Gymkhana (motorsport)

This article is about motorsport. For other uses, see Gymkhana (disambiguation).

Gymkhana is a type of motorsport. Similar to autocross, the goal of gymkhana is to achieve the fastest time possible; memorizing the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time. The name is loaned from the equestrian discipline of gymkhana.

Gymkhana events are time and/or speed events in an automobile. These can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver must maneuver through a predetermined "track" performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s, and other advanced skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of "obstacle" to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit.

Drivers

The driver's goal is to get through the course as quickly as possible with the fewest number of mistakes. Acceleration, braking, drifting, and grip driving are all necessary. Not only does the driver have to hold control over the car, but gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorization.

History

Gymkhana was started using the horse, long before the car was invented. Racers had to pick up small flags to win in the Genghis Khan's races, and also, racers had to race on the harsh courses in Native Americans' (Indians') races to show their bravery. Those who were eligible for these events were limited. But, since the civilized events evolved from the Europeans, Gymkhana became friendly and festive events.

Rules

Gymkhana is a complex event, and so there are several strict rules that drivers must follow.

- Barrel Racing

Rider should circle the first barrel, continue to the 2nd barrel, and finalize with the 3rd barrel. They should pass the exit line after they circle the 3rd barrel.

• Disqualified when..
  • going off the course
  • crossing over the start line without finishing the pattern

- Pole Bending

The rider should run to the end of the 6 poles, then weave down through the poles, reach the first pole, and weave up to the 6th pole. After this process, rider should drive to the goal line to end the event. Driver with faster time wins.

• Disqualified when..
  • going off the course.
  • crossing over the start line without finishing the pattern.
  • running double poles at once.

- Keyhole

Rider should run through the slot, turn and run out of the slot, and across the finish line.

• Disqualified when..
  • going off the course.
  • stepping on or over the slot.

Courses

Gymkhana courses typically involve only the use of first and second gear, where autotesting in the UK and Ireland add the use of reverse gear. A gymkhana course will typically be from 0:45 to 1:30 in length. Like autocross and autotesting, gymkhana courses are laid out with cones representing "obstacles" to navigate through. Unlike autocross, which can be considered to be a small version of a road course, obstacles in gymkhana will often consist of slaloms, 180 degree turns, 360 degree turns, figure eight turns and sometimes parking boxes. Gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorization of the track, as sections of the course frequently must be repeated or navigated backwards and or differently. The driver will use many techniques to effectively navigate a course. Handbrake technique, drifting and sliding and Left-foot braking are all necessary skills for gymkhana.

Cars

• 2011 Ford Fiesta
• 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
• 2013 Ford Fiesta ST
• 1978 Ford Escort MKII RS
• 2005 Subaru WRX STI
• 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

Competition format

As the JAF is a subsidiary of the FIA, FIA classing is used for Gymkhana in Japan. Gymkhana courses may be used for an entire year, unlike autocross and autotesting where drivers are presented with a new course for each event. Gymkhana participants are allowed two runs of the course, with the fastest time being used to determine the winner of a class. Time penalties are issued for hitting cones, and a failure to navigate the course correctly results in no time score.

National structure

Gymkhana in Japan has a well-defined competition structure, with everything from local to national competitions. Drivers can compete in official events locally in order to qualify for regional events and so on. Japan has an All omomomopeia dodo bird, a really annoying aunt Japan Gymkhana competition each year. Despite being governed under the FIA in Japan, there is no official international gymkhana competition at this time. Drivers in official events may be required to hold a JAF-issued competition license.

Gymkhana 7

This competition is one of the best productions for drifting events. The events were hosted by Ken Block whose fantastic performance of drifting. Ken uses Ford Mustang (First Generation) for the event. The car has the 410 cubic inch V8 engine with 845 horsepower and All-Wheel-Drive. The car was designed by RTR, Ken Block, and Hoonigan.

See also

• Gymkhana
• Gymkhana (motorcycle)
• Motorkhana
• Autotesting

External links

• Japan Auto Federation Gymkhana page
• JMRC regions
• A Gymkhana illustrated by the Israeli Roadster Club

• Eric, Baxter. "How Gymkhana Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 17 Nov. 2009. Web. 04 Mar. 2016.