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Posted 20th August 2008

Regulations Available For Download

The Roger Albert Clark Rally has firmly established itself as a major event at the end of each year. Last year was a great success with more and more people entering the spirit of the event. Who would have believed that so many cars would be painted in works colour schemes completely independently?

Now in its fifth year the Roger Albert Clark Rally in keeping with our policy of evolution rather than revolution has a few changes this year which we hope will improve the event but overall keeps a similar format.

The first change is the loss of the Dalby Forestry complex in Yorkshire.  With the exception of  international events this area has now been lost to rallying but this has made the organisers look elsewhere for mileage and we are pleased to announce that the Olivers Mount race circuit in Scarborough, last used on the RAC Rally back in 1985 and last used for rallying in 2000 is included in this year's route.

Three new forest stages are also being used this year, Harwood Dale in Yorkshire and Craik and Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders Forestry District.

Building on the success of the Kall Kwik Bradford Rally and the Clubmans Rally a significant change for 2008 is the introduction of two new support events, organised and promoted by De Lacy Motor Club Ltd and managed by the event.

New for 2008 are the De Lacy Night Rally which will run during the hours of darkness on Sunday 16th November and the Kielder Challenge on Monday 17th November which will offer 25 stage miles and just 21 road miles.

Regulations for all events are available for download now.  For more details go to the 'Competitors' section above or click here. 

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Posted 15th August 2008

Roger Albert Stalwart Prepares for November

Many of our competitors come back year after year and one of the best well know of these is Dave Hemingway, notorious for his 'Ice Cream Van' chimes which can be heard as he charges through the forests.  Dave was amongst the first to put in an entry for this year's Roger Albert Clark Rally and contacted us recently to let us know how his preparations were progressing.

"We were unfortunately out of the country when the Dukeries rally was running so missed out a vital part of our preparation in the forests which, following an absolutely disastrous run on the North Humberside was quite necessary.

Unfortunately, funds and business commitments don't allow us to compete in Wales that often so it was planned to do the McRae Stages in Scotland in late September but again, out of the UK commitments have put paid to that one so we decided to try our luck at gaining experience at the loose on Manby in July.

Once again, the weather was unkind to Slaithwaite Motor Club and myself and the loose was completely impassable. Prior to the event, the car had been treated to the long overdue re-mapping that it deserved and it has turned it into a completely different animal. More driveable and certainly more powerful. A satisfying start had us 20th overall and we were using the event to experiment with different "settings" such as tyre compounds, brakes, bushing and seating position. By SS4 we had moved up into 5th place and gradually improved this by steady hard driving to attain my best finishing position of second overall.

Considering myself to be a Manby expert, we now plan to enter the Harold Paylin Memorial Stages at the venue in October before the car is garaged for it's annual pre-Roger Albert rebuild where it will be treated to new brakes and clutch, suspension bushes and a major overhaul which may even see a new colour scheme, before it is wheeled back out in time for the event in November.

This year, we hope to improve on the two fourths and a third overall in the open rally but that will depend on who enters and who makes it to Carlisle. We certainly hope to be on the finish ramp for the fifth time."

Thanks Dave and we look forward to seeing you there!

GreensleevesRally

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Posted 13th August 2008

Overseas Competitors Update!

Since posting the notice regarding the overseas incentive package for the
Roger Albert Clark Rally the organisers are pleased to have had enquiries from Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Spain and Sweden! Word has obviously got around about what a great event this is!  Not only have we got a fantastic route in store for you again this year but we are constantly being told that this is one of the friendliest events to take part in...

If you live outside mainland Britain and would like to compete in the event in November please contact the Rally Manager, Colin Heppenstall, regarding our overseas incentive package.  Colin can be contacted here. 

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Posted 30th July 2008

Wilson prepares for Roger Albert Clark entry

The latest star name to reveal plans to contest the Roger Albert Clark Rally 2008 is Malcolm Wilson, who is having a fresh Ford Escort Mk2 prepared at his M-Sport base in the Lake District.

