How to Become a Rally Driver 

Dream of becoming a rally driver but don’t know where to start? This guide breaks down the steps from getting your licence to choosing a car, budgeting, and planning a path to the top. Whether you want to go pro or just enjoy a few club events, we’ve got you covered.

Turning the dream of rally driving into reality.

Rally drivers are among the world’s best, blending extraordinary skill, trust, and fearlessness. Watch any WRC onboard and you’ll see them threading the needle at over 100mph on narrow, rugged paths while following rapid-fire co-driver instructions.

For many, the thrill of speed sparks a dream to compete. But how do you go from watching to driving? Good news: rallying is more accessible than you think. You don’t need a childhood career to get started like in F1. This blog will guide you through the steps to make your rally dreams a reality and we talk to someone at the grassroots and professional level, to see how they go rallying.

Note for international readers: While the information below is based on UK rules, much of it applies worldwide. We’ve included an ‘International Rallying Appendix’ at the end of this guide with details for Finland, France, USA, Australia, Spain, and tips for other countries. Check with your local governing body for exact requirements in your region.

For this blog, we will be referencing Motorsport UK, who are the governing body for all 4 wheeled motorsport in the UK – formally known as Motor Sports Association. The information found below is correct as of the date of publication for the UK. 

There are 9 overarching steps in order to get from watcher to doer in rallying. We break each down so you can understand how to progress:

Step 1: The Basics (Age, licence, medical)

Step 2: Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally

Step 3: Join the Rally Community

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Step 5: Gear Up – Get the right gear and equipment

Step 6: Choose Your Car

Step 7: Plan for Costs

Step 8: Attract Sponsorship

Step 9: Timelines and Milestones for Advancement

Once you’ve dipped your toe in, explore the full 9-step guide below for everything else – gear, costs, cars, and the path to going pro…

Step 1: The Basics

Let’s start with the basics, what’s legally required to compete… Age, test, licence(s), medical.

Age Requirements

As with everything, age plays a role in whether you can compete or not. But don’t worry you aren’t past the prime age to start. In fact you can start rallying at any age! 

Depending whether you are looking to be a rally driver or co-driver the age requirement is slightly different. 

Driver

Age 14 to 17 in junior stage rallying competitions, these are curated events for drivers aged under 17. Cannot compete in road rallying until 17 in the UK.

Age 17 and up can compete in stage and road rallying

Co-Driver

Co-drivers can start as early as 12 years old in both stage and road rallying.

Test and Licence(s)

No matter your age or experience level there’s a way into rallying. It can be confusing and often frustrating when it comes to what is needed for what, there isn’t just one licence which covers all rallying unfortunately. However, one thing which is consistent, is the need for a BARS test (if you’re wanting to drive, you don’t need this to just be a navigator/co-driver).

BARS Test

What Is the BARS Test?

Before you can compete in stage rallies in the UK, you’ll need to pass the BARS test, the official British Association of Rally Schools assessment. It’s a mandatory step to get rallying.

What Does It Involve?

1. Theory Test

A multiple-choice quiz covering rally safety, signs, and procedures. Study the Motorsport UK Yearbook (“Blue Book”) to prepare.

2. Driving Assessment

You’ll drive a rally-prepared car with an instructor assessing your control, awareness, and basic handling.

What You Need First

Go Rallying Starter Pack (£115 from Motorsport UK): Includes your licence form, digital rulebook, and materials.

Book Your BARS Test at an accredited rally school (e.g. Phil Price, Silverstone, Knockhill).

Expect to pay around £250.

Top Tips

• Study up – know your flags, signs, and safety procedures.
• Brush up your manual driving, especially on gravel or loose surfaces.
• Consider extra tuition if you want more confidence before the test.

Once you pass, you can apply for your rally licence and start entering stage rallies across the UK.

Now let’s break down the licences clearly below: 

Licence types for UK and International rallying

Understanding the types available will put you in good stead for knowing which to go for to make your first real step toward rallying: 

Licence Type	Cost	Best For
RS Clubman	Free	Beginners and road rallying
RS Interclub – Stage Rally	£104	Entry level stage rallying
RS National – Stage Rally	£167	Advanced stage rallying
RS National – Navigator	£108	Co-drivers (national level)
Rally International – ITC-R	£240	International competitors

Medical Clearance

Before you hit the stages, there’s one more thing you need to tick off, your medical clearance. Depending on the level of rally licence you’re applying for, the process can be as simple as an online form or a more in-depth medical assessment.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand what’s required. 

Self-Declaration: Quick & Easy

For most rally licences in the UK, all you need to do is complete an annual medical self-declaration on the Motorsport UK (MSUK) website. This involves answering a series of yes/no health questions, and submitting the form online. It’s fast, straightforward, and free.

Licences that only require a self-declaration:

• RS Clubman Licence
• RS Interclub – Stage Rally
• RS National – Stage Rally
• RS National – Navigator

Just complete the form once per year, and you’re good to go.

Rally International Licence (ITC-R): More Detailed Medical Checks

If you’re applying for a Rally International ITC-R Licence, the medical requirements are more extensive due to the demands of international competition.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medical Self-Declaration – Same online process as above.
• Doctor’s Medical Report – Must be completed by a licensed doctor and is valid for 12 months.
• Stress ECG Test – A treadmill heart test, valid for 24 months.
• Vision Test – Completed by an optician or doctor; valid for 12 months.

These additional requirements ensure you’re physically fit to compete at the highest levels and meet international standards.

Don’t let medical paperwork catch you out! For most UK rally licences, the self-declaration is all you need, but if you’re stepping up to international events, plan ahead for the extra medical checks.

Quick Reference Table – Minimum Requirements to Compete (UK)

Role	Minimum Age	Requirements / Advisories	Medical	Licence Needed
Stage Driver UK	17+	– Full driving licence- BARS test- Go rallying starter pack- Club membership	Medical Self-Declaration	RS Interclub
Road Driver UK	17+	– Full driving licence- BARS test- Go rallying starter pack- Club membership	Medical Self-Declaration	RS Clubman
Junior Driver UK	14-17	– BARS test- Go rallying starter pack- Club membership	Medical Self-Declaration	RS Clubman
Co-Driver / NavigatorUK	12+	– Club membership	Medical Self-Declaration	Navigator’s Licence
International Driver	17+	– Full driving licence- BARS test- Go rallying starter pack- Club membership	– Medical Self-Declaration- Doctor Medical Report- Stress ECG- Vision Test	Rally International Licence (ITC-R)

Now that you’ve got the basics sorted, to help you understand what rallying is really like, we’ve spoken to people at both the grassroots and elite level:

• Robert Jones – an experienced co-driver from club-level rallying, who’s competed in road rallies and national championships for over a decade, including the BRC4 and BTRDA Bronze Star Championships. His grassroots journey proves rallying is accessible to anyone with passion.
• Osian Pryce – 2022 British Rally Champion, who’s competed across the UK and Europe and knows what it takes to go pro.

