Whether you’ve seen them online or on television, banger rallies are a fantastic way to meet new people, test your driving ability and meet like-minded individuals.
But what exactly do you need to do to get into banger rallying? We breakdown the simple steps you need to take before you’re ready for your first rally.
Ensure you have the correct licence
Whether you’re taking part in a banger rally in the UK or further afield in Europe, it’s best to ensure your driving licence is up to date as this is the only licence you’ll need.
Choose your banger rally car
What kind of car you get and how much you spend on it is entirely down to you if you’re entering by yourself or your team, if you’re entering as a team. It all depends on how much disposable money you have. However, most entrants will spend between £200 and £500 due to the high cost of scrap in the current market.
Events will not turn you away if you spend more than this, but you may look slightly out of place if you turn up in a reasonably expensive car.
One other thing to note is whether the event only allows certain engine sizes to enter the rally. Other details to look out for in the promoter’s rules are whether you need a specific rollcage (sometimes called an ‘H frame’), harnesses, safety gear, helmets and steam tank.
Make sure the car has a valid MOT
Whichever car you turn up in, one thing you need to make sure of is that it has a valid MOT. Most entrants will buy a car without a valid MOT and simply improve the vehicle and modify it to their heart’s content until it is able to pass its MOT as this can heavily reduce the costs of the vehicle you enter with.
Remember: it’s not all about racing
Unlike other forms of rallying, banger rallies are not intended to be a straight race with other entrants. It is about having a good time, and making sure you get your banger around the rally in one piece.
Look into upcoming events
It is always best to contact the rally track before a meeting, and to find out what events will be happening in the calendar year. Alternatively, you can find the latest listing of banger rallies in the UK and abroad and all the information you need in our calendar.
What to expect when you go to a rally
At all events, you will be expected to sign a disclaimer before the rally – make sure you do this either before the event or as soon as you arrive and make sure you take your log book with you.
What about insurance?
Sterling offers peace of mind banger rally insurance that goes the distance – no matter where your banger rally takes you. After 25 years in the specialist motor insurance market, we have crafted our banger rally insurance policies to your precise needs.