May 13, 2009

National rally racing arrives in Columbia Gorge

By Jade McDowell
of The Chronicle

     Area residents will have a chance to see rally racing on a national competition level this weekend when Rally America hosts the fourth round of its national championship series in the Hood River area.
     This is the first time there has been a national rally competition this close to home.
Ananda Siverts, marketing director of Rally America, said many top racers are from the Pacific Northwest area and are looking forward to racing this particular circuit. Spectators are also looking forward to the photo opportunities.
     “It should be a spectacular race with Mt. Hood looming overhead,” he said.
The Rally America Web site describes rally racing as “Real cars, real roads, real fast.” The cars start out as everyday vehicles, but they need modifications to handle speeds of up to 130 mph on gravel, dirt and snow.
     “We race in all conditions,” Siverts said. “Rain, snow — it just adds to the thrill.”
Most drivers will be experiencing the route for the first time, which is why they will have a co-driver reading aloud a stream of codes telling them what to expect around each bend.
     There will be plenty of opportunities for spectators to experience rally racing for themselves. Rally America has put together a spectator’s guide to help fans be at the right place at the right time to see the drivers in action at each stage of the race. The guide can be found online at.
     For safety reasons, fans are asked to stick to the official spectating points, stay behind the yellow tape banners and listen to any instructions from event marshals.
     Sections of forest roads in the Mt. Hood area will be closed Saturday and Sunday to become part of the racing circuit. These roads are: Upper Fir Mountain Road, Upper Huskey Road, Elder Road , Gilhouley Road through Hood River timberlands and Ketchum Road.