By Mark Goodwin

Unusually the Knutsford and District Motor Club Tour of Cheshire finds itself to be not the first event of 2026. That honour has been taken by the Dansport, writes Mark Goodwin. We did all wonder if this would affect the entry, but not a bit of it. The entry filled as rapidly as ever catching several notable crews sitting in the reserve list, writer included, however past history has shown that every effort is made to get all a run but it could be last minute call-ups so be aware and ready.

Winners of the Tour of Cheshire 2025 John Haygarth and Martyn Taylor (Opel Kadett). Currently on the wait list for an entry so fingers crossed.  Photo By Phill Bramhill

I’m told we have some of the usual treats to look forward to, whether it is Oulton Park’s slippery rally track, which we all know is surfaced with `glass` and the current weather will not help, or the fast and flowing Show Ground gravel tracks where we are promised Regs and Tests. Should be great, open and a full on, get on. There should be 90 miles of Reg’s out on the roads if you all go the correct way and a short dip of the wheels into Staffordshire.

Dipping the wheels may well be the order of the day if this daily weather keeps up, at the time of writing I’m assured we don’t have any `too` flooded whites to contend with but no doubt this may change adding to the KDMC organiser’s challenges. Be warned, bring the wellies, water wings, paddles ….. but most of all the magic spray for under bonnet.

The entry list is a who’s who, as usually this is the first and attracts all the winter upgrades out for a shakedown but, as we will see, the remnants from the Dansport may well come into play. The Master’s list is full of the usual suspects and new movers up that will be keen to make an impression, but we also find several of the contenders sitting on the reserve list not least the current Champ and Vice Champ, let’s hope the `drop out` gods are on our side for a full entry.

Experts class is also a full list with last year’s contenders again hoping to be consistent and at the top of their game.

First Novices in 2026 were Jeff Wincott and Anne Tweddell.  They will be back out this year in their Austin A40.  Photo by Phill Bramhill

I’m reluctant to name the contenders as this is usually the commentators curse, but they all know who they are and they are all in with a chance of glory. Great to see the current, and also returning contenders in the mix, and new cars to review.

We also have a good list of Novices and Clubman’s which no doubt includes a number of the new Beginners which is great to see, this is where the future lies for numbers and progression and long may it last. We more involved members need to encourage the new comers and help them if they seem to be struggling. (No peeping at their road books!!)

As always it will be a great day out and as promised, with non-destructive roads and great flowing tests to sort the top crews. Some of the newbies may well show their hand coming from other disciplines and bringing their own skills to the party.

If nothing else we will all get a taste of Cheshire, not foreign, runny or mouldy but proper farmhouse Cheshire Cheese, worth the trip just for that.