Here is a round up

Day two of the RAC Rally of The Tests dawned with a distinct chill in the air, this would be another long day in the saddle with 280 miles to be covered, the second day would see us take in some new territory for the event as we entered into the North part of the Lake District.

A ten mile or thereabouts run-out brought the event to Raby Castle for two tests sited there. These were open and flowing tests that really were designed for the cars with more power, putting a spanner in the works of this theory were Steve Entwistle/Ali Procter in their diminutive Mini who were flying on these tests. It was to be a nightmare for leaders Paul Crosby/Andy Pullan when a steering component developed a fault, they were fortunate that the HERO Assist crews were close by and effected a repair allowing them to get on their way again without penalty.

A run west over Eggleston Common with the Hamsterley Complex nestling to the east gave way to Bollihope Common and the drop over Catterick Moss down to Eastgate where Hexham Motor Club welcomed crews to possibly the slippiest concrete surface known to historic rallying, Tomas de Vargas Machuca/Nick Bloxham were flamboyant, but their Porsche went a little wayward, clipping a kerb. Fortunately, there was no damage and they were able to continue. Another link section heading north-west over Wolfcleugh Common and Allenheads brought us to a secret check on the climb up to Swinhope Moor, purely for route adherence and to penalise anyone deciding to short cut via a main road. The first regularity of the day was named Garrigill and was relatively straightforward with there just being a reg start and finish reference with the instruction to follow coloured roads only. It wasn’t all plain sailing though as the section had four speed changes and two timing points, the first being north-west of the village and the second was close to Rothershope Tower, just before the steep down and up over a bridge and end of regularity.

A welcome stop at Hartside Café which is an extremely popular place with motorcyclists and walkers alike, the views from here west are stunning and allow you to gaze across the Lakeland fells with some uninterrupted views. A short drive down Twotop Hill took us to the second regularity of the day in the shadow of Fiend’s Fell and Melmerby High Scar, this was going to be a real test for the crews with no less than five timing points and four speed changes to contend with. Called ‘Cumbrian Fells’, this section was presented on a map that instructed competitors to follow the route via three points denoted by arrows, all roads to be considered. Dropping into Haresceugh, the first timing point was inside a farm yard and took time from several crews. Bypassing Glassonby and making use of the long loops of squares that bisect the area crews took in the final two timing points near Longmeg, home to the second largest stone circle in the UK. Here, at Little Salkeld, two of the arrows denoting the route needed close inspection as it crossed the road slightly guiding the more observant crews to a white with a timing point just after its’ junction with a yellow road. Even experienced crews fell foul of this with Dermot Carnegie/Paul Bosdet missing one control along with Tim Lawrence/Tony Davies. End of regularity came up shortly later at Langwathby, leaving a short run to the fourth test of the day, ‘Trucking About’ at Penrith Truck stop.

Regularity three was another longer section that spanned five points yet again and speed changes were defined by cumulative speed tables, a semi-descriptive approach was used to impart the route to crews with ‘out of order’ map symbols being relayed to the crews in word form. The whole regularity was based in the splendour of Skiddaw Forest and skirted Bowscale, Caldbeck and Uldale Fells..

The final action of the morning took place at the Lake District Wildlife Park where a test in a farmyard saw a distinctly muddy feel to the section. This preceded a fine lunch at Armathwaite Hall, one of the Lake District’s and possibly UK’s finest hotels. Fittingly, Armathwaite’s owner, Charles Graves is competing on the event and this was a great way for crews to revel in the views and splendour of the location.

With the days growing shorter, the valleys and fell side roads of Little Mell came next as a regularity, three timing points and four speed changes here to challenge crews with the instruction to follow spot heights on a map presented at lunch to the crews. Little Mell will be known to those of a certain age as it was a ‘selective’ in the old Motoring News days, it climbs Stoddah Bank before plunging into Sparket Mill and Thackthwaite, levelling out there is a mixture of long straights and intricate corners set inside the traditional Cumberland and Westmorland dry stone walls that crisscross the area. Dropping down in sight of Ullswater, the road turns back north via Maiden Castle, a farmstead relic of the Iron Age that sits close to the summit of Soulby Fell. The last timing point was situated in Soulby, a not as map turning into a farmyard that hosted the timing point easy to miss for the unwary and there were many!

Heading over to Appleby Golf Club for coffee via Lowther and Cliburn saw crews get ready for three tests on the Warcop Complex where the Army were live firing making a great spectacle for those on the mixed surface tests here.

