DFW Map Rally - August 25, 2012

[sccarally]

DFW Map Rally – August 25, 2012

If this message looks familiar, it's because we had to change the date of the event. Everything else is the same.

The DFW Map Rally starts in Decatur, Texas. To preregister, go to tinyurl.com/DMR12msr2 . Registration opens at 9:00am at the Shell service station at the intersection of US 380 and Business 380 on the northeast side of Decatur. After registration, you will run a 12-mile (approximate) odometer check, then proceed to Eagles Canyon Raceway, where you will receive the materials needed to run the rally.

In this rally, we give you 10 locations to visit, which you can find on the maps we provide. All you have to do is figure out a route to visit each location in the shortest distance. Then go drive it. No signs to find along the way. You do have to answer a question or questions at each location, which may come from a sign, but that's all there is to it. You may even use your computers or GPS units, if you enter in class E, which allows electronic aids. In class S, all you may use is the maps we give you. Novices and Masters alike run in either class E or S.

There is an award for the first-time rally team that has the highest score among first-timers, not otherwise placing.

After the odo check, you will then be directed to Eagles Canyon Raceway, where SCCA does its road racing. There is a place indoors with tables for you to work with your maps to determine your route. When you are ready, get in your car and check in at the start line. After your odo reading is recorded, you are off to Paradise, and nine other other places.

There is a time limit, of course, but we believe it's ample. Your mileage, corrected by your odo factor, determines your score. If you miss one of the scoring opportunities at the ten locations, you will be penalized.

It is still a fun drive in the country, but you choose your roads. With the exception of two short areas we tell you about, you will probably run entirely on paved roads. You are free to drive on unpaved roads, as long as they are not private, but we don't think you will need to.

How can GPS, Google Maps, and so forth help you? We don't know, but if you can think of a way, enter in class E. The overall winner, by the way, will be asked to tell us all how they did it, as part of the awards ceremony. So be prepared.

There were 45 car entered in the Clear Blue Sky Rally a couple of weeks ago. One of those was a 370Z. But there were 8 Subarus and 7 BMWs!

Join us!

[sccarally]

We have 14 entries as of this afternoon, which should translate to about 25 on Saturday. No Z-cars yet....where are you?

So far 3 teams have elected to use their GPS (etc.), and 11 are going to go maps-only. Which way would you go?

Follow me on Twitter at @TXrally for up-to-date information.