ROAD RALLY
Road Rally is a timed competition on public roads—at legal speeds—where the challenge is precision, not speed. Teams of two (a driver and a navigator) work together to arrive at designated points on time or to locate specific landmarks along the route. It’s not a race—it’s a test of accuracy and strategy.
SCCA Road Rally features three types:
-
Touring & Course Rallies – Focus on arriving at control points on time with the correct mileage.
-
GTA (Game-Tour-Adventure) Rallies – May include puzzles, scavenger hunts, or other challenges beyond timing and distance.
Touring Rally is a time-speed-distance (TSD) event with straightforward navigation. The route is clearly defined, with redundant instructions to prevent getting lost. Since staying on course is simpler, the challenge often comes from driving on demanding roads or the navigator’s precision in timing and calculations.
Course Rally is also a TSD event but adds a layer of complexity. Participants must use logic to determine the correct route while maintaining the assigned speed. Often called “chess on wheels,” this type of rally rewards quick thinking and problem-solving. Scores tend to be higher, as successfully navigating the rallymaster’s “traps” plays a bigger role than precise timing alone. If you love puzzles, Course Rally is for you!
A GTA (Game-Tour-Adventure) Rally isn’t a time-speed-distance event, but navigating the course can be just as tricky as a Course Rally—or it might be straightforward with a different kind of challenge. Instead of precise timing, participants hunt for signs, landmarks, or solve themed puzzles along the way.
From identifying Santa’s reindeer on a Christmas rally to searching for the oldest gravestone in a cemetery during a Halloween rally, GTA events offer endless variety. With its open-ended format and creative challenges, GTA rallying is a favorite in the Philly Region!
We are looking for additional volunteers
to lead the road rally program
contact: RE@phillyscca.com
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO ROAD RALLY?
For a smooth rally experience, bring a simple watch synced to official time (for timed events), a notepad and pen, and interior lighting (like a map light or flashlight) for night rallies.
Arrive at the starting point about an hour before the first car heads out to check in and review the route instructions. Cars typically start at one-minute intervals, beginning with a 10-15 mile Odometer Calibration Zone—this ensures your odometer matches the official course mileage.
Once the competition begins, you’ll navigate the route using the instructions while staying on time based on assigned average speeds or searching for specific landmarks, depending on the rally format. Stay sharp and enjoy the challenge!
