The IB Translations team takes part in most one-day classic rallies in Moscow.

The street race, as compared to the circuit one, challenges the participants’ wits, patience and ability to keep cool. Rather than speed, rally races are about precision. The route is kept secret until shortly before the start, when teams receive a road book which tells them where they’re going. The first objective is to be in the right place at the right time, i.e. to decode the route and pass every stage as close to the control time as possible.

The route is split into several stages with time controls between them. The second goal is to pass through each of them in time and in the right order – all without breaking traffic rules. Participants are penalised for arriving at the checkpoint too late or too early. If a team is delayed for over ten minutes, they are disqualified. The finishing line can only be crossed if the team is delayed by no more than 15 minutes. However, if a team is running late, they can take a short cut at any point along the route, missing some of the checkpoints and forfeiting any hope of winning due to the stiff penalties.

The road book contains no details, only just enough landmarks for drivers to be able to identify the route. On the other hand, it can include some extra pointers, such as road signs that are not on the road but have to be followed regardless.

The third part is additional competitions: regularity, special stage, sprint, or autocross. For instance, the road book might list the average speed for the entire race or part of it. On some parts of the route, the participants cannot exceed, for example, 60% of the speed limit. The organisers drive the route in advance and know exactly how much time it takes at the suggested speed limit, which changes with every new speed limit sign. The participants, however, have to do the maths on the fly. Some rallies also include an autocross event.

A classic rally is also a thing of beauty to see. Most races have a retro expo before the start, which attracts journalists, photographers, enthusiasts, car fans, social column readers and other curious observers. Spectators and fans can get up close and personal with the retro cars and their crews – many of whom are decked out in matching retro outfits. IB Translations’ sky-blue race car invariably attracts a lot of attention and generates a degree of nostalgia for the times we, our fathers, or our grandfathers owned ZAZ-965s. The crew appreciates the support and welcomes all friends.

Participating in a number of annual rallies has become a tradition over the last six years, and we fully intend to stick to it in the coming season.

Classic Rally Cup

The Classic Rally Club was founded in 2004 to bring together owners and collectors of rare and retro cars, and to hold competitions for retro car owners, as well as cultural and educational events on car racing.

The Club holds three competitions annually – Season Opening, Moscow by Night, and Finale. The results of the three rallies are then totted up to find the best team, driver, and co-driver. The IB Translations racing team holds the Club’s champion cup for 2018. The same year, Konstantin Golota and Mikhail Tsyferov received individual prizes for second best driver and third best co-driver, respectively.

classic-rally.ru

GUM rally

Backed by the Gorkyclassic Historical Automobile Society, the competition has been held since 2014 and ranks as one of the most impressive Moscow rallies. Teams are awarded prizes not only for the best time, but also in the Most Elegant Team, Will to Win, and Young Racer categories.

gorkyclassic.ru/goum

L.U.C. Chopard Classic Weekend Rally

The rally has been held since 2003 and traditionally starts in the centre of Moscow. In 2006, the finishing line was moved to Barvikha Luxury Village to accommodate the large number of participants. The winners traditionally receive L.U.C. Chopard chronometers.