Latest
Event News
Monday 22nd February 2010
An Awesome Historic Rally
Just
back from the Boucles De Spa rally and starting to recover from the ice
and snow! Expect a fuller report on the event in the next few days
but suffice it to say that this is an event worth experiencing. We
want to thank Joris Erard for suggesting that we make the trip and our
hosts Pierre
Delettre and Marie-charlotte Leduc of
the Royal Automobile Club de Spa for their help and hospitality.
The organisation of this huge event must be challenging, think of over
three hundred competing cars and crews being accommodated in the area
for the duration of the rally besides coping with the entourage of
enthusiastic fans who want to be in on the action. Then remember
the
work
that goes into closing public roads and providing marshals for stages
that remain open for twelve hours or more. This is a one-day rally
but a marathon nevertheless. Thank you all for the experience.
For the record, the event was won by Bruno Thiry in a Group 4 Audi
Quattro, Bjorn Waldegard in a Group 4 Escort Mk II was second and third
pace was taken by last year's winner, Patrick Snijers in his Group 4 Mk
II.
Belgian hero, Stefaan Stouf with Joris Erard in the hot seat came home
in sixteenth place.
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Monday 15th February
2010
'Roger Albert' team to visit Boucles De Spa
Have you entered the Legend Boucles De Spa rally? Would you
like to know more about the Roger Albert Clark Rally and how you
could enter this epic British rally?
Well, now you will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of
the 'Roger Albert' who will be present at the famous Belgian
event this coming weekend. Malcolm Higgins, Secretary of the event in
2009 and Steve Higgins, Media Officer for the event are honoured to be
guests of the Legend Boucles De Spa rally which runs on Saturday
20th February, based in the historic Belgian city of Spa and we would
like nothing better than to talk about our event and of course about
rallying in general!
The Boucles de Spa is the biggest historic event on the
Belgian calendar and annually attracts a superb field of famous names
from rallying's recent history. In 2009, it ran in
very snowy conditions as it took in challenging sections around the town
of Spa-Francorchamps.
Looking at the entry for this weekend's event with names such as Stig Blomqvist, Bjorn Waldegard, Freddy Loix and Francois Duval as well as
our own Richard Lepley making an appearance on the 320 strong list, we
are excited at the prospect of a great weekend's rallying.
The Boucles de Spa and the
Roger Albert Clark Rally, two of the most popular and demanding historic rallies in Europe
last year announced a
unique partnership, which gives the winner of the
Roger Albert Clark Rally the chance to compete in the
Boucles
de Spa and in a reciprocal arrangement, the winner of
the Boucles de Spa will be able to contest the 2010 Roger Albert Clark
Rally. Unfortunately, Gwyndaf Evans was not able to take up
his free entry for this weekend but we look forward to the winner of
this year's Boucles De Spa making the trip to Britain in November.
'Stop Press' Ari Vatanen has just been added to the list!
With
the addition of Ari Vatanen, the Legend Boucles De Spa will now have
three former World Champions cross the start line on Saturday.
Vatanen, World Champion in 1981, former winner of the Dakar Rally,
former member of the European Parliament and opponent to Jean Todt in
last year's bid for presidency of the FIA will be reunited with an Opel
Ascona of the type that he rallied on his debut in 1974. This
time, he will share the car with his youngest son, Max aged 19.
Although a coup for the Boucles De Spa to get Vatanen to the event, he
will not actually be competing but rather will be driving a course car
designated 'S1' but maybe that will give him even more freedom to play
to the crowd!
Ari said "I have heard many good reports of the Legend Boucles De Spa and I have many friends in Belgium so I am pleased to be able to attend with my son"
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Wednesday 3rd
February 2010
Saab team
formed for Roger Albert Clark Rally
A squad of Saabs will tackle the Roger Albert Clark Rally 2010
in celebration of Saab legend Eric Carlsson winning the 1960 RAC
Rally in a two-stroke Saab 96.
Inspired
by Saab enthusiast Jim Valentine, at least four Saabs will be on the
start list when the Roger Albert Clark Rally starts on 25
November. If all goes to plan, Carlsson and his 1960 co-driver Stuart
Turner will be there to see the cars away, 50 years on from their famous
victory on the rally that is now re-created by the "Roger Albert".
Valentine has been a loyal supporter of the event in his two-stroke Saab
96 and is now encouraging other Saab owners to commit to the event.
Three others have confirmed plans to enter and Valentine reckons there
could be as many as eight cars if everyone who has expressed an interest
in competing is able to finalise plans. In the first four cars Nick
Pinkett and Patrice Wattine in early two-strokes and Richard Simpson in
a later V4-engined 96 will join Valentine in the team.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
The 1960 event marked the first of a hat-trick of victories for Carlsson,
who earned the nick-name of 'Pa Taket' for his ability to roll a Saab
and carry on undeterred. 'Pa Taket' translates from Swedish to 'on the
roof'.
"There may never be a finer moment for Saabs to put on a bit of a show,"
said Valentine. "I'm looking forward to a gathering of people who use
their Saabs for rallying and it would be a fantastic achievement to get
all the cars to the finish. It's going to be fabulous; the RAC is the
most fun I have ever had rallying."
To maintain the Saab theme, Valentine hopes to have as many of the
entries as possible supported by a Saab estate car running as a
management vehicle.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Tuesday 26th January 2010
Early details announced for 2010 Roger
Albert Clark Rally
Colin Heppenstall, rally manager for the Roger Albert Clark Rally,
has announced the date and early route details of the 2010 event, the
seventh running of the event that re-creates the RAC Rallies of the
1960s and 1970s.
First
details of the 2010 rally include a late November date and two overnight
halts in Carlisle, but the start venue and first day's route will not be
announced until early June.
The date has been confirmed as 26-29 November, which is later in the
month than before to avoid a clash with Rally GB. Saturday and Sunday
nights will be spent in Carlisle, which is also the venue for the finish
on Monday.
"We'll announce the start venue and opening legs when we release the
regulations at the Chatsworth Rally Show on 5/6 June," said Heppenstall.
"We're planning an increase in forest mileage and want to run some
longer stages." Current plans include a
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
13/14-mile stage in the Ae and
Hope House complex and a 20-mile stage in Kielder to finish the rally in
style. A long stage in Kershope is likely, as the rally will again spend
Sunday and Monday in the Scottish borders and Kielder.
Meanwhile, membership of the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club is now
over 300 and continues to grow. Membership renewals will be due in May.
For more details about the Roger Albert Clark Rally, and its support
rallies, please keep watching this website
www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Thursday 14th January 2010
2010 Dates Confirmed
Colin Heppenstall, Rally Manager of the Roger Albert Clark Rally, confirmed today at the Autosport show that the MSA have granted a date change of the event and that it will now definitely run on the weekend of the 26- 29th November 2010.
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Thursday 14th January
2010
Are You Ready For the Autosport Show?
A team
from the Roger Albert Clark Rally spent yesterday building the
stand at the Autosport show at the NEC in Birmingham which will host
competitors and fans of the most spectacular historic rally in the UK
for the next four days. After closely watching the weather
forecast for the last few days the members of the team variously set of
from Aberdeen and Yorkshire to convene at the National Exhibition
Centre.
When we arrived, the NEC was already a hive of activity with carpets
being laid, stands being erected, painted and trimmed and cars to grace
the stands being delivered. So many people stepping around half
finished displays, pots of paint and hundreds of thousands of pounds
worth of vehicular hardware. Somewhere in this maelstrom was
a bare patch of concrete that was to become the home of the Roger
Albert Clark Rally for the next few days.
Carpet was still being laid as we manoeuvred the competition cars which
have been loaned for the duration of the show and
lifted
our display 'start' arch into place. In less than 24 hours the
doors of the exhibition halls would be thrown open to the public.
