Wednesday 28th July 2010
MINI set to join World Rally Championship from 2011

Prodrive yesterday announced that the

The car which is being developed  in close cooperation with MINI is the MINI Countryman WRC and is based on the production model. The car has a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport. The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the FIA which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The result is a significant 25% reduction in overall costs. The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010.

In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally and the car also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,” said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”
 

Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The company was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the World Rally Championship as
co-driver to Ari Vatanen three years earlier. Based in Banbury, Prodrive has developed into a leading independent company in the motorsport and automobile sector under Richards' guidance, and today employs over 500 staff. Prodrive's many successes currently include six overall victories in the World Rally Championship, five titles in the British Touring Car Championship and three class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

BMW was present when the World Rally Championship made its debut back in 1973. Achim Warmbold and Jean Todt tasted victory in their BMW 2002 at the Alpenfahrt Rally in Austria. However, MINI's tradition in this discipline stretches back even further: Pat Moss clinched the first victory with the MINI 850 at the 1959 Mini Miglia National Rally co-driven by Stuart Turner but the MINI ultimately enjoyed its finest hours at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967: the MINI Cooper S celebrated three overall victories at the most iconic rallying event in the world. Paddy Hopkirk (1964), Timo Mäkinen (1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (1967) joined the list of winners at this prestigious event.

In 1965, “Rally Professor” Aaltonen also won the European Rally Championship. Tony Ambrose and Mäkinen finished second and third to round off an excellent overall result for the MINI Cooper S. In addition, MINI drivers also enjoyed many individual wins at renowned rallies throughout Europe. The last BMW World Rally Championship victory was achieved in 1987 in Corsica by Bernard Béguin driving a BMW M3 which was built and run by Prodrive.

From 2011, over 40 years down the line, the MINI Countryman WRC will be charged with adding further chapters to this success story.

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Monday 26th July 2010
Renault F1 Open Days

Wednesday 11 August, Thursday 12 August and Friday 13 August 2010. Enstone, Oxfordshire.

Spaces are strictly limited - pass onto family and friends!

The Renault F1 Team will once again support National Motorsport Week by opening its doors to give members of the public a glimpse behind the scenes of its Enstone technical centre from 11th to the 13th of August.

It's your chance to get close to the cars and see what life in F1 is really like. The day is packed full of activities, including a tour of some of the team's facilities, and you can even test your skills in the pit stop challenge. It's all designed to bring fans as close to the sport as possible, by sharing the Renault F1 Team's passion for F1.

Visitors will have the chance to:

• Tour the Renault F1 Team's awarding-winning CAR Centre, (Computational Aerodynamics Research Centre), exhibition area and auditorium;

• Visit the Heritage & Communication Centre, where historic Renault cars - including the RE30, RE40, RE50, Benetton F1 B195 and R25 - are on display;

• Take part in an interactive pit stop challenge and steering wheel starting procedure simulation;

• Have their photo taken in the 2010 Renault F1 Team car;

• Meet some of the team's experienced mechanics;

• Get behind the wheel of the computer simulator and take control of the Renault F1 car;

• Test your reaction skills on the Renault F1 Team's BATAK machine;

• Inspect some of the team's historic trophies and famous memorabilia;

• Visit the Renault F1 Team's merchandise shop to purchase gifts for friends and family.

Tours available are: Wednesday 11 August, Thursday 12 August and Friday 13 August 2010. Time slots available each day are: 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm or 3:00pm.

When you make your online booking, we will do our best to ensure that you are booked on your first choice time slot; however, please note that this is subject to change, as tours will be allocated on a first-come/first-served basis.

The adventure continues... Come and be a part of this exciting  experience - one not to be missed!

Ticket Prices* - £60 per adult; £10 per child (up to 16 years old**);£80 per family group (2 adults and 2 children up to 16 years old). 70 percent of the ticket price will be donated the Motorsport Foundation.

All tickets purchased will automatically enter a competition to win six team caps signed by Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov.

This exclusive package has been designed to encourage families and young people to get closer to motorsport.

Spaces are strictly limited - BOOK TODAY to avoid disappointment!

