Rally Series Day 5: Driver Nathan Usher

It's hard to believe it's already Day 5 of the Rally Series. I know I am thoroughly enjoying these interviews, and I hope you are as well. I love the sport of rally, and I feel very passionate about sharing that love with you, my readers.
Today's interview is with driver, Nathan Usher.

Left: Aaron Usher Right: Nathan Usher

(photo credit: Matt Bushore)

 

 

Berry Favorite Things: Welcome, Nathan. Tell us a little about yourself.

Nathan Usher: "I got my start in 2008 doing SCCA Rallycross. I bought a used rally car in 2010 and raced that in Group 2 for a couple years before building the Subaru that I'm now racing in Open Light. My brother, Aaron co-drives for me, but we haven't come up with a team name yet; we should probably do that at some point. We have different people crewing for us just about every rally, usually new guys who want to get into competing in rally, or spectators who want to see a rally from another perspective."

Berry Favorite Things: Who or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?

Nathan Usher: "Growing up, playing the Colin McRae rally games and seeing him race on TV was my first taste of rally. At that point, I already knew it was something I wanted to do, but I didn't have the time and money to get started until after I finished school."

BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?

NU: "As a driver, my favorite thing is that you only drive each road once or twice on a rally, so you never really know what's coming up after the next curve. At events where I'm not driving, my favorite thing is how close you can get to the action. I especially like to watch the services, where teams are able to do major repairs to cars in just 20-30 minutes."

BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?

NU: "There really isn't a lot I would like to change about rally, which is why I started doing it in the first place. My biggest issue being a self funded driver is the initial cost to get started (mostly safety gear) and per event cost. Event organizers are doing their best to keep event costs down, so I've just been doing my best to keep my costs low at each event."

 

(photo credit: Pete Kuncis)

 

BFT: What advice would you offer to someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.

NU: "The best way to get started would be to volunteer to work controls/tech/etc. at some rallies. You'll learn a lot of things that aren't obvious otherwise, and probably save yourself some time penalties at your first few events. Also, since most of the workers are current and former competitors, you'll meet people who can give you a lot of great advice on getting started."

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC (Global Rallycross) growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?

NU: "I think it can definitely be beneficial to the sport. I think a big problem is that even in areas close to rallies, a lot of people don't know anything about them. If more people see the event coverage showing upcoming events, it could increase spectator and volunteer turnout in the short term, which could eventually lead to more new competitors. I first learned about rally from watching TV coverage and that is what pushed me to competing."

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.

NU: "I don't really have a bucket list, more like a list of long term plans/race car projects that I think would be fun to build and race. I work as an electrical engineer, doing mostly embedded control projects. I enjoy doing that sort of thing as you can see from the following list. Even if they end up not being competitive, I think they would all be interesting projects. Electric Lotus 7 replica - I built a Westfield SEi and autocrossed it for a few years, and I think it would be a lot of fun to build another one, but with a custom motor controller. Rally car traction/stability control - It should be a lot cheaper than buying fancy differentials, since most rally guys throw away all the necessary hardware when building their car. I'd just need to replace the terrible Subaru ABS "brain" with something custom. CVT rallycross/rally car: with a good transmission control algorithm it would never be in the wrong gear, and would leave my right hand free for steering and hand braking."

 

(photo credit: Stan Spruce)

 

BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?

NU: "That's a tough call, since I've liked all the rallies I've competed in. I would say my favorite is STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally) the main thing that sets it apart from the others is the Super Special stage they have. It's set up similar to a lot of the WRC (World Rally Championship) events with two cars running side by side, and it's also the only stage I've been to where drivers get to watch their competitors. STPR was the first event where we trophied in a field  with a lot of competition, and we moved into the trophy position during the Super Special."

BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?

NU: "teamwork, perseverance, crazy"

BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?

NU: "I don't have anything too great right now, so I'll pick a fun one: I got under 10 minutes around the Nurburgring Nordschleife in a rental Suzuki Swift on a wet track."

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?

Nathan Usher: "The time I flipped my WRX onto its roof on the second corner of Sno*Drift. To make things worse, it was the first time competing in a car, so I had just spent a lot of time and money getting it rally ready and I made it less than a quarter mile before having to do major repairs."

