THE Rockingham Stages Rally returns to the Northamptonshire circuit for a seventh season next weekend (December 4/5) with five times champion Steve Simpson looking to make it a record-breaking six in a row.
Representing Hereford Motor Club, Simpson and his co-driver Simon Hunter in their Hyundai Accent WRC will once again be the main pairing to beat over the challenging two-day tarmac event.
Last year’s runner-up Dave West will be hoping to go one better in his Peugeot 306 Maxi Kit Car and will be joined by Sam Keeley, who replaces Keith Hanslow in the co-driver’s seat this season.
Joint organisers Thame Motorsport Club and Middlesex County Automobile Club will utilise the whole circuit and have added an extra tricky stage as once again a full complement of entries is expected this year.
Each stage is between eight and 10 miles long, and uses a combination of the in-field circuit and the UK’s only banked oval circuit plus the inner paddock and access tunnels, providing nearly 100 miles of competitive motoring.
The action starts an hour earlier on the Saturday to accommodate the additional round and the first of five stages starts at lunchtime, including two thrilling stages in the dark, and a further six take place on Sunday.
A whole host of machines will be taking part with a number of well-known manufacturers being represented including Ford, Austin, Vauxhall, Honda, Toyota, Citroen, Peugeot, Alpine and Lotus.
Rockingham Director Charlotte Orton, said: “The Rockingham Stages has established itself firmly on the calendar and has become the traditional finale to a fantastic and varied motorsport programme on offer at the circuit this season.”
Peter Wood of Thame Motorsport Club, who is the Rally Manager for the event, said: “We are very pleased to be back at this excellent first class venue. The combination of a brilliant road surface, time of year, and stages in the dark add to the unique atmosphere at Rockingham.”
The action starts at midday on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. Spectators only need to pay £10 per car to come and watch the action - so bring a friend and share the cost.
