OR: Nor’wester Rally 2023 – Oregon Backroads Tour

Nor’wester is a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally conducted since 1967, by the Rainier Auto Sports Club. Entrants receive instructions with specific, clear directions at speeds at or below legal limits, with specific times to start each section at one-minute intervals. Nor’wester is a “closed control” format where cars do not stop at checkpoints.

It’s a pure touring rally with no tricks or traps and an equal penalty for passing a checkpoint (which may be hidden) early or late. Speeding is a sure way to lose as the goal is to pass at the correct second, and the car with the least number of points wins. Precision timing is the main criterion, but Nor’wester also emphasizes remote areas and spectacular scenery.

Rallymaster: Jim Breazeale

Routemaster: Ron Sorem

Registrar: Contact Eric Horst for questions about your registration or to make any changes after you register.

Entry Fee: $300 per pre-paid auto entry, $15 for an extra route book. No on-site registration.

Classes:

Unlimited, Equipped, Seat-Of-Pants, Novice, and Vintage auto (see clarifications in Supplemental General Instructions).

General Instructions:

Nor’Wester will use the Rainier Auto Sports Club Touring General Instructions (PDF format) available in Rally Reference along with Supplemental General Instructions specific to this event. Please be familiar with the definitions of your selected class. Supplemental Instructions may change at any time until the provisional start order is posted. Registration officially opened on July 1, 2023.

Scoring:

Nor’wester will utilize Competitor – Richta GPS Checkpoints. In order to be scored you must load the  Competitor app on your own Android or IOS phone or tablet. For an overview, see the NWRC_Competitor_Richta_App_Guide (PDF).

Car numbers will be assigned on September 12th. The Competitor – Richta GPS Checkpoints event password will be e-mailed to all entrants on September 12th. You will be able to set up your app after you receive the event password.

Questions about Richta usage on this event can be directed to nw23scoring@rainierautosports.com.

The Competition:

Review the Entry List after registration opens.

Start & Finish location:

Cousin’s Country Inn, 2114 W 6th St, The Dalles, OR 97058-3524  https://cousinscountryinn.com/.

Nor’wester rates are $119+tax for 2 Queen beds, call 1-541-298-5161 for September 15-17 reservations. You must ask for the “Rainier Auto Sports Club” block. Cousin’s will keep this block open only until August 15th. ($40-$60 savings). Organizers will offer an informal reception following the Friday rally.

First Car Out:

Friday 4pm; Saturday 8am; Sunday 8am

Saturday Night Social

“No-Host” dinner at Cousin’s starts around 8 pm. Great opportunity to relax, recount the day, tell old lies, or make up new ones. Don’t miss it!