Roger Albert Clark Rally 2010

[sal]

As its this time of year when crews start to express an interest in taking part in what is IMO the highlight of the British rallying calendar ,I thought I'd start a thread!

The route has already been announced and it's a cracker and entries are already appearing including some welcome visitors from Belgium:

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_news.htm

Will update the thread as and when more info becomes available.

[MrJan]

Think we're giving this a miss :( My brother has moved to Toronto so we've lost the base in Manchester, his company diesel and an extra person to pay fuel.

Also since last year's near miss I'd feel a bit weird stood at Oliver's Mount.

[Neil J]

Unmissable event and two days of action practically on my doorstep :)

[sal]

Agree that it's unmissable. With Jean Todt having plans for the format of WRC events, perhaps he should pop up to Yorkshire at the end of November to see what all the fuss is about!!

[sal]

See the entry list has been updated. Great to see the overseas entries starting to appear including Steffan Stoutt from Belgium and Erwin Doctor from the Netherlands!

[Wim_Impreza]

You mean Stefaan Stouf. ;) He did some rallies for the British Historic championship in the recent past and was also there last year.

[sal]

You mean Stefaan Stouf. ;) He did some rallies for the British Historic championship in the recent past and was also there last year.

Thats the guy, got carried away with my spelling! Was very spectacular last year also won the Historic section of the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire in 09 aswell so should know his way around Dalby for the long stage in the dark this year!

[306 Cosworth]

Will be out on all 4 days for the 3rd year in a row, can't blooming wait!!

[GioRallyReport]

After a great weekend last year we will be back for rally action!

[sal]

More overseas entries have been added to the list. Things are building nicely!

[Steve Boyd]

Thats the guy, got carried away with my spelling! Was very spectacular last year also won the Historic section of the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire in 09 aswell so should know his way around Dalby for the long stage in the dark this year!
He won Historic Category 2 on this years Trackrod at the weekend as well, finishing 3rd overall behind Steve Bannister & Nick Elliot in their Mk2 Escorts.

[sal]

Should be a good bet for a top three this year.

[driveace]

Just had email from a good source ,that Pete Smith of Swift caravans and son Guy Smith are both doing the Roger Albert,so should be interesting entries

[sal]

More the merrier!

[AndyRAC]

Just had email from a good source ,that Pete Smith of Swift caravans and son Guy Smith are both doing the Roger Albert,so should be interesting entries

I take it Guy Smith won't be driving his Lola-Mazda LMP2 car ;)

[driveace]

No! I do believe a Escort

[driveace]

Wonder if Millie,( John Millington of Pudsey and M Sport) the winning co-driver for the last two years will be out again this year?

[sal]

John shouldnt be short of offers of a seat with his abilities on the maps!

[sal]

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/index.htm

Details now on the site of the supporting events.

[306 Cosworth]

I take it Guy Smith won't be driving his Lola-Mazda LMP2 car ;)

Helped Guy Smith back on to the road last year after he slid off the stage in Shepherdshield.

[sal]

A couple more cross channel entries now on the list!

[Mintexmemory]

Can anyone with influence get Mikko, JML and Malcolm to come out in their RS1800s. No sign yet of Banner or Stig but they were last minute last year.

[sal]

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_news.htm

The entry list continues to grow and is looking very healthy. A name from the past Robin Eyre Maunsell is entered in a Sunbeam!

[306 Cosworth]

Updated again today with a Renault R5 Turbo on the list now, tidy :D

[sal]

Nick Elliott now on the entry list who should go very well despite it being his first crack at the event. The big news in waiting is that last years winner is going to be entered again in a Viking Motorsport Escort...

[AndyRAC]

Can't wait for this, always a cracking event. And with it being 2 weeks later than normal, i suppose there is always the chance of wintry weather. Remember waking up to snow in Ae in 2006....magic!!!

[sal]

Think snow could be very much on the agenda this year...

[MrJan]

I hate you all.

Anyone going up from my way with a spare seat in the car? I'd love to go again but my old man has just been made redundant so he can't afford it and there's no way that I have the cash to drive all that way.

