Motorsports and Racing – Your Quick Guide to Rally Call Outs

Welcome to the British Motor Club Rally’s motorsports hub. If you’ve ever watched a rally on TV and wondered how the driver knows what’s coming up, you’re in the right place. The secret is simple: call outs, also called pace notes, shouted by the co‑driver. Let’s break it down so you can follow a rally without feeling lost.

What Are Rally Call Outs?

A call out is a short, spoken description of the road ahead. The co‑driver reads a notebook or a digital screen and tells the driver about turns, jumps, crests, and surface changes. The language is usually a mix of numbers and words – for example, “Left 3, tight, over crest, 100m.” The number tells how sharp the turn is, while the words add extra details.

Each team creates its own system before the event. Some use colour‑coded symbols, others stick to a set of standard terms. The key is that both driver and co‑driver understand the code inside out. When they’re on the mountain at 80 mph, there’s no time for confusion.

Why Accurate Call Outs Matter

One missed word can mean a spin or a crash. The driver relies on the co‑driver to react early enough to steer safely. That’s why timing is crucial – the call out must come just before the feature, not too early and not too late.

Good call outs also help a team keep a fast pace. If the driver trusts the information, they can push harder without second‑guessing. That extra confidence often translates into better stage times and a higher chance of a podium finish.

Even if you’re not competing, knowing the basics makes watching a rally more exciting. You’ll start to hear the rhythm of the call outs and guess what’s coming next. It turns a noisy forest stage into a story you can follow.

So how can you get better at understanding call outs? Start by watching a few rally videos with subtitles turned on. Listen to how the co‑driver phrases each note. Then, try writing down simple notes for a familiar road – a round‑about, a speed bump, a sharp turn – and read them out loud while you drive (safely, of course). You’ll notice the patterns quickly.

At British Motor Club Rally we love sharing tips, stories, and news about all things motorsport. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious, this page will keep you updated on the latest rally events, tech tricks, and the people behind the wheels.

Got a question about rally call outs or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment in the forum or join our next meetup. The more we talk, the more fun the sport becomes.

Stay tuned for more articles on racing tactics, car setups, and event previews. The rally world moves fast – and with the right call outs, you’ll always be in the driver’s seat of knowledge.