Passing through Warcop Village, a link section under the stunning Great Askby Scar and Raisbeck a challenging section of road near Tebay brought up the next regularity called Westmorland. A true classic as it formed the part of many road rallies in years past, this is an undulating and in local terms ‘Nadgery’ piece of road. Nadgery means it twists and winds away and is sometimes difficult for the navigator to call corners, especially in the dusk light where the shadows grow longer. Climbing Loups Fell from Roundthwaite, a steep descent and slot left was followed by a climb up Bretherdale, Midwath Stead is a notorious climb to the summit of North Side where the timing point greeted those who had managed to stay on time. Crossing the Ford at Greenholme on an unfenced road over Scalegill brought the section in a full loop that brought the last timing point on the motorway access road at Tebay Services, this wasn’t the last action of the event however, as a run up the M6 was still part of the regularity with a secret check placed on the yellow road just before Hardendale Quarry and End of Regularity before the entrance to a very famous test at Waters Farm. This took time out of 68 of the 91 crews on the event with too many to mention totally missing the second timing point.

Back to Appleby and to what would be the longest regularity of the event so far, with six timing points, this was presented on a ‘London’ style map with a series of approaches to letters defining the route to be taken. Seven speed changes meant the navigators really had their work cut out here and although the lanes were wider than the previous section they were challenging to say the least. Crews were instructed to consider all roads and a timing point after a bridge and immediately after the hairpin right at Town Wood proved tricky for some, running south through King’s Meaburn a slot right down Relandsgate and then an easy to miss right down Barnskew white hid yet another timing point. The final part of this extensive regularity bypassed Meaburn Mill and turned left to pass Brackenslack Farm, the road here twisting and turning as it climbs at first and then dips towards Seat Hill with the final timing point was just before a descent into Colby.

It was definitely a no rest situation as a TC section and two further regularities in the dark brought us back to Redworth Hall, Steve Entwistle/Ali Procter lead on the least penalties accrued, just 14 seconds in front of Paul Crosby/Ali Procter. However, John Abel/Martyn Taylor are the overall leaders due to the other vehicles being ineligible for awards, they hold a handsome lead over past winners, Howard Warren/Iain Tullie.

Regards,

Kev Haworth

Here are more fantastic images from ©Blue Passion/HERO©Blue Passion/HERO

The first full day of the RAC Rally of The Tests live up to its name with five tests situated in the picturesque Cheshire countryside to start the day. Bidding farewell to Carden Park, a similar test was used to the one that caught several crews out on the Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial and once again it was to prove tricky. Ron Kendall/Nick Cooper and Guy Symons/David Watson were two of the more experienced crews to be penalised here.

Next up were two tests in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, home to the Barbour Family since 1856, the area around here is ancient with close by Tattenhall being mentioned in the Domesday Book, the two tests there being thoroughly enjoyed by the whole field

Through the Cheshire Plains via Beeston and Easton brought the event to Oulton Park, two tests on the infamously slippery rally circuit where after a previous event the weekend prior to the RAC Rally of The Tests the surface seemed to be almost glass like making forward motion extremely tricky. Paul Bloxidge/John Youd were flying here, as were Crosby/Pullan who were now making a charge up through the ranks. Other crews that were really spectacular were Clive & Anji Martin, Jon Dunning/Henry Carr and the little Mini of Ted Gaffney/Brian Goff. Ted arrived at Redworth tonight a little dejected after a long day in the car, apparently the pair had struggled all day with local traffic costing them time.

The first regularity section took place in another RAC Rally of The Tests favourite, Cheshire Show Ground, last used in 2013, the section uses the numerous tracks and roads that bisect the fields that host the Show Ground. A frenetic 48 instructions in just 3.01 miles really puts the pressure on the navigator with some of the tracks being used mored than once this was a dizzying experience and one that suited the rapid Bloxidge/Youd again, posting an outstanding 9 seconds lost, closest to them were Chas Colton/Ryan Pickering on 14, several crews really struggled here with the loose surfaces and the intricacies of the farm tracks.

Heading east via a regularity south-west of Macclesfield, the third regularity was named Goldsitch Moss, starting just outside Allgreave, the section used a descriptive style of navigation that was used in the very first RAC Rallies after the war. The instructions, although clear, have to be read as a whole sometimes and this is designed to keep crews on their toes. The triangle at Goldsitch Moss was the first feature to cause crews concern, a slot left uphill to a T-Junction and then right taking time off crews with a timing point just after a left hand bend at Gib Torr. Headiing north, a steep climb at Dun Cow Grove. The final part of this regularity took in Hollinsclough Moor and Fawside Edge before the end of regularity at Longnor.

