July 2023 Rally Hub Archive: Subaru WRX, Rally vs F1, Driver Sticks & More

Welcome back, rally fans! July was a busy month on the Hub and we covered a lot of ground. From debating whether a brand‑new Subaru WRX can call itself a rally car, to stacking rallying against Formula 1 in a toughness showdown, we gave you the straight‑talk. We also broke down the two sticks a rally driver never leaves the cockpit without, and tossed in a quick look at mixed dogs in obedience contests. Grab a coffee and let’s recap the highlights.

Is a Stock Subaru WRX a Rally Car?

The big question popped up: can you drive a Subaru WRX straight from the dealer onto a rally stage? The short answer is no – the factory‑spec WRX is built for road use, not the rough, mixed‑surface grind of a rally. It comes with a turbocharged flat‑four, symmetric all‑wheel drive and a chassis that loves grip, so the DNA is rally‑ready. What stops it from being a rally car? It lacks a roll cage, stripped‑down interior, rally‑tuned suspension and the kind of power‑to‑weight ratio you see in purpose‑built machines.

That said, the WRX is a favorite for DIY builders. Swap the stock gearbox for a sequential unit, add a lightweight fire‑retardant interior, fit rally‑spec dampers and a tuned ECU, and you’ve got a solid base. The car’s natural balance means it’ll bite into loose gravel without sending you over the edge. In short, a stock WRX isn’t rally‑legal, but with a modest budget and a few bolt‑on upgrades it can become a true rally contender.

Rallying vs. Formula 1: Which Is Tougher?

Comparing rally and F1 is like comparing a mountain bike to a supercar – both demand skill, but the challenges are worlds apart. Rally drivers battle ever‑changing surfaces, unpredictable weather, and a GPS‑guided pace note system. One minute you’re carving through snow, the next you’re splashing through a river crossing. The mental load is massive because you have to trust your co‑driver’s notes while reacting to terrain you can’t see until the last second.

Formula 1, on the other hand, offers a controlled environment: smooth tarmac, fixed circuits, and a data‑rich cockpit. The physical strain comes from high G‑forces in corners and relentless braking. Precision is everything; a single millisecond error can cost you the race. While F1 drivers train for elite fitness, rally drivers train for adaptability and endurance over long stages that can last several hours.

So which is tougher? It depends on what you define as “tough.” Rallying throws the wild outdoors at you, demanding raw instinct and stamina. F1 demands razor‑sharp focus and peak physical condition. Both are elite in their own right, and both will chew you up if you’re not prepared.

Beyond these headline topics, we also explained the two sticks you’ll see in every rally car. The first is the gear stick – a short‑throw, dog‑leg shifter that lets you hop gears quickly without losing traction. The second is the handbrake lever, often called the “e‑brake.” Pull it to lock the rear wheels for tight hairpins or to initiate a controlled slide. Mastering the timing between the gear knob and the handbrake is how you turn a twisty mountain road into a dance floor.

Finally, a quick side note on mixed dogs in obedience contests. The Hub received a question about whether mixed‑breed pooches can compete, and the answer is a resounding yes. Obedience scores are based on the dog’s training, focus and responsiveness, not pedigree. So if you’ve got a mutt that follows commands like a pro, sign them up – the dog world loves diversity.

That wraps up July’s roundup. Whether you’re tweaking a WRX, debating rally versus F1, or polishing your hand‑brake technique, the Hub has your back. Stay tuned for August; we’ve got new gear reviews, stage‑prep tips, and more rally stories coming your way.