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News & editorial
April 2004
Finally Spring has sprung and there's plenty of activity as this edition of Tappits proves with no less than 5 reports on Scatter, Road and Stage Rallies.
Reports from Ian Beech, Simon and Meredith, David Wilson and Bill Parkin cover the Scatter and Road Rally contingent and Shaun's report gives an insight to his and Paul Brigg's exploits at Hixon Airfield in Staffordshire where they managed a top 10 place in the Peugeot 205 Challenge recently. The Dearne Valley Motorsport team still maintains its 100% finish record in every event it has entered, something they're proud of and take confidence from. "We put it down to pre-event car preparation" said Steve, Head Mechanic for the team "We've had some problems on events and have coped with them, but when the cars are prepared properly, half the battle is won". Shaun added "At the Hixon event cars were falling apart all around us. When we did hit things on stage the car stayed together - even we were surprised when we climbed out of the car after some of the rougher stages".
Two DVM crews, those of Shaun and Paul and Antony Hellewell and Susan Hobson were planning to compete on the SMC Stages Rally at Weeton Camp, Nr Blackpool on March 28 and we hope to report this in the next Tappits. "I really like the venue" said Antony "and some 'in team' rivalry will be excellent". Antony and Susan will use the event to shake down the re-prepared Peugeot 205 Mi16 whilst Shaun and Paul will be hoping to build on their encouraging start to the season.
Shaun's next event will be at Wilbarston on the 25th April closely followed by the Bloodhound Stages on the 2nd May. (If you fancy marshalling on this event see Len's Lines).
Many thanks to Gordon Waddington who organised the recent visit to the David Sutton Motorsport Museum at Daventry. Many memories were relived for most of us who went on the trip as many of the cars were from the 70's to 90's period. If you're one of those who couldn't make it I would suggest you try and go and have a look. It's by appointment only and I'm sure Gordon would be more than happy to advise you what to do.
Sunday 18th April is a Training day which the Association of North East Midland Motor Clubs is organising and which is being held at our usual meeting place at the McCormick Recreation Club.
It is hoped that many of our members will attend as subjects that will be discussed include Judicial Procedures, Running and Manning Stages and a practical hands on offering which will be revealed on the day.
Roger Albert Clarke Rally update - March 2004 News
The news at the moment really is that things are progressing well but neither the sponsor or the route is sufficiently tied down for the organisers to make any official anouncement .
The route is progressing well with the team visiting the various regions to negotiate which forests are available and which can be used. Some regions are proving to be more of a challenge than others but organisers already have a large amount of stage mileage "in the bag".
Coupled with this the team are visiting local motorclubs and regional associations to dispel some of the rumours that have been circulating about the intent of the rally and to get their assistance in the rally organisation.
Getting the money to run any rally is difficult to say the least and to run an event of this size is no different. That said, we are in negotiation with several interested parties and hope to make an anouncement on a national sponsor soon.
We are hoping that Regulations for the rally will be available in April and at that point we will be taking entries.
PROVISIONAL ROUTE OUTLINE IS AS FOLLOWS -
20th November 2004 - Scrutineering at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield - Prologue Stage (2.5 Miles approximately)
21st November 2004 - Leg 1 Start - Sheffield - Three Spectator Stages (15 Miles approximately)
Service Halt - Two Spectator Stages (6 Miles approximately) - Regroup
Service Halt - Three Forest Stages (15 Miles approximately)
Service Halt & Parc Ferme - Overnight Halt - Carlisle
22nd November 2004 - Leg 2 - Re-Start - Carlisle - Service Halt - Four Forest Stages (40 Miles approximately)
Service Halt - Three Forest Stages (32 Miles approximately)
Service Halt - Four Forest Stages (50 Miles approximately)
Service Halt & Parc Ferme - Overnight Halt - Carlisle
23rd November 2004 - Leg 3 - Re-Start - Carlisle - Service Halt - Three Forest Stages (50 Miles approximately)
Service Halt - Sheffield Finish
To keep in touch with developments keep a check on www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org.uk
Robin Hood Forest Stages Rally - When you do Equipment on any rally you're always the last in the field and never seem to see what goes on in the stages let alone see the Officials vehicles going through. One man who did capture the action though is Mark Sayer who provided the image of Geoff Boud, Clerk of the Course seen here with Gordon Waddington in the driving seat. Mark also provided the image of Ian Beech on the What's On page in his rather smaller 4 x 4. For more of Mark's 2004 Robin Hood Forest Stages images go to www.marksayer.com
John Sayles
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