[sal]

Sorry the news just gets worse for you!

Now a record entry! Another Ascona 400 for David Greer and still more names to come. It's going to be big!!!

[sal]

Found this on Mark Higgins website

We'll catch up soon with some other news about a Group 4 Escort, D Mack tyres and the best rally of the year at the end of November!!!!!

[FAL]

Found this on Mark Higgins website

We'll catch up soon with some other news about a Group 4 Escort, D Mack tyres and the best rally of the year at the end of November!!!!!

and I'll bet any Escort he enters in does not comply with Appendix J Gp4, any more than most others in BHRC do.

[sal]

and I'll bet any Escort he enters in does not comply with Appendix J Gp4, any more than most others in BHRC do.

I know you have posted on this subject several times before and it is a contentious issue however even in the days of Group 4 was every Escort, Fiat 131 etc exactly the same and strictly to the regs? Was "Black Beauty" back in 82 totally as the rule book?

The highly welcome increase in Belgian, French and Dutch crews has caused it's own issues for the organisers as per the release shown below. Interesting that the company named below as being on hand to help crews check if their car complies is a builder of Escorts that I assume you have an issue with?!

Wednesday 6th October 2010
Clarification on MSA Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Forms and Competition Car Log Books

Updated Friday 8th October 2010

To clarify a few points on Entry for this years Roger Albert Clark Rally.

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) which is recognised by the world governing body, the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) as the motor sport governing body for the United Kingdom has, today Friday 8th October, reversed its previous decision and will now only require foreign crews taking part in the 2010 Roger Albert Clark Rally to produce their FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP) document as proof of an historic vehicle for this event.

Vehicles will still have to comply with MSA Blue Book safety requirements, and will require a Competition Car Log Book (CCLB) to be issued as described below. This log book confirms that your car complies with the MSA Blue Book.

The log book is available here: ( http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=876 )

Vehicles will be scrutineered for the CCLB on Thursday 25th November at Pickering Showground prior to the event.
The fee for the production of these books will be paid by the event.

If you should require any help with the requirements for your vehicle to comply with the MSA Blue Book you may contact the event Scrutineer John Cooper on 01208 863406 (+44 1208 863406) or by email to [email:3e5ejpu7]trenain2@tiscali.co.uk[/email:3e5ejpu7]

Help has also been offered by Viking Motorsport on 01686 628872 (+44 1686 628872) for ensuring your car is compliant with the Blue Book.

If you have any questions, please contact Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager: 01224 790724 (+44 1224 790724) or by email to [email:3e5ejpu7]r.a.c.rally@btinternet.com[/email:3e5ejpu7]

[Steve Boyd]

Both Mark Higgins/Dale Furniss (Historic Motorsport) and Gwyndaf Evans/John Millington (Viking Motorsport) confirmed on the latest entry list in Mk2 Escorts.

[FAL]

The point is that "Gp4 Escort" is bandied around by people who don't fully understand the detail but just think it sounds good.
It is nothing whatsoever to do with what happened in period in this case. Few historic Escorts comply with Gp4 and don't need to - so why describe them as such???
What a pity "names" are entering and ruining a fight for the win by the strong band of regular BHRC competitors.
"Black Beauty" (again, not a term/name used in public in period, anymore than Old Gold or Esso Blue) was not the MCD 82 GpB car. It was a much earlier Sutton car, which may have complied with GP2, leave alone Gp4, depending on the exact year.
We are not going to let history be re-written, especially by those who were clearly not there at the time.

[sal]

I'm 46 and certainly was "there at the time" although I dont feel the need to get all elitist and "anoraksia nervosa" about it. I've rallied Ford Escorts MK1 and 2 so am reasonably au fait with their ins and outs however GP4 is an easy reference point that I used and most people who do not have the blue book surgically stiched to their non hairy palm will recognise it although I appreciate it that term is not current per se

In the 82 season certainly at the Mintex and Manx that I attended people were refering to the MCD Escort of Ari as Black Beauty regardless of any car that had gone before

This is obviously not a round of the BHRC and record number of crews are entering it this year for the crack at something that evokes the spirit of events of the 70s and 80s. How many UK National crews entered the RAC Rally thinking they stood a chance of winning in the 70s and 80s. I'm sure if you theory is correct we will see a large number of withdrawls by crews who share your principles.

