TIP: Click the Video tab to see this activity in action
Car Gymkhana is a time trial event that puts a car through many stages and obstacles, relying on memory for the course map and good observational skills and knowing your vehicle and capabilities through many co-ordinated manoeuvres.
Popularity
Gymkhanas are popular, so there are several - near Bath in June, at Pucklechuch (north Bristol) in July and in the Chew Valley during August. All you need to enter is your car and a club Membership card.
Location
There are a few clubs around supporting this event which is often confused with autocross.
Age
You will need a full license to compete in this sport, therefore minimum age is the national driving age
Ability
Ability? Preparation of the driver is essential for maximum performance. Like any athletic endeavor a driver that is well rested and in good health is more alert, has superior reactions, and can perform at full potential.
Description
Gymkhana emphasizes course memorization, driving techniques and vehicle momentum. Complex, tight maps constructed in small areas guide drivers through 360s around pointer cones, loop-back slaloms and handbrake turns - the list of obstacles is long and the difficulty high. A winning gymkhana car could be a high powered rear drive car like a 240SX or RX7, but it could just as easily be a small and agile front drive car like a Mini Cooper or Honda Civic. Anything can happen at a gymkhana event.
Dedication
Dedication to this sport is as far as you are prepared to risk your car as most competitions involve your everyday vehicle. If it were possible for a gymkhana to have a big brother, then it would be an Autotest. Normally held on tarmac (in a large car-park) autotests are a bit faster, a bit trickier and a bit more competitive than gymkhanas. The principles are the same, although timing is more precise and marshals are more conscientious when it comes to reporting errors and omissions!
Potential
Sometimes these events are performed at Local, Country/County Fairs. It is a sport built on personal satisfaction and just the need to compete and better understand your vehicle.
Closely
Related Activities
Related activities include vehicle knowledge, performance techniques, advanced driving skills, and understanding vehicle control on differing surfaces.
Cost
Cost is basically dependant which car you are using, protective equipment required to satisfy the organisers, insurance is very important as some of these events have you sign an insurance waver. Lets not forget the entrance fee and possible breakdown recovery to get your car home.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.