Rallycross – The Heartbeat of UK Rally Action

If you love the roar of engines, the smell of burnt rubber, and a track that throws gravel, tarmac, and jumps at you in the same lap, you’ve landed in the right spot. Rallycross blends the sprint feel of circuit racing with the wild terrain of rally, giving drivers a short, intense battle that lasts just a few minutes but feels like a lifetime.

What Makes Rallycross Different?

First off, the courses are short – usually under a kilometre – and they loop around the same section over and over. That means drivers can learn every bump and corner in a handful of laps, but they also have to adapt instantly when the track gets slick from a rain shower or when a competitor slides into the inside line. Unlike traditional rally, where you drive one long stage with a co‑driver reading notes, rallycross puts two cars side by side, racing head‑to‑head. The result? More overtakes, more drama, and a lot more shouting from the crowd.

Cars themselves are tuned for quick bursts of power. Most rallycross builds use a turbocharged engine, all‑wheel drive, and a sequential gearbox that shifts faster than a manual can. The rides are built to handle jumps and mixed surfaces, so suspension is stiff but forgiving, letting the car absorb a gravel bump without losing grip on the next asphalt strip.

Getting Started with Rallycross in the UK

Want to try it yourself? The easiest entry point is a local club event. Clubs like the British Rallycross Championship host weekend qualifiers at tracks such as Lydden Hill or Silverstone’s rallycross circuit. Sign up for a novice class – the cars are often former rally or circuit cars stripped down for safety, and you’ll get a mentor driver to walk you through the basics.

Before you jump in, brush up on a few fundamentals: learn how to feather the throttle on mixed surfaces, practice heel‑and‑toe shifting for smooth gear changes, and get comfortable with a handbrake – it’s your best friend for tight hairpins. Safety gear is non‑negotiable – a proper rally helmet, fire‑resistant suit, and a roll cage are mandatory for any competition car.

Budget‑wise, expect to spend a few thousand pounds on a decent entry car, plus costs for maintenance, tires, and entry fees. Many drivers start with a used Subaru WRX or a Ford Fiesta built for rallycross, then upgrade parts as they progress. The community is friendly; you’ll find advice on forums, at the track, and even on our site’s comment sections.

If you’re more of a fan than a driver, the rallycross calendar is packed with action from spring to autumn. Keep an eye on events like the British Rallycross Grand Prix, the Scottish Rallycross Series, and occasional European rounds that visit the UK. Tickets are affordable, and the atmosphere is electric – you’ll hear the crowd cheering every lap, see cars launch off jumps, and maybe even meet the drivers after the race.

Our hub also tracks the latest news: new regulations, car builds, driver sign‑ups, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. Bookmark the page, sign up for newsletters, and you’ll never miss a beat of the rallycross world.

Whether you’re looking to drive, watch, or just learn the jargon, rallycross offers a unique blend of speed, skill, and spectacle that’s hard to find anywhere else. Dive in, feel the adrenaline, and become part of the UK’s most thrilling motorsport community.