I guess you wont be anywhere near this event enjoying it with the rest of us by the sound of it then? Why when the organising club have made such efforts to run this event and are being rewarded with crews outside of the UK in good numbers this year competing would anybody feel the need to be all purist about it?

[sal]

Fantastic bit of news on the event website that Erik Carlsson and Stuart Turner will flag the competing cars away from the Pickering start on Friday 26th November.

[Neil J]

Fantastic bit of news on the event website that Erik Carlsson and Stuart Turner will flag the competing cars away from the Pickering start on Friday 26th November.

That`s a nice touch :)

[sal]

Darren Moon now slotted in at number 9. Car was sounding great at the weekend on the Malton stages so hope the crew have a happier event this year!

[sal]

Seeded entry lists now on the website for the main and supporting events.

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_Entries.htm

[sal]

Couple more entries been squeezed in including another most welcome Belgian crew in a Cooper S...

[FF-fan]

Gwyndaf Evans car:

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_spectator_info.htm#Spectator Maps

[FF-fan]

Spectator maps are online:

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_spectator_info.htm#Spectator Maps


Gwyndaf Evans new Escort:

http://www.vikingmotorsport.co.uk/proddetail_news.asp?prod=News022

[Langdale Forest]

High risk of snow for next weekend.....

[sal]

http://www.vikingmotorsport.co.uk/proddetail_news.asp?prod=News022

Pics of Evans's MK2.

Some debate on the cage's legality already elsewhere....

[Simmi]

Going to do Langdale and Oliver's Mount again weather permitting. But that seems like a big IF.

[Langdale Forest]

Heavvy snow in the pickering area, let's hope the rally runs as planned.

[MrJan]

I still hate you all. You *******s :p :

[AndyRAC]

Heavy snow in the Pickering area, let's hope the rally runs as planned.

Yeah, here's hoping, I'm sure the main roads will be okay, but what about access to the forests??

[Mintexmemory]

Yeah, here's hoping, I'm sure the main roads will be okay, but what about access to the forests??

Being discussed on 'the other rally forum in BRITAIN' - Dalby and Langdale should be no probs. Do you know what the approaches to Ae and Twiglees are like - being of a Caledonian persuasion :)

Does anybody have map ref for the bridge in Ae?

All four days for the first time if I don't freeze to death :cool:

[sal]

Organisers are keen to stress the event is on!!! Lets get behind the rally and make sure it's great scuccess despite what the elements are throwing at us!!!

[Darren Jones]

Ive just fitted silverstone mud tyres to rear of my car, and going to fill the boot up with grit for weight so dont expect to see a green bmw struggling to get into the forrests :D

Hopefully if they run a plough through the stages like wydean did they wont scrape too much off leaving sheet ice, that was interesting!

[FF-fan]

@ Mintexmemory

Which is the other rally forum in Britain?

[Mintexmemory]

@ Mintexmemory

Which is the other rally forum in Britain?

http://www.britishrally.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32588&start=500 :)

I'll be cheering Steffan and Joris on, I was one of the first at the woodpile last year and I want them to get to the end in one piece this time. Went to Ypres this year and think that and the RAC are the 2 premier historic events. Won't miss either in future if I can help it.

[AndyRAC]

Ive just fitted silverstone mud tyres to rear of my car, and going to fill the boot up with grit for weight so dont expect to see a green bmw struggling to get into the forrests :D

Hopefully if they run a plough through the stages like wydean did they wont scrape too much off leaving sheet ice, that was interesting!


Funny you mention that - I actually thought it was counter productive - as after ploughing on the Friday, it froze overnight and became a skating rink......

[sal]

http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org/RAC_2010/2010_news.htm

Some pics of the first Belgian crews going thru pre scrutineering checks and the view from Dalby now on the website!!

