Car rallies are events where like minded “gearheads” come together to show off their cars and enjoy each others companies. To combat this, Grady Eger ’17 created the BaseLine Rally (BLR), a group of rallying’s that like to have fun and drive fast.

After being inspired by rally’s such as Rally Kings and Michigan Gumball, Eger decided to make his own.

“We allow anybody with any car of any kind join our events, from a (Dodge) Dart to an (Audi) r8,” Eger said.“If you like cars you can come. They are free events.”

BLR has had an exponential growth in the past two to three months, with Facebook as their main form of communication, Eger said. At the most recent event, the rally to Port Austin, BLR had its biggest turnout yet.

“60 cars were at Belle Isle. We talked, hung out and met new people. This was the biggest jump we have ever had in popularity towards the rally,” Eger said.

The rally started at Belle Isle and finished at Port Austin, Eger said.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo courtesy of Tommy Sine '17.

“We got on Jefferson, went to the highway, and we all took off as one, talking through phones, having good communication. Going through the little towns with all these cars, goofing around and having a overall good time talking cars,” Eger said.

Despite the increase in popularity, Eger said he doesn’t plan on starting to charge entrance fees for cars participating in the rally.
Founder’s of BLR’s love for cars started off at a young age. Co-founder Logan Wakley 17’ fell in love with cars after working in the garage with his dad.

“I have always loved cars and to be able to create a group to bring all demographics together is just fantastic.” Logan Wakley said.

Wakley also takes care of many of the interested donors to the BLR group.

“For now the group is just running off smiles,” Wakley said.

“It will always be free. The only way we draw in money is through selling stickers and shirts or any apparel. Being free is a huge part of why it’s popular,” Eger said.

In order to get the word out, BLR has a forum with a substantial amount of pictures from the rally. BLR co-founder, Peter Calcaterra ’18, is responsible for taking all the pictures and videos at the rallys.

“I started helping out with Facebook and planning the events, then I took photos at them, and met Grady and Logan,” Calcaterra said. “They invited to help on there up and coming Rally group and I said yes because it was a great way to get new and unusual car shots.”

Calcaterra started photographing cars before he got involved with BLR because he has always loved cars and photography, he said Calcaterra decided to put his photography skills together with shooting cars to start an Instagram account that now has over 2,000 followers.

With Eger graduating from South this year he will be attending the University of Arizona next fall.

Taking over for Eger, Calcaterra plans on taking over BLR with co-founder Logan Wakely ’17. Calcaterra and Wakely have big plans for future rallies and expanding the BaseLine Rally.

“This summer we have some huge events planned over the summer such as a trip up to Mackinaw overnight. I cannot see anything but positive improvements and large leaps and bounds to being a huge Rally group over the U.S.” Calcaterra said.

Wakely and Calcaterra are excited to take BaseLine Rally to the next level this upcoming spring.