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Photo: David Freeborg

Spectators

Spectating stage rally is a thrilling, family friendly activity.  For more information on how and when to spectate, follow the sections below to learn more about different parts of the rally, and how to best enjoy them.  

Spectating Guidelines

Whether you will be heading out to view your first Performance Rally or are a veteran spectator, here are some simple rules to ensure you have a fun, but safe time out on the stages.

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Charlie Discoe

Spectator Guide

The spectator guide is released in September and lists all of the times and places that the general public are able to come out and experience all of the LSPR action!

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Following the Action

There are a few ways to follow along with the action on stage, whether you are stage side or not - as long as you have cell service!

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Alex Modrzynski

What to Expect

Basic information about spectating that will make your experience at LSPR more enjoyable.

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David Freeborg

Rally Terms

Pace notes are not the only uncommon words in rally, learn more about terms you may hear or see while spectating.

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David Freeborg

Course Cars

Spectators will see official cars before and after the competitors hit the stage. Here is a quick guide to what these cars do, and when you should expect to see them.

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Chris Heikkuri

ARA Classes

At LSPR, there are multiple classes competing at the same time - separated by National and Regional classes, as well as different classes of cars.  Here is how to tell what class the car is competing in.

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Chris Heikkuri

Overview Map

This 10,000 foot view gives you a general idea of where the action will take place each do.  We do not publish specific stage maps, so please reference the spectator guide to plan your spectating experience.

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Eric Wang

Parc Expose

At Parc Expose, all of the cars entered will be on display, and the competitors will be there as well interacting with fans.  This is a great time to take a closer look at the cars before they head out on the stages and try grab some photos with your rally heroes.  Parc Expose times and locations will be posted in the spectator guide once available, with more information in the link below.

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Chris Heikkuri

Service

In between loops of stages, competitors will go the service area so their crew can refuel, make repairs, and get the cars ready for the next loop of stages.  This may happen once or multiple times a day, and is open to the public to come see the action.

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David Freeborg

Downtown Finish

Once the competitors have completed the final stage, they will be heading to Downtown Marquette for the Podium Ceremony and post-race celebration.  In addition to the National and Regional awards, the family friendly downtown celebration will feature entertainment, a big screen showing rally footage, sponsor demonstrations, vendors, and more!

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Cooper Page

Rally Driving Explained

A video from Team O'Neil that explains the mechanics of rally driving.  Spectators can better understand how the drivers maintain top speed on twisty forest roads.

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Rally 101

A video produced by Subaru Motorsports USA that gives an overview of stage rally in the US... the cars, the people, the procedures.  A great starting point for new rally spectators!

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A Note to All Spectators

The Organizers, Workers, Competitors and Crews welcome you to the Lake Superior Performance Rally.

LSPR continues to build on 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 (operating at high speeds) than in any other form of motor sports. The job of the Spectator Control Crews and the Spectator Marshals is to let you enjoy LSPR while maintaining your safety – and the safety of the competitors, crews and other workers. 

 

We urge all of you to view LSPR only from the designated spectator points. These areas have been selected because they provide exciting and safer viewing. Any other out-of-the-way viewing area may not be safe. Rally officials will perform a safety check of each stage before allowing the race to begin on that section of road. If they are not satisfied with the safety of your location, you will be required to move or the stage may be cancelled.

 

You will not be able to spectate at every stage. You must choose those where you wish to go and allow ample transit time to get to them. If you are short on time, we suggest you skip ahead 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 respect the Spectator Control Marshals. They work very long hours to ensure your safety and viewing enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions?

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