Special stage
Also: SS, Test
A scored section of a rally. At classic rallies a special stage is usually a regularity test.
A special stage is a scored section of a rally. Between the stages there are road sections that are not scored, or only loosely.
At classic rallies
At classic events a special stage is almost always a regularity test. The aim is not the fastest time but hitting a set average or time exactly. The terms are often mixed. A roadbook might say "SS 3", "Test 3" or "RT 3" and mean the same thing.
At competitive rallies
At modern rallies and at historic rallies with speed classification, a special stage is a closed road where you drive as fast as you can. Different rules, licences and safety requirements apply. Check the entry form carefully to see which type you are dealing with.
How it runs
Each stage usually begins with a fixed start time. Times are taken at the finish and often at intermediate points. Deviations are turned into penalty points and added up across all stages. The crew with the fewest points wins.