Car Zero: Stage Preparation – Rally Ready

 Imagine this: a lone car hurtles down a winding forest road, dust swirling behind it. This isn't a competitor, but rather the "zero car," a crucial element in the intricate ballet of a rally stage.

     Car zero serves as a vital warning to spectators and residents that the main event is about to begin.  

My Rallying & Photography Journey

My passion for rallying has its roots in the early 2000s, beginning with navigational rallies and culminating in a brief stint as a co-driver in a performance rally. This experience ignited a deep appreciation for the raw power and breathtaking speed of these machines.

Concurrently, I nurtured a love for photography, capturing the beauty of the world around me during travels and family outings. A serendipitous entry into a travel photo contest, leading to publication in a national magazine, solidified my desire to elevate my photography.

PhotoLife 2019

The Birth of Rally Photography

It was time to merge these passions. Armed with a better camera, I ventured to a Kitchener-Waterloo Rally Club rallycross event. The scorching July heat and billowing dust added an extra layer of challenge.

Hours later, with thousands of photos in the bag, I was hooked. The adrenaline, the raw energy, the sheer spectacle of these cars battling the course – it was an experience unlike any other. 

Standing trackside, I was immersed in the action, capturing the dirt, the speed, and the intensity.

 

Since that revelatory day, I've dedicated myself to documenting the KWRC rallycross series, as well as the thrilling local performance rallies like the Black Bear Rally and the Rally of the Tall Pines (a prestigious national event here in Canada). But that's a story for another time.