Yucatan Safari Road Rally

The Yucatan Safari is a 200 mile TSD day/night road rally traversing the high quality gravel roads through the hardwood forests of SE MN. The rally takes it's name from Yucatan township which is the heart of the event. The rally will start in Winona, wind its way through Winona, Fillmore and Houston counties before returning to Winona. This is the second event of the Winter Rally series, a ndthe SCCA championship series. The roads are some of the best gravel I have seen and the simple novice friendly instructions make it an event both experts and novices can enjoy.​

Will be updated first week in January

Rules

SCCA Road Rally Regulations, current edition (nothing you need to know).

About

This rally is a part of the SCCA National Championship Series as well as the Winter Rally Series. 

Sunset is 5:30PM so the rally will run at night. External night lighting will not be needed, interior lights will be very useful. 

The roads used are mostly unpaved. They wouldn’t exist if they didn’t go by farms. At all times you need to consider yourself as guests of the local residents and give them the upmost courtesy and treat them with respect. Slow down in their presence and when passing near their homes. Be friendly.

A GPS is not essential but will be helpful. Your GPS will allow you to see intersections before you get there as well as turns. In addition we will be giving out pickup point information using latitude and longitude should you go astray or get late and want to get back in the rally. Cell Phone coverage is spotty to non existent in much of the rally area.

We advise you bring a blanket in case you have car trouble. We recommend good winter tires but it’s not a requirement.

Headquarters

Rivers room in Green Mill, Winona, MN

Committee

Chairman    Kate Westberg
Rallymaster    Clarence Westberg
Safety        Kate Westberg & Dave Fuss
Controls    Dave Fuss
Sweep        TBD
Scoring    TCRC

Schedule

Friday

20:00-22:00 or so registration and Informal gathering at the Green Mill in Eden Prairie.

 

Classes

Expert-Anyone with SCCA lifetime points earned before 2006, or with a computer  such as a Timewise etc, will be in this class. Equipment differences are negated by the reduced timing precision.
Journeyman - People with more experience and the ability to calculate time.

NTS - People in the first year or less than 6 rallies. No time calculations will be required.

Roads

Both paved and unpaved with the emphasis on unpaved. Dead end roads and obvious driveways should not be considered unless you are directed to use them. Road names such as 331st can be referenced as 331, 331st, etc. As long as the number is correct, use it. There are NO CONTROLS on paved roads, consider them Free Zones. 

Official time

Official time for this rally will be NIST radio station WWV. A clock set to WWV will be available at registration if you don’t have access to WWV. Make sure that your watch is set correctly. 

Measurement & Calculation

The course was measured using a Timewise 798A driven from the driver side front wheel (front wheel drive).  Mileages are given to the .01 mile. Mileage was taken at the stop/yield sign if present otherwise the near edge or apex was used. Temperaturee was 40F-35F.

Timing Controls (TC)

Timing controls are identified by standard SCCA orange checkpoint sign. An example will be shown at registration. Controls will close 10 minutes after the last car due. When you enter a timing control, do not stop at the sign, pull up to the worker car located a short distance down the road and receive a timing sticker. which will have your in-time to seconds resolution. All timing controls are shown in the route instructions.

 

Route Instructions

You will get your routes when you register. The course is divided into 4 sections. The odo check is not timed and contains no timing controls. It is used to compare your odometer to ours over a variety of surfaces. Sections begin with an official mileage of 0.00 and measured continuously until the end of the section. 

The route instructions are very easy to follow Tulips. Instructions are to be completed in numerical order. Each instruction will contain official mileage, interval mileage, tulip, and the distance to the end of section. Signs referenced will be identified in the tulip instructions as a shape. The text or graphic of the sign may be identified in the information box. 

An instruction may uses the term “quiet” in built up areas where you need to go slow so you don’t upset the locals. If a speed limit is present, stay under it. We suggest you go 25 MPH and dip your lights. Adequate time will be given to make up lost time after the quiet area. All “Watch for Children” and similar signs are quiet areas without mention in the instructions.

Following the Course

The rally starts at the Headquarters parking lot exit to your right as you leave the lobby of the hotel. The course at each intersection is determined by applying the following priority list in the order shown.

1. Proceed as directed by the numbered instruction.
2. Proceed ahead on the road you are on. If there is any question, leave on the road without a stop or yield sign (Protection).

Delays

It’s possible that you could find yourself behind schedule through no fault of your own such as a vehicle blocking the road or if you stop to aid a fellow contestant. In such cases turn in a delay in 10 second increments up to 5 minutes. If you are late for reasons of your own making, you can still claim a delay but the penalty is 10 points.

Scorecard/Due Time

You will be provided with scorecards at the start of the rally for section 1 and at the start of each subsequent section. Use these scorecards to record your time in and calculate your due time.  A competitors' due time is simply the time that they are due at the next time control. Due time is the time in at the previous control or restart plus the interval time on your scorecard. So if you arrive at TC 1 six seconds late your due time for TC 2 is your in time for TC 1 plus the interval time.  

Miscellaneous

Rally master Phone number (952) 381-2759. If you get lost or drop out, call or text. We may not have a sweep car so if you get stuck you may need to call for help or try the nearest farm.  

Vehicle Inspection

A self inspection system will be used. You are responsible for insuring the following is in order:

• Headlights (high and low beams) and parking lights
• Taillights and stoplights
• Horn, windshield wipers and directional signals
• Rear-view mirror
• Foot brakes and parking brake
• Tires (inspect for condition of sidewalls as well as tread)
• Seat belts, securely installed for the driver and navigator
• Safety triangle (required)
• First Aid Kit (optional)
• Tow Rope (required)
• Fire Extinguisher (optional)
• Shovel (suggested if there is snow)

If you have Driving lights, they must be wired such that they dim when you dip your high beams.