Maid of the Mud - RallyCross#1: A Washout in the Making

Well, rally fans, it seems Mother Nature has a vendetta against the KWRC in 2025! After the double whammy of ice storms forcing the rescheduling of both Rally Voyageurs and RallyCross #1 last month, the weather gods decided to throw another curveball right when we were all set to kick off the rallycross season.

The anticipation was high for RallyCross #1. Teams were eager to finally get some sideways action, and for many, this event was the perfect final shakedown before the Rally of the Voyageurs next weekend. Arriving at the track, things were looking promising. The surface was tacky and ready, holding the promise of some fast and furious laps, if the rain held off.

The moment the cars started lining up, the skies opened. What ensued was less a display of rallycross prowess and more a demonstration of just how quickly a rally track can turn into a muddy quagmire. 

Traction became a mythical creature, and the recce lap transformed into a slow-motion ballet with cars venturing off-track, some finding themselves momentarily stuck.

The organizer's and the patiently waiting teams held onto a sliver of hope for a break in the weather. Sadly, the only thing that became increasingly clear was that the conditions were simply not safe or suitable to run the event. For some unfortunate souls, their fastest speed of the day was undoubtedly the agonizingly slow reverse as they backed their mud-laden machines onto their trailers. A tough outcome, especially with the Voyageurs looming just a week away.

However, the spirit of rally is nothing if not persistent (and perhaps a little bit stubborn!). Despite the official cancellation, a few brave drivers couldn't resist the siren call of the mud. 

Brandon Pace and Simon Bauman made valiant attempts to wrestle their cars through the slop. Let's just say the mud had other ideas, as Brandon attempted to conquer its less-than-grippy properties. 😉

Credit: Vitalii Kobliakov

While the day didn't deliver the rallycross action we were hoping for, it wasn't a complete loss. In a strange twist of fate, it turned out to be excellent practice for one of the less glamorous but equally essential skills in rallying: efficiently and safely loading up rally cars in thoroughly unpleasant conditions. Every bit of preparation counts, especially when you're gearing up for an event like the Rally of the Voyageurs!

So, RallyCross #1 might have been a muddy bust, but the focus now shifts to next weekend and the Rally of the Voyageurs on May 10th. Let's all cross our fingers for some dry weather and the spectacular rally action we know and love. You can be sure I'll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture all the (hopefully mud-free!) moments. Stay tuned for some great pictures next week, weather permitting! 🫨