Nor'wester Auto Rally 2005

Monday August 15 - Thursday August 18 Conducted since 1967 by the Rainier Auto Sports Club, Nor'wester is one of the oldest rallies in the Pacific Northwest and among the oldest "professional" rallies in the United States.  Nor'wester first earned fame as a challenging three day, 1500 mile "circuit of Washington" TSD from 1967 to 1972. In 1973 the event joined the original SCCA PRO Rally Series (changing to a stage rally format on closed forest roads), and ran annually through 1986. In 1997 Nor'wester was revived, in an updated version of the format that started it all in 1967.  Now for 2005, Rainier Auto Sports Club continues Nor'wester tradition by crafting another memorable event  2005 will combine it's Nor'wester and Alcan style, with more secondary roads but a relaxed pace.  Vancouver Island assistance is by Brian Carriere and Island Rallysport Club, including roads you might never find without such help..

Format: A Monte Carlo style rally open to any make, model and vintage of auto or motorcycle. This format (like Rainier's Alcan 5000) means legal speeds on open public roads.  Entrants are offered about 80% scenic and challenging roads for just touring, and 20% scored "TSD" driving sections requiring precision, on-time driving with a penalty for early or late arrival 

Route: 2005 Nor'wester will start in Kirkland, WA and head north to explore the beautiful scenery and back roads of British Columbia. Williams Lake in the BC interior will host our first overnight stop, then we'll visit the distinctly different coastal village of Bella Coola the second night. Day three will be spent cruising the Discovery Coast Passage on the BC Ferry Queen of Chilliwack to Port Hardy on the north tip of Vancouver Island.  Driving resumes on the final day for a spectacular run down Vancouver Island to the finish and awards in Victoria, BC.  
Click here for a map!

Entrants: Teams so far are an unusual combination of background and experience:  They include past Nor'wester and Alcan winners, LaCarrera Panamericana participants, and others simply there for the scenery and/or 2006 Alcan practice.  Click here for an entry list.

So why do this if we all aren't serious about winning like in the old days?  For a chance to hear or re-tell old lies, practice new or old skills, experience roads we've never seen or can't remember, or simply honor some old friends
 

Entry Fee: The entry fee covers the four day rally, three nights of lodging, 2 lunches, and an award banquet. Food, fuel, and incidentals like reservations & fare for the August 17 BC Ferry from Bella Coola to Port Hardy are the responsibility of the entrant. Entry is $700 for automobiles and $550 for motorcycles, MasterCard, VISA, and PayPal are accepted. 

Registration: A $100 deposit with registration will hold entries until July 15, at which time full payment is required. Fees (except deposit) are refunable until August 1, after which an additional $100 may be deducted. Click here for an entry form. 

Classes:  Six classes are offered, for details see Nor'wester's Regulations