What are the 2 sticks used by the driver in a rally car?
Introduction to the Sticks Used in Rally Cars
Now you're probably wondering, "Emmett, why on earth are we talking about sticks in a rally car?" Fair question, dear reader. Despite the seemingly odd subject matter, this topic actually fascinates me, and hopefully, it will fascinate you too. Dive into the intriguing world of rally car driving with me. No, I'm not talking about actual wooden sticks. The two 'sticks' we are referring to in this context are the gear lever and the handbrake. The term 'sticks' is a bit of cheeky colloquial slang used in the industry. Today we’ll delve deep into the purpose of these 'sticks,' their operation, and how they contribute to making rally racing a thrilling experience. Plus, I might just have a rally car story of my own to share.
Mastering the Art of the Gear Lever
In the high octane world of rally racing, shifting gears is not merely an operation; it's an art. The gear lever or shift stick, as some might prefer to call it, is akin to the conductor's baton in an orchestra, elegantly synchronising the engine's power with the car's speed. Your gear lever connects you to the vehicle's transmission and ensures that you're always in the right gear for any driving scenario you may face. However, in a rally car, this stick does more. In a sport that requires the driver to make rapid shifts, often on uneven terrain, the gear lever must be rapid and responsive.
Now it's worth mentioning that rally cars often use a sequential gearbox. Instead of the usual 'H' pattern found in regular cars, with a sequential gearbox, you only need to move the gear lever forwards or backward to change gear. This quick shift mechanism gives rally drivers the upper hand when it comes to speed and control. An interesting fact about sequential gearboxes is that they were first introduced in motorcycles before being adopted into car racing. In the hands of an adept driver, a rally car's gear lever can ensure maximum acceleration, precision, and control - the essence of the sport.
The Mighty Handbrake
On to our second 'stick' - the handbrake, an equipment of no less importance in the rally car than your gear lever. While it might just seem like a parking brake in a regular car, the handbrake in a rally car has gone beyond its humble origin. It has become an essential tool in the rally driver's repertoire for executing rapid turns and drifts. Most of you would know that emergency brakes in regular cars often employ a ratchet mechanism. But rally cars, being the speed demons they are, use a hydraulic handbrake mostly devoid of this locking mechanism. This allows drivers to engage and disengage the rear brakes swiftly.
In a rally car, the handbrake works hand-in-hand (pun totally intended) with the steering wheel to perform those screechy turns we all love to watch. When the handbrake is pulled in a high-speed turn, it locks the rear wheels, causing the car to drift. Some might call this reckless; but for rally drivers, it's poetry in motion. Next time you're watching a rally car take a turn, remember this fun fact
The Dance between the Two Sticks
Now that we've broken down the individual roles of our two 'sticks,' let's see how they come together in the symphony that is rally racing. I like to think of rally driving as a well-choreographed dance where the driver, gear lever, and handbrake must be in perfect sync. Each action affects the overall balance and handling of the car. One misstep can lead to a tumble in this high-speed ballet. In a discipline where precision and control are paramount, every sub-system in the vehicle holds critical importance.
When a rally driver approaches a turn, he uses the gear lever to shift down, thus decelerating while maintaining control. Then comes the handbrake, pulling it, locking the rear wheels, making the car slide or 'drift.' Simultaneously, the driver turns the wheel in the direction of the turn. As soon as the car aligns back with the direction of the track post-drift, the handbrake is released, and the gear lever shifts up, accelerating out of the turn. In simple words - slow in, fast out!
A Personal Anecdote from Behind the Wheel
Now for the fun part. Possibly. If there was ever a time to regale you all with a very specific rally driving story of my own, I guess it's now. Now, I’m not a professional rally driver, but a few years ago, I got the chance to experience rally driving at a local racing facility here in Melbourne. Armed with my meager driving skills and a passion for speed, I nervously climbed into the driver's seat of a rally car.
As an average driver, I had used a gear lever countless times, but never had I appreciated its function and importance as much as during my few laps at the rally track. The gear changes were lightning fast, even for an amateur like me. And the handbrake, well, let’s say I now have a newfound respect for rally drivers. My clumsy attempts at executing a handbrake turn resulted in what I can only describe as a very out-of-control whirligig. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.
In conclusion, while we often glorify and admire the flashy exteriors, roaring engines and the drivers in the world of rally racing, let us also pay homage to the humble 'sticks' that play such a crucial role in this thrilling dance on wheels. The gear lever and the handbrake, a pair of unassuming controls, become the conduits of man and machine's unparalleled symphony in the hands of a skilled rally driver. Next time you watch a rally race, spare a thought for these ubiquitous 'sticks.' They might be more influential than you think!