Interpretations of Roads | Ball & Arrow (Tulip) Navigation | Time Calculations | Calibration Runs | Route Classification

This section of our WebSite introduces Navigation Rallying. It covers the Ball & Arrow (Tulip) system, teaches you how to interpret roads encountered, how to keep track of your time and how and why you need to calibrate your car. It also identifies our Calibration Runs and explains CARS Route Classification system so you understand what to expect in one of our rallies.

The minimum requirements for entering a navigation rally are a road-worthy vehicle and a team of driver and navigator. Teams must function as a cohesive unit in order to be successful. About one minute before leaving the start, the navigator is given a route sheet which contains directional instructions, as well as average speeds to be maintained and other instructions to be followed. The role of the navigator is to interpret the instructions and give relevant directions to the driver in a timely manner.

At various unknown points along the route, teams will encounter checkpoints where their arrival times will be recorded. Penalties are incurred for both early and late arrivals at these points and the winner is the team with the least penalties at the end.

CARS rallies are plotted using the best roads available, so special car preparation is not required and any vehicle (even the family car) in good working condition will do. Navigation rallies require competitors to strictly adhere to all Traffic Laws and any competitor found in breach of these will be penalised or disqualified. Speeds are never set over the legal limit. At the beginner’s level, navigation (fun) rallies usually include a Treasure Hunt with Observations along the way, as well as fun activities, which may be held before, during, or at the end of the event.

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