This is a film by Matt Johnston, and he did an amazing job making a documentary that doesn't just tell you what rally racing is, but gives you an insiders look at the lives and stories of some of the people that make up this incredible motor sport.
I cannot say enough great things about this film, and I strongly suggest, no... I BEG you, to buy the DVD when it is released on October 2nd. You will not be disappointed. Though, I do think that it should come with a warning. "Caution: May cause you to become addicted." But you'll have to take that up with him.
My hubs and I have been a part of the rally world in a fairly small way for a relatively short time now, and I can honestly tell you that I cannot imagine my life without it. We have been fans for many years, but only recently did we actually take steps to make our dreams of rally a reality. (This is a long story, and if you want to know more, read my post With Thanks, From Team Finn.)
I've talked about rally before, and as I've said, explaining to others what rally is can be a difficult task. There's the obvious description, "You drive fast. And you do it on dirt, mud, ice, gravel, etc." but that just doesn't seem to be enough. Because when you are a part of the rally world, it is SO MUCH MORE. It is truly a lifestyle. Some people save up money for vacations, designer shoes, etc. When you live a rally lifestyle, if you have an extra $10 in your budget, you are probably online, buying some car part with it. And let's be honest, your rally car has probably come before groceries at least once. While my friends are out drooling over handbags, and getting manicures, I'm geeked out over new suspension, or tires. While others book cruises to exotic lands, I'm researching campsites and cheap hotels in the middle of nowhere-ville, and hoping there's at least one cell phone tower within 50 miles of it. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Why? Because that's rally. It sucks you in, and you can't get enough. You barely finish one event before you are counting down to the next one. And don't even get me started on the people. You want to meet some of the most kind, generous, funny, good hearted, genuine folks you will ever know? Come to a rally event. Whether you are a driver, crew member, volunteer, or spectator, I promise you, you will leave there with no less than 10 new best friends. Rally people are absolutely amazing. It is a family. There is no such thing as a stranger. Every person in rally has their own unique story. Something that brought them to the sport. And more often than not, these individuals have struggled to get where they are. This makes them more understanding and compassionate than most. And it shows. The friends we have made in rally have become some of the closest people in our lives. It doesn't matter if you've known them a week, or for years, there is an instant connection that is undeniable. Whether you see them often, or only at events, these friends would be there if you needed them. No questions asked. It's an unspoken bond of camaraderie that defies all explanation. It is rally. This is what makes it so addictive.
It's hard to sell someone on rally who hasn't ever experienced it. How would you like to spend 4 days in a shitty hotel room, with 8 other people, in the middle of nowhere? But wait... there's more! You'll have to get up early, spend your days getting dirty, sweaty (or freeze your ass off) muddy and wet. You'll walk miles into the woods to see 5 minutes of action, or sit at a service area for hours on end, only to see all your previous hard work destroyed, fix it and send it off to be broken yet again. You'll be stressed out for a good portion of the time there, you'll be running on little to no sleep, and the cost of the trip is coming out of your own pocket. This is where the phrase "You just had to be there." must have come from. Because any sane, reasonable person would avoid this at all costs, but rally folks can't wait to do it. And you know what? It's worth it. But unless you've been there, seen it, and experienced it, you wouldn't believe it.
So for those of you who haven't experienced it, and think maybe you want to, I urge you to check out 'Easier Said Than Done'. If this flick doesn't make you want to build a car, join a team, or pack your bags and head off to the nearest event... There's no hope for you.
Thank you to M.Campbell Photography for this pic.
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