Below is some information to help you understand the terms used in rallying :

Special Stage
A rally consists of a number of Special Stages. These are the actual competitive parts of the Rally. Competitors start each stage one after the other, generally at 2 minute intervals. Special stages are conducted on roads which are closed to the public. Stages vary in length, some may be very long, 25-30km or very short such as a Super Special Stage, usually only 1-2km. Each stage is electronically timed down to 1/10th of a second.

Super Special Stage
A Super Special Stage is a shorter stage, specifically designed to provide excellent spectator viewing.

Transport or Liaison
A section of the rally linking special stages with each other or service park. Competitors must observe normal road rules and the posted speed limits on the roads used. These are generally public roads and are not closed.

Reconnaissance or Recce
Before the event the competitors are allowed to drive over the stages they will be competing in twice (Pass 1 and Pass 2). Recces are strictly controlled and are held over the one or two days prior to the rally. Competitors complete Recce in a normal road car, and are not allowed to drive over the speed limit.

Service Park
The area where competitors service their rally cars. During the event, competitors are only allowed to service their rally cars at certain times and for a certain period. Service park is open to spectators but spectators may not enter the actual service bay without specific permission from the relevant team.

Zero Car
Before each stage starts, the Zero Car team pass through the stage to make sure that there are no safety implications, and that all officials are in place and on standby. There are 3 Zero Cars - 0, 00 and 000 - that go through stages. Zero cars are easily identified by their Zero Car livery, flashing lights and sirens.

Sweep
At the end of each stage, the Sweep car passes through the stage to make sure that all rally cars have cleared the stage or that appropriate recovery action is in place. Once Sweep has cleared the stage, officials can relax until the Stage Commander releases them from their post. There are usually two Sweeps - A and B - who may alternate stages or run as fast and slow sweep on the same stage.

Shakedown
Shakedown is where the competitors have the opportunity to test their rally car, at rally speeds. Shakedown is run like a normal stage (i.e. it is timed, and all Marshals and normal safety precautions are taken), and normally happens one or two days before the start of the rally, and after the Pre Event Scrutineering.

Livery
the stickers that competitors have on their rally cars.

Scrutineering
Rally cars have to adhere to a strict set of technical specifications. Competitors must take their rally cars to be scrutineered or checked that they adhere to the rules both before and after the event.

Opening Ceremony (formerly called a Ceremonial Start)
The Opening Ceremony is the public beginning of the rally. Competitors arrive at the Opening Ceremony in their rally car, in full livery and driving suits, and at the directed moment drive the car over the start ramp. There is usually an opportunity for the general public to chat with the competitors. Often once the car is on the start ramp the MC will have a brief chat with the driver
and/or co-driver. The official start of competition is usually less public as it may occur very early in the morning.

Podium Finish
The Podium Finish is the official finish of the rally. Once the competitors have finished the last Special Stage, they return to the Service Park to service their rally cars, and then proceed to the Ceremonial Finish.

Rally HQ
The administration centre for rally, the place where competitors and officials can obtain information.