In this category, we will discuss the equipment, gear, and accessories used in rallying, an extreme motorsport involving racing on public or private roads using modified production or specially built road-legal cars.
The sport is characterized by its challenging courses, which often include varying surfaces, like gravel, dirt, and tarmac.
Rallying is typically distinguished from other forms of auto racing by not running directly against other competitors over laps of a circuit, but instead in a point-to-point format in which participants leave at regular intervals from one or more start points.
Whether on-road or cross-country (off-road), rallying features a blend of speed, skill, and endurance. Unlike traditional circuit racing, rallying occurs on diverse terrains, from gravel and dirt to snow and tarmac, often in remote and challenging locations. The sport demands exceptional driving skills, specialized equipment, gear, and accessories.
Central to the sport is the rally car. While required to be street-legal, successful rally cars are highly modified to withstand the rigors of off-road racing. These cars are typically based on production models but are extensively upgraded for performance and durability. Common modifications include reinforced chassis, roll cages, upgraded suspension systems, and powerful engines.
Production models often used as rally cars include the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Ford Fiesta, the Ford Focus, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series.
Rally cars are equipped with specialized seats and harnesses to secure the occupants. Recaro and Sabelt produce FIA-approved seats and harnesses.
Michelin and Pirelli produce tires designed for rallying, and Braid Wheels produces high-strength wheels designed specifically for rallying.
Helmets are crucial for head protection. Brands like Bell, Sparco, and Stilo include helmets designed explicitly for rallying. Fire-resistant racing suits are mandatory for protection from fire hazards. Alpinestars, OMP, and Sparco are well-known brands.
Communication between the driver and co-driver is crucial. Intercom systems allow for clear communication between the driver and the co-driver. Leading intercom brands include Peltor and Terratrip.
Rally computers, such as those produced by Monit and Terratrip, provide essential data such as distance, speed, and timing.
Retailers and suppliers specializing in rallying equipment include Demon Tweeks, RallySport Direct, and Sparco USA.
Recommended Resources
The UK-based importer specializes in motorsport equipment. It is known for its extensive range of high-quality gear, including Stilo Helmets, P1 Racewear, and Alpinestars Racewear, as well as devices like HANS, Simpson Hybrid FHR, and Lazer Lamps. Its rallying section stocks a range of rally equipment from well-known brands and includes rally helmets, helmet accessories, Stilo rally intercoms, racewear, luggage, packages, and rally watches. Purchases can be made online.
https://www.nickygrist.com/rally
Based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Race & Rally is a major supplier of motorsport accessories, spares, and safety equipment across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe. The company has also been the exclusive Citroen Racing distributor since 2006 for the UK and Irish markets and has also become the Peugeot Sport distributor for the UK and Ireland. Motor parts, after-market or replacement components, racing components, protective gear, and racing vehicles are available.
https://raceandrally.com/
Based in the United Kingdom, Rallynuts Motorsport caters to rally and racing enthusiasts. They offer various products, including FIA-approved suits, boots, and helmets. In business since 1992, they have been involved in everything from preparing race and rally cars to on-event service and management, through to supplying international race and rally teams with products and services. The company has evolved into a specialist retail, e-commerce, and mail-order company.
https://www.rallynuts.com/
Established in 1987, Subé Sports supplies competition and performance equipment to motorsports competitors and car enthusiasts worldwide. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, the company distributes its product lines through 300 dealers in various places in the world. Products may also be purchased through its web store. Rally equipment from Terra Trip, Peltor, Sparco, OMP, and Bell are featured, with photos, descriptions, and prices. Other race gear is also available.
https://www.subesports.com/products/cat/rally+equipment
Headquartered in Alfreton, England, Terratrip manufactures intercoms and rally computers, specializing in rallying technology, including multiple products, such as the Clubman, Professional, and Professional Plus+ amplifiers and. headsets designed for race and rally cars. Its tripmeters, intercoms, headsets, and UTV and SXS intercoms are featured on its website, along with its repair services, specifications, manuals, and a directory of dealers carrying its products.
https://terratrip.com/