Speaking to Motorsport News, Malcolm confirmed that the plan is to tackle the November event for the second time. Back in 2004 he slid out of the rally on the final day in Kielder when driving the VK-backed Mk2 Escort of Steve Perez.

Wilson started his rallying career in Escorts, but is now best known for running Ford's WRC programme and the fact that the Roger Albert does not clash with any WRC events is central to his plans.

"If I can do the Roger Albert Clark I want to go and win. I was leading the last time I did it so it's unfinished business really," Wilson told Motorsport News.

The event will again use the Greystoke stage in the Lake District, a venue now operated by Wilson's team as a major test venue. He first competed on the RAC Rally in 1977 and won the British Rally Championship in 1994.

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 29th July 2008

Route News - Work Goes On

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Posted 7th July 2008

McCormack confirms Roger Albert Clark entry

Great news for spectators on the Roger Albert Clark Rally is that young Irish charger Martin McCormack is committed to entering the 2008 event, having been one of the stars of the 2007 rally.

McCormack's main focus for 2008 is driving a Citroen C2 on the British Rally Championship, but he has pledged to return to his beloved BDG-powered Ford Escort Mk2 for the 'Roger Albert' in November.

Competing on the event for the first time last year, Martin was one of the stars of the rally and his spectacular driving earned the admiration of the fans on the stages.

"We'll definitely do the Roger Albert Clark," he said. "I've been on the phone to Phil Clarke, my co-driver from last year. Getting back into the Escort is like putting on an old pair of shoes."

Martin also hopes to contest the McRae Stages in September with the Escort and will then return to England in November. "I'm really looking forward to doing the Roger Albert again; I loved it last year."

Despite dropping a lot of time stuck in a ditch in Greystoke, McCormack charged back into contention on the 2007 rally, finishing fourth after setting the fastest time on 18 of the special stages.

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 3rd June 2008

Perez And Stratos Set For 2008 Roger Albert Clark

Steve Perez is determined to give his Lancia Stratos its best run to date when it contests the Roger Albert Clark Rally for the fourth time this November.

Perez has been a loyal supporter of the rally since the first event back in 2004 and has a dream of winning the event in the stunning VK-backed Stratos, the car that attracts more spectator interest than any other on the rally. "The car was built for the Roger Albert Clark Rally and the entry for this year is already in," said Perez.

"At one stage we said we wouldn't take it out on any rally other than the 'Roger Albert'. But we found that going out and doing rallies is the best way to develop the car and get it reliable. My ambition is for the car to win the rally, because the factory Lancia team never did win the old RAC."

Steve has competed on all four Roger Albert Clark Rallies, starting in 2004 when he slid his Porsche 911 into retirement in a ditch in Kielder.

In 2005 he gave the Stratos its debut run, but retired with engine problems in Ae forest on day two, before battling to the finish in 18th place in 2006, despite a catalogue of dramas. Just getting back to Harrogate that year was a huge achievement. Sadly, in 2007 the Stratos retired with a blown engine in Yorkshire on first day.

However, Perez believes that 2008 will be the car's best year yet and having former works Stratos driver Bjorn Waldegard drive the car on the Robin Hood Stages back in March proved extremely useful. "Bjorn is probably going to do another rally and some more testing in the car, because he really helped us a lot with the set-up," said Steve. "It will be reliable next time!"

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 5th May 2008

Preston ready for 'Roger Albert'

Gary Preston and Mike Sones are among the early entries for this year's
Roger Albert Clark Rally and will contest the event for the fifth time, using the Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 that they debuted on last year's rally.

"We're definitely doing the rally again this year," said Preston. "It will be the fourth time we've done it. It's just like how it was back in the old days; driving in the dark, Kielder in the rain, snow and ice; there is nothing else like it. It's a real highlight of the year."

Gary is something of an all-rounder in club motor sport, and says that the unique challenge of the 'Roger Albert' makes it a focal point in his sporting season. "I do a lot of trials and autotests through the rest of the year, but in rallying this is the one event of the year that I really want to do," he said.

