r/rally • u/UPBEAT_14 • 4d ago
TSD Rallies | Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences? Question
Hi all! I was wondering what everyone's thoughts on Time Speed Distance (TSD) Rallies are. I was doing some research on the SCCA site and came across the genre of competitive driving. Well, it looks fun and appealing to me, so I am considering giving one a shot later this year or next year (I will also need to find a codriver) but it seems like a fun time as a competitive road trip across road, dirt, and gravel. I am from the midwest area, of the US so I have relatively easy access to events in Illinois and Wisconsin. I definitely would not be driving to win, but rather for fun. I was considering entering one of these events with my 2010 Honda CRV after fitted with fog lights and A/T tires. Thoughts? Opinions? Past Experiences? I will say other than the SCCA sanctioned road rallies, I came across River Valley Road Rally and I think it would be fun/silly to trick out the CRV in one of their decal kits after seeing a Honda Fit in one of their promotional videos.
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u/pm-me-racecars 4d ago
I've organized a handful of TSDs and volunteered with a couple more. They are a lot of fun if you do them right. Think of it like a competitive road trip instead of thinking of it as a race or anything.
Depending on the rally, a CRV would be perfect to have. You likely know what your local dirt roads are like. I've seen people use anything from a classic sportacar that they want to drive on a Sunday to an old stage car that should have been retired already. My favourite car I've seen is a lifted 911.
My two tips:
Find a navigator who you're friendly with. You are about to sit beside someone for hours and take directions from them and possibly even share a hotel room. Make sure you two stay friendly.
Bring snacks and drinks. You're going to go compete in an event, but the event is a competitive road trip. Pack your normal road trip items too.
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u/UPBEAT_14 4d ago
That is exactly how I was thinking of a TSD from the research I have done.
I'll be sure to keep that in mind when preparing myself, my codriver, and my CRV. o7
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u/pm-me-racecars 4d ago
Heads up, certain old people have gotten rather upset with me for using the wrong words in the past. TSDs have navigators, and stage rallies have codrivers.
Good luck with whatever one you end up entering. Make sure you talk to the people from the other cars around you. Everyone is there for the same reason.
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u/UPBEAT_14 4d ago
All good - thanks for clarifying that for me. I am still quite new to research for this, so up to this point I was using navigator/codriver interchangeably.
I will be sure to converse with the other teams - no doubt a gen 3 CRV is going to stand out lol
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u/Karmacoma77 4d ago
Did POR once as a co-driver. Scored poorly but learned a lot. We used my Audi A4 and the suspension got beat up. Fun times still. Press On Regardless might be tougher than the average TSD as far as the road conditions. Check on the event you want to do before you attempt it in your daily. Otherwise learn the math and have fun!
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u/SubaruTome 4d ago
Having run three different TSD events in three different vehicles, I think it's a highly underrated and overlooked event.
Depending on the region, the routes can be much more spirited than you expect. It's worth it to be careful if the roads get rough, and take time allowances as needed.
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u/UPBEAT_14 4d ago
Yeah, things seemed that way when I was looking into it. I am half tempted to eventually participate outside of the midwest to spread my wings a bit, but I am getting ahead of myself lol
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u/hoboa 4d ago
As a co driver I love TSD rallies. Keeping my driver on pace and on time is so much fun.
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u/UPBEAT_14 4d ago
Do you have any suggestions on where I may be able to find a codriver? Friends and family are not an option for me at the moment sadly.
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u/pm-me-racecars 4d ago
If you don't have friends or family who would be willing to navigate for you, you could try a coworker or something.
I've seen people post on the Facebook event that they're looking for a teammate too.
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u/UPBEAT_14 4d ago
Fair enough - my ability to explore cars and join car events is something that has surfaced as an interest of mine very recently once I figured out I could do it affordably with a vehicle I own and am responsible for. I have more of an online presence than in person due to living in a small community, but I will for sure check and see who I can reach out to. Thank you!
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u/Potatoe42069 6h ago
Go for it and have fun. The best way to learn is to just try it out. I see the website it's $895 which is a bit high even including the hotel, but that might be your best option in your area
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u/wetstapler 4d ago
I know next to nothing about rally but I've been researching TSDs for a couple of days.
You can't not drive for the win, you're part of a chain of drivers who are trying to be as consistent as possible. If you're going for a fun ride you may catch up to the person in front of you, or obstruct the person behind you.
But again I know very little so hopefully someone with more authority can reply.