[Simmi]

Anyone in the area of tomorrow's stages got the latest on the snow cover? Is it still snowing? Hoping it will be ok getting in to Langdale.

[sal]

If anyone has problems getting the site to load just keep refreshing it's obviously getting a load of traffic! Pics from scrutineering now online. How gorgeous does that French R5 Turbo look in works colours!!

[Simmi]

Such a shame it looks like Langdale is off limits to spectators tomorrow.

[AndyRAC]

Such a shame it looks like Langdale is off limits to spectators tomorrow.

Yeah, big shame! Probably understandable, but do we know the reason why? I mean old RAC Rallies of the past have had snow, and haven't turned speccies away. Even the RallyGB 2 year ago had snow....

Looks like a lie in then, followed by a long drove to Hamsterley/ Kielder.

[Simmi]

Well two years ago the stage I was in at Rally GB was cancelled. But that was a (pathetic) tyre issue for competitors. I'd imagine it's to do with parking and access to the stage. It wasn't easy parking at the hairpin last year in normal conditions. Very narrow and if it isn't clear of snow it will be difficult. Plus the roads getting to the stage aren't public so won't be in great shape I'd assume.

[AndyRAC]

Well two years ago the stage I was in at Rally GB was cancelled. But that was a (pathetic) tyre issue for competitors. I'd imagine it's to do with parking and access to the stage. It wasn't easy parking at the hairpin last year in normal conditions. Very narrow and if it isn't clear of snow it will be difficult. Plus the roads getting to the stage aren't public so won't be in great shape I'd assume.

Fair point, I was only there 2 weeks ago for the Malton Stages - i presume they were using the Birch Hall entrance, which is narrow, and the roads from Hackness are extremely narrow as well.

[sal]

After crawling up Weaponess Drive in my friends' Shogun and then nearly going base over apex as I got out of the car honestly thought there wasnt a hope in hell that Ollies would run with all the ice but hats off to everyone involved. What a show many of the crews put on especially over the hump approaching the hairpin. Interesting variation of tyre choices as well! Great to see some of the foreign crews machines especially the Porsches in iconic liveries such as Beguin's Geant Casino car and the R5 Turbo steady but bringing back memories of Ragnotti on the RAC 30 years ago.

Got cold enough to decide the go home rather than to Hamsterley and driving thru the blizzard on the 64 back towards York reinforced the decision! Hope everyone has fun and gets through the rest of the event safely. Will post my pics in due course.

Chris

[AndyRAC]

Haven't long got back from the event.
Went up Saturday evening to Shepherdshield, but didn't like the look of the access road, in the dark.......turned round and made my way to Ae, and the weather was a lot better the further west you went - they'd only had a light dusting, and the access roads were fine, but it was cold about -7.
Enjoyed the day in Ae, some fantastic cars, and liveries!! Later decided to take the long, but safer way to Newcastleton, normally take the roads through Lockerbie, Langholm; but didn't risk it. However, getting there still involves b/unclassified roads - which are untreated, and are, hmm, 'interesting', especially in the dark.
Just before getting there, stopped and asked what was happening, and was tols by speccies that the stage had been halved in length - and you had to walk into the stage - with nowhere to park, I turned around and made my way towards the A7.
Got a mobile reception, and found out the stage had been cancelled - and the Monday Kielder stages were also cancelled!! Can't say I was surprised, they were due another snowfall, and all the access roads in the Kielder complex are minor/unclassified, and unlikely to be treated; and unsafe.
I believe they are running Kershope in the morning, but with no speccies.

A big well done to Colin Heppenstall and all his team at DeLacy MC in such challenging conditions - they deserve better!! I hope one day they get the big sponsor they deserve.

[mousti]

Stouf wins it!!! :s mokin:

[redman]

A cracking event & a big well done to all who was involved in the running of it.