Sones will again co-drive, although this time around he will know before the event that he will be sitting in the Escort again. Last year, Gary
entered his Vauxhall Nova, but worked flat out to get the Escort ready. He kept that secret from Mike, who only found out about the change of car at scrutineering in Leeds on Friday.

"We'll stick with the Escort this year," said Gary. "Last year was my first time rallying with rear-wheel drive and it was a very steep learning curve after 30 years in front-wheel drive. But it was great fun and I should have made the switch years ago."

Like many crews, they are really looking forward to more stages in the dark. "The night stages are brilliant," he said. "I've done a lot of road rallies with Mike, so it's our forte really."

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 25th April 2008
Spectator Maps Go Live!

Following the recent announcement of the provisional route for the 2008
Roger Albert Clark Rally by Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager, the organisers are now pleased to be able to provide further details. Go directly to the 'Spectator' section above or click here to see overview maps of the route for this year's event.

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Posted 25th April 2008
Marshals and PC Co-ordinator looking for Volunteers!

Once again we are looking for volunteers to help us run the
Roger Albert Clark Rally.  We need not just stage marshals and radio crews, but also marshals, time keepers, etc., to help in all areas.  Can you help in Leeds at Scrutineering and the Start of the event; in Carlisle at the overnight halts and restarts or in the service areas and at time and passage controls throughout the event?

If you think you can be of assistance , click here or go to the 'Marshals' section above and read where Steve Cowley, Marshals and PC Coordinator needs help.

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Posted 23rd April 2008
Roger Albert Clark Rally Provisional Route Details

Following the announcement recently, by Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager, of the provisional route for the 2008 event, the organisers are now pleased to be able to provide more details.

For the second year running the Roger Albert Clark Rally will be based in Leeds for scrutineering and the start. Once again Elland Road will be utilised for Scrutineering and the Rally Show. Come along and watch the cars being checked for eligibility and safety on Friday 14th November.

Colin is hopeful that he can secure a high profile start venue on Friday before cars tackle the first two stages at Temple Newsam. These stages will be run under floodlights, with the beautiful old stately home forming a superb backdrop. After another run of these two stages on Saturday morning the competitors head out to North Yorkshire.

The Kall Kwik Rally competitors will join the event at Temple Newsam on Saturday morning and contend the North Yorkshire Stages before a finish at the newly refurbished Pickering Showground.

The main event will then move on to Cumbria and the Scottish Borders for its now familiar format. The northern base for the main event and other clubmen's events being organised, will once again be Carlisle Airport.

On Monday the event will come to a climax in the Kielder complex , with the surviving competitors reaching the ceremonial finish in Carlisle.

For more details on the provisional route go to the 'Spectators' section above or click here.

Don't forget to put those dates in your Motorsport diaries!!

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Posted 7th April 2008
Kynaston Wants To Do 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally

Although his plans are some way from being finally confirmed, Devon-based Paul Kynaston is hoping that he will finally contest the Roger Albert Clark Rally in 2008, after trying to tackle the event for several years.

Kynaston is best known for rallying his mighty Sunbeam Tiger, but has only driven the car a couple of times in the last four years and has suffered with engine problems. He is also the brother of David, who wows the spectators on national tarmac events with his stunning Audi A3 Quattro.

However, Paul is hoping that his new project will be ready in time for the November event as he is currently busy preparing an Opel Ascona and hopes to have the car ready in time to accept at invitation to debut it at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

"I think it will be a fantastic car when he get it out," said Kynaston. "I just fancy having a go at the Escorts and being competitive with them. We've got a lot of spares for the project. I'd always liked the Ascona, but I never dreamt I'd ever own one."

All being well, the Ascona will be ready in time for Goodwood and then Kynaston is keen to contest the Roger Albert Clark Rally in the car. "It should certainly be out later this year," he said. But of course, there is always the faithful old Tiger waiting in the wings if the Ascona isn’t ready in time!

