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What is a TSD Road Rally?
A TSD (Time Speed Distance) Road Rally is
contested by two person teams in ordinary cars on regular public roads,
within the legal speed limit. The challenge is to drive on time - not early,
not late (it's not a race). Each team needs a watch that can be set to
rally time; something to write on and write with. For night rallies
it's a good idea to have a map light, flashlight or other interior lighting
so you can read instructions. Cars typically start a rally at one one-minute
intervals. This separates the cars so that each team is on their own.
The first section of the rally is called the odometer check leg and allows
you to compare your mileage to the rally masters'. If you have a trip
odometer in your car you can zero in at the start and use this. Otherwise,
write down the odometer mileage. You will have a specified amount of time to
reach the end of the odometer check leg. You wait at that location until
the given time has elapsed, then leave, following directions given and
traveling at the specified speed. You will encounter checkpoints at various
locations along the route. After you pass the checkpoint sign and the timing
car, stop safely off the road and go back to the timing car to get your time
and information on when and where to start the next leg.
Since the Rally Master knows how fast you were supposed to travel, and how
far you went, it is possible to calculate an exact time when you should
have arrived and when you actually arrived. Points are given for being early
or late. This is a contest of precision, not a race. If you are late
at one checkpoint, you cannot make it up by being early at the next. The
score for each leg is separate. Scores for legs are totaled and the lowest
score wins (just like in golf). And, just as in golf, it take some practice
to get very good scores.
Regardless of whether you get very good scores, or just scores, rallying is
a log of fun if you like to spend time in your car, see some scenery, and
spend time with a congenial bunch of like minded people. Rallies usually end
at some location where snacks and beverages are available. This allows
everyone to join the crowd in discussing how the event went and how they
did, while waiting for the scores to be calculated and trophies awarded.
Classes currently used by the SCCA in the National Rally Program
| Equipped: |
Unlimited Equipment |
| Limited: |
Any mileage measuring
equipment and any calculation equipment without direct odometer input
(hand calculators, notebook computers, etc.). |
| Stock: |
Stock odometer system and
any non-programmable electronic calculator with not more that one
memory. |
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