 

 

Special thanks to Nathan for sharing his insight into the sport.

If you see him at events, I strongly suggest taking a moment to talk to him.

He's a great guy, with a lot of useful knowledge.









Rally Series Day 4: Driver Gary DeMasi (V8 Rally Ranger)

Today's interview is with driver, Gary DeMasi of V8 Rally Ranger. I met Gary at Rally West Virginia 2013, and have been a fan ever since. I really wanted to include Gary in this series, and I'm so glad he agreed to do it.

(Gary with Lee Wildman)

 

Berry Favorite Things: Welcome, Gary. Tell us a little about yourself.

Gary DeMasi: "I am owner/operator of V8 Rally Ranger DeMasi Racing Team. We have been involved with the sport since 2004. We started as volunteer sweep team driver, and worked our way from the back. Heavy, to the front fast sweep, team leader, official, and then "Chief of Sweep". We had volunteered in 60 events in 9 years, enjoying the sport. I have never received an award, but helping the rally drivers, their crew, and care of the cars was its own reward. Making the race happen from the tail end of the field, it was a way to be involved 110%, and I loved it. I always wanted to compete, but I was content. Until one day, after a simple routine surgery, my life would change. Within 2 weeks, I had a CVA stroke on the right side of my brain, causing left side paralysis and other deficits in balance, linguistics, and functionality. But from day one I had a rally to run sweep in 8 days away. It was a sprint, I was the fast sweep, and I had to make it. People don't know what I sacrificed to do that, but it was something I had to do. I found that it was the way to recovery. Something to train for, so I decided to challenge myself to become a competitor, and use the knowledge I had. Use it before I lose it. And so we are here today. Using rally racing as rehabilitative therapy. It is not easy, struggle is still a factor, but I am not one to stop at adversity. So I advocate for my illness, and help others, and race my butt off."

Berry Favorite Things: Who or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?

Gary DeMasi: "It was personal. I loved racing and all that did it from a young age, there was no one person. It was the sport in general. The thought of I can do this! My love for go fast, be on the edge of control, and still make it work. Then it was the competition of it. All types of racing inspire me."

BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?

GD: "I like rally because of the unpredictability. In all forms of racing, there is something that is repetitive, but with rally racing the challenge and changes are all the time. From the course, times, conditions, they all can be different. There is less room for error. Rally racing is not door to door competition as I love, but is the same and more, so it is a time attack on skill."

BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?

GD: "Cost is the only thing, and I do not see that happening. The other thing is for it to be more popular, so more people could spectate, sponsor, and be involved. Film makers are needed. Find sports commentators, and video it for the masses, with interviews and personalization. This would help. More photographers and videographers."

BFT: What advice would you offer to someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.

GD: "I came in this with built hands on experience. So my advice is to find a car you love to drive, one you have fun driving. You will be more competitive if you are enjoying your ride, and more likely to fix, prep, and take care of that ride."

 

(Photo credit: Mike Houston)

 

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC (Global Rallycross) growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?

GD: "WOW, this is a hugely good thing. If they don't focus  only on the big names, but regionals too, since they make up the field, bring the volunteers, and the people, not the big names. They bring fans, not people to help grow the sport at a grassroots level, and that is needed. Awareness is needed on how to get started, not we are the big leagues."

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.

GD: "I would love to compete in a full season in Rally America's national series, feel like one of the big teams, or enter a race out of the country with my truck. I would love to try an AWD (all wheel drive) car as well."

BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?

GD: "Rally New York spring event, and now the Empire State Performance Rally, it is tarmac, and I have much history racing this area. After that it's STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally) this is a spread out full event, with some fun stuff and spectator interaction. Then Sandblast. This reminds me of the beaches of Long Island I used to love to drive on since I was very young."

(Photo credit: Austin K. Webb Photography)

 

BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?

GD: "ALL OUT ADRENALINE"

BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?

GD: "The day I started my 1958 Volkswagen go cart. After 2 years sitting on the ground, covered in plastic and concrete blocks. I disassembled it when I was 11, and reassembled it when I was 13, with no help, and no book. All I replaced was a set of rings after pounding out a piston from the cylinder because the engine was seized. I found a ring set for one piston, and I thought I'd put it back together to see if it would run. It did, and everyone was surprised. I mean really surprised."