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 19th March 2008
Craik and Newcastleton for 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally

Announced from the Roger Albert Clark Rally stand at the Race Retro show (14-16 March) was the return to rallying of the Craik and Newcastleton classic Scottish borders forest stages, with both on the provisional route for the November event.

Newcastleton has not been used for at least a decade, while the last rally in Craik is thought to have been the 1990 Lombard RAC Rally. A classic nine-mile test is planned in Craik, while the Newcastleton stage will be linked to the Kershope stage to produce a 16-mile stage running across the Scottish border.

"We're really pleased to get rallying back into these forests, they’ve not been used for a long time," said clerk of the course Colin Heppenstall.

Both new tests will be included on Sunday's leg of the rally, which promises to be a tough and demanding day in the Scottish borders, before the final leg in Kielder on Monday and an epic 20-mile stage to conclude the fifth running of the Roger Albert Clark Rally.

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 5th March 2008
Dickinson enters early for 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally

One of the first entries for the 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally was Mark Dickinson, who will fulfil a lifetime ambition by competing on the current equivalent of a rally he spectated on many times in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mark Dickinson, from Howden in East Yorkshire, will campaign his Pinto-powered Ford Escort Mk2 after a 2007 season troubled by engine dramas.

"I was there at the launch of the Roger Albert Clark Rally at Peace Gardens in Sheffield, and it's been an ambition to do it ever since," said Dickinson. "This year is the first time I have had the car ready, so subject to not writing it off before hand, I will be there. I may need a navigator, as Gavin Heseltine is committed to doing it with John Dixon, providing John has a car ready! I will still be doing the BHRC
rounds with Gavin."

Even though Mark was quick off the mark when entries opened via the instalment system, he wasn't the first entry. "Hopefully interest in this year's R.A.C. will be even greater. I sent in an entry on the same day the instalment system was announced, and I wasn't the first entry! The hotels are booked as well."

Unfortunately, Mark's season has not got off to the start he had hoped for as an arm injury has forced him to make a late withdrawal from the Robin Hood Forest Stages and will keep him out of rallying for up to three months. So he's even more determined to contest the Roger Albert Clark Rally in November.
 
When the car does return to the stages in the spring, it will carry the livery of Clic Sargent, the charity caring for children and young people with cancer, and their families (www.clicsargent.org.uk). Mark is eager to thank Craig Dykes at The Alternative Sign Centre for his generous help with the livery.

Paul Lawrence

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Posted 5th March 2008
Steve Graham talks about his "Ditch a Day" Rally

From the inception of the Roger Albert Clark rally Steve and Tony Graham have been a fixture in the entry list but upped their game in 2006 by entering one of the iconic cars from the early days of my rally spectating, the Lancia Fulvia.  Following a fraught 2007 event when the car took a bit of a pounding during the rally I asked Steve to summarise the event for this website:

In choosing the Lancia Fulvia as the SPG Rally Team platform for a historic entry on the Roger Albert Clark rally I think we have really taken "roll the clock back to the 60's and 70's" a bit too literally.  We are using a car and components that really are forty years old and the technology built into the Fulvia did not really develop, unlike the Escort, from that which was in use in the 60's and early 70's.  All in all it makes it the most difficult car to drive that I have ever experienced.  Now that may all sound like excuses...but I need some.

This year was, for me, the hardest of all the four R.A.C.s I have competed in.  In particular (for me and especially for Tony)

 Sunday was a killer, as it was non-stop from dawn to well after dark!  As usual the event was brilliantly organised and a pleasure to be part of, thanks to Colin and his dedicated team.

We were enthusiastically welcomed by spectators, marshals and officials alike; which from my point of view makes this event unique.  I will long remember this event as the "ditch a day rally", saving the most spectacular until just over a mile to go on the very last stage.  My first roll!  

