Wet, cold and overcast is not usually the best start to the day, but when you’re planning to spend your day watching rally cars tackle Brands Hatch it couldn’t be more perfect. If I’m honest, rallying isn’t an area of motorsport that I know particularly well. Other than watching the special rally stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed I’ve not seen any live action. Today’s Winter Stage Rally was my first proper experience and although I got a little wet, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The entry list promised an eclectic mix of machinery. From the obligatory Mk 1 & 2 Escorts through to a brace of Ferrari 308’s and even a few Nissan Micra’s. This meant there was always something interesting to watch on the stages or in the paddock. The rally was to be run over 8 stages totaling approximately 45 miles and utilised the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, main pits and paddock area and some off-road sections. It did seem odd watching cars running the wrong way round the track and racing through areas that normally have a 5mph speed limit. All in all it was a great day and I would recommend attending, but take your waterproofs.
Kevin Jones in his GTO Racing ltd Ferrari 308 Michelotto
Nabila Tejpar and Cameron Davies Allied Polymer – LUMI Peugeot 208 R2
It’s a messy business this rallying lark. Ben Dawson and Mike Dawson in their 1975 Mk2 Ford Escort 1600
Ford Mk2 Escort Interior
Ben Gill and Dave Didcock Ford Escort RS1800
Aaron Rix and Rob Cook RIX Engineering Ford Ka
Ken Powell and Richard Wise out having fun in their 1977 Rover SD1
Dave Jennings and Lorraine Nixon in their 1978 Mk2 Escort
Stephen Stringer and Carrol Soanes – Sunbeam Lotus
William Moore and Stuart Moore Stratton Auto Services Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V
Vauxhall Tigra in the pits
Martin Page and Hugh Holdaway AES Autobody and Paint Specialists Ford Mk2 Escort
Trying to capture panning shots through the fence, not easy. Dane Walker and Dave Boyes in their 1976 MK2 Ford Escort
Ford Mk2 Escort waiting in line to start next stage