Throughout this guide, you’ll see their insights on how to get started – whether you dream of the WRC or simply want to try your first event.

Step 2: Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally

Becoming a professional rally driver isn’t just about mastering the throttle, it’s about building total physical and mental resilience, strategic courage, and a deep bond with your co-driver. Whether you’re starting out or levelling up, here’s how to get yourself race-ready.

Build Personal Fitness & Mental Strength

Rallying puts serious demands on your body and mind. To perform at your best, you need to train like an athlete.

Physical fitness essentials:

• Cardio endurance for long, intense stages
• Core strength to stay stable and responsive in the seat
• Quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination to react instinctively

Mental strength tools:

• Mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay focused under pressure
• Visualization techniques to rehearse stages in your head
• Stress recovery, the ability to reset fast after a mistake

Rallying isn’t a sprint, it’s a mental marathon with mud and jumps.

Master Communication & Trust with Your Co-driver

Your co-driver is more than a passenger, they’re extra eyes and memory on the road, reading notes so you can focus on the driving. That means rock-solid communication is non-negotiable.

• Practice pace notes until they feel natural at speed
• Learn to read tone, pauses, and energy shifts—even without words
• Build trust off the track—spend time together and debrief often

Good communication wins stages. Trust wins championships.

Have No Fear – But Embrace Smart Courage

Fearless driving sounds cool, but real rally success comes from measured, tactical courage.

• Push hard when it counts—but back off when it’s smart
• Build confidence through preparation, data, and seat time
• Stay emotionally balanced in chaos—your mindset controls the car

Bravery isn’t about ignoring fear. It’s about using it wisely.

Commit to Lifelong Learning

The best rally drivers are students for life. Constantly improving isn’t optional—it’s essential.

• Review in-car footage and stage times regularly
• Learn from coaches, engineers, and fellow drivers
• Stay up to date with the latest tech and tactics

Every stage is a classroom. Treat it that way.

Rallying Challenges Both Body and Mind — Train Both

At its core, rallying is about balance. The strongest drivers aren’t just fast—they’re resilient, calculated, and obsessed with improvement.

Invest in your:

• Body – for strength, stamina, and reaction time
• Mind – for focus, adaptability, and pressure management
• Teamwork – because rallying is never a solo sport

Step 3: Join the Rally Community

Now that your body and mind is ready, the next step is getting involved in rallying itself. One of the best ways to initially get involved and immerse yourself in rallying is through local motorsport clubs and via rally school.

Rally Clubs

Joining a rally club is essentially a requirement today, as most grassroots entry level rallying is organised and run by these clubs. More importantly you’ll meet like minded drivers and co-drivers who will be readily available to talk to, who can lend a hand and give you a step up into the world of rallying. Whether that be the events to take part in, car advice, driving and mechanic tips to everything in between.

Osian Pryce, 2022 British Rally Champion, joined a rally club (motor club) around the age of 10-12 and found being around like minded people, who lived and breathed rallying definitely helpful. He says you are able to constantly absorb information from other members, whether they be drivers, marshalls, team owners and scrutineers, who are there to help and never to find faults. The motor club allowed him to marshall events to get his ‘feet under the table’ and then co-drive a course car. 

Robert Jones, a club-level co-driver with over a decade of experience, echoes this:

“I joined CVMC (Clwyd Vale Motor Club), learnt the basics of Map Reading, Night Nav’s and Road Rallying. There are always lots of friendly faces who are more than happy to give advice, help and in my case be kind enough to lend you their Suit and FHR Device on a semi-permanent basis to allow me to progress from Road Rallying to Stage Rallying.”

Robert vouches for the value of clubs: “I have been a member of many Motor Clubs over the years, but with my affiliation to Warrington Motor Club, I was asked by one of their members if I would navigate for him on a Stage Rally at Anglesey race Circuit. With the borrowed equipment I was able to compete on my 1st Stage Rally with thanks to the guys who lent me the Suit, FHR Device and Helmet. Again, I haven’t looked back.”

Motorsport UK has a great library of clubs listed for all corners of the UK. Just filter by rallying and your postcode to find the nearest one to you.

Rally School – Your official entry into rallying.

Different from the BARS test, rally school can be considered as the next step in getting comfortable behind the wheel. The BARS will teach you the very basics of driving a rally car, from driving on different surfaces and navigating a course with confidence.

A purpose built school, such as the Phil Price and the Silverstone Rally Schools will be able to teach you more advanced driving techniques and maneuvers, from learning slides, drifts, Scandinavian flicks and more. Most of these schools also offer the BARS tests, and are the perfect place to take your driving to the next level.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Now you have all the relevant licences, you’ve completed all the tests and learnt the basics, it’s time to get some real world experience. Step 4 goes in detail of all the ways you can gain practical experience in rallying to enhance your skills and give you the confidence to succeed.

Work or Volunteer with a Rally Team

A great way to get started (especially if you don’t have a car ready yet) is to volunteer as a marshal or timekeeper at local rallies. By staffing a time control or a corner, you’ll see first hand how events are run, observe other drivers, and get a feel for rally procedures. Many top drivers, even at WRC level, began by spectating and marshalling at rallies. This behind-the-scenes experience will make you a more prepared competitor. Plus, clubs always need extra hands, so you’ll be making yourself useful and building goodwill. As a bonus, volunteering can grant you free entry to watch the rest of the rally up close.

Learn Car Mechanics

Nothing beats learning from the inside. Understanding the mechanics of a car is crucial in rallying for several key reasons:

1. Emergency Repairs: Rally drivers and co-drivers often face breakdowns mid-stage or in service parks. Knowing how to fix basic issues, like a blown fuse, broken suspension arm, or changing a driveshaft, can mean the difference between finishing and retiring.
2. Driving Smarter: Mechanical knowledge helps you understand how your inputs affect the car (e.g. clutch wear, brake heat, suspension load). This allows smoother, more efficient driving and better vehicle preservation during events.
3. Setup and Feedback: As you get faster, you’ll need to fine-tune suspension, tyre pressures, gear ratios, etc. To give useful feedback to your team or make adjustments yourself, you must understand how each component works and interacts.
4. Budget Rallying: Many privateer drivers prepare and maintain their own cars. Knowing how to strip and rebuild parts can save thousands in labor costs and improve your confidence heading into events.
5. Safety: Mechanical awareness helps you recognize warning signs of impending failures, such as brake fade, overheating, or steering issues, so you can avoid dangerous situations.