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?

Gary DeMasi: "I've got a few of those. Rolling the truck, ahh... not so much. But the day after my first rally, the first turn had mud, and I got stuck in it, and had to be swept out, and I DNFed. After all the years of being a sweep, and now a competitor. Blah..."

 

(Photo credit: Jordan Apgar)

 

Thank you to Gary for being so awesome, and taking the time to do this interview! Be sure to take a moment and check out his team on their website V8RallyRanger.com.

Gary also accepts donations to help fellow stroke victims, and if you ever see his truck at an event, be sure to "Give a buck, and sign the truck!"

You can also check him out on facebook and on twitter @V8RallyRanger











Rally Series Day 3: Driver Tracey Gardiner (TAG Rally Sport)

It's day three of the Rally Series, and so far I couldn't be happier with the response. I know I am enjoying reading all these great answers, and I hope you are as well. Just a reminder, all participants were asked the same 11 questions, but the responses are as unique as the drivers & co-drivers themselves. I'd also like to add a quick note to help those of you who may not know. In rally, there are many abbreviations for events and more. Here is a quick list of some to keep you up to speed, and the links to each.
*LSPR (Lake Superior Performance Rally)
*STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally)
*ESPR (Empire State Performance Rally)
*NEFR (New England Forest Rally)
*NASA (NASA Rally Sport)
*RA (Rally America)
*GRC (Global Rallycross)
* DNF (stands for Did Not Finish)
So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce today's interviewee. The lovely Tracey Gardiner of TAG Rally Sport.

Left: Tabitha Lohr (Middle: Jellybean) Right: Tracey Gardiner

(Photo credit: Randy Montgomery/Montgomery Media Productions)

 

Berry Favorite Things: Welcome, Tracey. Tell us a little about yourself.

Tracey Gardiner: "My team is TAG Rally Sport, and we have two cars. A 2005 2.5RS Subaru in Open Light Class (My son Rory now races this one. It was previously mine.) and a 2007 Toyota Yaris in B Spec Class (I run this one.) I have been in rally since 2010. My husband bought me a 4 day Rally Experience at Team O'Neil Rally School, and I fell in love. My first rally was Black River Stages in 2010 with my son Rory as my co-driver. We finished the event without an intercom and towed a team in to the finish so they would not DNF. I have been running Rally America events since 2011. My biggest achievements would be running with all the boys and finishing rallies as a woman driver. There are not that many women drivers in the series. Out of all the rallies I've done, I've only DNFed 3 times. That is a big deal!"

Berry Favorite Things: Tracey has competed in numerous events, and her list of accomplishments is quite impressive. Just to give you an idea, here are a few recent ones:

Second place in B Spec Nationals at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood 2014

Second place in B Spec Nationals at LSPR 2013

First place in B Spec Regionals at LSPR 2013

Second place in B Spec Nationals at NEFR 2013

First place in B Spec Regionals at NEFR 2013

She was also the only woman driver at the Climb to the Clouds, Mount Washington Hillclimb event in June 2011.

Tracey has competed in countless rallies including Rally Mexico, Errol Rally, Sno*Drift Rally, Oregon Trail Rally, and many, many more.

Berry Favorite Things: Who or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?

Tracey Gardiner: "Michele Mouton is a very classy lady and a champion driver in the rally world. I can only dream to aspire to that greatness."

BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?

TG: "I have a few favorite things about rally. First, the diversity of the roads and conditions. You have to be prepared to tackle these challenges. Also, you have to rely on your co-driver to get you through all the stages, so having a good rapport is very important. The rally community! You could not ask for a better group of people. If you need something in service or on stage, there is always someone there to help you out. From the top National teams to the regional competitors. In rally, everyone wants to see you finish! The volunteers at rally make it all happen! They are out there in all kinds of conditions and are there to greet you with a smile on their face! The fans who stand out in the woods to watch us go by one time! They rock!"

BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?

TG: "One thing I would change about rally would be marketing for the sport, along the lines of NASCAR, and manufacturer backing."

 

(Photo credit: Scott Rains/Rains Photography)

 

 

BFT: What advice would you offer someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.

