Second gear slipping, very evident for drivers (5)

I believe the answer is:

rally

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'second' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rally that I've seen before include "motoring event" , "Revive - motoring contest" , "Pick up" , "Regain health" , "Mass political meeting" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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