Rally Ontario launches 'Stage Life' video series, welcomes new drivers

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• Rally Ontario has launched a new YouTube series to promote racing at a grassroots level
• The organization hosts navigational rallies, rally cross, and rally sprint events
• Community-minded gearheads help make this an approachable type of motorsport

Most people with motor oil in their blood and a gas tank for a brain have, at least at some point on this side of the sod, pondered the feasibility of entering a motorsport competition. It’s simply part of our nature. After all, it is said the first motor race happened an instant after the second car was built. Knowing the type of people who enjoy cars, that’s probably not too far off the truth.

Rally Ontario has a mission to promote the sport at a grassroots level, welcoming drivers from all walks and most skill levels. “You’ll see a zillion videos on YouTube of professional rallying, but what’s largely absent is the promotion and focus on grassroots and the really welcoming, relatively low bar to entry,” explains Adam Peter Dowsett, one of the main organizers at Rally Ontario. “We want to show everyone that this sport is not only fun but also approachable.”

In a bid to increase the series’ visibility, its team has crafted a three-part YouTube series focusing on exactly these topics. It follows three different teams as they challenge each other in the recently resurrected Rally of the Voyageurs. As the trailer’s description explains, this trio of race teams demonstrate the excitement of competition while emphasizing the openness and approachability of the Rally Ontario community.

Creatively called Stage Life, the goal of these videos is to encourage viewers to participate in all levels of the sport. “The community really wants to help,” says Dowsett, speaking to the league’s inclusive feel. “We might compete mightily on the track, but no one wants to get after someone in the pits.” Dowsett says that a club president likes to say they’re actually a social club that sometimes races, such is the level of camaraderie experienced in the garage.

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This weekend marks the first event since the YouTube series began its drop of episodes, and there has indeed been an upswing in registrants—though organizers are quick to claim they’re not yet sure it’s all credited to the videos. But with roughly a doubling of competitors to 22 this weekend, we think organizers are being far too modest. These types of efforts are a great way to get people off the fence and on the track. A welcoming environment will encourage them to stay.

Dowsett was bitten by the rally bug over 20 years ago when he crewed for a team fielding what was then called a Production Three car in the form of a Dodge Neon. He ended the day completely exhausted—but it wasn’t long before he signed up for more involvement. These days, it’s the support of companies like Novus Automotive which also help move the sport forward. “We pitched them a wild idea and they rolled with it,” Dowsett said of Novus Automotive. Having an engaged and enthusiastic sponsor makes all the difference in the world.

The next event on Rally Ontario calendar is the Black Bear Rally this weekend, with two other events on the calendar this month.