TG: "If you love rally, it is a passion you cannot squelch! That being said, it is also not a cheap sport to get into. Spectate at events, volunteer, get to know how it all works. You can build your own vehicle and do it cost effectively. Start in a class like Open Light or B Spec to get your feet wet and learn. I am always learning at every event. If you can, go to a rally school. Team O'Neil (check them out here) is my favorite."

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?

TG: "Media attention will be good for the sport! When I say to people that I do Stage Rally Racing, the questions are "What is that? What tracks do you run on? Where can we see it?" My answers were, "No tracks, closed dirt and gravel roads. You have to come to an event to see it. YouTube it." Now, I can tell them exactly when they can see it if they can't make it to an event, airing on National TV! Travis Pastrana and Ken Block have great followings, so I do not think it will have adverse effects. If either or both are at an event, that is where the crowd will be waiting for autographs and wanting to meet them. And us!"

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.

TG: "I met Sebastien Loeb this year at Pikes Peak, that was pretty much one I achieved on my bucket list! I would love to meet Michele Mouton, and ask her loads of questions or just shake her hand. I would love to do Rally Monte Carlo, or a rally in the Alps. We spectated at a rally in Italy, San Martino di Castrozza, and I fell in love with the rally, the cars, and the scenery. I would like to race Pikes Peak. It is an hour or so from where we live in Colorado. I would love to drive a vintage Mini Cooper in a rally in Ireland soon. And to be on the set of Top Gear (UK) and hang with those guys!"

BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?

TG: "My favorite rally event was Rally in the 100 Acre Wood 2014. I was determined to jump the Yaris on the cattle guard jump. We nailed it! (We also had to try and beat my son Rory and his co-driver Steven Harrell from last year at 100 Acre Wood. A little incentive!)"

 

(Photo credit: Scott Rains/Rains Photography)

 

BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?

TG: "Best high ever"

BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?

TG: "Being the only woman driver invited to the Mount Washington Hillclimb in 2011 and 2014. Finishing in 2011, and being 25 seconds faster on our second run up!"

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?

Tracey Gardiner: "Most embarrassing moment. In 2012, my new Subaru got delivered to me about less than an hour before shakedown at NEFR. I did not know the car, and Maureern Hascher and I were getting used to it. When we got to the start of one of the stages, we could not get the passenger side window to go up. We were allowed to run the stage, but not at speed. When we got to the next stage, a fellow Open Light competitor came over and said "Oh, your window lock button is on." We got quite a slagging for that! I was used to a manual window crank in my 2001 Subaru. This was fancy!"

 



(Photo credit: Randy Montgomery)

 

Special thanks to Tracey for taking the time to answer my questions! Look for her in Jellybean at rally events, and give her a big high five!

 

You can also check out TAG Rally Sport on their website. (Follow this link.) 

And give them a like on their facebook page to stay up to date. 

And follow them on Twitter as well: @Tagrallysport1

 























There's Some Weird Shit Out There, People

A few months ago, I fell down the interwebs rabbit hole, and stumbled upon something that my brain can not only not forget, but it keeps me awake at night with questions and concerns. This thing that haunts my thoughts and makes me question reality is.... Menstrual Cups.
Yes, you read that correctly. Menstrual Cups. If you aren't familiar with these (and I pray you are not) you may be wondering what exactly they are. Well I can assure you that they are not extra large cups meant to hold the adult beverage of your choice whilst you suffer through your menzzies. Nay. They are something awful. Something so bizarre and unnatural that your normal mind could never fathom it. They are little cups that you insert inside your nethers to catch your monthly flow. Let me wait, while you go reread that a few times. No really, I'll be over here humming a tune while you go through the long process of acceptance and understanding....

*****Some time later*****

I assume by now that you've Googled it, to confirm that this is not just something my fantastical mind dreamed up, but in fact something that exists, and is presumably in the medicine cabinets and bathroom drawers, of female hippies the world over.

If you are like me, you simply cannot understand why anyone would want to use something so medieval, and you also have a plethora of hows and whys just rolling around in your head. But first things first, if you did not do an immediate internet search, let me share with you exactly what we are dealing with.

