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Get ready to rallye
By Connie Beard
Published November 27, 2008
Race drivers take to the track for Rallye de Paris at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Organizers were able to finalize negotiations with the Texas Army National Guard Tuesday morning for the use of Camp Maxey.
“We would really like to thank the Texas Army National Guard for working with us this year and the citizens of Paris and Lamar County for the support they have shown us this week,” said Richard Miller, Rally master.
Participants bring their street-legal vehicles for a fast-moving tour of Camp Maxey in this all-day event that is part of the central division regional championship of Rally America. The crowd will see drivers from Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Kansas and Illinois as they vie for top times to score points on their way to the national rally in Salem, Mo.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, race drivers need to bring their vehicles to Jerry Pitcock & Son 24-hour Towing, 2820 Loop 286 N.W., for the “scrutineering,” a technical inspection performed on each vehicle before it is allowed to race. The public is invited to drop in at this event.
“This is a great opportunity to see the cars and talk to the drivers,” said Juanita Miller, Rallye chair.
Spectators are welcome to the event starting at 9 a.m., but can drop by at any time. There is no entrance fee for spectators, but they are asked to sign an insurance waiver, similar to the back of a NASCAR ticket, before being allowed into the race area. For those under age 18, the waiver must be signed by a parent, or both parents if they are unaccompanied. There will be someone on hand to direct spectators to the parking area once they enter the gate. No concessions will be available, but spectators can bring a picnic lunch.
Cars will be launched at regular intervals, and drivers race the clock — not each other. Bleachers provide a prime place for spectators to watch the action, which should be ongoing, with cars driving through at about one-minute intervals. Spectators will be allowed to get up-close and personal with the drivers and their vehicles in the paddock area throughout the day.
Organizers of the event plan two races on an all daylight tour over smooth gravel roads except for a “triple caution,” the tank trap. The route was altered a little from last year because of construction, but racers also get the opportunity to run the same stage twice back to back with a 30-minute break to make changes. The morning heat runs 9 a.m. to noon with the afternoon race set for 1 to 5 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for novice drivers to get some practice, said Juanita Miller. Each car requires a driver and a co-pilot, who are allowed to switch places for the different races.
After the races, drivers and organizers will converge at 7 p.m. at Bodacious Bar-B-Q, 3610 N. Main, for the awards ceremony. The next day, organizers will be back at the race track to restore the area to its former condition, something the group has always done.
Visit www.rallyengr.com for updated information Rallye de Paris.
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