after the Harry Flatters Historic Rally
Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship
Welcome to the latest issue for 2007 of the post-event news and gossip update for the Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship.
The sun shone on Epynt and the fans came out in droves to see the action as the BHRC switched to the infamous asphalt roads in the Brecon Beacons.NewsPatrick Watts had a torrid rally trying to get his Sunbeam Tiger to the finish and eventually retired mid-way through Sunday. After suffering a blown engine on the Isle of Man, he switched the engine out of the old car into the newer model for Epynt, but it kept throwing fan belts on Saturday. Both times the route went past Dixies they borrowed water from the catering van and overnight Terry Brown went home to weld up the pulley. Despite their efforts, the problem returned on Sunday and forced them out.John Worthing and Bill Robertson lost time on Saturday and spent Sunday trying to recover. “We hit the cattle grid sideways going into German Village and knocked a rear tyre off the rim,” explained John, who was having his first proper run on asphalt since the Isle of Man in 2006.The Tuthill team was kept busy on Saturday night, with major projects on the cars of Stuart Rolt and Peter Lythell. Rolt was having a run in the post-historic 911 that Richard Tuthill used on the Isle of Man and that needed a rocker changed after the opening leg. Meanwhile, Lythell’s 911 had landed heavily at Barton’s and smashed a gearbox casing, which was also changed Saturday evening.Phil and Mick Squires tackled their first ever asphalt rally in their Escort Mk2 and completely surprised themselves by loving the event. Having spent their long rallying career on gravel, they decided to just try the Harry Flatters to see what it was all about. Even by the end of the opening leg Phil was raving about the experience and has pledged to do more asphalt rallying in the future. “I’ve had a massive grin all the way through,” he reported as they worked towards an eventual top 10 finish.Graham Samuel and Tony Phillips made a return to a Porsche for the weekend, having arranged to borrow the post-historic 911 of Graham Wilson. Having previously used Porsches on events like the 2000 London-Sydney, they are considering a move back to a Porsche for 2008. “This is certainly an option for next year,” said Samuel, who is keen to tackle some rounds of the FIA championship.Martin McCormack and Liam Moynihan suffered a massive disappointment when two rotor arm failures put them OTL on Saturday. They had borrowed an engine from John Keatley after their regular unit failed on the Isle of Man, and had worked hard to get to Epynt. However, they are now determined to get a fresh engine sorted out and tackle the remaining two rounds in Flanders and Yorkshire.Bob Gibbons and Neil Cook had an excellent run in their Escort RS2000 to win class C3. They also played to the gallery at times and got one of the biggest cheers at the popular junction 27 on the penultimate stage for an exuberant hand-brake entry into the hairpin. They had to change a radiator at main service, but all went well for a good result.The demise of Mark Solloway’s engine on the penultimate stage could be seen from several miles away as a cloud of blue smoke rose over Four Ways bridge. The oil dropped on the stage also caused some excitement for the following cars, with David Stokes being one of several drivers to report a big moment under braking for the bridge.Neil and Chris Parsons were one of the crews to have an excellent event at a venue they enjoy and took a top 10 finish in their Escort Mk1. “Brilliant. It’s been a great event,” said Neil after setting some very encouraging stage times.Quotes of the weekend“I bought 14 fan belts from a garage last night. One of them will fit.” Patrick Watts tries to keep his Sunbeam Tiger in fan belts.“We were lucky to get away with it. I thought we were going over.” Paul Drinkall had a big spin on the run down to Four Ways bridge on Saturday.“It’s going to get too fast for me out there today in the dry.” Rikki Proffitt wasn’t confident on Sunday morning.“He scared me for the first time, so we’re going faster.” Debby Myers said husband Hugh was going well on Saturday.“As I landed it was like a pogo pole.” Martin Freestone described his unusual rear suspension problem on Saturday.“I had a spin in German village, showing off as usual.” Mark Solloway’s only problem of Saturday evening.“I didn’t know if I’d like it. But it was incredibly good fun.” Phil Squires loved his first attempt at an asphalt rally.“When we get on the motorways across the top, we’ll have no chance.” Dessie Nutt reckoned that the Tiger of Patrick Watts would romp ahead on the stages using the New Road on Sunday.“We’re going very slowly as it’s someone else’s car.” Graham Samuel borrowed the Porsche 911 of Graham Wilson.“Whatever you do, don’t tell Arlene my bum can fit in her seat.” Captain Thompson was a late replacement co-driver for Arlene Cookson alongside Neil Calvert.“It’s a lovely place and we’ll be back.” Liam Moynihan and Martin McCormack went out on the opening leg.“We’re being very cautious. It’s our first time here.” Roger Kilty had a good run for his debut on Epynt. “After a baptism of tarmac, we’re really looking forward to getting back in the forests.”“We’re on a mission today.” Clive King fought back from a catalogue of problems to win B2.“It was a big moment. We went into a ditch and that stopped us from rolling.” Phil Smith had a narrow escape.PointsProvisional BHRC overall driver points after round six:1 David Stokes 1812 Dessie Nutt 1733 Jimmy McRae 1394 Neil Calvert 1255 Paul Mankin 124= Gareth Lloyd 1247 Terry Cree 1108 Phil Smith 1039 Clive King 9710 Philip Atkinson 92etc.Provisional BHRC overall co-driver points after round six:1 Guy Weaver 1812 Geraldine McBride 1733 Andy Richardson 1394 Ryland James 1235 Richard Shores 1106 Barbara Smith 1037 Arlene Cookson 958 Simon Coates 919 Desmond Bell 9010 Bill Robertson 87
