• Meet Jana
    • Press
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Sample Policy
  • Contact
  • Giveaways
    • Enter Our Current Giveaways
    • Winner’s Page
    • Winner’s Form
  • Social Media
    • Geek Girl DIgital
  • Shop our Faves
  • Gift Guides
    • 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
    • Father’s Day Gift Guide
    • Mother’s Day Gift Guide
    • Pride Month – Merch That Gives Back
    • National Pet Day
    • Bourbons for National Bourbon Day
    • National Merlot Month Wines
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Whisky + Sunshine

Northeastern Travel Blogger, Entertainment Writer & Lifestyle Blogger

  • Entertainment
    • Film Reviews
    • TV Reviews
    • Celebrity Interviews
    • Disney
      • Disney Channel/Disney XD
      • Marvel
      • Star Wars
    • LGBTQ
  • Travel
    • Disney World
    • Disneyland
    • Cruises
    • United States
      • Alaska
      • California
      • Florida
      • New York
        • New York City
      • Oregon
        • Portland
      • Vermont
      • Washington
    • International
      • Belize
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Colombia
      • France
      • Honduras
      • Kenya
      • Mexico
    • Hotels/Accommodations
  • Food/Drink
    • cocktails & mixology
    • food
    • recipes
    • wine
      • wine pairings
  • At Home
    • Autos
    • Beauty/Fashion
    • DIY
      • crafts
      • home
      • printables
  • Tech

June 12, 2017 By Bridget 2 Comments

What’s it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Reddit
  • Mix
  • LinkedIn
  • Buffer
  • Email

When Toyota asked if I wanted to join them and their Rally Race team for a ride along with Championship Rally Driver Ryan Millen in his Toyota RallyRAV4, I didn’t think twice before saying “Heck, YES!” To be honest, I then more than once, thought to myself “What did I just agree to?” I’m a diehard adrenaline junkie though and was really looking forward to it. My son, almost 7, was super jealous. I knew I’d never live it down if I didn’t do it. Thanks so much to Toyota and Ryan for hosting me for the afternoon for this incredible experience.

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

When I showed up, I was warmly welcomed by Ryan, his co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino, and the entire team. I knew I was in good hands. Ryan gave me a walk around of the Toyota RallyRAV4. It’s the only SUV in a race dominated by cars. They’ve also not changed it much—it’s a stock engine and transmission. The dashboard looks like any other RAV4 dash. They added some roll bars and other safety features but kept the heart of it the same. I was quickly fitted with a helmet and neck brace (EEK!) and was being strapped in safely in the passenger seat. The first time around that mile section was exhilarating. I wasn’t sure at some points what way the road turned, and we were going around 60MPH. Good thing Ryan knew his stuff! When he asked if I wanted to go again, it was an immediate, “Yes, please!”

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

After our ride, I sat down with Rhianon and Ryan and learned all about the work that goes into a race. It’s quite a bit of reconnaissance and note taking all put together in a notebook full of pacernotes. Rhianon spends hours taking her notes from just 2 rides over the stages, into the pacernotes. Ryan drives it, but Rhianon tells him 2 or 3 steps ahead so he can plan accordingly and they can get the best time possible, as safely as possible. As we finished up my crash course of pacernotes, I climbed into another RAV4 and watched as Rhianon directed Ryan through the course. Next up, she directed me through the course. My country girl heart was feeling pretty happy about driving fast through country roads. Last but not least, I directed Ryan as he drove the course. I was told I did really well! Maybe something to look into further? It might come in handy as my son is already asking when he can drive a race car. We both couldn't wait to attend the 2017 Oregon Trail Rally at the Portland International Raceway.

READ NEXT  Top Chef Season 18 Calls Portland Home Beginning April 1, 2021

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day?

  • About
  • Latest Posts
Bridget
Bridget is a rocker mom to a 10-year-old son. She lives in Portland.
Latest posts by Bridget (see all)
  • Portland Monster Jam Review - March 8, 2019
  • What's it Like to be a Rally Race Team Driver for a Day? - June 12, 2017
  • KUBO and the Two Strings Movie Review - August 22, 2016

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
  • Reddit
  • Mix
  • LinkedIn
  • Buffer
  • Email

Filed Under: Automobile, Portland Tagged With: auto, portland, toyota

« Marvel’s Black Panther Teaser Trailer and Poster – First Look
The Things We Do For Our Kids »

Comments

  1. Janet W. says

    June 16, 2017 at 3:59 am

    I’ve always wanted to feel what it’s like to be a race car driver! What a fun experience!

    Reply
  2. ellen beck says

    June 21, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    My husband would have a blast with this. Me myself, maybe not so much. I am a slow driver, and get crazy nervouse going too fast. It looks exciting though for sure

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Jana

Jana Seitzer is a writer, traveler, podcaster, and geek. Although well-versed in many fictional universes, Star Wars & Marvel have always been her favorites. Read More…

Get Essential Oils to Keep You Going

Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

Whisky + Sunshine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at Amazon.com.

You Might Also Like

eli lacrosse no 11

All the Easter Eggs in TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE

derek hale teen wolf movie

Best Quotes TEEN WOLF The Movie

teen wolf the movie still

TEEN WOLF The Movie Review

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Cassie Lang Comics To Read Before Quantumania

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Cassie Lang Comics To Read Before Quantumania

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond

Copyright © 2023 · Jana Seitzer | Whisky + Sunshine

PRIVACY POLICY