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Friday 16th July 2010
Who, Where, When?

Answers on a postcard please...
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Monday 5th July 2010
Friday Quiz Night

An absolute fantastic night at the motor club on Friday last with Andy Walshaw's quiz and cardingo going down well with members. Andy tells me that it wasn't the best turned out event but nevertheless those present got through the questions and answers but to be fair to those left racking their brains on Friday night, Andy says that he is going to try and make the questions a little easier from now on.  They couldn't be much harder, some say...

Those present for the quiz found the questions difficult but congratulations are due to the deserved Heather Woodhead who won the quiz and a bottle of wine. Next up was cardingo which once again went down well well both the corners and the full house won by Stuart Taylor (hasn't he won before? - Ed.) who donated his free drinks back in to the kitty.

Well done to all who turned up to support DeLacy it is much appreciated.  Andy's next social night will be the first Friday in September where once again there will be a quiz and cardingo with some winter activities and such like being organised from October.
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Monday 5th July 2010
Looking For A New Car?

If you are in the market for a new car, let me give you three which will soon be on sale to whet your appetite.  First of all, how about the newly announced Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - well we can all dream can't we?

Bugatti has shattered the production car top speed record with a new special edition Veyron that has officially cracked 268mph.  The firm conducted the official record run on Saturday afternoon, and actually saw an all-out maximum speed of 270mph.  Two runs on the massive Volkswagen test track had to be conducted within an hour to bag the Guinness World Record, though. This averaged out to the 268mph total.

It's an amazing, awe-inspiring figure that apparently caused even Bugatti's jaws to drop. "We took it that we would reach an average value of 425km/h (264mph)," said chief engineer Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber.  "The conditions today were perfect and allowed even more."  Bugatti will put this variant into production later in the year, with the 'Super Sport' Veyron 16.4 debuting at the posh Pebble Beach car show in California next month. 

So, how has Bugatti reached such a mega top speed? Well, it has fitted four enlarged turbos and intercoolers to the 16-cylinder engine. This yields the 1,200hp maximum power, plus a ridiculous 1,106lb ft of torque.  The chassis has been revised to deal with such huge forces with Bugatti having to give it more spring travel, stronger anti-roll bars and dampers normally reserved for racing cars.  Changes have been necessarily extensive there; since, as the firm points out, it can achieve 1.4G of cornering force.

The body has also been made stronger, through a new fibre structure for the carbon fibre monocoque. This is, we're told, lighter, stronger and safer. On the roof are NACA ducts to feed the ferocious engine with air, while there are bigger air intakes at the front, too. These are so vast, they eat into the front wheel arches.  Production cars will, however, be limited to, ahem, a mere 257mph. This is to protect the tyres. Though we're sure the chances to approach even this will be rare...If you're thinking of perhaps putting in an order, prices have yet to be announced…

Or maybe a new Range Rover?  The first official picture of the all-new compact Range Rover has been released, following an exclusive preview in London.  Named the Range Rover Evoque, this all-new coupé will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport line-up in the summer of 2011. It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced. Customers will have a choice of both a 4WD and a 2WD version, with a sub 130g/km CO2 demonstrating the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover said: "Range Rover is one of the most highly regarded and iconic vehicles in the history of motoring and has been a continuing success since we first introduced it in 1970.  We are now demonstrating our exciting future by showing the all-new Range Rover Evoque.  The Evoque is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand and customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at our multi-award winning plant in Halewood, creating 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area, a fantastic boost to the UK economy. The Halewood plant has a reputation for excellence and quality and is recognised throughout the industry as a leader in Lean Manufacturing.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque is a true global car and will be sold in over 160 countries and we wanted to create a new name which was innovative and different that and was instantly recognisable through language and cultural boundaries throughout the world. Evoque is cosmopolitan and cross-continental, sophisticated and matches the car's urban elegance," he added.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: "The all-new Range Rover Evoque marks an evolution of Range Rover design, providing customers with a premium compact car-like SUV. In 2008 we introduced the LRX concept car and after a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the LRX concept car into reality. We wanted to show the world that we have stayed true to our word and delivered a car that completely represents the spirit of the LRX concept".

