By Lynsey Procter

The Dansport historic rally organised by the experienced team at Matlock Motor Club is due to be held in the spa town of Buxton over the weekend of 22/23 October. It was supposed to be the season finale of the 2022 HRCR clubmans road rally championship but instead it now runs as the penultimate round ahead of the Ilkley Jubilee in November. This was rescheduled due to the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the days preceding the Ilkley event.

Taking in 190 miles over 9 regularities and 9 tests on maps 118 and 119 and utilising many “classic” roads on the Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire borders, once again the Dansport provides the unique experience of regularities in the dark. A bit like a road rally, but slightly slower and with more mathematics involved. The feedback from previous competitors highlights just how popular this format is. 2021 winner Paul Crosby was quoted as saying “the night section was mega”

Will it prove similarly mega in his new car? Following its first outing on the Hero Challenge 3, Crosby is once again foraying into the world of front wheel drive in his Mini Cooper S. The Mini continues to be a popular historic car of choice for HRCR rounds with no less than 8 currently on the entry list. Various other models of cars are also out to play with the usual smattering of Escorts, Porches and Volvos. It’s worth noting the emergence of some more modern classics joining in and a brief scan of the entry list reveals an MX-5, VW GTi, Peugeot 205 and a few BMWs.

Rallying, as we all know, is a sociable and friendly world and this is endorsed by the Clerk of the Course, Martin Phaff’s statement in the regulations “to assist those new to the sport, we have reduced the number of speed changes on this year’s event”

Continuing with that theme, a navigational training event is being held by Graeme Raeburn on the Saturday morning for those new to historic rallying or looking to build on their experience. See www.rallynav.co.uk for further information.

So, onto the meaty issue of who’s in it to win it? Obviously, it’s the taking part that counts and we all just enjoy pootling round the country roads taking in the scenery and the fragrant air as well as occasionally charging at some cones. But this is a competition, and there is glory to be had in Buxton.

The masters class shows strong competition with championship leader Dan Willan and Niall Frost out to play but many others will be chasing them including the leading masters navigator, Brian Goff who will want to maintain his lead over James Howell who’s only 14 points behind in the runners up spot. Others to watch include the father and son team of Kevin and Phil Savage will also be up amongst the top crews in their Morris Marina, John Abel who has the very capable Iain Tullie guiding him and his escort to go the right way at the right time and Mick Valentine and John Thornley who will no doubt entertain the test marshals with some sideways action.

Dan Willan, 2022 Championship winning driver out once again in the trusty Ovlov. Photo By M&H Photography

In the experts class Les Andrew is hoping to keep the championship lead with Peter Blackett sat beside him. Suzanne Barker is leading the navigators race and is out with Simon Malins, current runner up in the drivers’ championship. Emily Anderson is opting for a roof and is with Tony Brooks in his Alpine Renault and the CoC for the Ilkely, Ian Mitchell, is out with David Crooks in an Astra. Anyone could take the class win.

The novices are in just as tight a battle as the rest with Paul and Sandra Heaney hoping to maintain their winning streak and keep hold of the championship title. SallyAnn Hewitt and Mark Lewis will be looking for a good result in their mini clubman and Oli Waldock, the up and coming star of the navigating world, is sat with Andrew Parr and they must surely be looking for a trophy this weekend.

Whatever the outcome, let’s hope for a good weekends rallying with clear roads and exciting tests. Combining this with an enjoyable social occasion with our friends centred at the Palace Hotel, what’s not to love.

Photos by kind permission of M&H Photography and Paul Lawrence.