Preview – Vale of York Stages Rally
Due to the cancellation of third-party events at the military’s training area at Otterbourne the Mini Cup Championship lost has the popular Cheviot Stages as part of this year’s series.
We are indebted to Lindholme Motor Sports Club in stepping in to fill the gap with their Vale of York Stages rally on Sunday September 10th.
A handful of contenders have picked up the gauntlet to up their scores on the old Melbourne Airfield.
Organisers of all three rallies that are traditionally held at Melbourne have been working with Motorsport UK and a development plan has been put in place to fund some surface upgrades whilst maintaining the venue as a rallying hub…….welcome news as sealed surface venues around the country are at a premium. The venue also boasts a drag strip and the home of the TI Rally School so we ought to be in good company.
Series leading driver, Clive King will be hoping to put the engine failure encountered on the Tour of Epynt behind him and cement his place but after a great result on the Epynt Ranges son craig will be hot on his heels, particularly with chasing drivers Andrew O’Hanlon and John Nicholson yet to enter.
Craig King with “Guest” Co-Driver, Chris Phillips on Epynts’ Burma Road
Shane Gamble having been buoyed by a creditable finish last time out after a run of mechanical issues is hoping to add to his tally alongside Harvey Stevens and Trevor Hancock both of whom were unavailable for the Epynt thrash.
On the co-drivers front, Kari Bates has leapt into the lead with two regular competitors unavailable last time out and their steeds enlisting the help of non-registered co-drivers in Ken Ownes and Championship Co-ordinator Chris Phillips. With Kari’s as yet unentered regular ride the door is well and truly open for Anton Bird to add to his tally.
Kari Bates guides John Nicholson Over a Very Wet Epynt.
photo provided by Andy Crayford
Chris Phillips,
Championship Co-Ordinator