Would everything be ready? Check out our progress below...
|
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Wednesday 6th
January 2010
Roger Albert Clark
Rally at Autosport Show
First
held at the NEC, Birmingham in January 1991, Autosport International is
the world’s best Motorsport show and the Roger Albert Clark Rally
will be there again next week on stand
2670 so
make sure that you come along and support the event. The organisers say
that for this year the stand will be a significant
15m x 11m so the plan is to have the event start arch and an open plan
stand with five competition cars on display. There will also be an
opportunity to purchase event clothing, memorabilia and of course a copy
of the 2009 event DVD!
In a new departure, the Roger Albert Clark Rally will also
feature as part of the Live Action Arena feature at the show. The
organisers plan to showcase ‘Stars of the R.A.C. Rally’ with
demonstration of cars associated with the original rally and its
historic re-incarnation.
1984 World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist will be getting his hands on
the stunning Group B Audi Sport Quattro and three-time British Rally
Champion Mark Higgins will be at the wheel of what many still consider
to be the best looking, and sounding, rally car ever built, the
wonderful Lancia Stratos.
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Wednesday 6th January 2010
Photo Competition Winners Announced
The
Roger Albert Clark Rally 2009 Photo Competition has now closed and
the winners have been announced. Our grateful thanks go to
everyone who entered; Simon Clark for organising the competition in
association with
the Britishrally.co.uk forum and to Jon 'polo' Petford, himself a former
winner of the competition, for undertaking the difficult job of judging
the contest and choosing our winners. The winning photographs will be on
display next week on the
Roger Albert Clark Rally stand at the Autosport show.
http://www.britishrally.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=25
Jon
pored extensively over the entries and this is his verdict...
1st - Paul Commons
"I am ecstatic, if a little shocked to
have won such a fab prize. Having my dad to blame (sorry, thank)
for my first RAC attendance at the age of 2 months in 1983, and being
hooked ever since, it was only natural that we would follow the 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally all the way up to Scotland. Being unable to
find the entrance to the Holehouse Hill stage, we were a little
disappointed to end up in the Ae spectator car park for the third year
in a row with light rain in the air.
A two mile walk later and we had found a nice open section. Typically
thick fog came down just as the first car came through, but fortunately
the light improved just as LAR801P arrived. A truly great event which
we are already looking forward to attending in 2010"
Jon's comment, "I like the atmosphere in this shot, its simple. I
like the composition as well, you get a sense of anticipation. The image
is not perfect, it is a little flat and a quick tweak of the colours and
levels will lift it."
2nd - David Powley
"My name is David Powley, I live in
Norwich, so to get this shot involved a 500 mile round trip, but it was
well worth the journey as I enjoyed every minute I spent at the Rally!
I travelled up on Friday to go to the Langdale stage in the evening, and
what a very wet evening it was too!!!! Luckily I had a room booked in
Scarborough so managed to dry off before the Saturday stages at Olivers
Mount.
I am just getting back into Rally photography after a lay off whilst my
children were growing up. This was my first trip up to the Rally and I
am already looking forward to this year’s event, hopefully for the four
days this year.
More photographs from the Rally and other events can be found on my
website:
www.dpphotographic.co.uk"
Jon's comment, "Love the look on the driver's face, and you get a real sense of speed."
3rd - Luke Harvey
"My interest in rallying started back in 1998 when I attended my first ever rally the Wyedean Forest Rally at just 8 years old. Since then I have been attending events all over the country as my passion for the sport grew. I started taking pictures at the end of 2008 on the Roger Albert Clark Rally and gradually progressed throughout 2009. Most of my time at rallying is spent filming as I'm more of a cameraman than a photographer, but there's always something special when you capture a great photo."
Jon's comment, "A nice atmospheric service area shot."
=4th - Kathrine Jones
My name is Kathrine Jones from a small town called Llanfyllin in Mid Wales, I have been taking photos at rallies for nearly a year now, and it something I really enjoy, both road and stage rallies! I travelled 388 miles there and back on this particular rally, was definitely worth the trip! Hopefully will get to more rallies in 2010 so look out for KMJ Photography!
Jon's comment, "Not normally a fan of this type of shot but this works well due to the colour of the car and is framed well by the bales as well, something a little different."
=4th - Gary Simpson
"A rainy night in Yorkshire"
"Standing on a 90 left in Langdale with my friends Becky and Tim,
wrapped up as well as we can be against the rotten weather, camera set
on a slowish shutter speed to try and capture the rain.
Lights pierce the night sky, engine
howling down the straight, the Mk 1 comes into view, drops a gear, takes
the corner, kicks the rear out on the exit, powers away down the next
straight and out of sight. Look at the camera screen, yeah, quite
pleased with that shot. Wait for the next car. Getting colder and wetter
by the minute. Are we mad? Probably. Would we do it all again in 2010?
Of course!
More images from the event are available to view on
www.songasport.co.uk"
Jon's comment, "Sums up the rally for all those out in the rain on Friday night."
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Wednesday
2nd December 2009
Smith plans ahead for 2010 Roger Albert Clark Rally
Less than a month after taking a superb fifth overall on the 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally, Rob Smith and Shaun O'Gorman are already
hatching plans to contest the 2010 event in their Vauxhall Chevette.
Smith and O'Gorman were among the stars of the '09 rally, giving the
Chevette its best result to date and running up among the leading Ford
Escorts. Their target for 2010 is to challenge for an overall top three
finish and Smith says that competing on the Roger Albert is an amazing
experience.
"People were so good on the rally; we had a lot of moral support and the
spectators were so animated," he said. "They were jumping up and down
and waving at us in the stages.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
We'll definitely do the RAC again in
2010 and a top three finish is possible with the Chevette."
Before the rally, their first aim was to finish and a place in the top
10 was a dream. "We're chuffed to bits with the result; the Chevette
really proved itself," said Smith.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 2nd
December 2009
Photo Competition
Once
again, the organisers of the Roger Albert Clark Rally are pleased to be
able to announce that they have teamed up with Britishrally.co.uk,
the UK's premier rallying forum to run a competition for photographs
taken on the 2009 event. The competition is open now and will run until
the end of Christmas Day.
It doesn't matter if you have a point and shoot camera or a fancy DSLR
- have a go, you just never know, you might win!
The Competition will be judged by former Competition winner Jon 'polo'
Petford and prizes are on offer from David Winstanley of Acceleration
TV, producers of the official event TV and yours truly, the event team!
The winner will receive a copy of the official 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally DVD and a selection
of event branded goodies. The top 3 photographs chosen by
the judges will also be displayed on the Roger Albert Clark Rally stand
at the Autosport Show in January 2010.
Picture By Gavin Higgins/http://gnw-photography.net
For more details and full rules of the competition please
click here to visit
the Britishrally.co.uk forum, enter your
photographic masterpieces and good luck!
http://www.britishrally.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=25
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Wednesday 2nd
December 2009
Prize-Giving Photographs
Our friends at Carlisle City Council arranged for an official photographer to be present at the Roger Albert Clark Rally prize giving ceremony at Carlisle racecourse this year. If you are interested in purchasing any of the pictures taken please follow this link to the website of Kevin Nobin to view the available images and then email Kevin directly to buy.
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Wednesday 25th November 2009
Perez Planning 'Roger Albert' Return In 2010
I'm sure that
all you Lancia Stratos fans will be pleased to see it reported in
Motorsport News today that Steve Perez is
planning
a renewed assault on the Roger Albert Clark Rally 2010 after
completing the event with his car intact for the first time since 2005.
Steve missed the prize giving in Carlisle as he was already on his way
to Mombasa to compete in the
East African Safari Classic where he
eventually finished fifth overall but rumours were already flying that
he planned to have the Stratos stripped back and rebuilt to original
specifications which will improve the car's chances of a good finish by
making it lighter and faster than it is currently.
After a fraught start to this year's event when it looked at first as if
the car wouldn't make it to the start line and then suffering a broken
half shaft in Langdale on the first evening we can only hope that robust
strength and reliability are also on the agenda for the rebuild!