The all-new Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale from next summer.

Or how about a new Mondeo?  After our other two options this may seem a prosaic choice but certainly a practical one.  Ford will debut its stylish and new Mondeo at the 2010 Moscow International Automobile Salon on August 25 and it will go on sale in the UK in October.

The new model features a restyled exterior and uprated interior, new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains, plus a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies.

The first official preview images show that, following similar updates to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models earlier this year, the new Mondeo is the latest to benefit from the continuing evolution of Ford kinetic design.

"The Ford Mondeo is already a very strong package and, with the significant design changes and in particular the comprehensive array of new technologies we are introducing, we have no doubt that the new model will strengthen Mondeo's position as the flagship Ford model in our European line-up," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO. "This is the smartest, safest, most environmentally friendly and best quality Mondeo we have ever launched, and it completes the regeneration of our CD segment range in 2010."

Key exterior changes include distinctive new grilles featuring a bolder lower trapezoid and a slim, stylish opening above, plus an enhanced bonnet profile. New front bumpers include LED daytime running lights, and re-designed rear lights also employ LED technology.  Additionally a new rear deck lid treatment matches the revised rear light profile.

The interior is also upgraded and features a new flow-through centre console design, revised door treatment featuring flush and integrated door release handles, and a new central overhead console with ambient lighting.  New trim materials across the range have been selected to enhance the premium interior feel of the new Mondeo.

New Mondeo's interior also benefits from a range of new features, including the introduction of LED courtesy lights and a new satellite navigation system, while music lovers will be able to enjoy the new Premium Sound System option which incorporates a 265-watt, eight-channel amplifier unit, all-new speaker system and large, 17-litre subwoofer.

The launch of the new Mondeo will see the first application of a higher performance 240PS version of the efficient 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine. This will be complemented by the existing 203PS version of this engine launched in Mondeo, new S-MAX and new Galaxy earlier this year.

Another first for the new Mondeo is the introduction of the comprehensively revised 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine, which boasts a 12 per cent power increase to 200PS, making it the most powerful Duratorq diesel engine to date.  The Mondeo TDCi line-up sees this new engine joined by a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel that has already been introduced to the Mondeo range earlier this year.  This engine is available with 115, 140 or 163PS power ratings, with all of them delivering an average CO2 emission of just 139g/km with a six-speed manual transmission, regardless of bodystyles.

To make these powertrains even more efficient, a number of new Ford ECOnetic Technologies are now made available, including Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and – a Ford first – an Active Grille Shutter system.  This electronically controlled device regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment to reduce aerodynamic drag, but also offers benefits to the engine heating characteristics to improve fuel economy and warm-up performance in cold weather.

Powertrain advances in the new Mondeo also extend to the transmission: the latest six-speed Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system comes as standard for Ford EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be available as an option for the 140PS and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litreDuratorqTDCi.

The new Mondeo range will include a comprehensive array of driver assistance features, many of which are appearing for the first time in a Ford model, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam. New features already introduced in the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models are now extended to the Mondeo range, including the Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera.
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Friday 25th June 2010
Rally Of The Midlands Report

AB Motorsport AWMMC Heart of England Championship
2010 Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship
BTRDA Asphalt Rally Challenge
HRCR Historic Stage Rally Challenge 2010

On the road again…..

Well here we are again, out on an event far away from home. It is some months now since I naively replied to an e-mail from Ian Evans to say that we would be more than willing to help him out on the Rally of the Midlands. So no sooner had we packed everything away from the Dukeries, than it was all coming out again.

There would be slight hitch in as much as we, well that is I, hadn’t realised that in order to assist Ian at Arbury Hall on Saturday morning, would mean signing on as near to 0630 as possible….so in order to meet that deadline from home, would require us to be on the road for 3 - 4am…not good. So a hastily arranged Travelodge for three of us on the Friday night meant that we could be at the stage bright and early. [At least that was the plan, we have to thank the Travelodge staff for a very broken nights sleep, stood outside the window, smoking, chatting and laughing, thanks boys n girls]

Anyway after a leisurely run to the stage we took up position in the small but very perfectly formed Arbury Hall, a small private “Stately Home” estate close to Nuneaton. This stage had already been run the evening before and had taken its toll on the entry list, with the exciting Aston Martin Rally GT 4, [Car 29], of Alan Thistlethwaite and Mick Klein coming to grief on the very first corner of the stage, when after a short blast from the start line, it buried itself in the undergrowth.

