It`s that time of year again – lets go rallying!! It seems a long time since the last HRCR event in November so its time to polish the car, dig out the maps and get ready for the Tour of Cheshire. Already over subscribed this popular event takes in the picturesque lanes of Cheshire for over 100 miles of regularities and 8/10 tests including Oulton Park. All regularities will be pre plot with no Plot and Bash (big relief for the navigators). 

Starting and finishing at the Bickerton Poacher, its traditional base, we are looking forward to a competitive day of rallying. Last years winners Dan Willan and Nial Frost are not entered but there is no shortage of previous winners in the entry list. Nick Bloxham won in 2020 and he is currently burning midnight oil preparing his Ford Escort ready for the event. Emily Anderson will be guiding him around on the maps. Three times winner Matt Warren is back this time in a Porsche 911 along with Ryan Pickering. Winner in 2017 Ian Tullie will be navigating for Roger Fildes in their Ford Escort. They will have stiff competition from other Master class competitors Paul Crosby and Pete Johnson in their Mini and Leigh Powley/Brian Goff in their Toyota Corolla. Other likely winners could include Nick and Dan Darkin in their Mazda MX5, Jason and Daniel Stone in their Ford Escort, Graeme Cornthwaite/Lynsey Proctor in their Mini and not forgetting Clive Baty/Henry Carr in their quick Renault 5 Alpine. It is too early to say who will be registered for the championship but all will come clear after the event. 

Clive Baty will have Henry Carr alongside him this year in the Renault 5 Alpine on the Tour of Cheshire.

The Expert class is highly competitive this year. Paul and Sandra Heaney have been promoted following their overall win in the novice category last year and will again be bringing out their Lancia Fulvia. Les Andrew is back in his Peugeot 104 along with Peter Blackett as is Hugh Garnish/David Bell in their Ford Fiesta. Guy Woodcock, Competition Director of HERO will be navigating for Peter Higton in their MGB GT – his local knowledge may pay dividends. Also Angus McQueen/Mike Cochrane could be a dark horse for class honours in their BMW 323i. 

Paul and Sandra Heaney (Lancia Fulvia) will be looking to improve on their 43rd place last year now that they are Experts. Photo by M&H Photography

It`s good to see a number of new faces in the Novice class, hopefully they will enjoy the event and we will see them out on more events this year. Ken and Sarah`s Novice training day was a success and bringing more crews into the sport. Some old (novice) hands are back competing including Nigel and Sally Woof in their Alfa Guila Sprint, Phil Cheek/Chris Rhodes in their Hillman Avenger, Malcolm Oxborrow/ Ben Innes in their Rover 216 and John and Chris Kiff in  their VW Beetle (how many events has that car done?) 

Predicting any result in any class is difficult at the start of the season but one thing for sure is that we are all looking forward to a great days competition.