Racing with Friends AKA Dual Driving — Northwest Rally Association

“Can my friend and I share a car?”

This may be the question that shows up in our inbox most frequently. The answer is “YES!” It is called Dual Driving. This is an easy option for friends who want to share the work and expense of racing. It’s also a great way to do something fun with your spouse! Here is what you need to know:

How to Register

Registration for dual drivers works just like it does for single drivers. Each competitor creates their own profile on MotorsportReg.com and adds the car to their account. When it’s time to sign up, each driver registers themselves and pays the full registration fee.

Choose Numbers

Dual drivers must have a unique race number that can be easily changed between runs during the race. Our general recommendation is to choose numbers that are 100 apart. For example, driver A is #50 and driver B is #150. That way you just add/remove a number 1 in between runs.

If you prefer, you can have separate magnetic number plates made and just switch the full plates. These are just two places where you can get number plates made.

https://spinnywhoosh.com/products/autocross-numbers-your-name?variant=35515845516

https://www.trackdecals.com/collections/numbers-letters/products/premium-magnetic-number-plate

Race Day & Seat Time

As a dual driver, you will get the exact same amount of laps/seat time as single drivers. Cars are lined up by class in the grid before the race and dual drivers are directed to a separate line from single drivers. This allows us to work you into the flow of racing while still giving you ample time to switch seats.

You will alternate runs with your dual driver so driver A runs first, then half the single drivers and then driver B runs. You must alternate drivers every run so that you are competing on the same course throughout the day as others in your class.

Things to Consider

Changeover plan: Keep in mind that you will have to switch drivers after every run. You will want to have a plan for adjusting the seats and harnesses if you are different sizes.

Car preparation: Your car will see double the time on course as a single driver car. It is important to make sure your car is in tip top shape before racing. Take care of noises and routine maintenance before the event.

Tech inspection/Check-in: Both drivers will need to be present at tech inspection and check-in as both have to present helmets and licenses.

Parade lap: All drivers are given one lap on the course at a slow speed before racing. Dual drivers have two options for how to accomplish this:

One at a time (car does two laps): Each driver takes their parade lap independently, with no passenger.
Together (car does one lap): One driver drives the parade lap and the other driver rides along in the passenger seat.

You may not ride along for a parade lap and also drive the parade lap as this will give you two passes at the course before racing.

No triple driving: We cannot allow more than two drivers per car. If you have a third driver that is interested in racing your car, they may register for Time Only and run a separate session.

Pay attention to instructions: There will be specific instructions for dual drivers that differ from single drivers. Be sure to listen and understand where you need to be. In general, you’ll be in a separate line and will not follow the crowd. If you are not in the right place when it’s your turn to race, you forfeit that run.

If you are interested in dual driving but still have more questions, you can reach out to us or post your question in the NorPac Rally Group for other dual driver teams to answer!