Having complained about the technology, the Fulvia withstood everything that I and the elements threw at it.  It even started first time when we got it back on its wheels out of the ditch in Roughside.  We owe many thanks to those that helped us in the stages.  I won't name names for fear of missing someone out, but those concerned all know who I mean.  Thank you.  The Fulvia looks a bit sorry for itself at the moment, but it will mend.  As far as we can tell most of the damage is superficial; Ian and Keith and the team from Keith Bird Motorsport will have it looking like "old" in no time at all.  However, before we go out in it again and before the Roger Albert Clark in 2008, I want a limited slip diff, a better steering box and easier to select gears...then I might be able to stay out of the ditches! 

Roll on the 2008 event!.

 Steve Graham

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Posted 25th February 2008
TV Success for "Roger Albert"

Presenter, David Winstanley of Acceleration Television, the company that produces the programme Out of Control on Men and Motors has expressed his delight  that the
Roger Albert Clark Rally coverage on Motors TV was the highest rated rally programme on the channel over the last six months.

Good news for everyone involved in the event especially the organisers and sponsors.The rally gained 28000 viewers which we think proves without doubt what type of rallying people prefer to see since  by comparison the Wales Rally GB round of the British Rally Championship only drew 9000 on Sky Sports

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Posted 5th February 2008
Sting in the tail for 2008 'Roger Albert' route

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall is planning to give the 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally
a real sting in the tail with a final stage of more than 20 miles in Kielder.

Heppenstall's plan is to link up the Broomylinn and Bewshaugh tests as the last stage of Monday's deciding leg on the three-day rally. Earlier on Monday, crews will tackle separate Broomylinn and Bewshaugh stages, but then the two stages will be joined together to form a final blast of over 20 miles, the longest stage of the rally.

"We didn't have a really long stage last year," said Colin recently. "But competitors feedback form last November suggested that they would like a nice long stage to finish with and this will be the real sting in the tail." The cars will then head for a city centre finish in Carlisle on Monday afternoon.

Initial route plans suggest that the outline of the event will be broadly similar to the successful format of 2007, with the rally based in Leeds. With the possibility of some stages in the dark of Friday evening (14 November), the route will then head into the Yorkshire forests on Saturday before an overnight halt in Carlisle.

Sunday will concentrate on the classic stages in the Scottish borders before the challenging final leg in Kielder on Monday and an epic 20-mile stage to conclude the action for the fifth running of the Roger Albert Clark Rally.

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Lawrence

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Posted 5th February 2008
A separate National B Rally on the Sunday night?

The organisers are looking to run a separate National B Rally on the Sunday night, 16th November.  Take a look at the forum here for more details.

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Posted 1st February 2008
More News...
Reported in Motorsport News:

Simon Tysoe only started rallying twelve months ago but he is to have a busy year with the 3 or 4 Escorts he now owns. Including The British Historic Championship, the Silver Fern Rally in New Zealand and  culminating in an entry on Novembers' Roger Albert Clark Rally.

Roger Albert Clark Rally stalwart Steve Perez is still suffering the after effects of his injuries on the Safari last year and is having to miss the start of the season.... I'm certain however, he'll be there at the 'Roger Albert' at the end of the season ... we wish him well.

In Rally Reports an interview with Alan Gardiner from Biggar in Scotland confirms he will be back on the 'Roger Albert' again in 2008... why ?   'cos he enjoyed the 2007 event so
much !!  I think we all agree there Alan !!

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Posted 27th January 2008
Welcome Back!
Reported in Motorsport News:
After a 2007 season interrupted by an accident on the Mid-Wales Stages, Ian Rix plans to campaign his Mk I Escort on all the gravel rounds of the BHRC. He also intends to end the season with another assult on the Roger Albert Clark Rally. 

Having retired on the opening day after hitting engine problems on the first forest stage last November, Richard and Pat Egger plan to return to the Roger Albert Clark Rally in 2008 in their Ford Escort MK I. They will also contest the gravel rounds of the BHRC and are hoping to contest the Tour of Mull and the Roger Albert Clark Rally back-to-back at the end of the year.

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Posted 18th January 2008
Platt plans to be back

Having suffered the disappointment of retiring at the start of the first stage of 2007 Roger Albert Clark Rally, 1970s rally star Roger Platt is busy rebuilding the transmission of his Renault Alpine.