Picture By Mark Sayer/www.mppix.com
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Monday 23rd November
2009
Ready To Contest The Boucles de Spa Now?
Remember, two of the most popular and demanding historic rallies in Europe have
formed a
unique partnership, which
will result in the winner of the
Roger Albert Clark Rally having the chance to compete in the
Boucles
de Spa 0n 20 February 2010. In a reciprocal arrangement, the winner of
the Boucles de Spa will be able to contest the 2010 Roger Albert Clark
Rally.
The
organisers of Boucles de Spa have reminded us (via 'Roger Albert'
competitor, Joris Erard) that the entry-list of this popular Belgian
event is getting full with 200 historic competitors already registered.
Crews interested in taking part can take advantage of special terms for
British crews and are advised to contact Joris for more details.
Joris can be contacted via email at:
info@historicrally.be
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Monday 23rd
November 2009
Stouf And Erard's Roger Albert Clark Adventure
Stefaan Stouf &
Joris Erard will not easy forget their Roger Albert Clark Rally 2009!
Many Belgian spectators came to Pickering & Carlisle to support the
Belgian crew!
Stouf/Erard took the start with number 10 on Friday evening 13th
November! With the strong entry-list it would be not easy to drive
in the top 10, but after the 3rd stage on Friday evening, the Belgian
crew came back to Pickering in 10th place overall!
The second day was the longest of the whole rally with 11 stages and a
long drive of 200km to Carlisle. On the only tarmac stage, Stefaan
set the 5th fastest time! Also on the other stages was
Stefaan driving very well but on stage 7, the engine was not running
well and they were stopped for 6min on the stage! When the crew
finally reached the finish line of Harwood Dale the service-crew
examined the engine and found the problem but solved it too late to
reach the last 4 stages on time... Over and out on Saturday.
The crew took the restart on Sunday with a 50 minute penalty!
The stages on Sunday were again VERY wet and slippery, but the Belgian
crew drove very well with top 6 stage times! On
Heathall
they were actually fastest overall and then on Greystoke 1 they were 6th
overall and on Greystoke 2 even 3rd overall!! In the service area
on Sunday evening the Belgian crew got a lot of congratulations for
their good stage times.
The last day of the event, Monday, was good for 5 stages! On the first
stage Stefaan drove quite steady and set the 6th time! But
unfortunately on the 2nd stage between the logs, Stefaan lost control of
the car and hit a log-pile! It was over and out for the Belgian
Crew!
But next year they will come back for revenge!
Thanks again to the organisers of the Rally and all the marshals! But
also a big thanks to all the UK Historic Rally Teams that were always in
the mood to help us!
Report by Joris Erard;
www.historicrally.be
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Monday 23rd November 2009
Is that "I've a Pulley"?
Late Saturday
evening, driving the course closing car, we came upon car 55 of Dave
Hemingway and Simon Ashton, silent at the roadside near a time control.
Talking to Dave it was clear that he was going nowhere as he had damaged
an engine component and didn't want to risk further (expensive) damage
by continuing to run the motor. I thought sadly that this might be
the last we saw of one of the event's stalwarts but there he was, back
in the rally on Sunday. I'll let Dave take up the story...
"We had the timing cover come off on the way to Kielder on Saturday
night and it wore the front half of the teeth off one of the cam
pulleys. We decided it was best not to continue and risk wrecking the
engine.
Big thanks all round here.
Firstly to the Brirish Rally Forum. After numerous phone calls, a visit
to virtually every crew in the service area, internet searching, Ebay,
you name it, we were still 350 miles away from the nearest replacement
pulley so a post was put on the forum at silly o'clock in the morning in
desperation. A quick reply said go to Gretna, ask for Ivor. If I'm
honest, I didn't recognise this as sound advice at the time.
We
located a motorsport stockist in Dumfries on t'interweb so headed out
there on the way to Ae first thing Sunday morning where we were planning
a bit of spectating and some sulking. The stockist was obviously shut
down but at shortly after 9am a text came through.
"I have some pulleys but unfortunately in Dumfries"
Five minutes later Roy Johanson (Jorspeed) had delivered a pair of
unwanted vernier pulleys to us, wouldn't take a bean for them and we
were hotfooting it back to Carlisle airport to fit them.
On the way back we got a phone call from no other than Ivor from Gretna
who also had a pair of pulleys and a new belt which were at our disposal
should we need them.
Picture By Mark Sayer/www.mppix.com
The parts were fitted and we rejoined the fight for the first run of
Heathhall and continued unfaltered to the end of the rally for our sixth
finish on the RAC.
Massive, massive thanks to Roy for his boundless kindness. (I will find
your address and send a thank you, despite you trying to keep it from
me)
Massive thanks also to Ivor for the offer of boundless kindness which we
fortunately didn't need to take advantage of.
Massive thanks to all the lads in the service crew who were chomping at
the bit for the overnight drive to Essex for the only very-near pulleys
on e-Bay and then for repairing the car to get us under way again and
generally laying in the mud and swallock with cold water running down
their necks for four days to keep the old girl running.
To the organisers and marshals.... If I wore a cap, I would doff it.
Thanks for making it possible for us crews to put ourselves under such
stress. Long may it continue."
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Tuesday 17th
November 2009
Gwyndaf Evans And
John Millington 2009 Winners!
Gwyndaf Evans
and John Millington took the winners laurels in Carlisle yesterday. At
the end of a cold, wet and gruelling Roger Albert Clark Rally the
Viking Motorsport crew came home four minutes and two seconds ahead of
Jeremy Easson and Alun Cook. For the second year running John
Millington has become the winning co-driver after reading the maps for
2008 winner Malcolm Wilson.
In the Roger Albert Clark Open Rally, Marcus Noble and Brian Hodgson
came home in first place, four minutes and three seconds ahead of second
placed crew Nigel Barber and Stuart Popplewell.
