Spent today in the esteemed company of my compadres in the Gung-Ho Rally Team at the Three Counties Showground just outside Malvern, watching the J.J.Stanley Showground Stages, run by Herefordshire Motor Club for the first time since 1983.
It was monumentally cold...the early morning fog barely lifted all day, and the ensuing dampness ensured the stages were treacherously slippery. Great for those who like their motoring done in a sideways manner, some of whom I've captured with my trusty Nikon for your entertainment. Enjoy.
Herefordshire MC Vice-President and motorsport legend Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams bought his priceless Mini-Cooper out to act as Course Car. Given the conditions, the age of his car and the fact that Barrie is now 71 years old, you'd be forgiven for thinking he had a gentle pootle round all day. Nope. He drove the nuts off it. Hero.
Event sponsor Jay Stanley bought his own Millington-pwered Mk2 Escort out to play, with usual co-driver (and another member of the Gung-Ho collective) Theresa Fossey making way for one of Jay's service crew as his way of thanking them for the support they've given him all year.
Even modern 4wd machinery had trouble getting the power down. Not that this stopped overall winner Roger Chilman, who's father Roger snr won the same event when it was last held here 27 years ago.
Got Sparks?
Most crews ended up running on gravel rubber to try cut through the slime and find grip. Didn't work!
The legendary Andy Corner, quite possibly the UK's most spectacular (and successful) 205 pilot, demonstrating his usual balls-out sideways cornering style.
The driver of this Mk2 was most generous in using the kerb to simulate the usual three-wheeled Escort cornering attitude for me. ;D
The only Mk1 Escort that finished, slithering round 'our' 90 right in front of the assembled Gung-Ho Support Vehicles. ;D
It wasn't just Fords. Genuine Opel Ascona 400 gave me a right old trouser arousal.
Manta Magic. This old stager's been out on the National/Clubman rally scene for at least 25 years.
Mint AE86 doing what they do best.
More pics here: www.flickr.com/photos/damaged23/sets/72157625307380121/with/5192465131/
It was monumentally cold...the early morning fog barely lifted all day, and the ensuing dampness ensured the stages were treacherously slippery. Great for those who like their motoring done in a sideways manner, some of whom I've captured with my trusty Nikon for your entertainment. Enjoy.
Herefordshire MC Vice-President and motorsport legend Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams bought his priceless Mini-Cooper out to act as Course Car. Given the conditions, the age of his car and the fact that Barrie is now 71 years old, you'd be forgiven for thinking he had a gentle pootle round all day. Nope. He drove the nuts off it. Hero.
Event sponsor Jay Stanley bought his own Millington-pwered Mk2 Escort out to play, with usual co-driver (and another member of the Gung-Ho collective) Theresa Fossey making way for one of Jay's service crew as his way of thanking them for the support they've given him all year.
Even modern 4wd machinery had trouble getting the power down. Not that this stopped overall winner Roger Chilman, who's father Roger snr won the same event when it was last held here 27 years ago.
Got Sparks?
Most crews ended up running on gravel rubber to try cut through the slime and find grip. Didn't work!
The legendary Andy Corner, quite possibly the UK's most spectacular (and successful) 205 pilot, demonstrating his usual balls-out sideways cornering style.
The driver of this Mk2 was most generous in using the kerb to simulate the usual three-wheeled Escort cornering attitude for me. ;D
The only Mk1 Escort that finished, slithering round 'our' 90 right in front of the assembled Gung-Ho Support Vehicles. ;D
It wasn't just Fords. Genuine Opel Ascona 400 gave me a right old trouser arousal.
Manta Magic. This old stager's been out on the National/Clubman rally scene for at least 25 years.
Mint AE86 doing what they do best.
More pics here: www.flickr.com/photos/damaged23/sets/72157625307380121/with/5192465131/