This is what a menstrual cup is. And before you ask me why I have this, let me just assuage your fears and tell you that I do not use these. They were given to me to use for this purpose. Now apparently there are several different brands/styles of the cup, but this should give you an idea at least. This is a disposable kind, but there are some that are reusable as well. Yes, I said reusable. As in, you wash them out and use them over and over and over. (insert gagging sound here)

Ok, so first things first... This bad boy was NOT soft. It was like a harder version of those silicone bracelets that everyone wears to support cancer research. And just about the same size. Sounds exactly like something you want to shove up your who-ha, right? (That was sarcasm, in case you were wondering.)

So let's just assume you see this infomercial, and you think to yourself "Hey, I'd like to try that." so you place your order, and a few days later, you're sitting in your yurt reading the directions. This is what you will see:





"Wash your hands and relax." Relax?? You are about to shove a rubber bracelet with a sandwich bag glued to it up your girlie bits, so you should obviously be in a place of Zen already. But if not... yes please, do relax.

The rest of the directions are just as helpful, by the way. Including this little tidbit:

"can lead to spillage." SPILLAGE!!! What the fuck??! Because clearly, someone thought the process of changing a pad or tampon just wasn't gross and messy enough.

This is where my vivid imagination comes into play. Let me set the scene; you are having a nice afternoon with your mother and grandmother. Enjoying a hot cup of tea and a scone at the local Cafe. When suddenly, you need to use the restroom. You enter the stall to do your business, and find it's time to change your "cup". Because if you are anything like me, that little plastic baggie shot glass isn't going to hold you for long. So you remove said cup, hopefully avoiding any spillage. (That's a difficult stain to explain to Nana when you return to tea.) This cup is obviously not flushable, so you must empty it. And now, just for fun, let's assume you are using the reusable ones, like the good tree hugger you are. You should probably wash it out before re-inserting, right? So now your pants are around your ankles, and you shuffle out of the stall to the sink. After smiling at the elderly lady washing her hands, you proceed to rinse your bloody "cup" out, then shuffle back to your stall. Of course, this is assuming there wasn't a line of women behind you waiting to jump right in it. Because nothing says awkward like going to the back of the line, pants around ankles, clean cup in hand to wait your turn again.

On what planet is this better than using tampons and/or pads? Maybe I'm just not concerned enough about the environment. What's next? Washable toilet paper? I'm sorry, but my inner hippie has to draw the line somewhere.

I still have endless questions about these things, and I still picture multiple scenarios where the use of this torture implement  goes horribly wrong. But I think I've made my point.

There's some weird shit out there, people.... 







Rally Series Day 2: Co-Driver Steven Harrell

Welcome to the second interview in the Rally Series. As I mentioned in the previous interview, I asked the same questions of each driver or co-driver, in order to see the various points of view.
My interview today is with co-driver, Steven Harrell.

(Photo credit: Lori Lass Photography)

Berry Favorite Things: Tell us a little about yourself, Steven.
Steven Harrell: "As a co-driver I get to try all kinds of cars with all kinds of drivers, but I'm primarily the co-driver for the TAG Rally Sport Subaru driven by Rory Gardiner. I've been involved with rally for four years, co-driving for three. I also once rode shotgun when the steering wheel came off at speed."
Berry Favorite Things: Who or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?
Steven Harrell: "My biggest inspiration in motorsports is the entire rally community. Everyone out there; every driver, every co-driver, every crew member, organizer, volunteer, and fan, they're all part of some kind of crazy family, always ready to help a brother or sister in rally. Whether it's a spot on their hotel floor so you don't have to sleep in the car, a tow out of a snow bank, the brake caliper of their daily driver, or just a few words of support or advice, they're the most incredible, helpful people I've ever met. I love this fantastic, crazy family."
BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?
SH: "My favorite thing about rally is the adventure of it. Rally is more than just a race, it's a scenic tour of some of the most beautiful places you've ever seen set on fast forward. It's a battle against the unknown, on a living course that changes with each car that traverses it. It's the chance to compete with Ken Block's M-Sport Fiesta and some old hippies in a 2-stroke Saab all at the same time. You just can't get that anywhere else."
BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?
SH: "Just one thing I could change about rally? I'd say I'd like to see more competitors at more events on more roads in more places."
BFT: What advice would you offer to someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.
SH: "Don't leave your helmet on the roof! Seriously though, I think the best advice is to just get out there and do it. If that means buying a used suit off Ebay, shoehorning a Peltor headset into a base model Pyrotec, and running an old Festiva on stock suspension, that's fine. If your dream is to compete in rally, then figure out how to make it a reality and do it. Even if you're in the slowest car at the event, I guarantee you'll have more fun than you've ever had before."