In short: you don’t need to be a master mechanic, but a solid working knowledge of how your car works makes you a more self-reliant, competitive, and safer rally driver.

Train in All Conditions (Day & Night)

Professional rally drivers are no stranger to adverse weather conditions, from torrential rain and thick fog to snow, ice, and blazing sun. To build the adaptability and confidence needed for competition, it’s essential to train in a variety of environments. Practice driving in daylight and darkness, on dry tarmac, wet roads, gravel, and mud. Night driving, in particular, challenges your perception and forces you to trust your co-driver’s notes and your instincts. 

The more varied your experience, and the more preparation you do before an event, the better you’ll be at staying calm and in control when conditions suddenly change mid-stage, as they often do in rallying. 

“As a rally driver you have to adapt so quickly to different weather, road surfaces or anything thrown in the mix at short notice. Usually a good level of preparation compliments this, as the time you prepare for an event will outweigh the time you’re actually competing for.” Osian Pryce.

*Make sure you are allowed to train on the roads you choose before starting.*

Compete Whenever Possible

You don’t need to jump straight into full-speed stage rallying. The UK offers beginner-friendly, low-cost rally formats using standard or lightly modified road cars:

• Navigational Road Rallies (12 Car Rally): Run at legal speeds on public roads using maps and clues, these rallies emphasize navigation and timing. A 12-car rally is a common entry point. No special training or safety gear needed—just a reliable car, a friend as co-driver, and a free RS Clubman licence.
• AutoSOLOs and Autotests: Held in car parks or airfields, these low-speed precision driving events involve solo runs around cones. They build essential car control skills and can be done in your daily car with minimal cost or risk. 
• Targa Rallies: A mix of timed driving tests and short transit sections, a Targa Rally is typically on private land. You’ll need a co-driver, but no full rally car. They offer a feel for competitive stage rallying without the high barriers to entry.

The BTRDA, Bristol Motor Club and more clubs host events throughout the year.

These events teach key rally skills, map reading, teamwork, car handling, and event procedures, in a supportive environment. Many drivers who start here feel far more confident stepping up to full stage rallies. Local motor clubs are your gateway to these events and a vital part of the rally community. Getting involved can lead to mentorship, ride-alongs, and even finding your first rally car.

When you do get to full stage rallies take particular attention and care on the ‘rally recce’ (rally reconnaissance) runs, these are where you drive the stage (at normal speeds) to preview the route before the actual event starts. Osian Pryce states this is more important than the actual timed part of the event… 

…“the level of work put in here will probably predict your results on the actual event. There’s no high speed practice, straight into it with hopefully a good book of pacenotes”.

Step 5: Gear Up Yourself

Safety Gear (Racewear or Rallywear!) Essentials

Invest as much as you can in safety gear. It could save your life! 

Motorsport is inherently dangerous, so you need to take all the precautions you can. Plus it’s mandatory to have certain gear so you can’t go rallying without it.

Both rally driver and co-driver need the following in order to compete in the UK, according to the FIA and Motorsport UK (Check with your local governing body if outside UK – see blog appendix):

Race suit

A fire-retardant suit that protects the rally driver (and co-driver) from flames and heat in case of a fire. It meets the current FIA safety standards (FIA 8856-2018). These suits are either 2 or 3 layered for maximum protection.

Helmet

Protects the head from impact during crashes or rollovers. Rally helmets also include intercom systems to communicate with the co-driver clearly at high speeds. Look for helmets with FIA 8859-2015,8859-2024 or FIA 8860-2018 homologation, which at the time of writing have no expiration date which gives you peace of mind you don’t need to buy another helmet any time soon.

FHR device

Also known as a HANS device, it prevents severe neck and spinal injuries by limiting head movement during sudden deceleration or impact. You need to decide whether you’d like to opt for a conventional HANS style device, or a Simpson Hybrid which are very popular in rallying as they have additional tethers to help with side-on impacts.

Gloves

Provide grip on the steering wheel and protect hands from fire. Made of flame-resistant material with reinforced palms and fingers. It’s key to pick the right pair of race gloves for feel, budget and more. External seam gloves can release pressure and rubbing when being worn for a long period of time and technical silicone grips can offer better grip on the wheel.

Boots

Boots for racing and rallying are designed for pedal sensitivity and control with thin soles.This is key for the driver but also useful for the co-driver because they are also flame-resistant and lightweight. You need to decide if you’d like a suede boot or opt for a more expensive boot that’s made from leather which will last longer in the rallying world.  

Underwear

Flame-retardant base layers worn beneath the race suit. They add a crucial extra layer of protection, increasing the time a driver and co-driver are shielded from fire. Some items of underwear can also aid blood circulation, cool and reduce stamina drain when in the car, meaning you can concentrate for longer.

“Make sure you buy comfortable equipment, and quality equipment will last. There are people in clubman rallying with more expensive kit than I have but I’m comfortable, and its quality stuff.” Says Osian Pryce.

Everything you could need is available at Demon Tweeks.

Step 6: Choose Your Car

There’s more than 1 route to the start line, pick what suits your budget and goals.

One of the biggest practical hurdles in rallying is the car. There are two main routes for a beginner: Buying/building your own or renting a rally car for events.

Buy and Prepare / Build Your Own Car

If you’re serious about rallying, you’ll want your own car. Here the conventional wisdom is: buy an existing log booked rally car rather than building from scratch. 

However, if you have the time and cash, building a rally car from scratch means taking a standard road car and installing all required safety modifications (roll cage, racing seats and harnesses, fire extinguishers, electrical cut-off, sump guards, etc.), plus performance upgrades (suspension, possibly engine tune, etc.). 

This is time-consuming and can be very expensive for a novice, often tens of thousands of pounds to do properly. 

Buy a Used ‘Ready To Rally’ Car

In contrast to building your own car, the market for second-hand rally cars (in the UK especially) is plentiful – you can find a ready-to-rally car for relatively affordable prices (sometimes £5k-£10k for an older two-wheel-drive car is enough to start). 

