Preview, round one: Robin Hood Historic Forest Stages Rally

The 2006 HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge will get off to a superb start on the Robin Hood Historic Forest Stages on 4/5 March. Running in tandem with the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the classic category accounts for a record line-up of 23 cars in the 90-car historic entry.

The commitment of the Historic Rally Car Register in developing the category for 1975-81 cars is now reaping dividends, with the best entry of classics to date for the Robin Hood. The quality of the entry just gets better and better and 2005 champions Gareth Lloyd/Ryland James face a tough challenge in their Escort Mk2.

Notably, Peter Slights/Joyce Champion will surely be right there in their stunning Mk2, one of several prepared by Slights Rally Sport. Returning veteran Terry Brown – partnered by Brynmor Pierce – is another Mk2 ace, while Martin Freestone/Joanne Lockwood is another winning combination.

Coming to the championship for the first time, and sure to make a major impact, are Escort Mk2 crews James Potter/Bob Stokoe and Rob Archer/Peter Field, both transferring to Classics from other championships. They are welcome additions to a quality line-up, which also includes Charlie Taylor/Steve Bielby and Dick Slaughter/Geoff Dearing, while taking on the Escorts will be the Lotus Sunbeams of Julian Burch/Chris Derbyshire and Adrian Seabridge/Paul Vass.

Local ace Stephen Hall will also be out in his mighty Triumph TR7V8 and could push the car right up among the Escorts.

The Toyota Corolla of Dave and Tony Cobb lines up in D4, while D3 the class that includes the Pinto-powered Escorts is topped by 2005 champion Mark Clifford, who is partnered by Mark Harmer. Richard Lane/Frank Richer, Chris Shooter/Bev Le Good and Harry Shephard/Stephen Shephard are among the challengers to Clifford. Meanwhile D2 is headed by the Talbot Sunbeam of David Waples/Sheila Harvey.The Robin Hood is organised by Lindholme Motor Sports Club Ltd and for more details about the event, please visit the website at: robinhoodforeststages.co.uk