Group B Rally documentary video 'Too fast to race'

As you know I'm a big fan of rally. I love the thrill of the unknown coupled to mind blowing speed and dirt throwing acceleration! During the days of "Group B" rally, things were much different. Group B was the class where caution was thrown to the wind, and to be the victor meant to have the most powerful vehicle. At Group B events, there was typically catastrophe, wrecks, carnage, and most likely a fatality or two. This drew huge crowds that were oblivious to the dangers involved at Group B, but attended for the pleasure of hearing 500 to 700 horsepower vehicles rip through nature at uncanny speeds.

For this, Group B has built itself up into a legend amongst rally fans. Thanks to the death of Henri Toivonen and his co-driver in the 1986 Tour de Corse, the FIA disestablished the class after four years of legendary vehicles. All was not lost, as the high energy rally still exists today in the hearts of many enthusiasts. Rally cars are built around the world exceeding 500-700 horsepower but not raced; mainly due to global regulations. At the power levels we are capable of, there is no classification in mainstream rally; this leaves a huge gaping hole and creates an underground version of the sport known as "illegal street racing".

Modern street racing (not drag style) is basically old school European rally turned modern. Whether your competing in Togue or a poker run, it's basically the same thing as rally. Think about it, the same basics to old school rally can be easily matched to street racing. Privately funded enthusiasts with high powered vehicles that race on public roads; are we talking about rally or street racing? As you watch the hour long film "Too Fast To Race", think about how in comparison Group B rally identifies with that of modern street racing. Interesting enough, the two are very alike!



Food for thought: Maybe we have had rally here in the USA all along, but we've just been referring to it as illegal street racing.


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 Source: Tampa Sports Car Examiner