RoundHeadLamp Rally 1000

The total distance will be at least 1000 kilometers. $160 for the car and driver gets you a rally decal, T-Shirts and finisher tokens(if you finish.) You will need a 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."  

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. 7am.  Don't be late.

All net proceeds will go to the SW MI SPCA. Also- check us out on Instagram @roundheadlamprally1000 

NOTE:

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.

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 know 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? (Definitely a Confederate flag, go pack sand.) Stuff like that. Those things 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. Hopefully, from the mouths of the right people.

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. One change starting after the 2025 rally is that if you want to compete for a trophy, your car must be pre-OBD II. Pre-1996 model year cars.  No exceptions. Part of the challenge of this rally is completing it in a vehicle that very well may need a roadside repair, for better or worse.   You need to be able to fix it if it breaks, or you could have one hell of a tow truck bill.

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. 

Somewhere on a Saturday morning at 7am.

Will be planned.

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.  

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?

Yes.  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.

Is my car cool enough?

Do you think your car is cool?  That is all that matters.  If you think it is, then it is.