Buying a used rally car that “has already been built” tends to be far cheaper than building one new. It will come with a Motorsport UK logbook (proving the car meets safety regs) and a history of surviving rallies. You’ll want to weigh up cost, convenience, and commitment – we break this down in more detail in Step 7. 

Look for popular beginner-friendly classes like a Ford Fiesta ST, Nissan Micra, Peugeot 205/206, Vauxhall Nova/Corsa, etc. – something simple, reliable, and with plentiful parts. Remember, in rallying it’s often better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow; you’ll learn more pushing the limits of a modest car than pottering about in an expensive machine you’re afraid to scratch.

Osian recommends “starting off in a cheap car. Ideally a one make series, like the Mini Challenge. You want to be doing all your learning in a car that’s cheap to run and repair. and if the unfortunate happens, it doesn’t cost a fortune in parts. I started in a fiesta ST, and it was very competitive”.

Arrive and Drive (Rent a Car)

The easiest option, but can be more costly.

Many newcomers choose to rent a car for their first one or two stage rallies. Hiring a rally car (often from a rally school or a specialist prep company) means you just show up and drive, while the provider handles transporting the car, maintenance, and sometimes even service crew. A great option if you just want to focus on the driving / co-driving and not fret about logistics and the mechanical side. 

This can be a smart approach to “dip your toe in the water” before committing to owning a car. It lets you experience an event in a well-prepared vehicle without the upfront expense of buying one.

Renting is also common at the rally school stage: some schools offer “arrive-and-drive” packages for novice rallies or even a day of one-on-one coaching in their car. On the flip side, rental costs add up, and if you plan to do many events, eventually owning a car may be more economical.

Vehicle Safety Prep

Any car entering a stage rally must have a certified roll cage, competition seats, and racing harnesses installed. It also needs plumbed-in fire extinguishers, an electrical master cut-off switch, mudflaps, towing eyes, and rally tyres appropriate for the terrain. 

If you’re renting or choosing to go ‘arrive and drive’ the car will already be ‘stage ready’ so you shouldn’t need to worry.

The car will undergo scrutineering before each event, where officials ensure it meets the safety standards in the Motorsport UK Yearbook (Section R and K). If you buy a logbook car, it should already have all this. If you’re starting with road rallies or Targa events, the requirements are lighter – often just the standard road car with maybe an added handheld fire extinguisher and towing points. Always check the event’s regulations.

Step 7: Costs

Budgeting wisely keeps the dream alive.

As you might imagine, rallying can get extremely expensive, as with any form of motorsport, it can be a bottomless pit of money. Don’t worry if the costs look high, many people start small and build over time.

“It can be as expensive as you make it, it’s not a cheap sport any more, but there are still ways to enjoy it at a sensible budget. One makes series are usually best as everyone is working with the same set of rules which is an even playing field.” Highlights Osian Pryce.

Here’s the biggest considerations and rough costs for each: 

License and Training

A Go Rallying Starter Pack plus the BARS test might run around £300 total (£115 for the starter pack and the rest for the test). Once you’re licensed, annual renewal is about £100 for club-level stage rally drivers.

Safety Gear

~£1,000 – £2,000 give or take for personal gear such as suit, helmet, gloves etc. This cost is unavoidable and you should aim to spend as much as you can afford, you never know when it could save your life…

The gear you need is outlined in Step 5 above.

The Car

Costs vary enormously depending on what you want. Depending how you want to go rallying, there are different options to take with varying degrees of effort and money required to go rallying. You have 3 main options, buy, build or rent a car. Let’s outline them…

Buy

You might find a used entry-level rally car for £5,000–£10,000 that’s ready to go, including basic spares and tyres. A great option if you are committed to rallying and actually the cheapest of the 3 options long term as the car will be logbooked and proven. A good place to start looking is ‘racecarsdirect.com’.

Build

Building one from scratch can easily run well into the tens of thousands once you factor in a roll cage, race seats, harnesses, fire systems, and performance upgrades. This is good because you can build and design the car as you’d like, to suit you and the events you’re aiming to enter. But worth bearing in mind, you need to be (or know someone who is) mechanically minded and who knows the regulations of the series you’re aiming to enter.

Rent

This is a great option if you are undecided on whether rallying is for you and you’d like to give it a go. rallycarforhire.co.uk and silverstonerally.co.uk/rally-car-hire are good places to start.

The rental cost varies (a ballpark might be a few hundred to a thousand pounds per event depending on the car’s spec and whether support is included), but you avoid long-term costs like storage, tow vehicles, and rebuilds. If you crash, there will be a damage fee, but you won’t be left with a wrecked car to fix – an important consideration for first-timers still honing their skills. 

Co-driving

Co-driving is generally cheaper than driving. In fact, with a £5,000 budget, Motorsport UK suggests you could co-drive for a season of forest rallies, since the co-driver typically just splits the entry fee and doesn’t have car expenses. Some drivers looking to save costs will alternate driving and co-driving with a friend event-to-event.

Event Entries

Entry fees vary widely. A single-venue tarmac rally might cost around £300, while a national forest rally could be £500–£600 per event. 

Other ongoing costs

Consumables (tyres, brake pads, oil): 

Rallying eats up money as you push harder. A set of gravel rally tyres can cost around £500 and might last one or two events if you’re lucky, but conditions and driving style make a big difference. Brake pads, fluids, filters, and other consumables also add up over a season, so plan accordingly.

Repairs:

Even if you’re careful, rallying is hard on cars. Expect some damage: bent suspension arms, cracked bumpers, or worse. Small repairs might cost a few hundred pounds, but a bigger crash could run into thousands. It’s smart to keep a “rally fund” for unexpected repairs, especially if you’re not mechanically handy yourself.

Travel:

Travel costs often catch new competitors by surprise. Even “local” events mean fuel for towing, tolls, ferry fees (for island rallies), and parking costs. Multi-day rallies usually involve hotels, meals for the crew, and extra expenses on the road. Planning for travel and accommodation costs helps avoid nasty financial surprises.

Realistic Year‑1 Rally Budget for a Total Beginner (UK Example)

As mentioned, there are 3 main paths when it comes to the costs to get rallying. The breakdown of costs below are guidelines only, your actual costs might vary significantly based on your personal circumstances. Pick the one which is right for you. Annual running costs, which apply to all 3 options and the total for each are listed at the end.

Also bear in mind, these costs are just for year 1 of your rallying adventure, you won’t need to get a car every year… (or we hope you don’t bin it every year!)

