Rally Update – We are on!

High Desert TrailsIf 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! 😀

Posted in Competitor, Rally | Comments Off on Rally Update – We are on!

Reminder! Early Entry closing soon!

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!

Posted in Competitor, Rally, Spectator, Volunteer | Comments Off on Reminder! Early Entry closing soon!

Checkpoint Racing Sponsors High Desert Trails!

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

Posted in Press Release, Rally | Comments Off on Checkpoint Racing Sponsors High Desert Trails!

HDT getting closer… Are you signed up yet?

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/

Posted in Competitor, Rally, Spectator, Volunteer | Comments Off on HDT getting closer… Are you signed up yet?

Version 1 Supps are up!

Version 1 of the High Desert Trails Rally Supplemental Regulations are now available.
HDT Supps v1.pdf

Posted in Competitor, Rally | Comments Off on Version 1 Supps are up!

2009 CRS Championship Calendar

We are pleased to announce that the High Desert Trails Rally is part of the 2009 California Rally Series Championships!

2009 CRS Moto Championship Calendar
February 21 — High Desert Trails Rally — Ridgecrest CA — Coefficient 1/1
June 20 — North Nevada Rally — Fernley NV — Coefficient 3
July 10 – 11 — Idaho Rally — Mountain Home ID — Coefficient 3/2
August 29 — Gorman Ridge Rally — Frazier Park CA — Coefficient 3
October 2 – 3 — Prescott Rally — Prescott AZ — Coefficient 2/3

2009 CRS Rally Championship Calendar
January 30 –Plan B Rally — Ridgecrest CA — Coefficient 2
February 21 — High Desert Trails Rally — Ridgecrest CA — Coefficient 1/1
March 21 – 22 — Desert Storm Rally — Blythe CA — Coefficient 3/2
June 20 — North Nevada Rally — Fernley NV — Coefficient 3
July 10 – 11 — Idaho Rally — Mountain Home ID — Coefficient 3/2
August 29 — Gorman Ridge Rally — Frazier Park CA — Coefficient 3
October 2 – 3 — Prescott Rally — Prescott AZ — Coefficient 2/3
November 15 — Seed 9 Rally — Goodsprings NV — Coefficient 2

Posted in Rally | Comments Off on 2009 CRS Championship Calendar

Hotel information for High Desert Trails

The host hotel for HDT will be:

The Heritage Inn and Suites
1050 N. Norma Street
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Please call (800) 843-0693 or (760) 446-7951 for reservations.

Be sure to mention “The High Desert Trails Rally” to receive the reduced rate of $75 (plus 10% room tax) per night.  This rate is based on double occupancy (additional guests ages 16 and older will be charged at $8 additional per person).  50 rooms have been set aside for our group for Friday and Saturday nights (February 20-22, 2009).  Reservations must by made by Monday, February 9th, 2009 – after this date the rooms will be released and the rate will go up to the regular price. Note that this date concurs with the end of early entry.

Check-in time is 3:00pm and Check-out time is 12 noon. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid a penalty of one night’s room charge plus tax.

There are many additional hotels in town to choose from. However, no hotel has great parking for trailers. We are working to secure the empty supermarket parking lot next to the Heritage Inn and Suites for overnight trailer parking and technical inspection. Please keep this in mind when selecting your hotel.

Posted in Competitor, Rally, Spectator, Volunteer | Comments Off on Hotel information for High Desert Trails

Volunteer Sign-Up is now open!

Please see the volunteer page for more information about the jobs that we need filled for the High Desert Trails Rally.

Sign up is available through the rallydata.com volunteer log-in.

Posted in Rally, Volunteer | Comments Off on Volunteer Sign-Up is now open!