Spectating guidelines

Safety at public spectating areas is our greatest concern, especially with the large crowds expected this year due to our return to the national circuit. Whether you will be heading out to view your first rally or are a veteran spectator, here are some simple rules to ensure you return home safely.

• Please follow the Spectator Marshals’ directions at each spectator point. While spectating is free, we do have control over these areas. Our marshals are specially trained to recognize potentially hazardous areas and will keep people out of them for their own safety.

• Please follow the marshal’s directions when parking your car at these points. We must retain clear access on one side of these narrow roads for emergency vehicles. All cars should park on the same side of the road and be heading in the proper direction to leave the area.

• Plan your spectating. Travel time and maps to get to each of the spectator locations will be published prior to the rally. Pick your vantage point carefully. High on a hill or behind the tree line is best. The worst place to stand is on the outside of a corner or in the ditch. Rally drivers make creative use of the whole road in order to gain a competitive advantage. Listen to the marshals – they know the safe spots. You must remain behind the banner tape at all times.

• Be wary and alert at all times, particularly at the daylight spectator points. The cars make far less noise than they once did. At night, their lights will warn you they are on the way, but in daylight, you might now know until it’s too late. Don’t ever assume a driver will see you if you are on the road. Often the driver is listening to instruction from the co-driver who is providing route instruction and is concentrating on the upcoming corner. Drivers often say they drive past a spectator area with hundreds of people and don’t even notice.

• Alcohol and high speed motor sports can be a deadly combination.

• Flash photography can be dangerous for a rally driver. Remember to point your camera at the approaching car, but do not start taking photos until they are along side of you to avoid blinding the driver.

• Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Please remember to take anything you brought with you when you leave.