Kiwi
Road Rally - FAQ
Not
available at the present time.
Call 800-644-7382 for other driving adventure options.
What
is the Kiwi Rally Adventure?
It's a chance to drive specially prepared race cars at high speeds
over public roads in New Zealand. Roads are closed to the public
by police so there is no restriction on speed. We supply everything
you need, including driving instruction, accommodations, meals,
crew and cars. All you need is a civil driving license. (If you
already have a racing license, this adventure isn't for you.)
The
Kiwi Rally Adventure is designed for two people: a driver and
navigator. There is a chance to switch roles in some events and
a navigator can be provided for you if necessary.
What do I need to supply?
You'll
need to get yourself to New Zealand and present your civil driver's
license. A great attitude and spirit of adventure is also required.
What
is a Rally?
Cars start off from a set venue, normally in the centre of a town.
Each car leaves at either 1 minute or 30 second intervals, depending
on the event. They then travel to the start of the first racing
section following instructions in a route book and obeying all
the road rules, including speed limits. There is a time limit
on this section of the rally that the cars have to comply with.
It is conservative and based on the legal road speeds. (This is
for the organisers to keep control of the cars and keep them in
order.)
Once cars reach the Control Point, they are given a start time
for the Special Stage. They roll up to the starting line, put
on helmets and gloves, and strap into the safety harness.
In-car communication is turned on, along with a video camera.
Drivers receive a countdown and suddenly they're in racing mode.
The cars have all started at between 30 seconds and 1 minute intervals
so it is unlikely to be caught or catch the car in front, but
it is possible if you drive very well. The section of road that
the cars race on can be from 8kms to 50 kms long and can take
up to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of turns,
etc.
At
the completion of the Special Stage, the cars travel past a flying
finish and the navigator will tell the driver to slow down. They
stop at the Finish Control and are given their time for the stage.
Later on the drivers can compare times and stories about the stage.
Contestants
then drive to the next stage and on the way may meet up with the
service vehicle for new tires, fuel and any necessary repairs.
This
will continue for the duration of the day.
When
the car is being serviced the time taken comes out of the time
allowance to reach the next special stage and it is the navigator's
responsibility to make sure that the race car leaves on time.
If they are late to arrive at the next time control they will
incur a time penalty. Of course, if there is some damage to be
repaired this usually takes priority.
What is the driver's role and what experience is required?
No previous race or rally experience is required. Full theory
and practical driving instruction will be provided. Before arriving
in New Zealand, study documents will be forwarded to both the
driver and navigator.
The driver's role is, first and foremost, to keep the car on the
road. Beyond that, the goal is to use the talent and skills learned
from our instructors to drive fast and have as much fun as possible.
What
is the navigator's role and what experience is required?
No
previous experience is required. The license for the driver and
navigator is the same and both the driver and navigator will undergo
practical race driving.
The navigator's role is to direct the driver to the start of the
special stage and direct the driver during the racing. A navigator
gives directions at intersections where the car may turn onto
another road and cautions the driver about hazards shown in the
route book. Samples of these include a one lane bridge, wooden
bridge, slippery surface, deceptive corner or tight corner. They
are also responsible for making sure that they keep to the allocated
time in between the special stages and are not late at check-in.
The Navigator is seated in front of the trip computer. This is
not difficult to operate and gives the Navigator the necessary
information both when they are racing and traveling to the next
special stage.
Are advertising/sponsorship
opportunities available on the cars?
There is the opportunity to place company logos and name on the
car and on the team clothing. There is an extra charge for this
service.
Can I
fail the license process?
This is very difficult to do and is unlikely unless you cannot
drive at all
Can you
supply a Navigator?
Yes! We have experienced Navigators available upon request. You
may
prefer that we supply the Navigator since in that case you can
be sure you have a Navigator. Our
Navigators can also provide driving tips.
There is extra charge for this service.
What happens
if I damage the car?
There is a possibility the car might be damaged by hitting a fence
or something else. Most damage is minor and can be repaired during
the event to keep you racing. The cost of repairs from crash damage
is the responsibility of the Driver. Before you start your Kiwi
Rally Adventure, you'll need to place a damage deposit with Incredible
Adventures.
Who is
responsible for mechanical damage?
If the mechanical damage is not the result of misuse by the driver
or crash damage, then the responsibility for repairs is Motor
Racing Adventures. If it is misuse by the driver or through crash
damage then it is the responsibility of the Driver to pay for
the repairs.
What happens
if the car cannot be repaired?
We have spare cars available so the adventure holiday can be completed.
If the car cannot be repaired through damage caused by the Driver
and the Driver wants to use another car, there is a charge for
the use of the second vehicle. If the car cannot continue through
no fault of the driver, and the event organizers allow a replacement
car to be used, there will be no charge for the use of the replacement
car.
Can I
bring guests?
Guests and family members are encouraged to come. There are a
number of opportunities to drive out through the New Zealand countryside
and watch the cars on an intersection or by walking into the start
or finish of a stage. When the stages are closed there are officials
controlling where people can stand and view the event in safety.
We supply a tour guide for spectating.
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