A road rally is a competition wherein the object is to find the finish based on a series of route instructions. Rallies generally fall into two categories, Time/Speed/Distance (TSD) or Gimmick. A TSD rally requires the participants to follow a series of directions based on average speed over a specified distance, all the while attempting to find the correct route. Along the route are checkpoints. You are required to stop at each checkpoint at which your actual time of arrival will be compared with your calculated time. If you are early or late then penalty points are awarded. The winner will be the car that actually finishes with the fewest total points.

The rally at the annual Porsche Parade is a TSD rally. A more simplistic type of rally is the Gimmick type. Using the model adopted by the Allegheny Region PCA for most of our recent rallies, route instructions are provided along with a set of questions. The answers to the questions are found along the correct route. There is usually an "out of car experience" where participants are required to seek information or items along the way. The route selected is always based on the entertainment value of the roads. The finish is usually at a local eating establishment where trophies are awarded. Allegheny Region PCA traditionally conducts a spring and an autumn rally.