Picture By Chris Horner/www.mccrash.co.uk
Results:
Roger Albert Clark
Rally
| Pos | No. | Driver | Navigator | Car | Class | Total |
| 1 | 1 | Gwyndaf EVANS | John MILLINGTON | Ford Escort RS1800 | D5 | 2:29:04 |
| 2 | 8 | Jeremy EASSON | Alun COOK | Ford Escort RS1600 | C5 | 2:33:06 |
| 3 | 36 | Paul GRIFFITHS | Sam COLLIS | Ford Escort RS1800 | D5 | 2:33:50 |
| 4 | 2 | Steve BANNISTER | Kevin RAE | Ford Escort MkII | D5 | 2:33:53 |
| 5 | 11 | Rob SMITH | Shaun O'GORMAN | Vauxhall Chevette | D5 | 2:36:54 |
| 6 | 32 | Steve SMITH | Patrick WALSH | Ford Escort | C3 | 2:37:39 |
| 7 | 20 | Charlie TAYLOR | Steve BIELBY | Ford Escort MkII | D5 | 2:40:38 |
| 8 | 21 | Simon TYSOE | Cliffy SIMMONS | Ford Escort MkII | D5 | 2:41:32 |
| 9 | 18 | Phil SQUIRES | Mick SQUIRES | Ford Escort RS1800 | D5 | 2:41:41 |
| 10 | 24 | Frank CUNNINGHAM | Ryland JAMES | Ford Escort RS1800 | D5 | 2:42:53 |
Full results of the Roger Albert Clark Rally 2009 available to download here
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Roger Albert Clark Open Rally
| Pos | No. | Driver | Navigator | Car | Class | Total |
| 1 | 60 | Marcus NOBLE | Brian HODGSON | Ford Escort MkII | E3 | 2:46:04 |
| 2 | 65 | Nigel BARBER | Stuart POPPLEWELL | Vauxhall Astra Sport | E3 | 2:50:07 |
| 3 | 58 | Stuart NEWBY | Andy MORGAN | Ford Escort | E3 | 2:51:05 |
| 4 | 64 | Andy MADGE | Pat COOPER | Toyota Corolla | E2 | 2:52:44 |
| 5 | 61 | Martin SHAW | Ian PROUT | Ford Escort RS1400 | E2 | 3:00:09 |
| 6 | 63 | Kevin JEFFRAY | Joe PARSONS | Subaru Impreza | E4 | 3:12:39 |
| 7 | 57 | Alan GARDINER | Robin NICOLSON | Ford Escort MkII | E4 | 3:31:42 |
| 8 | 55 | Dave HEMINGWAY | Simon ASHTON | Ford Escort MkII | E3 | 3:46:42 |
Full results of the Roger Albert Clark Open Rally 2009 available to download here
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Kallkwik Bradford Rally
| Pos | No. | Driver | Navigator | Car | Class | Total |
| 1 | 135 | Dave BRICK | Rob WOODHOUSE | Ford Escort RS | F4 | 0:41:47 |
| 2 | 106 | Nick COOK | Neil COLLS | Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico | F3 | 0:41:55 |
| 3 | 107 | Carl TUER | Rob TUER | MG ZR S1600 | F2 | 0:43:17 |
| 4 | 104 | Mathew SMITH | Darren SMITH | Peugeot 205 GTi | F2 | 0:43:19 |
| 5 | 102 | Ian JEMISON | Graham WRIDE | Porsche Boxster | F4 | 0:43:24 |
| 6 | 131 | Ciro CARANNANTE | Micke SCRIGMOUR | BMW 328i | F4 | 0:43:28 |
| 7 | 109 | Toni CARANNANTE | Nicola FEARNLEY | BMW 316i | F4 | 0:44:18 |
| 8 | 127 | Gareth HOOPER | Michael CALVERT | Opel Manta | F3 | 0:44:40 |
| 9 | 112 | John CLAYTON | Plug PULLEYN | BMW 325i | F4 | 0:44:40 |
| 10 | 111 | Simon COLE | Steve WAGGETT | BMW 325i | F4 | 0:44:40 |
Full results of the Kallkwik Bradford Rally 2009 available to download here
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Roger Albert Clark Clubmans Rally
| Pos | No. | Driver | Navigator | Car | Class | Total |
| 1 | 121 | Mark SHAW | Ken WILLAN | Talbot Sunbeam Ti | G2 | 0:37:41 |
| 2 | 120 | Helen HALL | Alison CROZIER | Talbot Sunbeam | G2 | 0:44:10 |
| 3 | 118 | Darren MARTIN | Martin STEELE | Peugeot 205 XS | G2 | 0:45:31 |
| 4 | 117 | Julian DOROSZCZUK | Paul DOROSZUZUK | Rover Mini | G1 | 0:48:34 |
Full results of the Roger Albert Clark Clubmans Rally 2009 available to download here
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Greystoke Challenge
| Pos | No. | Driver | Navigator | Car | Class | Total |
| 1 | 145 |
Trevor SMITH |
Aaron McCLURE | TBA | K4 | 0:26:44 |
| 2 | 143 | Martin BREEN | Simon GRAHAM | Peugeot 106 Rallye | K1 | 0:28:31 |
| 3 | 142 | Colin SMITHSON | Peter JOHNSON | Vauxhall Corsa | K2 | 0:28:42 |
| 4 | 139 | David MITCHINSON | Ryan WINTHROP | Ford Escort | K3 | 0:28:58 |
| 5 | 140 | Andrew IRVING | Reg IRVING | Peugeot 205 | K2 | 0:30:47 |
| 6 | 141 | Colin BENTHAM | Nigel ARMER | Talbot Sunbeam Ti | K2 |
- |
Full results of the Greystoke Challenge 2009 available to download here
Note: you will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print these PDF documents which can be downloaded for free here.
Results courtesy of Tynemouth Computer Services
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Sunday 15th November
2009
On The Stage Reporting by Paul Lawrence
With another outstanding day in the forests of Cumbria and southern Scotland, Gwyndaf Evans and John Millington extended their lead in the Roger Albert Clark Rally. By the time the crews arrived back at Carlisle for the final overnight halt, Evans was over three minutes ahead of the Escort Mk1 of Jeremy Easson/Alun Cook. While Evans had a perfect day, taking fastest time on all six forest stages, his rival Steve Bannister slipped to third after a day hit by a puncture and brake problems.
In the Open Rally, Marcus Noble and
Brian Hodgson had another excellent day to take their lead out to nearly
five minutes.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Saturday 14th
November 2009
On The Stage Reporting by Paul Lawrence
After a long, tough day of rallying,
Gwyndaf Evans and John Millington retained the lead of the Roger
Albert Clark Rally as the weary crews arrived at Carlisle after
midnight at the end of the second leg. In a day when they traded the
lead with the similar Escort Mk2 of Steve Bannister/Kevin Rae, the
turning point came when Bannister spent three minutes in a ditch in
Chirdonhead. That dropped the Yorkshireman to third behind the Escort
Mk1 of Jeremy Easson/Alun Cook. In the Open Rally, Marcus Noble and
Brian Hodgson extended their lead to over two minutes.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Friday 13th November 2009
On The Stage Reporting by Paul Lawrence
Gwyndaf Evans and John Millington
swept into the early lead of the Roger Albert Clark Rally when
they finished the opening leg five seconds ahead of the similar Ford
Escort Mk2 of Steve Bannister/Kevin Rae. Some truly tough conditions in
a very wet and slippery Langdale forest caught out some leading
contenders including David Stokes and Phil Collins. In the Open rally,
Marcus Noble and Brian Hodgson put their Escort Mk2 into the early lead.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Friday 13th November 2009
Spectator Pack Postage Problems
It has come to
the attention of organisers of the Roger Albert Clark Rally that
recipients are being asked to pay excess postage fees on pre-ordered
spectator packs delivered by Royal Mail. This is being
investigated but it seems that Royal Mail originally under-weighed the
packages and therefore undercharged for the initial postage.
Some spectator packs have been delayed in the post and if yours has not
arrived then please come to Pickering Showground where a replacement
pack will be issued to you. You should pay the entrance fee at
Pickering, keep the receipt and bring it to Rally HQ. Here, staff will
issue a replacement spectator pack AND refund the Pickering showground
gate entrance fee.
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Wednesday
11th November 2009
Smith Gets Late
Call-Up For Roger Albert Clark Rally
Steven Smith, twice British Historic Rally champion, has had a late
call-up to contest this weekend's Roger Albert Clark Rally in the
Escort Mk1 originally entered for Peter Egerton.
The deal only came together yesterday (Tuesday) after Peter sustained a
back injury while competing on the Tempest Rally on Saturday. A heavy
compression in his WRC Hyundai caused a back injury and left him unable
to tackle four days of rallying on the 'Roger Albert'.
Instead, he generously offered his car to Smith and so car 32 will have
a different driver when the rally starts in Pickering on Friday evening.
"I've not been on gravel since the Trackrod in September 2008 and I've
not been in an Escort since 2006, so I've got my excuses lined up," said
Smith.
"I have to say a very big thank you to Peter for making this possible
and I'm sorry he can’t do the 'Roger Albert', as it is one
of his favourite events," said Smith. "Hopefully I can get my eye in on
the Friday night stages and get used to the car. Class C3 will be very
strong and it is people like Russell Morgan and Ken Forster who will be
on the pace," said Smith.
Smith has contested the rally once before, when he drove the VK-backed
Escort owned by Steve Perez in 2006. That year he slid off the road in
the snow of Ae, albeit without any damage.
XS Racing will tend the Pinto-powered Escort, the team that has took
Smith to his 2008 BHRC crown. Patrick Walsh will remain as co-driver, as
originally planned.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 11th November 2009
Follow Stig!