Buy

Item	Estimated Cost
Used rally-prepared car (logbooked, ready to race)	£6,500 – £10,000
Driver & co-driver gear (helmet, suit, HANS, gloves, boots)	£2,400 (£1,200/person)
Licensing & BARS test	£300
Trailer (or van rental, optional)	£1,500
Minor refresh (fluids, belts, tyres, small spares)	£1,000
Subtotal – Initial Setup	£11,700 – £15,200

Build

Item	Estimated Cost
Standard road car (e.g. Peugeot 106, Ford Fiesta)	£1,200 – £2,000
Roll cage install	£1,200 – £2,000
FIA race seats & harnesses	£800 – £1,200
Fire extinguisher system	£400 – £600
Electrical cutoff, rally prep bits	£500 – £1,000
Suspension, brakes, rally tyres	£1,500 – £2,500
Labour / unforeseen build costs	£1,500 – £3,000
Driver & co-driver gear	£2,400
Licensing & BARS test	£300
Trailer (or van rental, optional)	£1,500
Minor spares / fluids	£500
Subtotal – Initial Setup	£11,800 – £17,700

Rent

Item	Estimated Cost
Rally car rental per event	£1,000 – £2,000
Number of events (e.g. 2–3)	£2,000 – £6,000
Driver & co-driver gear	£2,400
Licensing & BARS test	£300
Entry fees (2–3 events)	£1,000 – £1,500
Event running costs (tyres, fuel, etc.)	£2,000 – £3,000
Travel, accommodation	£600 – £1,000
Subtotal – Initial Season	£8,300 – £14,200

Annual running costs (All 3 options)

Item	Estimated Cost
6 events @ ~£500 each	£3,000
Tyres, fuel, consumables (~£1,000/event)	£6,000
Accommodation & travel (~£300/event)	£1,800
Licence renewal	£100 – £200
Maintenance & minor repairs	£1,000
Subtotal – Annual Running Costs	£11,900 – £12,200

Total Estimated Year 1 Costs

Scenario	Total Year-1 Cost
Buy used rally car (6 rallies)	£23,600 – £27,400
Build own rally car (6 rallies)	£23,700 – £29,900
Rent for 2–3 events only	£8,300 – £14,200

Co-Driver Specific Upfront Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Co-driver personal gear (helmet, suit, HANS, gloves, boots)	£1,200
Navigator’s Licence	£108
Club membership	£20 – £50
Pace note books, clipboard, stopwatch	£50 – £100
Subtotal – Upfront Costs	£1,378 – £1,458

Key Takeaways

• Buying a used rally car is usually cheaper and faster than building your own.
• Building from scratch usually costs more once hidden labour and extra parts are included.
• Renting is perfect for your first 1–2 events but quickly becomes expensive if you keep going.
• For serious newcomers aiming to do multiple rallies, buying a used, logbooked rally car is the best value.
• If you are aiming to split the costs with a co-driver then half all the costs listed.

It’s wise to start a rally fund and plan a budget per event. Doing smaller events first helps keep costs down while you gain experience. 

This might seem daunting and maybe you think rallying is out of your league, but we need to give all the cost options available. What we will say is start small with equipment and spending. Use the simplest car that lets you participate and focus on learning. A saying in rallying goes “To finish first, first you must finish” – reliability and staying out of trouble are key, especially early on. It’s better to run a slow, robust car and finish every rally (gaining miles and experience) than to blow your budget on a faster car that breaks (or causes you to crash) before the finish. As you prove to yourself that this is a passion you’re committed to, you can gradually invest more into better equipment. Many rally drivers incrementally upgrade: perhaps begin with a used £5k car; after a couple of years, sell it and move to a newer, more competitive car as their skills and budget grow.

Step 8: Attract Sponsorship

We’ve discussed the costs, you might have read them above and thought ‘well I can’t afford that’ and not everyone can. Learning how to find, attract and retain sponsorship is sometimes harder and just as crucial as rallying itself.

Understanding and Attracting Sponsorship:

At its core, sponsorship is a business deal, not free charity money. 

A company (or individual patron) will support your rallying financially or in-kind only if you provide a return value – typically in the form of advertising exposure, brand alignment, or corporate hospitality experiences. 

In motorsport, you’ll see logos on cars, suits, and social media posts – that’s the visible tip of the iceberg. As Motorsport UK’s funding guide says, sponsorship can be found at all levels (even a local autocross driver might have a tire shop sponsor), but you must offer something in return. 

Begin by looking close to home: what businesses in your local area, or contacts through family and friends, might have an interest in motorsport or in reaching the kind of audience rallying has? 

Often, new rally drivers secure small sponsorships from local businesses – e.g. a local garage provides free labour on the rally car in exchange for a sticker, or a friend’s company covers the entry fees in exchange for being mentioned in press releases. 

Think creatively: sponsorship isn’t only cash; it can be discounted parts, free oil, a van on loan, etc. All of that helps your budget. 

We have split attracting sponsorship into 5 main areas (goals) your personal goals may differ slightly but you can use the examples below: 

1. Learn how sponsorship works and identify potential sponsors
2. Establish a personal brand and increase visibility.
3. Develop professional relationships with sponsors and deliver promised value.
4. Understand and plan the costs of rallying sustainably.
5. Gain local media coverage and expand your rally network.

You might be thinking ‘where do I start?’…

If you break your sponsorship goals into smaller, manageable pieces, they’ll feel much easier to achieve. A great way to do this is by setting SMART objectives – a concept first introduced by George T. Doran in 1981. Although originally used in business, the SMART approach works perfectly for securing rally sponsorship.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a practical method to define your goals clearly and track your progress. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll have five focused areas that help you actively plan and measure your path to getting sponsorship.

Let’s use SMART to break down each of the 5 sponsorship goals we listed:

Goal: Learn how sponsorship works and identify potential sponsors.

Specific: Research how rally sponsorship works and list 10 potential local businesses that might sponsor you.

Measurable: Create a spreadsheet of 10 potential sponsors with notes on why they’d be a good fit.

Achievable: Spend 2 hours per week reading articles, watching webinars, and talking to experienced drivers about sponsorship.

Realistic: Focus initially on small local sponsors rather than aiming for major brands.

Time-bound: Complete your research and sponsor list within 4 weeks.

Building Your Brand: 

In the modern era, you are the brand. 

Goal: Establish a personal brand and increase visibility.

Specific: Set up dedicated social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) for your rallying activities.

Measurable: Post at least 2 rally-related updates per week.

