Super Special Stage

A Super Special Stage (SSS) is a short, spectator-friendly racing stage in rallying designed to maximize excitement and crowd visibility, typically held in easily accessible locations like stadiums or city centers.

Unlike regular rally stages that take place on remote roads with limited spectator access, Super Special Stages are specifically created for entertainment value. These stages are much shorter than typical rally stages, usually ranging from 1 to 5 kilometers in length, making them perfect for holding the audience's attention.

The most exciting feature of many Super Special Stages is head-to-head racing, where two cars compete simultaneously on parallel tracks. This creates direct competition that spectators can easily follow, similar to watching a traditional race rather than timing individual cars against the clock.

Super Special Stages often serve as the opening act of a rally weekend, typically held on Thursday evenings to build excitement for the main event. They can also conclude a rally as a dramatic finale. Despite being shorter and more entertainment-focused, the times recorded during these stages still count toward each driver's overall rally time.

These stages frequently incorporate unique features like jumps, tight corners, and mixed driving surfaces. For example, an asphalt Super Special Stage might be inserted into a rally that otherwise takes place entirely on gravel roads, adding an extra challenge for drivers and variety for spectators.

Famous examples include Super Special Stages held inside Athens' Olympic Stadium during the Acropolis Rally and at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi for the Safari Rally Kenya. These venues can accommodate thousands of spectators who would otherwise never get to see rally cars in action up close.

The primary purpose of a Super Special Stage is publicity and fan engagement, helping to promote the sport to wider audiences while still maintaining the competitive integrity that makes rallying exciting.