commuter car you can find cheap. Rear-wheel drive has a lot of 80s-90s BMWs, Miatas, RX-7s, and things like that but you'll also have a blast in a Mustang or Camaro, or anything else RWD.
How do I find out more?
Feel free to come to one of our events to see how things go. Most drivers are happy to give ride-alongs. Rallycross events are laid-back where everyone is friendly and eager to chat about the sport.
What's the next step to get involved?
Read our supplementary regulations (available on the website below). They will give you a good idea of how our events operate and will answer 98% of your questions. Otherwise you can ask questions on our facebook page (DC RallyCross), check out the official website (https://www.wdcr-scca.org/rallycross), or send a direct email to rallychair@wdcr-scca.org.
