Bomb-Along Stages 2004 - MCAC

As seen by a rally novice - Claire Springett

Photograph by Simon Clarke (www.sc-photography.co.uk)

Simon Clark / Amanda Terry

When Amanda told me she had joined the Thame Motor Club little did I know that only a few weeks later I would be part of the support crew as she embarked on her first outing as a co-driver.

The 12th September was marked in our diaries and the planning began. Through the club Amanda was put in contact with Simon Clark, he was the driver who was kind enough (or should I say brave enough!) to let Amanda have her first outing in his rally car.

They met at Enstone, where Simon instructs, and it was there that Amanda got to see her chariot for the rally. A Vauxhall Astra Mark 4 which was new to Simon and he was busy preparing it so Amanda’s first rally experience was in a Toyota.

She came back more determined to give it a go so, her next mission was to find a pair of overalls and a helmet. For those of you that have met Amanda you will know that she is a petite young lady so the overalls were a little baggy and the helmet a little big but it was all systems go.

The night before, Amanda and all her racing equipment turned up at my house. She was full of excitement and all the “helpful” comments that had come her way from the members of the motor club earlier in the week!

Once we had decided on Amanda’s outfit for the day we got all our bits together and then headed off for a good nights sleep.

We all got up nice and early and our first task was to fit all the stuff we needed into the back of a Ford Puma (if Amanda is to take this co driving seriously we are going to have to get a bigger support vehicle) but with strategic packing it all went in and off we went.

It didn’t bode well when we couldn’t find our way into the airfield, even though I only live 15 minutes away I have never been there but as we were about to phone for help we spotted a land rover full of marshals and followed them in.

Simon directed us to our service area. After Scrutineering and signing on it was down to business.

Amanda was given plans for all 8 stages and the time sheets. It all looked double Dutch to me but Simon went through stage 1 with Amanda and they marked all the turns, splits and chicanes. Once that was completed it was time to get the overalls and helmets on, have a good luck hug and get the seat belts tightened.

This was the first rally Simon had competed in his new car so the aim of the day was to bring it home in one piece and get as close to the top 20 as possible.

Simon and Amanda were seeded 34th so as 9.11 am drew closer they went to queue up and Amanda gave in her first time sheet. Then there was no turning back they were sitting on the start line waiting to go.

As we waited I suddenly got quite nervous for Amanda, I know how much she had been looking forward to this and I was hoping that she enjoyed it but at the same time didn’t feel too much pressure.

The starter sent them off and they disappeared into the distance and we all waited for them to appear again.

We saw them as they went behind the buildings and then they came back past us to start their second lap. It was hard to see how they were doing but they looked very fast to me!

The first stage was soon over and we waited for them to arrive back at the service area. Amanda had a big grin on her face so I knew she had enjoyed it. She was nervous as they sat on the start but once they got going she took it all in her stride.

They completed the first stage in a time of 10mins 5 secs. Overall Simon was pleased but made a few changes to the set up of the car and changed the rear tyres so that the car handled better round the corners. There was only a 20 minute gap until stage 2 so it was all hands on deck to make sure they got back for their next slot.

It was time to head out again so we wished them luck and off they went. Again it was a case of waiting to see them come past and then finish. Before we knew it they were back and despite a minor spin they had knocked a minute off their previous time, Amanda was feeling more confident as was able to give Simon a few more directions during that stage so all was good.

Stage 3 was cancelled due to oil, by the time it was stopped Amanda and Simon had set off so everyone was given the same time for that stage.

Due to the cancellation, stage 4 came round very quickly. This time there were a few changes and these were noted on the plans and it was soon time to strap Amanda in and send her on her way.

They were back in a time of 10mins 49 seconds. Marshals were slowing them down where the oil slick had been and they did get a little confused at one point but the car was going well and Amanda was enjoying herself. By the half waypoint they had moved up to 28th overall.

After a break for lunch it was stage 5 and this time they were going anti clockwise. Plans were marked and the car was checked over and it was time to go. We got to see a bit more of them this time and to the untrained eye (mine) they looked to be doing very well. I had great admiration for both of them - I don’t think it is something I could do.

They returned to service in a time of 10mins 39 seconds. There was a little bit of confusion at a chicane but that was noted and would be rectified for stage 6.

The turn around for stage 6 was not long and they were soon heading off to join the queue. This time Amanda was a lot more confident of her route and in her role as co driver and the stage was completed in a time of 9 min 58 secs. With every stage that passed times were improving as Simon and Amanda got used to working together.

All was going well so it was in a confident mood that they left to start stage 7. By the time they had finished that stage in 8 mins 54 secs they had moved up to 21st overall. They overtook one car and also re took their position after they had been overtaken. Both driver and co driver were very chuffed with their progress.

Before we knew it was time for the final stage. A few cars had fallen by the wayside but there were still over 30 cars running. Amanda was feeling confident and this was reflected in their time of 8 mins 42 secs.

Once the car was back in service, it was put on the back of the trailer and we went over to see the final results. It was good news as the number 34 car and crew had moved up into 20th place overall and 6th in class.

Amanda was very pleased with her first time out, to move up 14 places was no mean task and I’m sure that although she didn’t show it she was very nervous about the whole thing but she was a star and now can’t wait for her next chance to sit in the co driver seat.

On behalf of Amanda I would like to thank the club for enabling her to have a go and to Simon for letting her do it in his car. There was also a lot of support from Simon’s girlfriend, Emma, his parents and our friend Dave; I know that all this support was very important to Amanda. Thank you.

A few days after the rally Amanda received a call from Pete to tell her that she and Simon were the top mixed crew. A big congratulation to them both on their achievement - not bad for a first time co driver and a driver in a new car.

Here’s to the next time and an overall class win!!^{Claire Springett}