Stig Blomqvist,
winner of the Roger Albert Clark Rally in 2004, returns to the event to
try and win for the second time. This year, he has fitted a GPS
tracker in the vehicle and you can follow him live via Stig Blomqvist
SBTrac:
http://www.sbtrac.com/?user=s.blomqvist&p=rally
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Wednesday 11th November 2009
Roger's 1975 Escort
To Contest Roger Albert Clark Rally
The 'Cossack' liveried Ford Escort Mk2 that Roger Clark drove to second
place on the 1975 RAC Rally, 'LAR 800P' will return to competition on
this weekend's Roger Albert Clark Rally in the hands of Andrew
Siddall.
XS Racing has restored the car for Yorkshireman Siddall, a regular
contender on the event. It has been prepared to FIA specification and
will compete on the Roger Albert alongside 'LAR 601P', the ex-Timo
Makinen car now in the hands of Dave Watkins. In 1975, the two cars
finished one-two on the RAC Rally.
The famous car finished second on its debut event, the 1975 RAC Rally.
Now, 34 years later, it will return to competition on the event run in
memory of Clark, with backing from Siddall and Hilton Products.
"It's the best rally of the year," said Siddall. "But I'm on a big
learning curve for this event with the BDA-powered Mk2." Siddall will be
partnered as usual by Captain Thompson and last year they finished
eighth overall and first in class in Siddall's Pinto-powered Escort Mk1.
XS Racing will enter a four-car team on the 'Roger Albert',
and joining Siddall/Thompson will be Peter Smith/Russ Langthorne
(Porsche 911), Peter Egerton/Patrick Walsh (Escort Mk1) and Guy
Smith/Howard Pridmore (Escort Mk1).
While Peter Smith and Peter Egerton campaign the cars they have rallied
regularly this season, Guy Smith is on a massive learning curve in what
will be only his third ever rally. The 2003 Le Mans winner is competing
alongside his father Peter and has his sights set on finishing as he
accumulates more rallying experience.
Team boss John Cropper says that the Roger Albert Clark Rally is
the toughest on the calendar for both the crews and the support team.
"It's the biggest event of the year for us and we'll have a team of 15
to look after the cars. There will be seven guys in the service vans and
then two people in each of the four management cars," said Cropper. "It
is a tough rally, but I hope that all four cars will have good runs.
We've got a strong team."
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Monday 9th November 2009
In Ae And Hungry?
Ae Bike Shop & Cafe Open During the Rally
The organisers have been
told that all involved in the Roger Albert Clark Rally will
receive a warm welcome and a delicious choice of food and drink in the
Ae Cafe so if you're planning to spectate (or marshal!) in Ae then
you
should check out the Ae Bike Shop & Cafe based in the old Forestry
Commission offices just down from Ae village.
The cafe is a welcome addition to the area and serves a great range of hot & cold food & drinks including freshly ground coffee and home made baking. The cafe can seat upwards of 30 people inside and has benches outside right on the road side so it is a great point to view the rally from and there is a large car park opposite the building. If you get yourself totally soaked and caked in mud from the forest there are toilets and shower facilities on site too. If you travel with a laptop you can now get free wireless internet connection inside Ae Cafe as well. Check your e mails and watch the rally pass by whilst your enjoying a cup of freshly ground coffee!
It would be great to see anyone involved with the rally making use of the facilities.
Ae Bike Shop & Cafe
Ae Village
Parkgate
Dumfries & Galloway
DG1 1QB
Tel: 01387 860541
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Monday
9th November 2009
All Systems Go!
At the officials
meeting held yesterday at the DeLacy clubhouse, the audience was
treated to an impassioned presentation by Brian Avery, event Chief
Safety Officer, on how the Roger Albert Clark Rally had
progressed from its first running in 2004 and how from a low number of
entrants at the inaugural start in Sheffield the event has grown to the
healthy start numbers we will see in Pickering on Friday 13th November.
Brian also praised the hard work and dedication of husband and wife
team, Colin and Nicola Heppenstall who have worked tirelessly to ensure
the running of this rally.
When Colin took over the meeting he praised the work that was done by
all the event officials and marshals without whom the event could not
function and reminded them that the lifeblood of the 'Roger
Albert' was its friendly atmosphere towards all taking part;
competitors and spectators alike. When the flag drops on the start
line on Friday it is hoped that everyone, at whatever level they
participate will enjoy the Roger Albert Clark Rally 2009 as the
best so far.
Recent route surveys have indicated that forest stages are in a very
good condition, with the Scottish stages having been regraded in June;
Kielder in July and Langdale, although used during the recent heavy rain
has been completely regraded and therefore conditions couldn't be better
for the coming weekend. M-Sport owned Greystoke came in for
particular praise. "...the best prepared forest stage I have ever
seen in my life" was Colin's verdict with its smooth surface and the
fact that trees have been removed to a distance of ten metres from the
track to provide clearer sight lines during testing we can expect some
fast times here. However a word of warning from the route survey
crew...
The road surface are now higher then they were previously and
consequently the ditches are deeper... much deeper, so if you're in then
you're probably staying in!
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Friday 6th
November 2009
Best Ever Entry For Roger
Albert Clark Rally
The strongest entry in the event's history is how experts are billing
the 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally, which starts in Pickering (Yorkshire)
on Friday 13 November.
Among the field are previous winners Stig Blomqvist (2004) and Steve
Bannister (2007), former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans, former
British Historic Rally Champions Steve Perez and David Stokes, British
rallying legends Steve Bannister, Phil Collins, Bob Bean and Jeremy
Easson, pace-setting Irishmen Martin McCormack and Seamus O'Connell and
top Belgian driver Stefaan Stouf.
"To be honest, I'm absolutely ecstatic about the level and quality of
the entry," said rally manager Colin Heppenstall. The leading drivers
echo that view, and they all consider the entry to be the best yet in
the six-year history of the rally.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
"It's going to be the most competitive for a few years," said Steve
Perez, who will return to his 1974 Lancia Stratos after contesting Rally
GB last month in his state-of-the-art Ford Focus World Rally Car.
"Without question it is the best entry we could have wished for; it is
going to be magic," said David Stokes, who has supported the event from
the beginning and finished second overall last year.
Making his debut on the rally and tipped by many as a strong contender
for overall victory is Welsh ace Gwyndaf Evans, who will drive the Ford
Escort entered by the team of former World Rally Champion co-driver Phil
Mills.
"Our first priority is to enjoy the event," said Gwyndaf, who first
competed on the original Lombard RAC Rally in 1987. "We're using some
fantastic stages, although it's while since I was in places like Ae in
Scotland. But we'll be doing our best."
In total, over 60 cars will gather at Pickering on Friday ahead of the
opening special stages on Friday evening. After a full day of rallying
in Yorkshire on Saturday, the action moves to South Scotland and Cumbria
on Sunday before concluding in the notorious Kielder forest on Monday.
The champagne spraying will be in Carlisle City Centre early on Monday
afternoon. Spectators are welcome at many locations and full details are
available by clicking on the 'Spectators' tab above.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 4th
November 2009
Are you Ready?
Just to get you
in the mood for the upcoming Roger Albert Clark Rally take a look at
this video of last year's event from
David Winstanley and
Acceleration Television & Video.
I
know the sensation is not quite the same as standing in the cold, dark
and wet forest whilst these monsters fly past inches from your face
showering you in stones and mud but that's what imagination and
anticipation are for! The full version of this video will be
available for sale at the rally start at Pickering and at the service
halt in Dumfries.
Thanks to Joris Erard for finding this clip and good luck to you and
Stefaan.
Enjoy!
Back to Top
Wednesday
28th October 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally And Boucles de Spa Link Up
Two of the most popular and demanding historic rallies in Europe have
formed a
unique partnership, which will result in the winner of the
Roger Albert Clark Rally having the chance to compete in the
Boucles
de Spa 0n 20 February 2010. In a reciprocal arrangement, the winner of
the Boucles de Spa will be able to contest the 2010 Roger Albert Clark
Rally.
The
organisers of the two events, both rightly recognised as their country's
top historic event, have formed an alliance to cross-promote their
events to competitors across Europe.
