Sticks in Rally – Why They Matter and How to Use Them

If you’ve ever watched a rally car zip around a hairpin, you’ve probably wondered what the driver is doing with the sticks in the cockpit. It’s not magic – it’s a mix of the gear stick, the handbrake stick and a few tricks that turn a normal car into a rally beast. In this guide we’ll break down each stick, show you how to get the most out of it, and give you simple steps you can try on your own car.

Gear Stick: Your Direct Link to Power

The gear stick is the most obvious stick in a rally car, but its role is far bigger than just shifting gears. A short‑throw stick lets you change up or down in a split second, which is crucial when you need to keep momentum on loose gravel. When you’re learning, start by practising quick H‑pattern shifts on a flat surface. Feel the distance between each gear and aim to move the stick in a smooth, deliberate motion. The less you wobble, the faster the car responds.

Pro drivers often add a short‑throw kit or a “rally‑style” stick that cuts travel by up to 30 %. This not only speeds up shifts but also reduces the chance of a missed gear that could spin you out. If you’re on a budget, a simple aftermarket short‑throw conversion can be installed for a few hundred pounds and will give you that instant‑shift feel.

Handbrake Stick: The Secret to Fast Slides

When a driver needs to pull a tight turn on a loose surface, the handbrake stick becomes the star. Pulling the handbrake locks the rear wheels, letting the car pivot around the front. The trick is timing – pull just enough to start the slide, then release as the car points where you want to go.

Start by practicing on a dry, empty parking lot. Drive low in a straight line, press the handbrake for a half‑second, and steer into the slide. You’ll feel the rear end swing out. Gradually increase the length of the pull and the angle of the steer. Remember, a gentle tap is often faster than a hard yank; it keeps the car stable and reduces wear on the brake system.

Many rally cars use a handbrake lever that sits on the driver’s left, just like a stick. This placement lets you keep your right hand on the wheel and your left on the stick, making the maneuver feel natural. If your car only has a foot‑operated handbrake, consider adding a stick lever for more precise control.

Beyond the cockpit, “sticks” also show up in training tools. Rally schools often use a simple wooden stick to teach co‑driver pacing – the co‑driver taps the stick to signal upcoming corners. It’s a low‑tech way to build communication without relying on radios.

Putting it all together, the key to mastering rally sticks is repetition. Spend time on each stick in isolation, then combine them: shift, approach a corner, pull the handbrake, and steer. You’ll start to feel the rhythm of a rally car, and that rhythm is what separates a hobbyist from a competitor.

So grab a gear stick, give the handbrake a try, and hit the gravel. The more you practice, the faster those sticks will become an extension of your own hands.