A great lunch at Haddon Hall preceded what was to be a long afternoon and evening, the first cars leaving Haddon Hall were only due in to the final control of the day at Redworth Hall some eight hours later at 20:51 hours.. Heading north through the market town of Bakewell, the first regularity of the afternoon was a marked map presentation which would take in Monsal Head, Litton, Little Hucklow and north-east of Bradwell before the end of regularity at Brough, close to Hathersage. Despite what looked like a relatively straightforward section, a speed change after 1.5 miles was a daunting task, the roads on this section being narrow and undulating, a timing point on a long-way-round triangle designed to penalise those still shaking off their lunch. Using the topography and maps to full advantage, the next timing point came up on a not as map section of road on the Roman Road at Smalldale, on approach to the timing point, there is a fork in the road that isn’t apparent on the map, close scrutiny and conviction from navigators the order of the day to achieve a low penalty score here, Alexander Leurs/Bas de Rijk dropped just eight seconds to be the cream of the crop here, this timing point caught out many ‘local’ crews too.

The next two sections headed further north exiting the Peak District to enter Yorkshire via Holmfirth and Meltham before coffee at Booth Wood, close to Scammonden. This had been handed to crews at signing on, but an allocated start time given at the point they left afternoon coffee meant little discussion could be had about the complexities and nature of the route. Climbing hard from the start, the route then dipped and twisted around Pike End, the already setting sun unable to penetrate the hills above the route bringing a darker feeling to this early part of the section. opening out towards Baitings Reservoir, the first timing point sat just before the road bridge to cross the water - tucked away after e right-hand bend.
What appeared on the map to be almost straight on at the junction with the A58 was actually a left-right turn with the road climbing Baitings Pasture and crossing the edges of Great Manshead hill, the later runners on the road here were on the edge of dusk making navigation along these narrow lanes very challenging. The second timing point came at a junction left, the right turn looking very enticing for the unwary. Dropping down to Sowerby Bridge via Hubberton Green, an easy to miss slot left through a gap in the wall was the next challenge before climbing Longhedge Moor and Travellers Rest before a right turn at the top of Aaron Hill and a timing point partially cloaked by trees and the onset of dusk.(


Sunset came and went as crews crossed out of Yorkshire and into Lancashire for a brief stop at Colne Golf Club in the Forest of Trawden, from here and in the shadow of the fabled Pendle Hill, crews made their way to Gisburn Cattle market for a test on the loose surfaces that make up the car park in this incredibly busy rural establishment

Old rallying classics such as Lythe and Tatham Fells were used as link sections to bring the event to High Bentham and a test in an industrial yard manned by Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club.The route now was linear and headed across White Scar Caves and Ribblehead Viaduct to Wensleydale Creamery in the town of Hawes for a final rest before taking on a marked map handed out at the Creamery, the night section consisting of a long regularity over Aysgarth, Castle Bolton and Grinton Moor, the final timing point situated after a 45 right down Harkerside Moor.
The final action of the day came with a TC section over Catterick Garrison where the outstanding performance of the evening came from Stuart Anderson/Leigh Powley who recorded just three minutes lost

Kev Haworth

Here are more fantastic images from ©Blue Passion/HERO

Welcome to the start of what promises to be an epic RAC Rally of The Tests.

Starting in the manicured surroundings of Carden Park, near Chester, 93 competitors from all over the globe set off into the darkness on the event prologue, the traditional start to what has become a “must-do” event in the historic rallying world. Spanning three and a half days, crews will travel no less than 780 miles 29 tests, 21 regularity sections and 2 Time Control Sections set in the dark. The battle in the Golden Roamer championship is intensifying with the top three navigators within seven points of each other, all three are competing in this event and the upcoming Le Jog meaning that this event could well be pivotal in sealing or denying the title for one of them. The HERO Cup once again looks to be going to Paul Crosby, however, with Jayne Wignall just 29 points behind, Paul needs to score points on this event to clinch it with Jayne (as yet) not competing on Le Jog.

