SandBlast Rally in SC

[Graham Piccinini]

Have any of you ever been to SandBlast rally in Cheraw/McBee? Its been getting on my radar pretty often recently, and given the close proximity - I'm starting to research the volunteer portion of things. It made me wonder if (by some 1 in a 1,000,000 chance) any BITOGers may already have a foot in the door and could provide some guidance on the process. Out of all forms of racing - rallying always attracted me the most. Driving may not be in the books quite yet (unless they hire people with no motorsport experience ), but being part of the process or event would be an amazing opportunity as well. The variety of vehicles and classes amazes me.

 

[Kira]

A lovely course indeed. Is this a once a year thing?
My MotoGP pal suggested I volunteer in Austin at the new track. You're close.

Looks like a heck of a lot more fun than spinning out and crashing your Ferraris and 'Vettes exiting parking lots in Florida.
That is what those videos show. I don't get that as a thing to do.

 

[Egg_Head]

Wow, I have never heard of this event. I would like to go next year.

 

[MrHorspwer]

Never SandBlast, but I've been a pretty regular volunteer at SnoDrift and LSPR here in Michigan.

You typically start the volunteer journey as a marshal, posted up at some random intersection or spectator area to stop people from wandering onto the stage and keep them corralled in a safe area to spectate. Personally, I've always liked being posted at a quiet intersection with a radio operator versus a full-on spectator area. Either way, it's a good place to watch cars drive past and enjoy a day outside (bring a friend). In the video, you can see marshals posted on the left at 0:04 and what looks like a full spectator are at 2:04. Also based on the video, bring some type of face covering. Breathing dust, dirt, and sand all day sucks. I volunteered at Summer SnoDrift once and was blowing dirt out of my sinuses for a week.

Speaking of radio operator: If you're licensed, they're always looking for operators and love when they volunteer. Often, it's local radio clubs that end up supporting the rally. They enjoying being part of a practical application of their hobby.

If you're more interested in the sport, interacting with drivers and co-drivers, and less about watching cars drive past at speed, try to get into timing control. You get to learn about how a rally is timed, scored, and managed and use timing equipment most people don't have the opportunity to experience. Not quite as fun for a first timer who just wants to watch cars go fast.

 

[Antimatic1]

Have been a few times in the past. the racers mainly travel together, like on a circuit. Varied backgrounds., cars,, and skill level. Website lists contact info. Or contact Becca at the Cheraw Chamber Of Commerce.

 

[Graham Piccinini]

Never SandBlast, but I've been a pretty regular volunteer at SnoDrift and LSPR here in Michigan.

You typically start the volunteer journey as a marshal, posted up at some random intersection or spectator area to stop people from wandering onto the stage and keep them corralled in a safe area to spectate. Personally, I've always liked being posted at a quiet intersection with a radio operator versus a full-on spectator area. Either way, it's a good place to watch cars drive past and enjoy a day outside (bring a friend). In the video, you can see marshals posted on the left at 0:04 and what looks like a full spectator are at 2:04. Also based on the video, bring some type of face covering. Breathing dust, dirt, and sand all day sucks. I volunteered at Summer SnoDrift once and was blowing dirt out of my sinuses for a week.

Speaking of radio operator: If you're licensed, they're always looking for operators and love when they volunteer. Often, it's local radio clubs that end up supporting the rally. They enjoying being part of a practical application of their hobby.

If you're more interested in the sport, interacting with drivers and co-drivers, and less about watching cars drive past at speed, try to get into timing control. You get to learn about how a rally is timed, scored, and managed and use timing equipment most people don't have the opportunity to experience. Not quite as fun for a first timer who just wants to watch cars go fast.

Exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for. Thank you, very helpful. I am FCC licensed from Avionics days in college, don't know if that counts, or if it's even effective anymore. Although watching cars go by does sound like something I would enjoy more in the beginning.

Wow, I have never heard of this event. I would like to go next year.

I only recently learned of it, but apparently it's been around since 2001.