The Rotary Club of Top of the Lake-Mooresville on Jan. 30 will host an automobile road rally, a 40-mile challenge over public roads, where speed doesn’t guarantee victory. Organizers say it’s “a treasure hunt on wheels.” The 40-mile cruise will certainly challenge your problem-solving, navigational, and observation skills. And it will raise money for Rotary charities.

“What a perfect day for doing something that’s fun, different and community-oriented at the same time,” rally co-organizer David Contorno said in a press release.

In a road rally, each team is given a set of route directions to follow, and the speeds at which they should travel the route, as well as a list of clues to solve along the way. Teams consist of one driver and at least one navigator. The route will follow rural and quieter back roads, according to organizers.

The goal of a road rally is to travel the correct route at the correct speeds, arrive at “checkpoints” precisely on time, and to solve as many clues as possible along the way. Scores depend on meeting correct times and answering clues correctly.

A road rally is not a race, and does not require you to drive in a reckless or illegal fashion. Arriving too early at a checkpoint hurts your score, as does arriving too late.

Proceeds from the Lake Norman-area rally will help Rotary International eradicate polio and also benefit other local charities.

The event is Saturday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m., beginning from the parking lot of The Pit Indoor Kart Racing, on Highway 150 in Mooresville. Entry fee is $40 per car. You may have as many participants in the car as you have seatbelts, so bring the whole family.

Each car must have a driver, a navigator and proof of insurance. Register online at www.lknroadrally.com.