(Photo credit: Lori Lass Photography)

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC (Global Rallycross) growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?
SH: "I think Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports is good news for rally. I'm still cautious, as the first round hasn't aired yet, so I don't know exactly what the package will look like, but it sounds like they're doing it the right way, including the regional and budget teams in the story. GRC (Global Rallycross) on the other hand... as much as I enjoy watching it, the series just feels kind of disconnected. I mean if you're a fan of NASCAR, you buy an old 80s Chevy and race it at the local track. If you're a fan of Baja racing, you buy a stock Beetle and race Class 11. If you're a fan of rally, you cage whatever you can and run the nearest regional event. If you're a fan of sports car racing, you do a track day at Lime Rock or PIR. If you're a fan of Global Rallycross, then what? You buy a $185,000 GRC Lite? That's not an option for 95% of the people interested in doing rallycross. One of the great things that helps feed most forms of motorsports is that there's an outlet for the everyfan to enter it at a lower level, live out their dreams, and possibly move up the ranks. Rallycross in the states doesn't really have that. The guys at American Rallycross are trying to change that, and did a good job last year creating an event at Pocono, but there needs to be more of a grass roots foundation, like there is in Europe."

*To find out more about American Rallycross, and events like Pocono, follow this link.*

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.
SH: "Ok, 1) Drive a trophy truck. 2) Do the Dakar rally. 3) Rally Finland 4) Safari rally (ideally in a 911 RS) 5) Finish the Baja 1000."
BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?
SH: "I can't imagine picking a single favorite rally. LSPR (Lake Superior Performance Rally) is beautiful, STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally) pairs such great technical roads with such a slim margin for error, Tall Pines is an awesomely brutal endurance event, ESPR (Empire State Performance Rally) is crazy high speed fun, NEFR (New England Forest Rally) is a great survival race. They're all special in one way or another!"
BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?
SH: "Adventure, freedom, fun."
BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?
SH: "There's such great contenders to choose from. My surprise win with Troy Miller, my first rally (Lanark with Justin Carven), my first major rally (NEFR with Rory Gardiner), my story on the Nameless GT86 going up on Jalopnik. But I think my proudest moment was running the Vegas to Reno Desert Race in 2011. Five years of crazy dreams and hard work, five years of imagining what it would feel like to drive in a desert race, finally becoming a reality. Those five hours behind the wheel were the best five hours I've ever had."

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?
Steven Harrell: "Did I mention leaving my helmet on the roof? That was by far the most embarrassing, especially since it would have ended our rally if not for Kris Gove donating his at the start of a stage. But funniest is probably NEFR 2012 when the steering wheel came off during a high speed section. I still remember looking over and seeing the loose wheel practically in Rory's lap. He kept the car on the road, got the wheel secured, and we were back to business. The whole ordeal probably only cost us 5-10 seconds. The moment was crazy enough on its own, but the exposure the clip has received since is absolutely insane."

*To see the infamous steering wheel moment, follow this link.*

Don't forget to follow Steven on Twitter as well @DVMSteve
And check out TAG Rally Sport on their website.

A big thanks to Steven for taking the time to do this interview, and keep an eye out for him (he'll be the guy in the crazy hat & often seen with a dinosaur) at rally events throughout the year.

Rally Series Day 1: Driver Dmitriy Martynov

Welcome to the Rally Series. Throughout this series, the questions asked will be the same with each driver or co-driver I interview. I wanted to give my readers a look into the world of rally through the eyes of the participants, and the chance to see each individual's take on it.
My interview today is with rally driver Dmitriy Martynov.

(photo courtesy of Dmitriy)

Berry Favorite Things: Tell us a little about yourself, Dmitriy.