The winner of next month's Roger Albert Clark Rally will earn a
free entry into the famous Belgian event. In return, the Boucles de Spa
winner will get a free entry into next year's Roger Albert Clark.
"We're delighted to form this partnership with one of the most
successful historic rallies in Europe," said Colin Heppenstall, rally
manager of the Roger Albert Clark. "I visited Spa last February and was
hugely impressed with the quality and quantity of entry. We've been
working for some time to increase the foreign entry in the Roger Albert
Clark and this partnership will be a major boost for those plans."
Now firmly established as a must-do event on the British rallying
calendar, the Roger Albert Clark Rally re-creates the classic RAC
Rallies of the 1960s and 1970s, covering four days in November and
taking in classic gravel stages in Yorkshire, Kielder, Scotland and
Cumbria.
Meanwhile, the Boucles de Spa is the biggest historic event on the
Belgian calendar and attracts a superb field of over 200 cars, including
many famous names from rallying's recent history. In 2009, it ran in
very snowy conditions as it took in challenging sections around the town
of Spa-Francorchamps.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 28th
October 2009
Le Mans Winner
Enters Roger Albert Clark Rally
Guy Smith, winner at Le Mans in 2003 for Bentley, will tackle the 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally alongside his father Peter in what will be
Guy's third-ever rally.
The
world-renowned sports car racer will contest the four-day rally in a
historic specification Ford Escort RS2000, while Peter will be in his
regular Porsche 911 for his first attempt at the 13-16 November rally.
"It's in at the deep end," said Guy. "I'm just doing it for fun and the
aim is to try and get round without crashing. It will be like doing four
or five rallies in one go. It's a bit of a busman's holiday and it is
something we can do together for fun."
Guy made his rallying debut in June, having been ecouraged to try the
sport by Peter. After a long
break from rallying, Peter returned to
historic events in April 2008 and contested a full BHRC season this year
in the Porsche. XS Racing will look after both cars, with Howard
Pridmore alongside Guy and Russ Langthorne, as usual, on the maps for
Peter.
"I've not done this event before," said Peter. "I did the Clubmans RAC
in 1978. It will be an adventure and it is perfect for me that it starts
in Yorkshire!"
Guy recently took his family for a day out to Scarborough and took the
opportunity to have a look at Oliver's Mount, which features prominently
on the opening day of the Roger Albert Clark. "That's tarmac, so
we should be OK on that bit!"
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 14th
October 2009
Superb
stages for the Roger Albert Clark Rally
The best condition ever for the special stages is how Colin Heppenstall,
rally manager for the Roger Albert Clark Rally, has described the
stages for the 2009 event following a major route survey at the end of
September.
Colin drove the entire stage route and believes that competitors are in
for a real treat as the gravel stages will be in prime condition for the
13-16 November event.
"The stages in Kielder and Scotland have all been re-graded since the
last rally," said Colin. "It is the best I've ever seen these stages and
the Scottish stages have had four months to settle since they were
re-graded."
Colin was also able to report superb conditions in Greystoke Forest,
which is used twice on the afternoon of the second day. Colin confirmed
that the stage has just been completely re-graded to a very high
standard, ahead of the 13-16 November event.
Meanwhile, with exactly a month to go before the rally starts in
Pickering, entries for the main event and the five support rallies
continue to build. With a surge of entries expected in the final
countdown towards the rally, the main event already has a 45-car field
with at least another 10 entries expected. Entries are also coming in
for the support events:
The Kall Kwik Rally, which runs in Yorkshire on Saturday;
The De Lacy Night Rally, which runs in Kielder on Saturday night;
The Clubman's Rally, which runs on Sunday in the Ae complex;
The Greystoke Challenge on Sunday afternoon;
The Kielder Challenge on Monday.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Thursday 1st
October 2009
Mason And Wild Set For Roger Albert Clark Rally
Tim
Mason and Graham Wild are gearing up for another challenge on the
Roger Albert Clark Rally this November and are aiming at a top six
finish in their Porsche 911.
Leeds-based Mason and Wild, who now lives on the Isle of Man, have shown
excellent pace on the last three Roger Albert Clark Rallies, but have
yet to secure the result that their speed deserves.
However, they now hope that their bad luck is behind them after a very
early departure from the Trackrod Historic Cup on Saturday, 26
September. A broken driveshaft put them out within seconds of the start
of the opening special stage in Dalby forest.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
Wild calculated that their rally lasted just 130 yards. It was the first
time they had run an in-car camera for the TV coverage of the British
Historic Rally Championship, and it seems that the curse of the camera
struck early.
However, Wild says that there is a positive side of the early retirement
on the Trackrod. "We've got eight new tyres and a tank of fuel ready for
the Roger Albert Clark Rally, so we'll get it right for that," he
said.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Thursday 24th September 2009
Easson and Stokes plot Roger Albert Clark Rally challenges
Two of the most successful competitors in the five-year history of the
Roger Albert Clark Rally are gearing up to challenge for overall
glory on the 2009 event. David Stokes (Dursley) and Jeremy Easson (Oakham)
will both compete in Mk1 Ford Escorts and each driver has an overall
podium finish as their target.
These two drivers have an impressive record on the event and have
provided the highest-placed Mk1 Escort on four of the five previous
Roger Albert Clark Rallies. Easson has been an overall podium finisher
four times in five years and cruelly lost overall victory on the final
stage of the 2006 event.
Stokes, meanwhile, finished second in 2008 to Malcolm Wilson to record
his best result to date. Both drivers have supported the event since the
beginning and will be at the head of the action when the 2009 rally
starts from Pickering (North Yorkshire) on Friday 13 November.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
While Easson is well advanced with the preparation of a fresh car for
the event, Stokes will campaign the familiar Mk1 that has taken him to
the category two title in this year's Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic
Rally Championship. A month before the Roger Albert, Stokes and
his regular co-driver Guy Weaver will bid to add the Welsh Historic
title to their tally for the season.
Easson plans to run a shakedown rally in his new car ahead of the
four-day event. "We want to be at the front end of the RAC," he said.
"We’ve come close, but there are more and more competitive drivers
coming to do it now. It’s a long event, but to be in a winning position
you’ve got to have the right sort of kit nowadays. I like the idea of
staying in category two with a Mk1 rather than going for a Mk2," he
added.
With entries for the main event already at 40 cars, Stokes and Easson
are two of the significant entries yet to be lodged for the rally.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Saturday 19th
September 2009
Trade Show
This years Roger Albert Clark Rally is creating more interest than ever before. Entries are up, spectator interest on the internet is way up and so are trade enquiries for the small but exclusive trade show we organise every year.
The event starts
at the Showground in Pickering with scrutineering and signing on talking
place indoors on the Friday late morning and afternoon of the rally.
This is followed by a special stage in the grounds of the facility and
another in the nearby forests before returning to Pickering for another
stage at the showground. This makes Friday a very good
“selling day” for anyone at the start. Attending this venue will be £100
.
As in previous years you are then welcome to follow the event to
Carlisle and Dumfries at no extra charge.
For full details of the route and timetable please feel free to look at
the Rally’s spectator information by clicking on the 'Spectator' tab
above or click
here.
Time is running out to book your “indoor” space so for further details
and any additional information please contact:-
Rally Manager
Roger Albert Clark Rally
3 Scotsmill Crescent
Blackburn
Aberdeen
AB21 0JG
Email:
r.a.c.rally@btinternet.com
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Friday 11th
September 2009
Shaw Ready For Roger Albert Clark Rally Return
Martin Shaw and Ian Prout will contest the 2009 Roger Albert Clark
Rally in Shaw's well-known Ford Escort Mk2, and Shaw says that the
event is the closest rally to the original Lombard RAC Rally he tackled
three times in the 1990s.
