In a Performance Rally the cars are started at one minute
intervals
with the fastest cars first and the slowest cars last. This starting
order is based on the drivers "seeding" which reflects their previous
performance. To ensure that you see the top drivers in action, you
should make sure you arrive at your spectating spot early. While the
early drivers will be fastest, they may not appear so as they usually
are very smooth. It's not until you see some of the back markers
struggle to get around the corners at a much lower speed, that you will
really appreciate the skill of all the competitors.
To make spectating even more interesting you can try checking
the times that the cars arrive at a point. Pick a place where you can
time a car each time and read the seconds off your watch. Remember that
all cars leave at the top of the minute, so if the first car arrives at
21 seconds, the next at 28 and the next at 25. The first car is 4
seconds faster than the third and 7 seconds faster than the second. You
will be amazed at how much quicker the front runners are over the
others. After a serveral cars you may get times where the seconds are
around 20 seconds again, these are over a minute slower than the first
car.
A word of warning to you when you are spectating—don't assume
the driver will see you if you wander on the road. Often when the
driver is listening to the co-driver calling the corners and mileages
down to an upcoming corner, he or she will be concentrating on that and
may not see you at the side of the road. I have driven through
spectator areas where 1000 people are and not noticed them because of
watching for an upcoming tricky corner.
Performance Rallying is called the most exciting and demanding
of
motor sports. It has also been one of the most difficult for the
spectator to get to and watch..
While some of the LSPR spectator points are not in your
backyard, you can be assured of seeing real Rally action, not something
staged in a parking lot or industrial park just to attract a little
publicity.
Instead, we give you exciting stages within a short drive of
Houghton, called by many the best spectator spot in North America.
Safety at these spectator points is all important, especially
with the large crowds expected this year. It really is just a matter of
common sense, but for you folks who have never viewed a Performance
Rally before, here are a few helpful tips.
- Please follow the Spectator Marshals' directions at each
spectator
point. While spectating is free, we do have control over these areas.
Our marshals are specially trained to recognize potentially hazardous
areas and keep will people out of them for their own safety.
- Please follow the marshal's directions when parking your
car at these points. We must keep a clear access on one side of these
narrow roads for emergency vehicles. All cars should park on the same
side of the road and be heading in the proper direction to leave the
area. If you follow the next rule you shouldn't have to walk too far.
- Plan your spectating. Travel time to get to each of the
three spectator points is listed in this program.
- Pick your vantage point carefully. High on a hill or
behind the tree line is best. The worst place to stand is on the
outside of a corner or in the ditch. Rally drivers make creative use of
the whole road. Again listen to the marshals. They know the safe spots.
You must remain behind the Banner tape at all times.
- Be wary and alert at all times, particularly at the
daylight spectator points. The cars make far less noise than they once
did. At night, their lights will warn you they are on the way, but in
daylight, you might now know until it's too late.
Welcome to the Lake Superior Performance Rally from the
organizers, workers and the competitors.
LSPR continues our tradition of an exciting and safe event,
with
even more emphasis on safety for you, THE SPECTATOR. You will be closer
to the rally cars than in any other form of motor sports. The job of
the SPECTATOR CONTROL CREWS is to let you enjoy LSPR and yet maintain
your safety as well as that of the competitors and everyone else
involved.
We would urge all of you to view LSPR only from the designated
spectator points. These areas have been selected because they provide
exciting and safe viewing. Any other out-of-the-way viewing area may
not be safe. If Rally Officials are not satisfied with the safety of
your location, you will be required to move.
You will not be able to speculate at every area. You must
choose those where you wish to go and allow ample transit time to get
to them. If you are short of time, we suggest you GO to the next
spectator point.
As always, parking is a problem on the forest's narrow roads
and steep hillsides. Please do not block these roads. They are used as
access routes for EMERGENCY VEHICLES. Please obey the SPECTATOR CONTROL
MARSHALS. They work very long hours to ensure your safety and viewing
enjoyment.
Thank you for making this the largest spectator Performance
Rally in North Americas. HAVE A GREAT TIME!
The LSPR Organizers