Where in the world can you compete in your road car on public roads in an approved MSNZ (Motorsport NZ) motorsport competition?
The answer is on a Navigation Rally.
Run at the legal road speeds (with penalties for being too fast), these events are contested in many countries worldwide. Similar to orienteering, but in a car with a couple of friends, testing observation more than car manipulation and brain power more than horsepower, there are a clutch of enthusiasts in Canterbury who rarely miss their monthly fix of “car Cluedo”.
In the late 1940’s, car enthusiasts began to form “car clubs”. Canterbury Car Club was one of the first in New Zealand and others soon followed for areas like Ashburton and Timaru. Others were formed with different preferred interests and clubs such as the Rallies and Trials Enthusiasts Club (now RATEC Motorsport) who currently run the iconic Ashley Forest Rally Sprint annually.
Prior to the 1970’s and before rallying gained the popularity it so enjoys today, there was huge interest in Car Trialing. Using regular road cars and crewed by 2-4 people (men, women and children – the writer recalls one child doing their first car trial in an infant baby seat), following a set of instructions on where to go at each intersection, and trying to arrive at precise times.
In those days, over 100 cars competed, but after those precise times morphed to ‘as fast as possible’, rallying was born, and some went the fast, more expensive way, while others chose the more leisurely pace of driving country roads on a Sunday or a designated weekday evening once or twice a month.
Car trialling instructions became a little more cryptic and speeds slower, and accuracy greater. In the 90’s it was still common to get 30 or more cars out on the monthly events, and still with 15-20 competing at a national level for one of the elusive ‘gold stars’ for winning at the highest national level.
These days, and now called Navigation Rallying, up to 5 clubs around the Canterbury region still run events monthly, currently the third Thursday evening of each month.
Competitors compete for their club for the inter-club Lupp Cup, donated in 1960 by Sybil Lupp (the renown racing driver and car dealer). Each club have their own trophies which are awarded annually to the successful Navigation Rally crews.
The Canterbury Car Club have just completed their competition year and after 13 rounds two crews, Ian McKee with Brent Rawstron and Peter Monro have tied on 290 points with Mark Wederell with Barry Higham, Trace Richards and Chris Protheroe. This month they start again for another attempt at success.
Ratec Motorsport are halfway through their season with Doug Good and his crew Teresa Good and Dwight Parlane the current leaders.
On the night, crews often enjoy a meal at the start venue before heading off at 2-minute intervals from 7.30pm for, typically, a 50km Navigation Rally in 90 minutes of following a page of instructions and trying to arrive at check points on time. Results are worked out at the end and confirmed a day or two later after a comprehensive check.
It is still a good night out. A group of friends, work colleagues, or mates from the rest home, where gender isn’t relevant, but a good set of eyes and a quick mind, is. Trying to spot side roads, road signs, and checking for spelling mistakes in the instructions all plays a part. Even better (but not essential) is the opportunity to calculate speed/distance/time to arrive within the allowed window. It is also the lowest cost form of motorsport available at $5 per person and a $10 fee for the car entered.
Newcomers are most welcome to come out and join us – or enquire for more details with the local coordinator: Ian McKee on 021 310010 or [email protected]
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