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Rally racing, also called rallying, is an exciting form of auto racing. The excitement is based in large part by the fact that the races are held on public open roads. There are different types of rally racing and in addition to traditional point-to-point races where the quickest time wins, other versions exist where drivers look to hit a predetermined time, based on a predetermined ideal drive time. Other rallies include logistical aspects. One of the earliest races that still exist today is the Monte Carlo Rally, which began in 1911. The sport evolved in the 1920's, primarily in Europe and many of the basic features used today were developed. Through the war years rally driving and racing's popularity ebbed and flowed, but took hold again in the 1950's and has seen steady growth and participation since. While many British drivers and manufactures took part in European rallies in the very early days, Britain's maximum speed limit of 12 miles per hour put a practical ban on any rally racing. In order to popularize automobile travel, in 1900 the Auto Club of Great Britain sponsored a 15-day rally between major cities. The seventy entries were made up mostly of manufactures entering to showcase their vehicles. There were 13 stages and the aforementioned 12 mph legal speed limit was enforced. The stages included hill climbing and speed tests. Through the 20's this form of rally grew, but failed to attract many racers from outside Britain. After WWII rallying again became popular in Europe, but British law prohibited closing public roads and highways for special events. This meant that the more popular form of race rallying was absent from the UK. In 1951 the Royal Automobile Club Rally was made into an international event. The event featured more technical rally challenges such as navigation, night map reading and maneuverability tests. This limited its popularity. In 1961 a breakthrough was made when Jack Kemsley successfully petitioned for the opening of public roads under Forestry Commission control. Today the Rally GB is a popular international event. Today's top drivers and manufactures compete in the World Rally Championship, a series organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. Many countries also host their own national championship races. The season typically consists of 13 rallies and there is a Driver and Manufacturer champion crowned, based on points earned during the season. Rallying is popular among amateur racers. Depending on the rally type, few modifications are needed to one's vehicle to compete. Most compete as part of a club, and events emphasize teamwork, navigation and logistics rather than out and out time on rally course. To get a taste of rally driving, a number of private schools have been opened that allow one to not only learn the basics of rally driving but experience an open road course. These tend to be for people who want to experience high-speed driving and rally techniques such as handbrake turns and rally drifting on dirt and gravel courses. These use highly prepped rally cars that mirror those used by professionals. There are a number of schools operating, and courses run from one-day sessions to multi-day camps that feature a competition amongst the group at the end.
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