Northern Stage Rally Championship

Bulletin 1 – January 2005

 Welcome to the 2005 Championship!

What a cracking start to the year we have had – the number of registered contenders is over 60% higher than at the same time last year and the number of contenders starting the first round was 80% higher than the same event last year. Let’s hope that 2005 turns out to be a great year with some close battles in the various categories.

            The many people that have returned to the Championship you will know what to expect – to those that are new to us then I’m sure you’ll soon get used to things. Don’t worry about having to “sign on” for the Championship at events – there is no need as I will just pick your participation up on the entry list / results. I will try and get bulletins and interim results out after each round – there may be occasions when it’s not possible – usually when events are close together, organisers forget to supply me with results or when I’m away on business. Usually it’s the printing and posting that takes the time so those receiving updates by e-mail will get a faster service. Results should also be posted on the website as soon as I have collated them – keep an eye on www.ancc.co.uk for updates. I would welcome any feedback on the events or the Championship as a whole – please let me know your thoughts throughout the year. If you are wanting to do a particular event but need a driver / navigator then please let me know as the bulletins are circulated far and wide around the Association clubs.

            Darlington & DMC attracted a capacity entry to Croft for their Jack Frost Stages, the first round of the Championship and counting towards the Tarmacadam and Multi-Use Challenges. In total 43 contenders started. The highlight of many great performances by contenders on the event surely must be the class winning performance of Martin Farrar & Andy Ward, who took their 1600cc MG to an astonishing 2^nd overall – brilliant! I remember Martin may years ago having “NO” welded onto his brake pedal – has this now been complimented by “YES” on the accelerator?! The result gives them a top score of 115 points (out of a maximum theoretical score of 120). This was closely followed by a John Deegan & Chris Smith who led a 1-2-3 of contenders in class 1, ahead of Stephen Oade / Tim Croft & Steven Crowther / David Batley. There was also a class win for Roger Priestnall / James Orton and a top 5 finish for Andy Bird / Plug Pulleyn.

Next Events

Riponian Stages, Sunday 6^th February – www.riponmotorsportsclub.co.uk

The first forest event of the year is based at Lightwater valley Theme Park, just outside Ripon. There will be stages at the park at the start and end of the day with the filling in the sandwich being the little used forest stages on the western fringes of the North York Moors – Boltby, Wass, Riccal Dale etc. Servicing is at Duncombe Park. Event Contact is Lynsey Walsh, 01845 525985.

NW Stages, Saturday 19^th February – www.nwstages.bun.com

This event is attracting an awful lot of interest with all the places now filled and a long list of reserves. The event is based at Pontins in Blackpool with 80+ tarmac stages in 22 stages during the day at Weeton, Leyland, Clifton, Pontins and 4 stages on Blackpool prom. Promises to be a cracker. Event contact is Ann McCormack, 01928 710546

Robin Hood Stages, Sunday 6^th March, www.robinhoodforeststages.co.uk

Offering 40+ stages miles in the Nottinghamshire Forests, Lindholme MC’s event is based at the Clumber Park Hotel. Event contact is Meredith Combs, 01302 880730.

For events after this, organisers will be issued with address labels for all contenders so you should get regs automatically.

Miscellaneous

            Each year there are always questions about the scoring – it’s worked well in previous years and gives no class an advantage. The system is explained in the regs but please ask me if you don’t understand the system – you won’t be alone!

            That’s it for now – I will try and get along to the Riponian to see some of the action. I’ll say “hello” if I get to the start or service area. I know a number of you are already active contributors to the www.britishrally.com forums but if not, it may be worth a look and to join in the discussions and banter on topics including the Championship events. The Jack Frost, NW Stages, Riponian and Robin Hood all have threads where you can compare notes and get up to date information and opinions on the events.

Mike