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Northern Stage Rally ChampionshipBulletin
2 – February 2004
The
forests are alive (again) with the sound of rally cars… the first
multi-venue event in the Championship took place last weekend with the
Riponian Stages. The event was based at Lightwater Valley Theme Park
with 4 stages there and another 10 in the forests around Helmsley. The
event only attracted just over 60 crews but there was a cracking turnout
of 32 contenders. With deep
snow the week prior to the event, the weather turned mild and wet the
couple of days before the event to ensure that the tracks were snow
free, albeit very wet. It was nice, however, to see a snowman spectating
on the Roppa Stage! The event kept crews busy from the outset. The event
started straight into the first stage at Lightwater which proved to be
slippery and nadgerey with a couple of rough bits. After a slightly
different second stage there the event headed to the forests for short
stages at College Moor & Wass before service at Duncombe Park. Next
up came Riccal Dale and Roppa – it’s the first time in over 10 years
of navigating that I’ve managed to get to compete on these stages and
they were very fast – if you know them well and are committed
there’s huge chunks of time you can gain. Boltby was next – a great
stage, followed by a repeat of all the forest stages and back to
Lightwater for the last 2 stages.
Contenders dominated class 1 and 2 on the event. David Duff /
Paul Oliver left with the highest score by winning the 1600cc class with
Jonathan & David Atack runners up in the class, first time out in
their smart new Saxo. Alan Richardson / Chris Roe were impressive
winners of the small capacity class, finishing 5 minutes in front of
Andy Hird and yours truly and in the top 20 overall into the bargain.
Jon & Jane Fox took the best mixed crew award whilst Chris Wise and
Tony Criston were another crew of contenders walking of with an award,
for the best Ripon Crew.
One thing to note from the Riponian - there appeared to be a
couple of confused crews at documentation in Ripon asking where they
should sign on for the Championship – you don’t need to! Once you
have registered for the Championship that’s all you need to do. I
(hopefully!) receive entry lists and results from the events and you
automatically get points – I like to keep it easy (and the wife
doesn’t let me out very often!). Events may ask to see your
registration cards so take them along to events with you. Next
Events
Legend
Fires North West Stages – 21st February (www.nwstages.bun.com) This
event is a new addition to the Championship this year and is very
popular. If you are wanting a run you should contact the organisers
immediately – Ann McCormack, 01928 710546. The event offers 18 stages
and 75 miles of sealed surfaces at several venues and a compact road
route that is never more than 20 miles from the Preston Rally HQ.
The website shows current entries – not many of you yet…. The
Alternative Sign Centre Robin Hood Forest Stages Rally – 7th
March (www.robinhoodforeststages.co.uk) Apart
from having the longest rally name in the history of motorsport, this
event offers contenders 43 miles in the Nottinghamshire Forests. Entry
fee is £280. Contact Meredith Combs,
01302 880730. Again, updated entries are shown on the website. 2004
Willingham's Recovery North Humberside Forest Rally - 27th March (www.northhumbersideforeststages.org.uk) The
2004 Willingham's Recovery North Humberside Forest Rally will take place
on 27th March, starting from the Ramada Jarvis Hotel at Willerby (west
of Hull) with stages in the central and eastern blocks of the North
Yorkshire Forests. Regs are now at the printer and will be mailed to
contenders in the week beginning 16th February. As a BTRDA event, expect
the entry to fill up quickly. Pacenotes will be available and the 1400cc
classes run at the front. Good
luck if you’re out on the NW Stages – as a new event to the
Championship, please let me have any feedback. Mike
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