This was a beautiful stage, with tree lined avenues, tight hump backed bridges and adverse camber on the corner where we were. So it was that we set up the stoves, yes I know it does seem to be that is all we do, but as I have said before there is nothing quite like a hearty breakfast in the fresh air. The weather was shaping up to be kind with early morning sunshine bathing the tarmac.

The Rally had a very exciting entry list; here are the top 20 crews…

     1  Mark Welch Helen Thompson Ford Escort Cosworth

2  Peter Lloyd Graham Handley Subaru S14 WRC

3  Damian Cole Craig Drew Ford Focus WRC 05

4  John Stone Lee Carter Skoda Fabia WRC

5  Simon Mauger Chris Butcher Ford Escort Mk II

6  Ian Joel Graeme Wood Ford Escort Cosworth

7  Gary Nuttall Paul Whittaker Hyundai Accent WRC

8  Berian Richards Pete Bold Subaru WRC

9  Andrew Varley Tim Hobson Ford Escort Cosworth

10  David West Keith Hounslow Peugeot 306

11  Robert Dick Barry Green Darrian T9

12  Lyndon Barton Johnny Vance Ford Escort

14  Chris Myers Matthew Whattam Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9

15  Gawaine Clark Paul Heath Subaru

16  Chris Marshall Simon Hunter Mitsubishi Evo

17  Jim Sharp Amy MacKinnon Mitsubishi Evo 9

18  Steve Cressey Sam Collis Subaru Impreza

19  Ken Sturdy Richard Wood Mitsubish Lancer Evo 6
20  Roger Donnan TBA Ford Puma

However, after the escapades of the previous night, it soon became apparent that all the crews would be very cautious on the first two opening stages of the day, heavy dew and gravelly road surface, being the contributory factors here.

The Skoda Fabia WRC was glorious, fast smooth and just gorgeous in the sunshine and it was this very car, which took the honours, completing the stage in a fast time of 1m 48s.

After packing up here we moved on in convoy to MIRA, just off the M5, to once again cover a radio point. This place is huge and exciting to nerdy car folks like me; we spotted a new Nissan Duke, trying to hide behind a fence, a number of very strange looking Range Rovers etc.

I have been lost on airfields but this was just a whole new experience, a 16mile stage set entirely within the grounds, wow! The cars approached us off the high speed banking and into a long straight terminating in a left right chicane. I thought airfields were fast, but the speed at which the cars were coming off the banking was something else again. Difficult to get photos, not that I should’ve but here are just a few to whet your appetite.

Such fantastic cars at such high speeds. There was a b it of a delay, when one competitor spun in a very tight section and had to be recovered before the stage could go ahead again, but generally speaking the two runs here were reasonably uneventful.

We had a marvellous day and would like to thank the organisers and in particular Ian for once again inviting us along to help. All that was left was a steady run home a shower and a beer. Join us again for more of our trips after we have a short break for the summer. We would also like to invite anyone else who goes out n about to submit anything to us for inclusion.

