See you Sept 13 & 14 2025. You might not like it. UPDATED 4 June 25
RoundHeadLamp Rally 1000
Remember, Drive More, Wax Less.
RoundHeadLamp Rally 1000
Remember, Drive More, Wax Less.
What is this?
The total distance will be at least 1000 kilometers. $100 for the car and driver gets you a rally decal, T-Shirt and a finisher token(if you finish) $60 for your navigator. You might win a trophy made of trash. One thing we like to refer to when describing this event is something called "Type 2 Fun." You can read about this idea here https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/why-type-two-fun-feels-so-good/ . To sum it up-" It’s not exactly fun in the moment, but after, you’ll say it was the best time you ever had."
Things are going to be different this year. Initial thoughts were to handle the navigational aspects in a very automated, digital fashion. That's no way to do it. So- this year will be very analog.
This year you will be required to have a bit of equipment on board to make this work. You might already have it. You need to have a device that plays cassette tapes. The old Kenwood deck in your dash since '96? Perfect. A walkman? Maybe.
A boombox? Better. Just have something.
This year you will need to be focused. Things are tightening up a bit. We are going to do our best to make sure you get the most out of this 2 day event.
You really will need a navigator.
No information about the general route will be provided until you open your bag Saturday morning.
All net proceeds will go to the SW MI SPCA. Also- check us out on Instagram @roundheadlamprally1000
NOTE:
These location of the lodgings for Saturday night has not been determined as of yet. You will be updated with costs, etc. The aim is to plan the stay at an affordable yet not disgusting establishment. That is the plan. However, again, this year's event location could make "slightly-gross" a possibility. (to be fair- we have done a pretty decent job in the past finding decent lodging.) We will do our best. When we have finalized the Saturday night lodging option, we will then contact you and you will need to pay for the room(s.) We do it this way to ensure you have a place to sleep in whatever location we end up in. Usually aren't a lot of options. We aren't going to tell you where we are going until Saturday morning. If this is unacceptable to you, we understand. Probably best you find another thing to do that weekend.
Why Round Headlamps?
If you have a car with round headlamps, it probably means it's old. We like old cars and we like to see them driven. We aren't marque snobs, but we are limiting this event to "vintage" cars. We have used round headlamps as a general qualifier. Of course, there are exceptions. Another hard rule is if you are a jerk, you aren't welcome. Consider this carefully- Most jerks aren't aware they are jerks so maybe if you are aware of several other people who think you are a jerk, you very well may be a jerk. In these times where it seems empathy and civility are being diminished in our culture it is more important than ever to do what we can to make non-jerks of all kinds welcome and accepted. Look around your car- is there a "LOCALLY HATED" Decal on it? Maybe a Confederate flag? Stuff like that. Those might mean you are, in fact, a jerk. We don't want you around us. We stopped actively trying to solicit new participants a few years ago. Most people find out about this event because of word of mouth.
We seem to attract the right kind of people so far. We intend to keep it that way the best we can.
Please don't think your headlamps will be the only determining factor for qualification. If it's from the 20th Century and you are it's primary mechanic, you're in. You need to be able to fix it if it breaks, or you could have one hell of a tow truck bill.
Things to Consider
A big part of the fun of having an old car is working on it yourself. At least, among the people we prefer to hang out with. We throw our own wrenches, get help from our friends and we know our cars well.- Well enough to have a very good shot at fixing an on road failure. Are you? That is the sort of person we are looking for. A "checkbook mechanic" might be useless if along the way if things go sideways. If you have more car wax than tools,this is probably not a good event for you.
Start
2025 will be different. Do you have a cassette deck in your car? Perfect. Need an excuse to install one? Here it is. You will need something that can play a cassette tape. It doesn't need to be in your dash. Boom box? Walkman? Get down to the thrift shop and get an old tape recorder. Whatever plays a tape. Absolutely a requirement. We aren't kidding.
The Route
Is being planned.
FAQs
Why?
1. Not a lot of rally opportunities in the area. (Michigan)
2. Wanted to put together an affordable challenging experience with like minded people. This will be a test of your machine and your crew. This isn't a cruise- when you finish you should be proud of your efforts.
My vehicle has square headlamps, can I still go?
Please see above in the "Why Roundheadlamps?" section.
Are Motorcycles welcome?
Absolutely.
Is this a race?
No. The route we are planning should be achievable within the two day time frame at legal speeds and adequate rest. There will be some sort of lame home built trophy for certain categories or achievements but not for finishing faster than anyone else. You will have the opportunity to compete for points by visiting mandatory and bonus stops along the way. The locations will be interesting, trust us. The big prize will be a finisher medallion- You got you and your machine from start to finish. No finish-No medallion.
Is this event supported?
No. It's up to you and your team to drive the proposed route and ensure your machine makes it. This is not to say there won't be people willing to help. Just make sure you have adequate tools and spares to make the trip. Sometimes its fun to make roadside repairs but a lot of time it's not. Take the time to get your rig straight now. That reminds me....
Is a navigator required?
Yes. For sanity and safety's sake, yes. Bring as many people as you like (that can fit in your ride of choice) but a minimum of two is required. It will very difficult to plot and navigate your through without help. You have at least one friend, right?
Is there a mailing list?
There is not.
Will there be dirt or gravel roads?
Its very likely. At times two track roads may be encountered. Some cool places are remotely located so the road conditions may not be great. We recommend so driving something with a bit of ground clearance and not so precious that you will be sad if it gets some rock chips. Show cars and garage queens are not a great choice for this event. Only you know what you are comfortable with.
Contact Us
Please see the FAQ section- your answer might be there.
Roundheadlamprally1000
Kalamazoo, MI, USA