Achievable: Use photos, videos, and short posts from events, training, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Realistic: Start with free social media tools and content from your phone.

Time-bound: Launch social media pages within 2 weeks, and maintain regular posting for at least 3 months.

Develop a simple media package about yourself – who you are, your achievements so far, and your goals – and be ready to pitch it. Even if you’re just starting, you can sell your enthusiasm and plans. 

Use social media to your advantage: regularly post updates on your rally preparation, event results, on-board videos, and thank-yous to those who help you. A potential sponsor will often do some homework by looking at your Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube to see what kind of exposure they might get. If you can show you have a growing following or that you engage with local car clubs and community, that’s a plus. 

Local media exposure is also valuable: try sending a press release to your local newspaper or regional TV when you compete in a notable event (local news loves a story like “Wrexham man competes in national rally championship”). Even small articles or interviews can impress sponsors, as it shows reach beyond the rally community. 

When you do get sponsor logos on your car, take good photos and share them (tag the sponsors!). Make them feel part of your journey – invite them to events as guests, give them a signed photo or a piece of used rally car part as a memento. 

Managing Sponsorships: 

Professionalism is key. Always deliver what you promise to a sponsor. 

Goal: Develop professional relationships with sponsors and deliver promised value.

Specific: Create a simple sponsorship proposal template and a reporting system for sponsors.

Measurable: Develop 1 sponsorship proposal document and a reporting template (e.g. PDF or slide deck).

Achievable: Use basic tools like Word or PowerPoint to keep it professional yet affordable.

Realistic: Keep initial proposals short (1-2 pages) focusing on local sponsors’ needs.

Time-bound: Complete the templates within 3 weeks.

If you say you’ll display their logo or mention them in every interview, do it. Provide a report or debrief at season’s end: e.g. how many spectators events had, any media coverage achieved, pictures of their logo visible. 

Think of it from the company’s perspective: they need a return on investment. If you can articulate how supporting you helps them (maybe by reaching automotive enthusiasts, or associating their brand with the excitement of rally), you’re speaking their language. 

It’s often a good strategy to start with small, achievable proposals. For example, instead of asking one company for £20,000 (likely a non-starter), you could ask 10 local businesses for £2,000 each, each getting a smaller logo and mention. Many small pledges can add up to cover a season. 

Financial Planning: 

Treat your rallying like a business if you aim to go pro. 

Goal: Understand and plan the costs of rallying sustainably.

Specific: Build a budget spreadsheet for your next rally season, listing expected costs (car prep, entries, travel, etc.).

Measurable: Track all rally-related expenses each month and compare them to your budget.

Achievable: Start with estimates based on past events or guidance from fellow competitors.

Realistic: Keep your first-year budget conservative, focusing on local events.

Time-bound: Complete your initial budget plan within 1 month and review it monthly.

Make budgets for each season and each event. Keep track of expenses and plan where funding will come from (personal savings, sponsors, prize money if any, crowdfunding, etc.). Be prepared for unexpected costs – crashes or blown engines can strain finances. This is where having savings or a flexible plan helps. Some drivers take loans or remortgage houses to fund rallying – think very hard and get advice before going to such lengths. We aren’t recommending this, just highlighting what other people have done. 

On the flip side, there are some grants and sponsorship programs for young talent – for instance, Motorsport UK’s Academy has a Rising Stars program (though not directly funding, it gives training) and some regions have talent development funds. Inquire with your local association if any “scholarship drives” exist. 

Occasionally, companies run contests (e.g. Peugeot’s UK Young Driver contest in the past, or the FIAT Rally Scholarship) that award a funded drive to the winner. Keep an eye out for those. 

Media and Networking: 

Be mindful of your public image

Goal: Gain local media coverage and expand your rally network.

Specific: Contact local newspapers or radio stations with a press release about your rally activities.

Measurable: Secure at least 1 local media feature or article.

Achievable: Write a simple press release using online templates.

Realistic: Target local community newspapers and online blogs that feature local sports stories.

Time-bound: Send out press releases within 6 weeks.

As you climb up, you’ll need to interact with the media and possibly even have a social media strategy. Take care of your public image – be respectful, thank your sponsors and team in interviews, and show sportsmanship (these traits make you more sponsor-friendly). 

Networking in the service park can lead to connections – perhaps someone introduces you to a friend who runs a business interested in sponsoring, etc. 

The rally world is relatively small and tight-knit; a good reputation will help you. Conversely, a reputation for crashing out or being difficult can turn away support. It’s not just raw speed that attracts sponsors; it’s reliability, attitude, and marketability. 

Accept the Reality

Lastly, accept the financial reality that in rallying, the flow of money is usually from the driver to the sport (through expenses) until you reach the very top echelons. 

Only a tiny percentage of rally drivers are net positive (i.e. getting paid a salary to drive). For most, even in national competition, any prize money or sponsor income offsets just a portion of costs. For example, you might get a £5,000 sponsorship, but your season might cost £15,000; the rest comes from you. Therefore, continue to balance your rally aspirations with career/education so that you can support yourself. 

Many successful amateur drivers have full-time jobs or businesses that fund their racing. Some work in the car industry or as instructors to stay close to the sport. A current route is leveraging social media, whether that be by building your personal ‘brand’ or some rally drivers aim to become YouTubers or influencers which in turn generates income that helps pay for rallying. 

“Finding budget can be tricky, and it’s not an easy task. I’ve been rallying for 16 years and still struggle, so for someone starting off it’s tough, but try and lean on as many people as you know, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.” Explains Osian Pryce, 2022 British Rally Champion.

Drive Fast – Market Smart

In summary: drive fast, but also market smart. 

Treat your rally program professionally, honor commitments, and build relationships. Over time, as your results improve, you may find bigger companies willing to back you. And if you do turn professional, you’ll likely have factory sponsors (like car manufacturers, oil companies, etc.) – at that point you essentially become an ambassador for those brands.

It’s a long road from convincing the local tire shop to give you £500, to signing a contract with Red Bull or Ford, but every famous rally driver started small. Sébastien Ogier, for instance, only got into rally because he won a talent search (he couldn’t afford it alone). He often credits that break (sponsorship from the French federation) as crucial to his career. Hard work and talent are vital, but without funding, the wheels won’t turn.

Step 9: Timelines and Milestones for Advancement

Every driver’s journey is unique – some start young and go full-time, others rally casually for years. However, it’s useful to consider a rough timeline for progressing from novice to higher levels. 