Dmitriy Martynov: "I've always been into cars, and started racing when I bought my 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS about 10 years ago. At the time I didn't know anyone who did any sort of racing, not family, not friends, so I just went online, and stumbled onto SCCA... so I bought a helmet and went to my first AutoX. I was instantly addicted, and AutoXed for a couple of years, claiming a couple Detroit Regional titles. Then, one winter, when AutoX was sleeping, I tried RallyX and was hooked. I have now been through a number of different cars and have tried all sorts of off and on-road racing. I seem to always come back to rally because I find it has the greatest element of adventure, and a very closely knit community. Right now I race a Group 2 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS in the very competitive NASA RallySport and Rally America 2WD championships."

(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

Berry Favorite Things: Who, or what was your biggest inspiration in motorsports?

Dmitriy Martinov: "I don't think I have a single person, but every time I get on Facebook and see someone doing something awesome (cars, motorcycles, bikes, hiking...etc.) I get inspired and do it myself."

BFT: What is your favorite thing about rally?

DM: "The close knit community and adventure it provides. You get to see all sorts of interesting new places, experience new things, and overcome challenges. I think I've faced more challenges on some of my rally weekends than most normal people face in a decade."

BFT: What is one thing you wish you could change about rally?

DM: "Definitely the cost. Sure, it's awesome that you're out there running in the same event as Ken Block, but having to pay the same entry fees and get beaten because you can't put new tires on at every service kind of sucks. It would be great if there were more smaller, local events with more reasonable entry fees that would attract a less celebrity crowd. Most other motorsports have this, but US rally doesn't seem to. For example, compare a national level autocross- where people show up with two story trailers and $20,000 suspensions; to a regional one- where teenagers run their parents Honda Accords. NASA RallySport is trying, and the field is a bit more amateur... but it's still not quite there due to the $1000 entry fees."

BFT: What advice would you offer to someone who was interested in getting started in rally? Maybe something you wish you had known earlier.

DM: "Something I wish I would have known earlier and done: Start autocrossing as soon as you have any car. Don't wait until you buy a car that you think is sporty enough to race, or until you modify your car to be "race-worthy". Take your parents Taurus and go racing! Some good rally specific advice: *For the youngsters out there, get a good job, and focus on your career. It's a lot more fun if you have a good career to support your hobby and you're not stressed over funding or trying to find sponsors. *Buy, don't build your first rally car. You can buy a very competitive ready to go car for under $10k. No matter what kind of hookups you have, you will spend at least $10k building your own and probably 500+ hours of labor if you work on it yourself. The benefit of building your own is that you get to set it up exactly how you want it, but if you don't have a bunch of rally experience, you have no idea how you want it. *Don't limit yourself to rally. I honestly don't think it's the best place to learn to be a good driver, definitely not the most cost effective. You're never going to become an amazing driver if you only race 3-4 times per year. Try autocross, track, go-carts, dirt bikes, mountain biking...etc. *If you're building a car, leave the drivetrain stock (i.e. reliable). Spend good money on cage/seats, suspension, wheels, and tires. Those are the bits that keep you safe and make you go fast."

(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

BFT: With Rally America teaming up with NBC Sports, GRC (Global Rallycross) growing in popularity, and big names like Travis Pastrana back in stage rally, do you think more attention will be beneficial to the sport in America? Or do you think it could have adverse effects?

DM: "I think more attention is good. Considering that the current events are already close to filling up every time, I'm hoping it will mean there will be more events. Hopefully there will be series that appear to cater to more of a grassroots crowd. More people in the sport also means more vendor support, which means more volume of parts/tires and cheaper prices for all."

BFT: Name 5 items on your motorsport bucket list.
DM: "*Run a Baja event. *Build a retardedly fast pavement car, BMW or Porsche or something similar. Then troll it around track days. *Run a rally on a motorcycle. *Alcan 5000, have been wanting to do this for a while. *Win a NASA or RA (Rally America) championship of some sort...not really a must do, but would be nice."

BFT: What is your favorite rally event you've done and why?

DM: "Probably Rally Idaho. Amazing AMAZING roads and super friendly people."
BFT: If you had to describe rally in 3 words, what would they be?

DM: "Super epic adventure."

