Spectating Tips

Detailed spectator information will be available in the extensive STPR PROGRAM, which will be available on Friday and Saturday at the "Green" or from the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Wellsboro.

The program also includes maps and driving directions to get out to the spectator areas.

How To Spectate

In a PRO Rally the cars are started at one minute intervals with the fastest cars first and the slowest cars last. This starting order is based on the drivers seeding which reflects their performance over the previous two years. To ensure that you see the top drivers in action, you should make sure you arrive at your spectating spot early. While the early drivers will be fastest, they may not appear so as they usually are very smooth. Its not until you see some of the back markers struggle to get around the corners at a much lower speed, that you will really appreciate the skill of the front runners.

To make spectating even more interesting you can try checking the times that the cars arrive at a point. Pick a place where you can time a car each time and read the seconds off your watch. Remember that all cars leave at the top of the minute, so if the first car arrives at 21 seconds, the next at 28 and the next at 25. The first car is 4 seconds faster than the third and 7 seconds faster than the second. You will be amazed at how much quicker the front runners are over the others. After a serveral cars you may get times where the seconds are around 20 seconds again, these are over a minute slower than the first car.

A word of warning to you when you are spectating—dont assume the driver will see you if you wander on the road. Often when the driver is listening to the Co-driver calling the corners and mileages down to an upcoming corner, he or she will be concentrating on that and may not see you at the side of the road. I have driven through spectator areas where 1000 people are and not noticed them because of watching for an upcoming tricky corner.

How To Do It Safely

PRO Rallying is called the most exciting and demanding of motor sports. It has also been one of the most difficult for the spectator to get to and watch — except at STPR '98.

While some of the three STPR '98 spectator points are not in your backyard, you can be assured of seeing real Rally action, not something staged in a parking lot or industrial park just to attract a little publicity.

Instead, we give you two exciting morning stages within a short drive of Wellsboro, including ASAPH, called by many the best spectator spot in North America.

Safety at these spectator points is all important, especially with the large crowds expected this year. It really is just a matter of common sense, but for you folks who have never viewed a PRO Rally before, here are a few helpful tips.

• Please follow the Spectator Marshals' directions at each spectator point. While spectating is free, we do have control over these areas. Our marshals are specially trained to recognize potentially hazardous areas and keep will people out of them for their own safety.

• Please follow the marshal's directions when parking your car at these points. We must keep a clear access on one side of these narrow roads for emergency vehicles. All cars should park on the same side of the road and be heading in the proper direction to leave the area. If you follow the next rule you shouldn't have to walk too far.

• Plan your spectating. Travel time to get to each of the three spectator points is listed in this program.

• Pick your vantage point carefully. High on a hill or behind the tree line is best. The worst place to stand is on the outside of a corner or in the ditch. Rally drivers make creative use of the whole road. Again listen to the marshals. They know the safe spots. You must remain behind the Banner tape at all times.

• Be wary and alert at all times, particularly at the daylight spectator points. The cars make far less noise than they once did. At night, their lights will warn you they are on the way, but in daylight, you might now know until it's too late.

To All Spectators… A Note from the Chairman

Welcome to the Susquehannock Trail PRO Rally '98 from the organizers, workers and the competitors.

STPR '98 continues our tradition of an exciting and safe event, with even more emphasis on safety for you, THE SPECTATOR. You will be closer to the rally cars than in any other form of motor sports. The job of the SPECTATOR CONTROL CREWS is to let you enjoy STPR '98 and yet maintain your safety as well as that of the competitors and everyone else involved.

We would urge all of you to view STPR '98 only from the designated spectator points. These areas have been selected because they provide exciting and safe viewing. Any other out-of-the-way viewing area may not be safe. If Rally Officials are not satisfied with the safety of your location, you will be required to move. You will not be able to speculate at every area. You must choose those where you wish to go and allow ample transit time to get to them. If you are short of time, we suggest you GO to the next spectator point.

As always, parking is a problem on the forest's narrow roads and steep hillsides. Please do not block these roads. They are used as access routes for EMERGENCY VEHICLES. Please obey the SPECTATOR CONTROL MARSHALS. They work very long hours to ensure your safety and viewing enjoyment.

Thank you for making this the largest spectator PRO Rally in North Americas. HAVE A GREAT TIME!

— John McArthur, STPR '98 Chairman

Do's and Don'ts for the Spectator

DO —

• Follow instructions. Meeting a rally car head on can be an extremely unpleasant and possibly fatal experience.

• Obey speed limits. Local residents will appreciate it.

• Take your trash out of the forest with you.

• Obey marshalls at the Spectator Points. The marshals are here for your protection.

• Enjoy STPR '98!!

DON'T —

• Violate Pennsylvania liquor laws! There is no liquor allowed in the Forests.

• Forget your camera, something to sit on and BUG SPRAY!

• Point your flash at approaching competitor cars. You should start clicking only when they are alongside or going away from you.

• Block driveways or access roads.

• Litter. Please leave the Forest cleaner than you found it.

• Build any fires except in fireplaces provided by the Bureau of Forestry