There are a few of us around who rally Honda's so I though I would share a little.
As rallying is a little miss understood I thought I might point out a few interesting points.
Basically rallying is a race over a certain distance using public roads and closed roads. Over the distance (Typically 300 - 400km) the event is divided into a number of stages and service periods.
'Touring' stages cover the open road sections, following route instructions (route book) which are taken at 'transport' speeds following all road rules and need to be completed within certain time periods. These time periods are generous, but only allow for an average speed of about 30% less than the road limit. For example if the 1st touring stage is 60km, an allowance of 1 hour may be given. Any time over this, due to any reason - mechanical, flat tyre, getting lost - is then logged as 'Late time'.
'Special Stages' are the closed road sections. Where the road is closed to the public and the object is to record the lowest possible time over the stage distance. The total time taken over all Special Stages + 'Late Time' is your overal time for the event.
An event is generally 8 - 10 special stages of around 120 - 150 km the completion of which is an exercise in good engineering, car control and endurance, with up to 6 - 8 hrs + in a hot car and 1 1/2 hours of flat out racing in an event.
More soon

