By Brian Goff

The Ilkley Jubilee is the penultimate event of the HRCR championship this year and competitors are scrolling through the points tables seeing what they have to do to ensure winning their various classes. It has moved from its traditional base of the `Millstones` to the market town of Leyburn in order to be nearer the Catterick army ranges. Unfortunately, military manoeuvres have dictated that we can`t use it this year and this has given Clerk of the Course Ian Mitchell a massive headache. He has now resorted to plan `B` and promises a highly competitive event using eight tests on private land and six regularities including at least one plot and bash. The start and finish will still be based in Leyburn. 

Steve Head and Mark Appleton (Ford Escort) Ilkley Jubilee 2021 winners. Photo by Tony North

Last years winner Steve Head has Mark Appleton on the maps again and they will be leading competitors away from the start and certainly will be hard to beat.  The 2019 winners, Paul Crosby/Ali Proctor will be hard on their heels hoping to repeat their previous victory. Dan Willan is on holiday and misses this event so the Powley – Willan rivalry is on hold until the Dansport. Leigh who has Brian Goff on the maps hopes to mix it with Head and Crosby but there is a lot of competition from other `Masters` crews. John Haygarth/John Youd  hope to repeat their podium result on the St. Wilfrids while Jon Dunning, James Griffiths, John Abel, Harvey Steel and Paul Dyas will all be in contention. Darell and Nicky Staniforth will bring out their newly built Toyota Corolla hoping that local knowledge will help. 

Paul Crosby and Ali Procter (Porsche 911) 2nd overall in 2021.  In contention for this years event. Photo by Tony North.

The Expert class is getting very competitive with Les Andrew/Nick Middleton and Hugh Garnish/David Bell  both having top five overall results on recent events. They will be chased by Elliott Dale/Charlotte Ryall, Graeme Cornthwaite/Lynsey Proctor, Mark Goodwin/Anthony Davies and of course Suzanne Barker after her good result on St Wilfrids. Predicting a winner of this class will be difficult. 

Paul and Sandra Heaney are leading the novice class (in the championship) in their Lancia Fulvia and will be hard to beat. Close behind is Phil Cheek/Chris Rhodes and Jeff Wincott/Anne Tweddell, both crews hoping to take the class honours. 

Whatever happens it will be a great event (62 crews entered to date). Ian Mitchell has a great team around him and I know that they have been working around the clock to put on an event worthy of the HRCR championship even with the loss of Catterick. 

All photos by kind permission of Tony North