Getting the event underway were Andy Lane / Tony Brooks in their Volvo 123GT, Lane, last year’s winner, looking pensive as they crossed the start line to head along the Welsh Marches and into the first action of the event, a regularity section starting to the north-west of Burlton, just off the A528 near Wackley Farm. The instructions looked innocuous with just five points to plot of which three had either approach or depart instructions as the clue to the route. Running south-east into the village of Weston Lullingfields, the first timing point came up at the end of a farm track which was easy to miss in the dark. Simon/NIall Frost struggled here dropping 21 seconds whilst Paul Bloxidge/John Youd dropped a maximum one minute here. Turning left and heading south a slot right bypassing the village of Stanwardine in the Fields headed crews to the second timing point at a junction near Blackberry Hill, this was testing some of the crews as Andrew Hamer/Bob Kerry lost a minute along with several others who dropped time here. The last section on this regularity took in Grug Hill and Elbridge before the last plot of the instructions took crews long way round a loop before the final timing point at Tedsmore Hall.

The first test of the event came in the dark at Rednal Karting, a good-sized crowd gathered to watch the first action in the dark as most of the car park was close to filling up by the time the first ten cars had arrived. Paul Wignall/Mark Appleton were lightning quick here as were Jonathon Hancox/Richard Lambley. The Triumph pair of Hancocks/Lambley also having a storming run in the lanes to end the prologue leading the event.

A short link section heading north east brought the event to Spunthill and a semi-marked map with some junctions omitted for the crews to decide the route they would take. Again, a farm played a big part in proceedings with the first timing point set in a farm yard, this caught John Abel/Martyn Taylor out in their Alfa Romeo along with Steve Sly/Nick Green as well as many others. This regularity took in roads around some of the great Meres of the area with no less than five Meres being passed along the way. Out of Colemere and crossing Pikes End Moss brought the second timing point into view, Lyneal gave way to the white road at Clarepool Moss where the “unsuitable for motor vehicles” sign as crews entered the slot put doubt into some minds if the correct route was being followed, those that did go with the route found a timing point 3/4 of the way along the track. Through Welshampton and a longer section over Hill Top and Hampton Wood the fourth timing point came up at Greddington, and then onto the last Timing Point close to The Bryn Before End of Regularity close to Horseman’s Green.

The final action of the prologue came just outside the town of Wrexham where a test at Demon Tweeks with Steve Entwistle/Ali Procter firing on all cylinders to be quickest in their class on this test, the pair putting an earlier electrical scare behind them.

Crossing back into England, Carden Park was a welcome sight as a good night’s rest was in order for the first full day’s competition would total some 280 miles, the prologue was a delightful taster of what was to come for the crews, judging by the appetites displayed at dinner, it was an event that would be relished.

Regards,

Kev Haworth

Results Proloog

foto's: ©Blue Passion/HERO

Zaterdag 4 november op weg naar de NOL. Een ander evenement achterlatend, om 12 uur richting Amersfoort vertrokken. Om één uur thuis en de spullen bij elkaar gezocht om aan de NOL te kunnen beginnen.

Mijn maatje Kok van de Wetering was om twee uur bij me en na het inladen van de spullen en kalibreren van het kompas, op naar Campanile. Na aanmelding de auto voorzien van de verplichte schilden en stickers. De routeboeken 10 minuten voor onze starttijd opgehaald en de pagina's van het 1e routeboek doorgebladerd om te zien wat de tijden en opdrachten zijn.

Het eerste trajectdeel kaartlezen bestond uit een grensbenadering. Op zich geen problemen en ook de scherprijder gezien. In dit traject geen fouten gemaakt.

Trajectdeel 2 bestond uit pijlen en punten. Hier onze eerste fout gehaald. Door verwarring over de opdracht pijlen en punten alleen gereden op het algemene deel van het reglement en niet de andere reglementregels toegepast. Als je niet fris aan een evenement begint, kan dit gebeuren. Al te ver weg van de situatie om de route anders te rijden, dus de fout maar voor lief genomen en verder gegaan. Wel jammer omdat dit in dit traject onze enige fout was.

Na TC2 bij Imparts begonnen aan de regelmatigheid op een visgraat. De eerste situatie in de visgraat was een viersprong met aan de linker zijde een doodlopende weg en de tweede een viersprong met aan de rechterzijde een doodlopende weg. De situaties die we tegen kwamen hadden wegen met een inrijverbod en geen doodlopende weg. De inrijverboden stonden in het reglement niet beschreven. Helaas kwamen de getekende situaties niet voor en zijn we maar opnieuw begonnen en hebben het inrijverbod als doodlopend aangenomen. Wel jammer van de regelmatigheid.
Aan het einde van de visgraat hebben we nog een weg over het hoofd gezien en daardoor de RP finish gemist.

