High Desert Trails

Version 3 of the High Desert Trails Rally Supplemental Regulations are now available. Please be aware of the highlighted changes.
HDT Supps v3.pdf

The updates mostly pertain to the fact that we are starting 30 minutes earlier in the day, and are going to be using 1 minute intervals. This is directly due to the amazing competitor turnout for the rally! We chose getting up a little earlier and running short intervals in a typically windy location (no lingering dust) over dropping stage miles.

Any competitors wishing to take advantage of late registration are HIGHLY encouraged to scan and email copies of the required entry information to the registrars PRIOR to the event. We also ask that if you need to apply for or renew any membership or license that you bring the completed paperwork with you to registration. Copies of all applications can be found on the competitors page.

Other changes include an addition to Friday evening: Christine will be giving a stage notes orientation & recce class (open to all competitors), just before the NCO (Novice Competitor Orientation). The NCO will be led by our CRO (Competitor Relations Officer), Michel Hoche-Mong. Both classes will take place at the Heritage Inn & Suites, with the exact room number to be announced at registration.

The new schedule can be found here: HDT Schedule 2009v2.pdf
The new stage schedule can be found here: HDT Stage Schedule.pdf
Spectator Information: HDT Spectator Guide.pdf
High Desert Trails Stage Map: Satellite Version / Printable Version

All currently published HDT documents can be found in /downloads/
You have now been so informed!

If there was any question: We have hit our budget goals, and the rally is on! Allow me to take a second and thank all those who signed up and got their payment in for the early entry. As first time organizers, this was a big help.

We have a good field of Group 2 and Group 5 cars. Maybe we can get another Open class entry to round out the competition? We’ve been working hard to get the CRS Moto championship kick started for 2009. We have 3 Moto entries – and are certainly looking for more, although we did have to expire the $100 entry fee offer. If you have friends that ride, be sure to tell them how exciting and different a rally is compared to a desert race or trail riding.

Over the weekend we were able to refine and complete the stage notes. The rain after the grading has really helped put the course into top shape. It will also help firm up the new 1/2 mile section of road graded just for HDT! We were able to drive the whole course in our RWD Blazer with street tires, which is something we would not have been able to do two weeks ago. Mark and his team have done a great job working on the stage and pulling out any big rocks.

Version 2 of the supps, a preliminary stage schedule, and sample time cards have been posted in the competitor area. If you have any questions please let us know! If not – we’ll see you in less then 2 weeks!

Early entry ends Monday, February 9th! This is the last date that you will be able to pay the early entry price ($325 for cars) online through PayPal or to get your checks postmarked by. We remind ALL competitors that if their names are not on the entry list at this point in time, their entry will not be counted for the number of trophies that will be ordered (as per the supplemental regulations). After Monday, regular entry fees ($375 for cars) go into effect.

We want to remind Moto riders that our offer to lower the early entry moto fee to $100 for ADV riders (from $175) will also expire on Monday (and go up to $200). At that point, the early entry fee and all moto fees will stay at the previously published amounts.

The $25 discount for all CRS Rally School participants will continue apply through the end of late entry.

Finally, a reminder to all competitors, volunteers, and spectators: the lowered rate and reserved block of rooms at the host hotel (the Heritage Inn and Suites) will also expire on Monday, and the rooms will be released. So if you have not made your reservations already, please do so as soon as possible!

FYI: We just talked to the property owners, and the roads were just worked on – freshly graded and a brand new section cut JUST for HDT.  So come out and play on a new course!

We are pleased to announce that Checkpoint Racing has pledged its support for the 2009 High Desert Trails Rally. Checkpoint Racing carries hundreds of items for your racing and rally needs. From tires to trip computers, they have it! Visit Checkpoint Racing at cp-racing.com.

We would like to personally thank Mitch and the gang from cp-racing for supporting us!
- Kris & Christine

As we quickly leave January in the dust, are you ready to rally? We’re looking for some additional competitors and volunteers for HDT. Additional information has been posted on both the competitor and spectator pages. The v2 supps will be published shortly.

RallyMoto riders – you might want to check this out. *nudge
If you have any questions, please email rally@highdeserttrails.com

UPDATE: A problem was fixed with the competitor page. Added a separate RallyMoto sign-up. http://highdeserttrails.com/competitors/