All that remains is for me to give you the results from the event……

1  Damian COLE/Craig DREW 5 1 Ford Focus WRC 05 1:13:21 1:13:21

2  John STONE/Lee CARTER 5 2 Skoda Fabia WRC 1:14:14 1:14:14 0:53

3 Simon MAUGER/Chris BUTCHER 4 1 Ford Escort Mk II 1:15:18 1:15:18 1:57

4  Gary NUTTALL/Paul WHITTAKER 5 3 Hyundai Accent WRC 1:15:57 1:15:57 2:36

5  Mark WELCH/Helen THOMPSON 5 4 Ford Escort Cosworth 1:16:14 1:16:14 2:53

6  Michael O'BRIEN/Patrick WALSH 5 5 Ford Focus WRC 1:16:27 1:16:27 3:06

7  David WEST/Keith HOUNSLOW 3 1 Peugeot 306 1:16:53 1:16:53 3:32

8  Steve LEONARD/Sion HUMPHREYS 3 2 Ford Escort Mk II 1:17:03 1:17:03 3:42

9  Andrew GRAHAM/Peter BRENNAN 4 2 Ford Escort 1:17:21 1:17:21 4:00

10  Andy CORNER/Ade CAMP 3 3 Peugeot 205 1:18:48 1:18:48 5:27

11  Barry WHEELER/John PICKAVANCE 3 4 Ford Escort RS 1:19:15 1:19:15 5:54

12  Stuart BLISS/Richard MARSH 2 1 Honda Civic 1:20:16 1:20:16 6:55

13 Nigel KILLERBY/Colin WATSON 5 6 Mitsubishi Evo 5 1:20:39 1:20:39 7:18

14  Roger DONNAN/Chris DAVIES 2 2 Ford Puma 1:20:50 1:20:50 7:29

15  James MARTIN/Dylan JAMES 3 5 Vauxhall Astra 1:21:16 1:21:16 7:55

16  Matt BEEBE/Martin DEE 3 6 MG ZR 160 1:21:46 1:21:46 8:25

17  Jim SHARP/Amy MACKINNON 5 7 Mitsubishi Evo 9 1:22:03 1:22:03 8:42

18  Gawaine CLARK/Paul HEATH 5 8 Subaru Impreza 1:21:06 1:00 1:22:06 8:45

19  Andy BAKER/Cath WOODMAN 3 7 Peugeot 205 1:22:07 1:22:07 8:46

20  Graham MUTER/Stephen HALLMARK 1 1 Ford Escort Mk II 1:23:11 1:23:11 9:50

45 81 Rob WALTER/Sheila HARVEY 3 22 Peugeot 309 1:33:02 1:33:02 19:41

46 99 Simon WING/Ian JONES 3 23 Ford Fiesta ST 1:33:25 0:10 1:33:35 20:14

47 83 Jim WARD/Nick FARMER 1 7 MG ZR 1:34:25 1:34:25 21:04

48 95 John BROOKS/Phill HARVEY B2 1 Austin Mini 1:36:08 1:36:08 22:47

49 98 Nigel ALLCOCK/Timothy CURRAN B5 1 Triumph TR4 1:42:00 1:42:00 28:39

50 69 Martin PAYTON/Darren PARSONS 1 8 MG ZR 1:44:04 1:44:04 30:43

51 33 Dan CORNER/Mark REGAN 2 6 Peugeot 205 1:51:37 1:51:37 38:16

 
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Thursday 17th June 2010
Quiz Night

Don't forget, Andy Walshaw will be holding the next in the series of his successful social nights at the clubhouse on Friday 2nd July when he promises another barbeque and quiz evening.  Once again he will subject us all to his fiendish quiz questions and another round of 'cardingo'.  The Walshaw barbeque will be present and there will be a chance to sample another guest beer behind the bar.  So what's stopping you?  Be there or... not!

Please let Andy know if you are coming along so that he can be sure to cater for all.

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Wednesday 16th June 2010
DeLacy Subscriptions Now Due

By now you should all have received your membership subscription renewal notices.  But if for some reason you haven't then you should be aware that your current subscription expired at the end of May and you should look to renew now to retain your club privileges.

The cost of membership has been held at the same level as last year with £12.00 individual membership and £18.00 for a joint husband and wife membership. 

If you have a radion which is run under the DeLacy licence then your Radio Licence fee is also now due.  I know, its all spend!

Please contact Ken Roberts if you have any questions regarding membership subscriptions or radio licence fees.

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Monday 14th June 2010
Dukeries Rally 2010

Once again a number of club members turned out to marshal on one of the premier stage events in the North of England.

The Dukeries Rally, sponsored by Rainworth Skoda was this year, running for the 51st time.

