Coming up shortly will be the Gremlin Historic which is now in its fourth year as a round of the HRCR Clubmans Road Rally Championship. The format from last year has been retained with an evening section on the Saturday with regularities planned but with a sump guard being recommended, it could have some interesting routings.  There are just a few places still available if you fancy some competition in South Wales either on the Interclub or the Clubman’s run.

Winners in 2024 John Haygarth and Andy Pullan (Opel Kadett) John will be hoping to repeat the win with Martin Taylor this year.  Photo by Chris Huish.

The entry list makes interesting reading with Championship leaders John Haygarth and Martyn Taylor making the long journey south but following their tracks down the M6/5 will be Dan Willan and Niall Frost hoping to repeat their success on the Palladwr.  Ryan Pickering is out once more with his partner in crime from 2024, Matt Fowle, and will be hoping to go one better than last years 2^nd place.  Steve Head has Iain Tullie alongside in the ultra fast Escort RS and Darrell Staniforth will be bringing the Toyota Corolla out to play once more with Henry Carr guiding him around Epynt.  It’s certainly going to be a battle at the top.

Leading Experts Martin Leonard and Jason Murphy cant compete on this event as they are intricately bound into the organisation process so Andrew Parr and Bob Duck will be looking to take advantage of the situation.  Also out will be Mark Goodwin and Anthony Davis who had an excellent result on the Palladwr finishing in 8^th place overall.  Its early days but with just 3 points separating the top 3 crews it could be that the experts could see the fiercest battle of the championship.

Mark Goodwin and Anthony Davis (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 18th overall in 2024 will be looking to emulate their Palladwr success this year on the Gremlin. Photo by Chris Huish

Its good to see a strong entry from the novices with 17 crews in all signing up, including Richard Warne and Chris Deal back out in the wonderful Healey 3000 BJ8.  Novice Championship leaders Jeff Wincott and Anne Tweddell aren’t out on this event nor is Chris Philips and Kevin Chaffey, once again involved in the organization.  Ian Prout and Kevin Bryant are out though in the bright orange Austin A40 as are Martyn Craske and Simon Howlett who will be keen to get some points after missing out on the Palladwr.

Martyn Craske and Simon Howlett (MGBGT) will be looking to make points on the Gremlin after missing the Palladwr. Photo by Chris Huish.

With no rain for some time and none yet to be seen in the forecast it could be a dusty event but whatever happens with the weather you can be sure that it will be hard fought one.

Ken Binstead