Chelmsford Motor Club will welcome a full field of 60 cars for the East Anglian Classic. Paul Brewerton hands over the CoC reins to Matt Endean but will be present as Event Director. Another change this year is that the highest lateness penalty on regularity will be cancelled for each crew, so we can all calm down when seeing the combine harvester in the distance.

The format will be 70 miles of tests and regularities on Saturday followed by 80-90 miles of the same on Sunday. Rally HQ will move to Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club and the virtual notice board can be found on Sportity. There will be no excuses for failing scrutineering as Bulletin 1 has made very clear the standards that will be expected.

Ryan Pickering has navigated the winning car in each of the last 3 years and currently leads the navigator’s championship. He is paired with Owen Turner who has driven 2 of those wins. That’s my tip for the top.

Owen Turner and Ryan Pickering in the all conquering Mitsubishi Lancer seen here winning the 2025 EAC.  Photo by M&H photography.

But who will challenge for championship points? The Binsteads, first and second in their championships clearly stand a good chance.

Ken and Sarah Binstead in their MGB, the author thinks they have a chance, I’m not convinced! Photo by Phill Bramhill.

What about Mick Valentine in his father’s Mini with Martyn Taylor? John King had a no score with flywheel issues on the Tour of Cheshire but should go well partnered with Henry Carr currently 3^rd in the navigator’s championship.

In the Experts category, and more than capable of giving the overall a scare, Martin Payton and Miles Fieldhouse have been consistently good so far this year. As have Martin Leonard and Jason Murphy.

Martin Payton and Miles Fieldhouse (Volvo PV 544) have been very consistent so far this year.  Photo by Phil Bramhill

Now experts in the Volvo, Chris and Gethin Phillips are leading the novice championship in their final year as novices. Challenging them will be Trefor Griffiths and Dewi Jones in the Escort Mexico.

Chris and Gethin Phillips (Volvo Amazon) will be looking to beat their seeding of 32 on this years EAC.  Photo by M&H Photography.

Closing with a word on the Beginner’s championship, the 2 leading championship crews are not out this weekend, so how about Dave and Jackie Batchelor in the TR4 back fresh from their 8th place on London Lisbon?  Although if the Baine’s get a run then it could be close.

Like us, most crews can’t wait to get back in the car after a long gap.

Dave Morris