What is a 12 Car Rally?

A 12 Car Rally, perhaps unsurprisingly, is a rally featuring 12 cars. Competitors participate in teams of two, a driver and a navigator.

A 12 Car is Navigational Rally limited to 12 vehicles. Crews have to locate route checks, navigate a route and time controls whilst maintaining a time schedule. The difference lies mainly in that, in a 12 Car Rally, you are given a series of instructions defining your route, visiting the plot points in order and at particular times. At each point, there will be a marshal waiting to note your time and to provide the next set of instructions. The objective is to navigate to each time control accurately while following a time schedule.

Like most road rallies, a 12 Car Rally takes place on public roads, with speeds rarely exceeding 30mph.

How to take part in a 12 Car Rally

There are a number of clubs across the UK organising regular 12 Car Rallies that are open to newcomers. Events are run by local volunteers, with rules and regulations determined by Motorsport UK, the governing body, to provide safe, fair and fun competition.

Most clubs offer a class structure with these competitions, with navigation instructions varying in complexity according to the class.

To find a club or an event near you, or to volunteer to support your local Rallying events, register here and a member of our team will be in touch to match you with a StreetCar-accredited club.

Checklists

For a 12 Car Rally, no special equipment or training is needed, though there are some regulations for the car that is entered.

You do not need a driving licence, provided someone else is driving the car to, from and during the event.

The car must have:

A valid MOT, and be taxed and insured for road use
Paintwork all one colour, with no primer visible
Standard wheel arch extensions and all major internal trim (headlining, inside door panels, carpets, and rear seats)
An engine with a maximum of four cylinders
A maximum of four forward facing beams as well as side indicator lights

For diesel and petrol engines under 1500cc forced induction is permitted, provided the complete original induction system is unmodified apart from the replacement of the air filter element.

Please note, this is only a summary of key points. Your club will be able to provide further guidance.

You will need:

A car that is compliant with the above regulations
A Club membership
Your entry fee
A marker pen
An RS Clubman licence from Motorsport UK

Depending on the club, you may also need:

Special motor insurance (see below)
The specified map
A Perspex romer

Insurance

Standard motor insurance does not usually cover “racing, pacemaking, reliability trials, speed testing or rallies”, so additional insurance may be needed from your provider, or a specialist insurance broker.

Alternatively, clubs often arrange specialist policies with Motorsport UK, to cover competitors throughout the duration of the event. This option is third party only, and does not cover damage to your car, but is the most common solution. Your local club can guide you through this process.

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