Below is an illustrative roadmap, assuming a driver starting in adulthood with no prior motorsport experience. Your actual timeline can vary (especially if starting as a teenager in junior rallying, or depending on finances), but these milestones give a sense of how a career might unfold:

Year 1 – Orientation and First Events: 

The focus is on getting your feet wet. 

In the first 6-12 months, you’d obtain your licences (Clubman and then Interclub after BARS), attend rally school, and perhaps do a couple of non-stage events or even a rally experience day. 

A realistic goal by the end of year 1 is to have competed in at least one or two low-level events – for example, co-driving on a 12-car road rally or driving in an autosolo – and then possibly enter your first single-venue stage rally. 

Many novices choose a small tarmac rally at an airfield or circuit as their debut rally. Finishing that first rally (no matter how slow) is a huge milestone! It’s the proof that you’ve transitioned from theory to practice. Expect to be nowhere near the class podium – simply focus on completing every stage. Also in this period, you’ll be building your support network: finding friends to be service crew, meeting fellow novices to share tips, and identifying mentors. 

Not sure where to start? Robert Jones, who started where you are and now has over 10 years experience in the co-driver seat says…

“Getting over to a single venue Stage Rally is always good, the action and Service area are all in a confined space, you get to see what goes on whether it be on or Off the Stages / Circuit. You can go and have a chat with people, see how the cars are built, maintained, and see how different people go about their rallying. Another alternative at grass roots level would be a local Motor Club Night Nav, Scatter Rally or 12 Car as this is the basis of Map Reading Navigational Rallying.”

The events Robert mentions are low pressure and perfect for someone looking to learn.

It’s a steep learning curve, with a lot of “firsts” (first time writing pace notes, first time through scrutineering, etc.), but also very exciting.

Years 2-3 – Gaining Experience: 

Aim to compete regularly.

In the next couple of years, you should try to compete frequently in clubman rallies. Perhaps you target 3-5 rallies per year, fitting around your budget and schedule. 

You might still stick to single-venue events initially, but by year 2 it’s good to try a small forest rally or multi-venue rally. Milestone: first gravel rally – driving on loose surface with trees lining the road is a big step up. By the end of year 2, you’ll likely have a feel for whether you and your co-driver make a good team, and you may switch co-drivers or cars as you refine your setup. 

Year 3 could see you enter a regional championship to give your season some structure (for instance, you might contest the Welsh Clubman Championship or a local Tarmac series). With consistency, you might start seeing results like top 5 in class, or winning the Novice category trophy on an event. 

Licence upgrade: If all goes well, somewhere in this timeframe you’ll collect enough signatures to upgrade to a National licence, which expands your event options. 

By the end of year 3, you ideally have around a dozen rallies under your belt, and you’ve likely had some setbacks – a minor crash, a mechanical DNF (Did Not Finish), or tough learning moments – but those are valuable experience. Many rally drivers at this point make a decision: continue as a hobby (staying at club level) or push harder toward professional goals.

Years 4-5 – Stepping Up to National Level: 

Assuming the latter (you want to advance), years 4-5 are about going faster and competing against stronger competition. 

You might invest in a newer or more competitive car, and enter the British Rally Championship or a high-profile national series. A major milestone could be finishing your first BRC rally – national rallies are longer and more intense, so just completing all stages of (say) the Ypres Rally or Rally Scotland is an achievement. 

If you’re targeting professional status, by year 5 you’d want to be winning your class or category regularly at the national level. For instance, maybe you become the BRC National Junior champion or win a one-make championship (like a Ford Fiesta Trophy). These accolades demonstrate you have the talent. 

Also, around this time you’ll be thinking of the broader scene: maybe doing a one-off international rally (e.g. Rally Finland or a round of the ERC) to see where you stand globally. Expect these years to be very demanding – financially, physically, and mentally. You’re likely traveling more and taking rallying almost like a second job (or it has become your primary focus). Training in the gym for endurance, practicing recce (route reconnaissance) techniques, and fine-tuning car setups become part of your routine. 

Milestone: first overall rally win (even if it’s a smaller event) – this boosts confidence and your profile.

Year 5 and beyond – Towards Professional Rallying: 

Breaking into the professional ranks typically happens when a driver is in their mid-20s to early-30s (if they started in their late teens or early 20s, adjust accordingly). 

If you have managed to secure sponsorship or manufacturer interest by now, you might become a full-time rally driver. A possible milestone around year 5-7 is debut in WRC2/JWRC – for example, entering the Junior World Rally Championship which uses identical Rally4 cars in WRC events. Success there (e.g. podiums or a championship win) could then lead to a factory test or a place in a WRC academy team. 

From there, the final milestone is obvious: an entry into the top class of the WRC and, eventually, fighting for wins at the world level. This is the rarefied air – very few make it. It often takes 8-10 years of relentless progression to reach a point where a WRC team principal knows your name. 

Colin McRae, for instance, started rallying at 17 and made his World Rally debut by 22 and was a world champion by 27 – a fast trajectory aided by immense talent and family support. Others, like Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, spent nearly a decade climbing through UK and international feeder series before getting a factory WRC seat. There is no single formula, but patience and continuous improvement are constants. You might find it takes longer than expected to move up a level – that’s okay, as long as you’re progressing somehow (even if that’s saving money in one year to mount a bigger campaign the next).

Starting Young

It’s worth noting that if you start very young, there are Junior pathways that compress this timeline. 

The UK has a Junior 1000 Rally Championship for 14-18 year-olds driving 1.0L cars (with an experienced adult co-driver). Countries like Estonia, Latvia or Finland let kids begin in crosskart or rally sprints even earlier. These young drivers might accumulate 5-6 years of experience by age 18, so their “years 1-5” are done while we adults were still learning to parallel park! Just take a look at WRC winner Kalle Rovanperä, he first got behind the wheel of a car at 8 years old, then competed (and won) the Latvian rally championship at just 14 years old! Because of this, by his early 20s, he can already be at international level. 

Timeline for young drivers 

Age	Allowed to do
12	Co-driving in stage and road rallies
14	Driving in Junior stage rallies
17	Full stage rallies & road rallies

Starting as an Adult

For someone starting as an adult with no motorsport background, progress might be slower due to real-life commitments and learning from scratch. If this is the case, set realistic goals for yourself each year, and remember rallying is supposed to be fun at every level. Celebrate the small victories: your first clean stage, your first time beating a rival, your first event without getting lost, etc. These keep you motivated for the long road ahead.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a professional rally driver is a marathon, not a sprint. 