Na de visgraat weer een traject pijlen punten kortste route. Hier opletten dat je de geconstrueerde route niet tegengesteld rijdt. Van pijl 3 naar 4 heel verleidelijk om over pijl 2 te construeren maar onder langs pijl 3 is de route korter. Dit traject weer zonder fouten gereden.

Het laatste traject tot de avondsnack was een combinatie van grensbenadering en pijlen punten kortste route.
Als je de heel kleine versprongen viersprong niet hebt gezien, is de fout zo gemaakt. Maar gelukkig was ik op dat moment nog wakker. Even later helaas wel een dipje door een te lange route te construeren en daardoor een controle gemist.

De avondsnack was bij de “De Betuwe” in Tiel. Toen wij binnen kwamen was het gezellig druk. De bediening rende met rode hoofden rond om de bestellingen op te nemen en uit te serveren. Helaas was er te weinig personeel ingepland om iedereen op tijd van de snack te voorzien.

Na de avondsnack een kort traject op het industrieterrein met een schaal van 1:10.000. Pijlen punten kortste route en een tijd van 15 minuten. Snel intekenen en gaan. Helaas heeft dat snel intekenen ons weer een fout opgeleverd. Zoals het spreekwoord zegt "Haastige spoed is zelden goed".

Na het industrieterrein weer een 1:50.000 kaart met pijlen punten kortste route. Van pijl 1 naar pijl 2 waren er twee mogelijkheden. We moesten onder de N323 door en hiervoor is er het oude en nieuwe viaduct. Beide voorzien van een cirkel. Bij de nieuwe onderdoorgang leek het erop dat de weg een bermlijn had, maar als je goed keek was dit een stukje van het hele lange brugteken. Dus de nieuwe onderdoorgang gekozen. Komen we controle K tegen die naar mijn mening binnen de cirkel was opgesteld. Tja wat doe je daar mee. Reglementair is gesteld dat in cirkels geen controles zijn opgesteld, dus hem toch maar opgeschreven. Tussen pijl 2 en 3 hadden we volgens de uitleg een controle moeten vinden. Helaas door ons niet opgemerkt. Op pijl 3 komen we een controle X tegen. Ik kijk op en zie in een flits het bordje nog. Vraag aan Kok "was dat wel een AMAC bordje?". Ja die is van ons. Ok schrijf ik hem op. In de uitleg kwam ik hem helaas niet tegen. Ga er maar niet vanuit dat de uitzetter hem is vergeten. In Echteld hebben we ook nog een controle niet gezien. De rest van de route zonder fouten.

Bij TC 6 kregen we een kaartfragment van een BARIL met een schaal van 1:3.250. Meten is geen optie, dus maar lezen van de wegen. Een kort trajectje van 7 minuten dus snelheid geboden. Goed bijhouden waar je bent en niet de verkeerde weg inrijden. Dit trajectje zijn we zonder kleerscheuren doorgekomen.

Nog een BARIL met maar liefst 13 barricades. Veel kort achter elkaar liggende driehoekjes en rondrijders.
Hier was het zaak om heeeeel goed op te letten dat je niet tegengesteld de route rijdt. De route was lekker te rijden en we gingen er vlot doorheen. Één controle te veel genoteerd, waar we toch echt langs zijn gekomen. Op barricade 12 moet een controle I hebben gestaan. Helaas ook door ons niet opgemerkt.

Het laatste traject was weer een korte pijlen kortste route in het industrieterrein de Harselaar. Schaal van de kaart 1:5.500 en een rijtijd van 14 minuten.
Ook in dit traject weer ingedut en een verkeerde weg genomen voor de kortste route. Helaas.

Aanloop, verbinding- en uitlooproute waren bol-pijl opdrachten en vrij lange stukken. Reglement beschreef dat de langste route gereden moest worden en wegen maar één keer gereden mochten worden, maar geen enkel situatie heeft hier aanleiding voor gegeven.

Voor een goede klassering hebben we te veel gemist. Het veld zat in de uitslagen heel dicht bij elkaar en we zijn uiteindelijk 25e geworden.

Conclusie is dat je wel fris en fruitig aan zo'n evenement moet beginnen, anders heb je al een achterstand. De route op zich zat goed in elkaar, alleen in de verbindingsroutes had wel wat meer mogen zitten.

Folkert Kamp

Equipe # 89: Kok van de Wetering - Folkert Kamp | Alfa Romeo Giulia