How Rally Racing Call Outs Work – A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever watched rally cars tear through forests or mountain roads, you’ve probably wondered how the driver knows what’s coming up next. The secret isn’t magic – it’s the call outs, also called pace notes, that the co‑driver shouts out in real time. These short, precise phrases tell the driver about every corner, jump, surface change, and hazard ahead. Getting them right can mean the difference between a clean run and a crash.

What Exactly Are Call Outs?

Think of call outs as a short‑hand language for the rally stage. Before the race, the crew drives the route at a slower speed and notes down every detail. They use symbols, numbers, and abbreviations that both driver and co‑driver understand. For example, a "3‑right" means a medium‑tight right turn, while "L2" could mean a left‑hand hairpin with a low‑speed rating. The co‑driver then memorizes the sequence and, during the actual run, calls each note out just before the driver reaches it.

How Co‑Drivers Deliver Call Outs

A co‑driver’s job is all about timing and clarity. As the car approaches a new feature, the co‑driver shouts the note a split‑second before the driver needs to react. Too early and the driver might forget; too late and there’s no time to adjust. Most crews use a rhythm – a steady beat that matches the car’s speed – so the driver can anticipate when the next call will come. They also keep their voice calm and consistent, even when the car is bouncing over gravel.

Communication isn’t just about the notes themselves. Co‑drivers also warn about surface changes – like "gravel to tarmac" – and unexpected obstacles, such as "rock" or "water splash". If the weather turns and the road gets slick, the co‑driver might add a quick "wet" to remind the driver to reduce speed. All this information flows in a rapid back‑and‑forth that feels like a conversation, even though the driver can’t see the road ahead.

Mistakes happen. A missed call or a mis‑read note can send the car off course or force a sudden correction. That’s why crews practice their call outs over and over, building trust and muscle memory. The best teams treat the notes like a second set of eyes – they don’t just read them; they live with them.

So, whether you’re a new fan trying to follow a stage on TV or an aspiring co‑driver, remember that rally call outs are the silent glue that holds a high‑speed run together. They turn chaotic terrain into a readable map, letting the driver focus on steering while the co‑driver translates the road into simple, actionable words.

Next time you watch a rally, listen for those rapid-fire phrases. That’s the co‑driver guiding the driver through every twist and turn – a partnership that makes rally racing uniquely thrilling.