A stage rally is a motorsports competition where drivers and co‑drivers race against the clock on closed public roads across multiple timed stages. Cars start individually and compete on gravel, dirt, tarmac, or snow surfaces. Overall standings are determined by the lowest cumulative time across all stages.

The rally takes place on closed public and private roads within the host region. Exact locations, stage maps, and spectator zones are published on the event website and spectator guides prior to the event.

A stage is a closed section of road where competitors are timed. Rallies are made up of multiple stages, often spread across a wide geographic area. Only stage times count toward results — not the driving between stages.

LSPR is sanctioned by the American Rally Association, the premier governing body for stage rally competition in the United States. ARA establishes vehicle regulations, safety rules, licensing requirements, and national and regional championship series.

Unlike track racing, rally:

• Takes place on real roads, not permanent racetracks

• Uses point‑to‑point stages, not laps

• Runs cars one at a time, not in packs

• Includes changing surfaces like gravel, dirt, snow, and pavement

This makes rally unpredictable and highly dependent on driver skill and teamwork.

Rally teams consist of:

• Driver – controls the car

• Co‑driver (navigator) – reads pace notes, manages timing, and ensures the team follows the route

Pace notes describe upcoming corners and hazards, allowing drivers to go fast on roads they’ve never raced on at speed.

Pace notes are a set of shorthand instructions describing the road ahead, including:

• Corner direction and severity

• Crests, jumps, and surface changes

• Hazards like rocks or ditches

The co‑driver reads these notes out loud during the stage so the driver knows what’s coming next.