Our Philosophy

One of the first things to state is that Slowly Sideways is all about rally cars. The group motto could easily be “The Car’s the Star” and it is particularly concerned with the rally cars of historical interest and importance.

The reason that Slowly Sideways was started in the first place was to find a way of using cars that would otherwise have no other opportunity to perform in public. Indeed, the situation within the UK is such that historic rally cars that can be used in competition may not possess either four-wheel drive or forced induction. Also many of the rally cars built to Group 2 and 4 regulations in the 1970s have features that were acceptable then but that are not now considered appropriate for competition use, for example light alloy roll cages. What should the discerning owner of a rally car do? Should they strip out the “obsolete” bits and replace them with modern requirements losing its authenticity? Or should it be retired and placed in a museum?

The group naturally centres its attentions on Group B era from 1983 to 1986 and the cars that were summarily banned from international competition from 1987 onward. The fascinating thing about that period is the sheer number of unique cars that were created utilising a variety of innovative engineering solutions. It was a period when the engineers were given their head and the Slowly Sideways cars preserve the memory of that special time when spectator numbers on rallies soared into the millions. However, the group also welcomes cars from before 1983 in the heyday of Groups 2 and 4 – and even further back, where the cars in question have a place in history and the owners do not want to use them in a full competition environment. It also extends a welcome to cars from Group A period or subsequently, as well as more recently World Rally Cars provided that they are genuine works or semi-works cars that were rallied in the period.

Slowly Sideways UK aims to stimulate interest in preserving and restoring old rally cars, by giving the owners of such cars an opportunity to drive them in a safe and controlled environment whilst at the same time allowing the general public to see, hear and appreciate the sounds and spectacle that these older rally cars can provide.

FAQs

The organisation of Slowly Sideways

What is Slowly Sideways UK?
Slowly Sideways UK is certainly not a formal club, commercial body or institution.  It is a virtual meeting point for the owners of classic rally cars.  The tiny bit of organisation at its core seeks out rallies and other events that are prepared to accept members of the group and their cars in a non-competitive demonstration that is integrated into their event . 
How can I join Slowly Sideways?
If you feel you have an elligible car, please contact [email protected].
I have heard that Slowly Sideways UK has a great social side?
Slowly Sideways UK is as much about the social side as the car side.  We welcome new members, friends and family and endeavour to make our events enjoyable for everyone.  We work as a team to help each other out sharing drinks and bbqs at the end of the day’s activities.  Slowly Sideways UK is as much about the right people as it is about the right cars.

The Cars

Does Slowly Sideways accept ‘replicas’?
Slowly Sideways UK accepts period accurate replicas on a case by case basis.
As a member of Slowly Sideways UK, what is expected of me?
All Slowly Sideways UK members are expected to adhere to the code of conduct which is issued with confirmation of your acceptance into the group. It can also be requested at any time by contacting [email protected].

Participation on the Rallies

Do I need a competition licence?
Slowly Sideways UK do insist that you have as a minimum requirement a current competition licence of at least National B status.
What about insurance?
Slowly Sideways UK has as a contingency policy for friends and family at co-ordinated events and used only as a back up insurance to the event organisers Public Liability Insurance.  Members may be liable for the excess judged on a case by case basis. 
Is there a Membership Fee?
An annual membership is payable.  Slowly Sideways UK is non-profit making venture and run entirely by volunteers.  The membership fee largely covers insurance, branded clothing, promotion and hospitality at some events.
Do I have to pay an entry fee?
On many of our UK events, entry is free to Slowly Sideways UK members.  On some rallies there may be an entry fee but it will nearly always be lower than for the competitors on the main event  For us it is more important to be properly integrated into an event and drive on nice roads than to drive for free.
Will my car have to go through scrutineering?
Almost certainly and normally only for safety as demanded by the event organisers.
Do I have to have experience in competitive rallies to be considered by Slowly Sideways?
Not necessarily. Your experience may lie with races, sprints or hill climbs. But the fact that you have to be in possession of a current competition licence of at least the minimum grade shows rally organisers that those coming to drive on their stages have that competition experience and are unlikely to make fools of themselves.