"The entry is in and the team is keen to do it again," said the
Huddersfield-based driver, who tackled the Roger Albert Clark Rally
for the first time in 2008 in his 1400cc Escort Mk2. Partnered by
Dave Evans, he finished fifth overall in the Open category and won his
class by a substantial margin.
Now, Shaw and regular co-driver Prout are gearing up for the 2009 rally.
"We committed to this year's event right at the start," said Shaw, who
competed on the Lombard RAC Rally in 1994, 1995 and 1996 in a Lada.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
"The Roger Albert is the nearest you can get to that event. We
marshalled on the earlier Roger Alberts and my service crew was really
keen to do the event. Last year we got round with barely putting a
spanner on the car."
For Prout, it will be a switch from reading route notes to working from
maps. "He's got to learn how to do maps again," said Shaw.
They are hoping to contest the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire in late
September as a final shakedown ahead of the November event.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Friday 11th September 2009
Staffing Update
Time is rushing past and with just over 60 days to
go, before you know it, the event will be in full swing, counting down
to the first competitor starting stage one at the Pickering Showground.
As you would suspect the event organisation is now in top gear building
to, what we hope will be, the best Roger Albert Clark Rally so far. As
proof, other pages on this website provide more information on the build
up to the event including the big name sponsors already on board.
The Entries Tab shows that we have an impressive list of entrants to
date, far above the numbers received at this point before last years’
excellent rally, a testament to the events growing reputation and
stature.
In addition to the Roger Albert Clark Rally, you will be marshalling on
one of the associated events which offer a taste of the Roger Albert
experience to a wider competitor base.
The number of marshals registered to assist on the 2009 event continues
to grow so if you have not registered as yet,
Photograph
Courtesy of Graham Millar
get a move on!
(Go to the
marshals tab and scroll down
to locate the PDF Registration Form).
Whilst on the website checkout the
spectators tab for a review of the
event schedule and also the Forum to get a pre-event flavour of what is
about to happen.
This year has the promise to be a cracker, come and be a part of it!
| Chrys Worboys | – Chief Staffing and Communications Officer |
| Joy Hewson | – Deputy Staffing and Communications Officer |
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Wednesday 9th September 2009
Castle Combe Rallyday
The
Roger Albert Clark Motor Club will be attending the
Rally Day at Castle Combe
race Circuit in Wiltshire on Saturday September 19th. The
organisers of the Roger Albert Clark Rally are pleased to be able
to announce that the stand will host special guest David Stokes who will
be showing off his Ford Escort Mk1 which finished second on the 2008
event. Club membership will be available along with more details
of the 2009 rally.
Castle
Combe
circuit is situated close to both junctions 17 and 18 of the M4 and is
clearly signposted using brown tourist signs marked with a chequered
flag with action starting at 09:00. Remember, if you are already a Roger Albert
Clark Motor Club member you can take advantage of a special offer on
advance tickets. See Club News
here or click on
'The Club'
for further details
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Wednesday 2nd
September 2009
Jenkins builds for
Roger Albert Clark Rally
Dave Jenkins is the latest high-profile driver to confirm plans to enter
the 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally. The former winner of the
Wyedean Rally is well advanced with the build of a Ford Escort Mk2 ahead
of tackling the November event for the first time.
Having more recently competed in a Ford Escort WRC, Jenkins says that he
will be going back to his rallying roots by driving a Mk2 Escort and
competing on maps rather than notes.
"It's in the spec we used to build them," said Forest of Dean-based
Jenkins, who has been rallying for 30 years. He was a West Midlands
champion in the 1980s and won the 1996 Wyedean Rally in an Escort
Cosworth. He sold his Escort WRC after this year's Wyedean.
Jenkins will rally the Group 4 specification Escort in memory of his old
friend and rally preparation ace Rex Paddock, who died in a microlight
accident in April. Paddock started the initial work on Jenkins' new car
before his death.
He says that he will fulfil a long-held ambition when he competes on the
Roger Albert Clark Rally. "It's something I've wanted to do for a
long time," he said. Back in 1985, Jenkins drove his Escort as course
car for the Forest of Dean stages of the Lombard RAC Rally and set top
10 times against the Group B cars. "Rex was alongside me that day,
although I did know where I was going," said Jenkins.
The fresh Mk2 is the first historic rally car from Dave Jenkins
Motorsport, and they already have a second shell under preparation.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Thursday 27th August 2009
Belgian Competitors Test On UK Gravel
Tuesday 25th August saw two teams testing in the Sweet Lamb
complex in order to get some gravel experience ahead of this year's
Roger Albert Clark Rally. Previous Roger Albert competitors Stefaan Stouf and Joris Erard brought their Escort RS1600 and 2008
Belgian Historic Rally Champion Stephen Vankemmel drove his Opel Ascona
on UK gravel for the first time ahead of a proposed entry on this year's
rally. According to Joris both teams had a successful day.
To see some of the action from the day click on the video link below.
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Tuesday
21 July 2009
Drummond Confirms Roger Albert Clark Rally Challenge
Ian Drummond and Yvonne Coppin will tackle the Harry Flatters Rally over
Epynt on 1/2 August as part of their build up to tackling the 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally in Drummond's Ford Escort Mk1.
They first teamed up for the 2008 Roger Albert Clark Rally and
overcame various dramas, including sliding off the road in Newcastleton,
to finish 16th in the 2-litre Pinto-engined car and are now determined
to improve on that result.
"We had a great time on the RAC last year and want to have another go,"
said Northampton-based Drummond, who has now been rallying for 40 years.
"The car continues to be run by Sweep Motorsport and although it is very
unlikely that we will beat all the super stars who will be in Yorkshire
in November, we do intend to try to improve on our 16th place overall of
2008," said Drummond.
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
"I've been rallying since I was 17. I used to do road rallies and
hillclimbs, sprints and a I've done bit of circuit racing in the past. I
used to do international rallies in the 1980s with Keith Baud co-driving
for me and we had some good results in Belgium," said Drummond. "I've
always enjoyed my rallying and I intend to carry on, doing selected
events."
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Friday 17 July
2009
Early entry surge for Roger Albert Clark Rally
The response to early entries for the 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally
has surpassed all of the organisers' expectations, with entries already
running well ahead of the corresponding point for 2008.
By mid-July, the total for the main event stood at 36; in 2008 it was
not until 21 October that the entry list hit the same level. Current
expectations suggest that the organisers' initial target of 50 cars will
be surpassed and a field of around 60 cars is now considered likely.
"Being a little realistic, I would expect that the event will reach the
initial target of 50," said rally manager Colin Heppenstall. "With
adding those who have said they are going to enter to those already
entered, we have the entry up to 47. It would be very nice if we reached
60."
Heppenstall now expects a lull in entries before activity starts again
in October during the final build up to the 13-16 November rally, which
starts from Pickering in North Yorkshire.
Recent entries include Alex Sabater (Ford Escort Mk2) from
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
Spain and
Stefaan Stouf (Ford Escort Mk1) from Belgium,
along with Phil and Mick Squires (Ford Escort Mk2) who have supported
the Roger Albert Clark Rally since it first ran in 2004.
Press
Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail:
paul@tfmmedia.com
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Thursday 25th June 2009
Blomqvist Leads
Early Entries For Roger Albert Clark Rally
Stig Blomqvist,
winner of the inaugural Roger Albert Clark Rally in 2004, will
return to the event in November to try and win for the second time as
the early entry list starts to include some of the big names of historic
rallying.
Blomqvist, the 1984 World Rally Champion, and Ana Goni will compete in a
Ford Escort Mk2 from David Sutton's team, contesting the rally for the
third time having also finished second overall in 2005 to Mark Higgins.
"This event is just like the RAC Rally was in the 1970s and 1980s," said
Blomqvist.
However, the driver with the most consistent record on the event will be
back to try and finally claim that all-important victory. Jeremy Easson
has contested all five previous Roger Alberts and has finished in the
top three on four of them, only retiring in 2008. Easson was within
sight of winning in 2006 when a throttle problem on the final stage at
Croft dropped him to third.
