2014 NI Navigation Championship

2014 Northern Ireland Navigation Championship, supported by McGrady Insurance.

Posted: January 10, 2014 11:24 AM

It's a new year so time for a new start and some new resolutions. If one of yours is to take part in some motorsport this year then navigation rallying might be the perfect fit.

We offer a proper MSA accredited Northern Ireland Championship consisting of 9 rallies based all round the province with a big prize giving dinner in January along with the stage rally and other top NI motorsport championships. All the championship rounds are very well organised but you don't have to commit to them all, just try out the rally local to you to see if you like it.

Navigation rallying consists of a traditional rally crew of a driver and navigator, making their way quickly between 2 time controls. The skill and competition element comes into it as the correct route must be followed and you must arrive at the next control at the correct time, not early and not late. The rally is started "blind" and the route instructions are only given in the window as the car leaves each time control. The route must be deciphered, plotted on the map, and correctly followed to get you to the next control on time. Penalties are awarded for poor direction and poor timing with the winner being the crew that make it round with the lowest score. Navigation rallying is a true test of the crews talent as a good result depends on skill and experience rather than how quick your car might be, a good result can not be bought in navigation rallying.

The rallies are split into different classes so everyone gets route instructions to suit them based on their experience, from the first timer up to the seasoned campaigner. There is even a class for people who don't yet hold a MSA competition licence. The rally is held on public roads so no car modifications are required and a standard car is perfectly acceptable. The only special equipment that is needed is a map and a roamer (for plotting grid references). The entry fee for most rallies is £25 plus £18 for insurance and then just 70 miles worth of fuel.

There is no cheaper way to compete part in motorsport so take a chance and have a go at it, you won't regret it. There is no better way to drive some of the rest back roads in the country with some like minded friends.

Championship Rounds

Posted: January 10, 2014 11:21 AM

1. Jumping Jack Rally, QUB MC - (Fri) 24 Jan 2014
2. Tour of the Mournes, Rathfriland MC - (Fri) 07 Feb 2014
3. Erne Safari, Enniskillen MC - (Fri) 07 Mar 2014
4. Donaldon Fuels Rally, Cookstown MC - (Fri) 28 Mar 2014
5. Bone Shaker Rally, Omagh MC - (Fri) 11 Apr 2014
6. Moonshine Rally (Reserve event), QUB MC - (Fri) 25 Apr 2014
7. Moonraker Rally, Dungannon MC - (Fri) 05 Sep 2014
8. Circuit of Down, Newry & District MC - (Fri) 19 Sep 2014
9. Orchard Rally, North Armagh MC - (Fri) 03 Oct 2014
10. Firecracker Rally, UAC - (Fri) 07 Nov 2014