Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally

[J4MIE]

[pino]

Nice pics J4MIE, especially 1st and last ones

[MJW]

Interesting silence from George Donaldson (Subaru STI Group N) who was acting as a reporter for WRC Rally Radio when talking to Russell Brookes about the "fantasic atmosphere and crowds on the event" & Russell turns to him and says "yes and people are wondering whats wrong with the wrc, here you have your answer, cheap cars that sound right, are spectacular to watch - get rid of turbocharging and 4 wd in the wrc and you will get a re-surgence" cue awkward silence and tactfull agreement from George Donaldson, probably doesnt want to upset his paymasters and the clique that run wrc.

[Rallyst3ve]

Got back from the rally yesterday evening what a weekend

Went up to scruiteenring on friday and watched most of the forum which was really good. Then on Saturday went to SS1 where A McRae, Kris Meeke were getting it nicely sideways and even Travis Pastrana tried a scandanavian flick.
Then it was off to SS5 where most of the guest drivers had picked the pace up just a shame the stage was cancelled as i was really looking forward to hearing Andy Horne's Dam 4100 as it was first time id ever seen the car at a rally. Next time a car goes off make sure the crew are ok first rather than just calling the firebrigade.

Then it was a night out in Pitlochry stayed a bit too long in the bar and got locked out of the Y Hostel


Thanks to the organisers for putting on a great event.

My video will be ready soon

[AndyRAC]

Interesting silence from George Donaldson (Subaru STI Group N) who was acting as a reporter for WRC Rally Radio when talking to Russell Brookes about the "fantasic atmosphere and crowds on the event" & Russell turns to him and says "yes and people are wondering whats wrong with the wrc, here you have your answer, cheap cars that sound right, are spectacular to watch - get rid of turbocharging and 4 wd in the wrc and you will get a re-surgence" cue awkward silence and tactfull agreement from George Donaldson, probably doesnt want to upset his paymasters and the clique that run wrc.

Hadn't heard that quote, but a few people I spoke to said similar things. Makes sense really - cheap, spectacular cars, which sound great. How difficult is it for F1A/ISC/Manufacturers to understand. S2000 is too expensive as well - use what most people drive on the roads.

Agree about the atmosphere & crowds though, fantastic stuff!! Just what Rallying should be like.

[Zico]

Hadn't heard that quote, but a few people I spoke to said similar things. Makes sense really - cheap, spectacular cars, which sound great. How difficult is it for F1A/ISC/Manufacturers to understand. S2000 is too expensive as well - use what most people drive on the roads.

Agree about the atmosphere & crowds though, fantastic stuff!! Just what Rallying should be like.

Totally agree with you both, can imagine the Dave Richards and Malcom Wilsons of the sport wouldn't be too happy about that, and the MSA seem determined to ruin rallying by banning 'specials' like Burtons 306 Cosworth. Seems like N/A is the most important ingredient thats missing from the sport, although S200 is a step in the right direction, I still dont think its enough.

I guess they will be forced to back track if rallying is to survive as a marketable form of motorsport.

[Ecosse Pix]

Had a great time in and around Perth at the weekend.

Managed to locate a test session on Friday and went along to find Ari, Louise and John Buffum in attendance as well as a few others. What a guy Ari is - only too happy to chat, sign autographs and pose for pics! Especially with his McRae tartan scarf

Then headed back for scrutineering at the race course. Great to see all those Mk2's and what a picture it would have made if we'd been able to get them all lined up!! Fantastic to mingle with the stars too and see them chat with Joe public in such a relaxed manner. Hung around to see some of the forum which was also very good.

Saturday morning up bright and early and into SS1. Went near the end of the stage and found a few interesting spots. Also good to meet Pino, PuddleJumper and J4MIE. Saw everyone through there before heading back down the A9 to SS5. Managed to get into the stage near Jn 9 - a lovely downhill section with lots of bends one after the other. Saw everyone through until the stoppage then went for a walk. Eventualy headed back to the car (considerably damper!) after we'd heard the stage was cancelled and followed the closing car out of the stage.

Here are some pics from the day...

The Stars

Waldegaard in full flight on SS5...


Phil Collins at the end of SS1...


Alister looking good on SS1...

[Ecosse Pix]

...and some of the others...

An excellent result for Calum MacKenzie...


One from a SS1 sequence of Craig Whyte going over...


...and one from a sequence of a Martin McCormack off a bit further down the road on SS1...


Both Craig and Martin drove away and all involved were unhurt......

[COD]

Hadn't heard that quote, but a few people I spoke to said similar things. Makes sense really - cheap, spectacular cars, which sound great. How difficult is it for F1A/ISC/Manufacturers to understand. S2000 is too expensive as well - use what most people drive on the roads.
.

Funny to see these comments here now. I have read so many posts here that say how even the S2000 cars would be too slow and boring to watch...

[Rally_Rocks]

What a great event.

Amazing atmosphere, incredible action, a stunning location and a fitting tribute.

Coltness Car Club should be rightly proud of their tremendous efforts in organising such a succesful event.

The vast majority of spectators were impeccably well behaved and were rewarded with a memorable experience.

As one who heeded the organiseres instructions and treated SS1 as a closed spectator stage, it is a touch dissapointing to note that a number of supposedly knowledgable rally fans in this forum decided they were above this advice. Just a small point, but I think worth making, because that kind of arrogant behaviour can ruin things for all us genuine and respectful rally fans.