In the UK, you have a well-trodden path to follow: begin with the basics (licenses, clubs, and grassroots events), steadily build your skills and resources at the club level, then attack the national scene with ambition and preparation. 

Along the way, take care to nurture your support system – financially (through sponsorship) and personally (co-driver, team, mentors). Rallying will test not just your driving prowess, but your perseverance, mechanical sympathy, time management, and even PR skills. 

There will be setbacks like mechanical failures or off-road excursions, but each rally – finished or not – is a valuable experience that fuels improvement. 

No prior experience is truly needed to start – just passion and the willingness to learn from those around you. As you progress, always remember why you started: the love of the sport. The journey from a novice at a local club rally to a pro at the WRC is a remarkable adventure filled with friendships, challenges, and the indescribable thrill of mastering the stages. 

Osian’s final piece of advice he gave us is…

“Do it, but don’t stretch yourself financially. Make a plan, and stick to it unless you’re making good progress. Start off walking before you run. And try to be realistic, that way you will enjoy the sport for many many years.”

If there’s anyone who knows what it takes it’s 2022 British Rally Champion Osian Pryce, he’s been there and done it at the highest British level.

So get out there: join that local club, strap on your helmet, and take it one stage at a time. 

It’s a long road, but every champion started where you are now. Let’s get you behind the wheel.

Appendix 

International Rallying Guide

Getting Started outside the UK…

Although this guide focuses on rallying in the UK, it is a global sport. Many of the steps described, apply in other countries too, although the exact requirements vary.

Below is a quick reference for readers in Finland, France, USA, Australia, and Spain to help you translate these steps into your local context.

If you’re anywhere else in the world Your best first step is to visit the FIA website’s national club directory to find your country’s motorsport authority: https://www.fia.com/members/member-club. They’ll have all the details on licences, local rules, and how to get started.

*Always check with your national motorsport authority for current rules, licenses, and costs.*

National Governing Bodies

Country	Governing Body	Website
Finland	AKK Motorsport	www.autourheilu.fi
France	Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA)	www.ffsa.org
USA	American Rally Association (ARA) and NASA Rally Sport	www.americanrallyassociation.org
Australia	Motorsport Australia	www.motorsport.org.au
Spain	Real Federación Española de Automovilismo (RFEDA)	www.rfeda.es

Licence Equivalents 

Here’s how UK licence levels roughly translate abroad: 

UK License	Finland	France	USA	Australia	Spain
RS Clubman	Junior License	Licence AutoSport Découverte	Regional Rally License	Clubman Licence	Licencia Regional
RS Interclub	National B	Licence Nationale	Regional/National License	National Rally Licence	Licencia Nacional
RS National	National A	Licence Internationale (Nat.)	National Rally License	National Rally Licence (with upgrades)	Licencia Nacional Avanzada
Rally International	International FIA License	Licence Internationale FIA	FIA International License	FIA International Licence	Licencia Internacional FIA

Make sure to confirm exact requirements and application processes. 

Minimum Age Requirements

Country	Minimum Driver Age (Stage)	Minimum Co-driver Age
UK	17 (14 in Junior)	12
Finland	16 (Junior); 18 for full events	15
France	16 (Junior); 18 for full events	16
USA	16-18 (varies by state/event)	16
Australia	14-16 (junior events); 17+ for full events	12
Spain	16-18 (depending on license type)	16

Rally Training and Tests

Finland: No single mandatory national test like BARS, but drivers often train via rally schools or karting. Many start young in “rally sprints” or crosskart.

France: The FFSA requires medical checks and sometimes a small training course for licenses. Many rally drivers begin in slalom or rallye jeunes programs.

USA: No BARS equivalent, but training is strongly encouraged. ARA Rally schools exist, especially for new drivers.

Australia: Motorsport Australia offers training programs, but no one mandatory BARS-like test. Clubs often help new drivers learn procedures.

Spain: RFEDA provides licenses after medical checks and, in some cases, small theory exams. Many start in autocross or slalom competitions.

Fast Track to Co-Driving

Co-driving is one of the best ways into rallying, lower costs, earlier age limits, and a vital role in any rally team. Whether you’re aiming for club events or the WRC, here’s how to make the right-seat your starting point.

1. What Does a Co-Driver Do?

• Reads pace notes during the rally
• Manages timing controls and schedules
• Navigates using maps or GPS (especially in road rallies)
• Communicates with organizers, scrutineers, and service crews
• Acts as a team strategist and problem-solver
• Helps prepare pace notes during reconnaissance (recce)

Quick Reality Check: Co-driving isn’t just sitting there reading directions. It’s mentally intense, requires superb organisation, and you need to be cool under pressure.

2. Getting Started (UK)

Age 12+

No driving licence needed

No BARS test

What you need:

• Navigator’s Licence (£108)
• Club membership
• Personal safety gear (suit, helmet, gloves, HANS)

3. Getting Started — Quick Steps

Join a Motor Club

• Find local events and rally drivers looking for co-drivers
• Network and learn rally procedures

Volunteer at Events

• Marshaling or timing control builds knowledge and connections

Practice Map Reading & Pace Notes

• Join “12 Car Rallies” or “Scatter Rallies”
• Use apps or old rally maps to practice plotting routes

Get the Gear

• Helmet (FIA homologated)
• Race suit (FIA 8856-2018 standard)
• Gloves, boots, underwear
• Pace note book, pencils, stopwatch, clipboard

Start Small

• Navigate low-cost road rallies before progressing to stage rallies
• Build trust with drivers to get invited into events

4. Costs for Co-Drivers

Approximate initial costs:

• Navigator Licence: £108
• Club membership: £20–£50
• Personal racewear: ~£1,200
• Pace-note equipment (notebook, clipboard, stopwatch): £50–£100

Total Startup Costs: ~£1,400

Annual running costs can be significantly lower than drivers.

5. Benefits of Co-Driving

✅ Lower costs than driving

✅ Easier entry point into the sport

✅ Develop rally knowledge without owning a car

✅ Huge networking opportunities

✅ Can progress all the way to WRC

✅ Skill transferable between drivers and events

6. Progression Timeline (Sample)

Year 1: Join club, volunteer, navigate 12-car rallies

Years 2-3: Co-drive local road rallies or Targa events then move to start stage rallies

Years 4-5: Aim for regional or national championships

Year 5+: Explore international events, potential to join professional teams or factory programs

7. Resources for Co-Drivers

Motorsport UK: Licences

Local rally clubs (UK)

Enter a rally with the BTRDA

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