Emerald Stages Rally 2007

Longcross, Sunday 18th Feb 2007 - London Irish Motor Club

Report by Peter Wood

A warm and dry day (for a change) at Longcross for this event from the newly formed London Irish MC. Car 1 was the lovely Ex-Russell Brooks Talbot Sunbeam Lotus KKV, driven by Kenny McKinstry.

The TV was there in force, fitting in-car to some competitors, and had a huge lorry set up with vast screen to watch the action – great stuff!

They had attracted a very strong entry, with 8 in Class 1, 7 in 2, a healthy 20 in 3, 12 in 4, and 12 in 5.

Some other notable entries: Wigley’s 306 Maxi, the 17 year old in the Octavia, now allowed to go much quicker again co-driven by Lee Carter, a couple of Darrian T90’s, 7 Subaru, 3 Cossy, 2 Evo’s, M3 etc. Hayden’s quick Nova etc.

The Club had a good showing, with 5 crews:

12 Richard Upton / Paul Bareham Sierra Turbo
13 Simon Mauger / Dave West Escort Mk11 Vauxhall
15 Dick Mauger / Steve McNulty Escort Cosworth WRC
24 Paul Diamond / Steve Cox Escort Mk11 Vauxhall
44 Rob Slingerland / Liz Kirby Nova GTE 1.6 2

Richard + Paul. Engine rebuilt since Goodwood, where a cracked block deprived them of 2nd place. E-bay had provided a cossy block for £50(!) and they were off.

Good run on SS1 (6mins dead), but complaining of lack of grip. Hit a line of cones in the circle, and towed a mile of red/white tape for a lap! Drama on SS3, when the rack broke and they completed three more corners/chicanes without parallel front wheels! Eventually they slid off the track into the gravel and awaited recovery.

Amazingly they located a non-servo rack on Sunday morning and re-entered the Trophy rally at SS5! Unfortunately they retired again later in the day – cause unknown.

Simon + Dave. Drama from the start when the throttle jammed fully open! Dave said very exciting down the 1 in 4 on full go! Had to handbrake at split to get round. Soon fixed in service, and set about climbing back up the leader board.

After SS3 they were re-tracking the front of the car to get some more turn in. They were up to 2nd overall, some 4s ahead of third and forth, but 46s off car 3 Subaru WRC. They kept the pace up all day and took an excellent 2nd overall.

Dick + Steve. Steve’s first go at Longcross (amazingly) so a little cautious on SS1. Normal service on SS2, up to full speed. Passed by the Octavia in the Snake ("like we were standing still", said Steve), but too fast and he bellied out in clouds of smoke and sparks at the next crest. Much enjoyed repassing the Octavia.

They were caught out on SS3 (new layout) and missed the 2nd set of splits at the top of the course, taking a maximum. Dick decided to call it a day as discs not working well and car needing a remap.

Paul + Steve: Not a happy day, saw them through the first set of chicanes ok, but pulled back into Service after the snake and retired – rods through the block!

Rob + Liz: Rob looked a little nervous as this was their first event for 14 months following their "off" at Longmoor. Engine has throttle bodies and more grunt. A steady start and getting back on the pace on SS2 (12s quicker).

Drama on SS3 when they chased a Peugeot through a couple of chicanes, but then he out braked himself at the hairpin on to the Snake, and Rob had nowhere to go but nerf him. Driver’s headlamp, front wing, bonnet, grill etc, so nothing serious. Soon pulled back into shape and out again. Were up to 19th Overall and 3rd in class after SS3. Had a "misunderstanding" on SS5 – Liz called one way and Rob went the other! Luckily it was an extra lap rather than short and a maximum, but cost about 4 minutes!

They pushed on to the end, and finished 26th overall and 3rd in class – would normally have been 2nd as Hayden peddles the Nova 1.6 to 3rd overall. Still well pleased with the day and how well the car went, after a long layoff.

A number of other dramas through the day: The Darrian came past the circle slowly, with PSF wheel tucked up in the arch. 4 cars came through on hazards.

A well run event, and the TV screen added another dimension to the event.

Other Clubmen there assisting included: Dave Keen, Peter Wood, Paul Embling, Helen Reed, Kathy and Nick Mauger,