Platt and his co-driver Pete Gilbert are aiming to get the car out again soon on some historic gravel rallies, after their long-awaited return to rallying came to a grinding halt on the start line at Temple Newsam.

Ideally, they will then be ready for another assault on the Roger Albert Clark in November when they will be determined to get a good deal further than in 2007!

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Lawrence

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Posted 13th January 2008
The Roger Albert Clark Rally at Autosport International

Roger Albert Clark Rally on the road!  Although a hectic weekend for all involved, the organisers of the Roger Albert Clark Rally declared this weekend's show a success.  Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager was pleased at the level of interest shown in the event and the constant flow of visitors from the early appearance of former winner, Stig Blomqvist on Thursday morning to that of Steve and Tony Graham on Sunday afternoon.  Steve and Tony have competed on every Roger Albert Clark Rally since the inaugural event started in Sheffield and have stated that the rally is in their calendar again for 2008.

Colin announced an innovative payment scheme for rally entrants which will allow potential entrants to register their interest early and enter into a payment arrangement which will allow for payments throughout the year to spread the cost of entry.  Full details of this scheme will be published on this page within the next few days.

If it ain't broke don't fix it seems to be the motto for the Roger Albert Clark Rally this year.  Following what some feel was the best event so far in 2007, the format for the 2008 event will essentially more of the same except for the addition of competitive mileage on Friday afternoon following scrutineering.  Early plans are for the start to once again be from Leeds but with the addition of four evening stages on Friday.  The event will then follow a similar route to that of 2007 with overnight halts in our host city of Carlisle so get planning your hotels now!

Finally the organisers would like to thank the owners of the superb cars we were able to display on our stand:

Steve Perez for the winning VK Escort

Andrew Haddon for his 911

Keith Bird for his Mini

David Sutton for Stig Blomqvist's Escort

Richard Hill for his Open Winning Escort

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If you weren't able to make  the NEC for the Autosport International show,  Stonleigh Park for Race Retro or the Rally Show at Chatsworth, We will be at Rallyday 2008 which will take place at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire on Saturday 20th September.  Rallyday is an annual show which gives visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacle of seeing a wide range of rally cars, and rally stars, in an open and spectator friendly environment. It comprises live action on the track with static displays in the paddock, and has something to offer everyone from the rally enthusiast to a family looking for an enjoyable day out.  On track action comes in the form of professional driving demonstrations, track sessions, rally car rides, circuit parades and a feature rally car stage. Off track there are a host of displays where visitors can have a close look at some of the worlds most iconic rally cars, which have made rallying history through the years.

The paddock sees action revolving around the main event stage, where guests are interviewed. There are also numerous trade exhibitors ranging from major car manufacturers , to individual specialists offering a diverse array of rally merchandise.

Rallyday Interactive is where visitors can go further than just spectate. Whether it be a rally simulator, radio controlled rally car races or a full-on white knuckle ride in a rally car, there are many activities for people to participate in.

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Posted 3rd January 2008
British Rally Forum R.A.C. Rally Photo Competition

Just before the running of the 2007 Roger Albert Clark Rally we announced here that a competition would be held on the British Rally Forum for the photograph that most summed up the spirit and atmosphere of the event.

This competition, organised by Jon Petford has now been judged by
Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager of the Roger Albert Clark Rally who kindly agreed to award the winner two free tickets to the Autosport International Show to be held at the NEC later this month.  See below for the winner of this contest and the two runners up. Our thanks to Jon Petford for organising this competition.  We understand that Jon will be in touch with the winners and the results will be posted on the British Rally Forum.

	1st Overall www.gnw-photography.net
	Runner-Up "Map-Man"
	Third Place "Polo"

Bannister wins Roger Albert Clark Rally 2007
 

Richard Hill & Patrick Cooper win Open Rally

...and not to forget the heroes in the Open category who also competed on the same complete route as the historic drivers.  Top five positions below - For full results click here

Results courtesy of Tynemouth Computer Services, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

cmwi.net

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