Now, Easson is busy building a fresh Escort Mk1 for the 2009 rally. "We
want to be at the front end of the RAC," said Easson. "We’ve come close,
but there are more and more competitive drivers coming to do it now.
It’s a long event, but to be in a winning position you’ve got to have
the right sort of kit nowadays. I like the idea of staying in category
two with a Mk1 rather than going for a Mk2."
Also confirmed to be entering again in 2009 is David Stokes who, like
Easson, has supported the rally since the very start. His best result so
far was second to Malcolm Wilson in 2008. "It's the highlight of the
year," said Stokes. "It's a very tough event and it's hard work. You've
got to pace yourself."
Paul Griffiths, one of the pacesetters in 2008 during his first attempt
at the rally in his Escort Mk2, has also lodged his entry. "It’s the
best rally of the year. We had a great run last year and set some
fastest stage times, so this year I'd like to have a clear run."
Press Release Issued by Paul Lawrence, e-mail: paul@tfmmedia.com
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Wednesday 10th June 2009
Famous Escort Set For Roger Albert Clark Rally
The Ford
Escort Mk2 used by Timo Makinen and Henry Liddon to win the 1975 RAC
Rally will be one of the star entries on this year's Roger Albert
Clark Rally.
'LAR 801P' was one of the first works RS1800s built and after its
success on the '75 RAC Rally it was driven in 1976 by Ari Vatanen to win
the British Open Rally Championship. It was later used by Roger Clark as
a recce car for the East African Safari Rally, but has been used very
little since the early 1980s.
Now, thanks to the commitment and expertise of Dave Watkins, the car is
back in immaculate condition and is ready to go rallying. The Yorkshire
Escort aficionado is determined to use the famous car in historic
rallying and had set his sights on contesting the Roger Albert Clark
Rally
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
in November.
"It's as original as I can make it," said Watkins of the car that runs
in the period colours of Allied Polymer. But I still want to go historic
rallying with it and I want to be out on the Trackrod Rally and the
Roger Albert Clark Rally."
As might be expected, the car had a dramatic time in Vatanen's hands
during the 1976 season. "It had a new shell after Ari Vatanen virtually
destroyed it," said Watkins. "He'd rolled it three times during the
year. A friend of mine in New Zealand used to work at Boreham and he
used to repair Vatanen's car. He used to dread going to work on the
Monday after a rally!"
Watkins has done the Roger Albert Clark Rally twice before, and
finished ninth in the 2004 in his previous ex-works Mk1 Escort, 'FEV
5H'. In 2005, he went off in into a ditch in Ae forest and retired.
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Wednesday 3rd June 2009
2009 Event Announced
De Lacy Motor Club are proud to announce this years Roger Albert Clark Rally.
A significantly revised route, new stages and a
reduced entry fee are the main points from the unveiling of the 2009
Roger Albert Clark Rally.
Now firmly established as a must-do event on the British rallying
calendar, the Roger Albert Clark Rally re-creates the classic RAC
Rallies of the 1960s and 1970s, covering four days in November and
taking in classic gravel stages in
Yorkshire, Kielder, Scotland and Cumbria.
The sixth running of the event will maintain the event's reputation as a
real test of man and machine, with a forest stage on Friday evening (13
November), a daunting 13-stage leg on Saturday, stages in the Scottish
borders on Sunday and the now-traditional Kielder sting-in-tail on
Monday morning (16 November)
before a Carlisle city centre finish
at 12 noon.
"Building upon the success of previous years, we have taken the
opportunity to condense the route to reduce competitors costs while
still offering great value," said rally manager Colin Heppenstall
from De Lacy Motor Club. 'Two new venues have been included into this
years route which has allowed us to change the format of some of the
stages to
Photograph Courtesy of
Paul Lawrence
offer greater variation."
The four-day adventure will start at Pickering Showground in Yorkshire
for documentation and scrutineering on Friday.
Colin said
"Using
the Events Centre gives the Rally a great opportunity to start the 2009
event in style, incorporating all the facilities and a special stage
within the venue. This will give spectators an excellent
opportunity to see the cars and crews up close".
The competition begins with a stage in the showground and then a long
stage in Langdale forest in the dark of Friday evening. On Saturday
evening crews will have their first taste of Kielder, with new to the
event stages in Shepherdshield and Chirdonhead.
The total road route has been trimmed by 130 miles, while stage mileage
is trimmed by just 20 miles. The entry fee has been reduced by £230 to
£1650 for entries received by 30 June.
Five individual support events will run alongside the main rally,
including the Kall Kwik Rally on Saturday, the De Lacy Night Rally on
Saturday night, the Clubman's Rally on Sunday (Ae complex), the
Greystoke Challenge on Sunday afternoon and the Kielder Challenge on
Monday.
Fans of the rally are now being urged to support the event by joining a
new motor club that is being set up to promote the event. With the
blessing of Roger Clark's family, the
Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club Ltd
will give competitors, marshals and spectators a unique opportunity to
support the event, which draws thousands of fans into the British
forests each November.
"The intention is for the club to be internet-based, with an annual
meeting once a year, and three or four meeting during the year at
various locations," said rally manager Colin Heppenstall.
Club membership will be just £10 and all fees will go into the promotion
of the rally. The application for the club to be affiliated to the MSA
will be made by the end of June.
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Wednesday 3rd June 2009
Overseas Packages
To encourage Competitors from overseas various packages are available:
Package 1
For Car, Crew, and Service Team from mainland Europe
Package 2
For Car and Crew from mainland Europe
Package 3
Both Crew members from mainland Europe
Package 4
Car, and both Crew from Ireland
For more details of the packages available please email: r.a.c.rally@btinternet.com
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Tuesday 2nd
June 2009
Dave Hemingway and Simon Ashton RAC Rally 2009 Knock Back
Dave and Simon have already indicated their intention to defend their Open Rally title on the 2009 event. For Dave, this will be six out of six RAC's and he hopes to continue this record for the foreseeable future. Simon will, once again be flying back to his native Yorkshire from his home in Sweden to compete on the event once more despite being refused the additional incentives offered by the organisers to other international entrants.
Plans
for the 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally rally took a bit of a knock
back on the recent Riponian Rally, based in Thirsk and the Yorkshire
Forests, when Dave and his co-driver Matthew Coggins inverted the car
unexpectedly on Special Stage 8, Roppa. After losing a dozen or more
seconds on the mornings run of the Riccall Dale stage for reasons which
can only be described as the driver's inability to extract his digit.
The pair were fighting a losing battle
against local crew Jonathan
Kitchen and Jeremy Thomas and had upped the pace accordingly when a
schoolboy error (clouting a concrete bridge) forced a tyre off the rim.
The next corner, although quite innocent it may have seemed, turned
nasty as the car snapped aggressively out of line and into the ditch, cartwheeling apparently according to spectators.
"I knew we had a puncture" said Dave. "We'd given the bridge quite a clout with the right hand side rear wheel and the car jumped into the air and came back down at what seemed like 90 degrees to the road. Matt asked what the problem was and I said a puncture at least but I really expected it to be the right hand side. I got a bit of a shock when the back end snapped out as we took the next 90 right and the next thing I knew we were off. We landed on the wheels and it cracked back up and we completed the stage. It was actually a completely unconnected electrical problem which sent us OTL but we continued to the end of the rally and continued to set competitive times"
Dave is now faced with the dilemma of what to do with the car. The roll has caused superficial cosmetic damage to most panels on the car but the shell is still straight and solid so although the favourite is to knock the dents out and fill the holes, some panels will need replacing and it will of course need a coat of paint, not exactly what was needed bearing in mind the current economic climate. It looks like all rallying activities will be on hold now until the RAC in November, by which time, a decision will have been made as to the extent of the repair and the works completed accordingly. There's still seven months to go so it shouldn't be a problem getting it done in time but it looks like the annual strip down has been brought forward a few months.
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