BFT: What is your proudest auto related moment?

DM: "I don't have a single moment, but I'd say that I'm proud of how far I've come by virtue of basically my work alone. I've never really had people encourage me, push me along, or give me free stuff/rides. Not to say that I don't have supportive friends, and haven't had a bit of luck, but I've definitely got to where I am by working hard through the entire process."

Berry Favorite Things: What is your most embarrassing/funny auto related moment?

Dmitriy Martynov: "I've had many... but the one that sticks out is having to back up past the start at Sno*Drift two years ago in order to make it up the icy hill that the start was on... while waving to a line of competitors behind us."



(photo courtesy of M.Campbell Photography)

Big thanks to Dmitriy for taking the time to answer my questions. Keep an eye out for Mr. Martynov at upcoming rally events, and give him lots of support and big cheers! He's a great guy, and a lot of fun to watch.

**Update: After a substantial off at Magnum Opus 2014, Dmitriy was forced to retire his car. 

He is currently in the process of finishing a new build, to debut this year. He has also started a new team, with girlfriend (and first time codriver) Molly Disend. To follow their adventures, check them out at Tachyon Racing.









Pet Adoption Woes

I love dogs. I grew up having them, and have been wanting to get one with my hubs for some time now. He is the ultimate animal lover, and I think he definitely needs a furry little buddy.
I have said for years that if/when I was to get another pet (we've previously had cats) that it would have to come from a shelter or rescue. No puppy mills for this girl. But in the past year and a half, I have come to find that many of these places seem to not want to place their animals. For starters, the hoops that you must jump through to give a dog a good home are ridiculous. I understand the need for SOME background, so as not to send an animal into a bad situation, but some of the requirements are just plain absurd.
The last place had a pre application. That's right I said PRE application. Meaning you have to apply and be approved to formally apply. I'm offering a home to a dog, not asking for security clearance at the CIA. Once you get passed that step, you have to do the actual application process. This includes, but is not limited to, a full questionnaire, interviews, home visits, etc. Many of these places expect you to have a minimum amount of property, and upwards of 14 free hours a day to spend with your pet. Now, if you have those things... great. More power to ya. But if you don't, does that make you a bad candidate for a dog? It would seem so to these places.
I live in an apartment. It isn't a tiny, cramped space by any stretch of the imagination. My complex also caters to dogs, and has a Bark Park, walking trails, and more. So no, I don't have 5 acres, and a Westminster Dog Show style play center, but isn't what I'm offering better than the little cage the animal is squeezed into at the moment? Not according to most of the rescues I have looked into.
My hubs and I also both work. So this means we are gone during the day, and doesn't allow us 20 free hours a day with our would be pet. Now, I could potentially take the dog to work with me, and I may do that, but my office doesn't have a pet playground attached, so this may pose a problem still. The benefit to both of us working is that we could afford to actually own and take care of a dog. Apparently this isn't something the rescues and shelters take into consideration. This could explain why so many unemployed, broke people seem to have no problems getting animals. It could also explain why so many animals are there to begin with. But I digress...
Another issue I am finding with these places, is the cost. It should not cost as much to rescue an animal as it does to purchase one from a professional breeder. I understand that these places run on donations and volunteers, but if the whole point is to find loving homes for these animals, maybe making the cost substantially less (or free) would make an impact. Especially considering that the majority of adoptable animals are not babies, and many of them have health issues to be dealt with as well. Thus costing the would be owners even more money up front, on top of the outrageous adoption fees.
I guess what I am getting at, is that if someone comes into a shelter or rescue, and genuinely wants to give an animal a warm, happy, loving home... do these places really have the right to deny them? Isn't their main objective to NOT have animals that need homes? Because I'm starting to feel like maybe their main objective is to keep these animals locked up forever. Or at least until some "perfect" candidate comes along.
Well wake up. There is no such thing as perfect. And animals need companionship. They only want to be loved. They don't care how big your house is, just that they fit in it. They don't care how much money you have, as long as they are fed and taken care of. They don't care if you have to take them on walks to the local park because your yard isn't big enough, as long as they get to run and play somewhere. They don't care about pre applications, endless interviews, and job schedules. If you love them, they will love you. It's just that simple....