3 Random Images from friday

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_21-1.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_41-1.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_21.jpg


Cheers
James
http://www.pprs.moonfruit.com

[redman]

& 3 from Saturday

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_32.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_51.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u81/redman_047/image_31.jpg

Cheers
James
http://www.pprs.moonfruit.com

[ste898]

This was a fantatic event with proper cars and proper weather

The organisers deserve medals

If this snow had of been on Rally GB they would have cancelled it as the WRC drivers would have been scared

[motorsportshooters.com]

Back in Belgium after 4 days in England/Scotland. Missed al lot of stages because of the snow but it was a great experience! Next year's event will run during the first weekend of december, Olivers Mount racetrack will not be in it anymore, so more forest stages!

Olivers Mount:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5212282176_63a1c5f5b1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hltx/5212282176/)

Pickering Showground
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5209434251_62981ddd15.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hltx/5209434251/)

Newcastleton Forest:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5215939306_96a85d2f2c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hltx/5215939306/)

More pictures: http://www.motorsportshooters.com

Greets

[sal]

Shame if Ollie's isnt in the event next year as it gives the rally that old school Micky Mouse feel that stops it just being another forest rally in some ways.

Congrats to Steffan for a superb drive hoepfully we will see him back next year to defend his title. Everyone who took part in this event will be able to look back in years to come and remember they were involved in something special!

[AndyRAC]

Shame if Ollie's isnt in the event next year as it gives the rally that old school Micky Mouse feel that stops it just being another forest rally in some ways.

Congrats to Steffan for a superb drive hoepfully we will see him back next year to defend his title. Everyone who took part in this event will be able to look back in years to come and remember they were involved in something special!

Any reason why they're dropping Ollie's Mount? I agree with you, that it breaks up the all Gravel-Forest route. Unless they're going to run another Tarmac, or Country house stage.

[sal]

My 3 from Olivers Mount

The winner

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa105/Maltings/Stouff.jpg

A well driven Belgian Sunbeam

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa105/Maltings/Beam.jpg

Regnier

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa105/Maltings/reigner.jpg

[motorsportshooters.com]

I asked a member of the organization if they would run the same route next year. They said it would be similar except for Olivers Mount that won't be in it anymore. It would indeed be nice to see a stage at a country house park, I've seen the WRC at Cornbury Park and Bleinheim Palace and that was really nice!

[www.historicrally.be]

Dear,

Thank you all for the congratulations ! Me and Stefaan are VERY happy to win the event ! It is a dream that came true !

If anyone has pictures of us, could you please mail them to me if you want. That would be great !
My email: info@historicrally.be

Thank you VERY much,
Regards
Joris Erard

[FAL]

Back in Belgium after 4 days in England/Scotland. Missed al lot of stages because of the snow but it was a great experience! Next year's event will run during the first weekend of december, Olivers Mount racetrack will not be in it anymore, so more forest stages!

Newcastleton Forest:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5215939306_96a85d2f2c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hltx/5215939306/)

Greets

My old car (in which I finished 2 original RACs "in period" - and yes it's the same shell).

[GioRallyReport]

Onboard with the winner :

http://www.rallyandraces.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1369 :o nboard-stefaan-stoufjoris-erard-rac-2010&catid=63:2010&Itemid=121

[karo]

Onboard with the winner :

http://www.rallyandraces.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1369 :o nboard-stefaan-stoufjoris-erard-rac-2010&catid=63:2010&Itemid=121

posted this link on various more website.....one stage was like a white hell...RESPECT!!!!

[Mintexmemory]

Finally got some time to post up some of my 35mm shots (and a digi from Dalby)
Possibly the most satisfying event to have spectated of 2010 -I also went to Ypres, Rally Deutschland and Wales GB. The vibe was fantastic and the celebration of rally history something special so here in no particular order 3 of the crowd favourites.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm301/SnowyCropton/Ren5.jpg
The Renault 5 Turbo making Olivers Mount Scrborough look like the Col

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm301/SnowyCropton/Evans.jpg

Gwyndaff Evans struggling through Dalby on ordinary gravel tyres

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm301/SnowyCropton/Perez.jpg

Steve Perez in the Stratos - simply stunning, Ae 1

More at http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/sets/72157625384288135/