With a route of some 44 miles of forest in and around the Mansfield area, the Dukeries was a round of a number of Championships;

• Silverstone Tyres BTRDA Rally Series

• Miller Oils BTRDA 1400 Championship

• BTRDA First Challenge

• MG ZR Challenge

• MSA English Rally Championship

Also part of a number of regional Championships as follows,

• The Competition Car Insurance EMAMC Rally Championship

• The Roadrunner Pheonix Awards ANEMMC Rally Championship

• Fostek Engineering ANCC Rally Championship

• The Ward Construction AEMC Rally Championship.

Because of this, the event had a very comprehensive entry list of some 127 entries in various classes. As is usual, the 1400 class cars would run first on the road with the newly included Historic cars running next. Finally the "big boys toys" would be the last group to tackle the stages, lead by Steve Perez in his WRC Focus, closely followed by Andy Burton in his fantastic Peugeot Cosworth.

Stages included all the regulars one would expect, Blidworth, Thieves Wood, Sherwood Pines, Clipstone South, Deerdale and Portland. With service centrally located at Southwell Racecourse the cars would then run out to Watchwood and Harlow Wood, followed by second run of the Clipstone Stages, Deerdale and Portland.

The morning was glorious as we signed on on at the start of SS3 Sherwood Pines, or as most of you may remember it as Clipstone North and the weather seemed set fair for the remainder of the day, although this would mean that it would be a dusty day for all concerned. Glad I took my sun hat this time!!!

Three of us rolled up to Post 19 on SS3 and wasted no time in setting up the breakfast bar, there is nothing quite like the smell of freshly cooked bacon in the morning air. However the amount we had taken with us meant that this would be a mega breakfast!!

Soon, Steve had the cookers in full burn mode, kettle on one and the frying griddle on the other one…ah what a way to start the day. The radio was on full song too listening in to Brian Avery on control with his usual dazzling banter to all the Stage Commanders and radio units whom he knows so well. I love sitting there listening to this with the anticipation of the day.

So it was then at 0958 that the first car entered the ATC ready to get this years event underway for us. As expected the location we were at was exceptionally dusty on a very fast uphill 90 right. The first running of the stage went ahead smoothly with very little disruption or retirements.

The overall honours for the fastest time 1st time around went to Andy Burton, who completed the 7 mile stage in 5m53s, with Steve Perez 5 seconds behind.

De Lacy member Phil Lilley, yes he is still rallying, in his Metro 6R4 completed SS3 in 8m22s, somewhat off the pace of the leaders.

In the afternoon prior to the cars arriving at Sherwood Pines for the second time, there was an unfortunate accident on SS7 Harlow Wood, when car number 204, a Vauxhall Nova, driven by Martyn Lewis, rolled into a tree. Despite the timely attention of the emergency services on the stage, Martyn succumbed to his injuries and sadly passed away. His brother, who was in the co-driver seat was taken to hospital nearby and was hoped to be on the mend as this is being written.

Dukeries Rally Clerk of the Course Bob Draper said, ‘Our thoughts are with Martyn’s family at this time and I think it is because accidents of this magnitude in rallying are so rare that everyone involved is so upset.’

We all know that Motorsport is dangerous, but one never expects this to happen on a lovely sunny afternoon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. His friends competing in car 202, Darren Pinchin and Karen Watts, stopped at the scene with them until everything was finalised. The organisers then allowed them to carry on and they bravely finished the Rally. This incident, as you can expect, did put a dampener on the rest of the event for those of us listening to the radio and who had worked out what was going on.

The rest of the day seemed a little trivial after that, but the event went ahead, with Steve Perez / Paul Spooner coming home in first place, closely followed by Charlie Payne / Craig Thorley in their Focus WRC, with third place being taken by Damian Cole / Craig Drew in the Hyundai WRC. The first three cars being separated by under a minute, now that is what I call close.

I would just like to finish by saying that the day was extremely enjoyable overall, but obviously overshadowed by events of the afternoon. My thoughts are with the family, but also with the staff on SS7, particularly the Paramedics and Rescue Units who attended the scene. I was once again impressed by the professional way in which all the radio crews on the event quietly got on with their work whilst control handled the very difficult situation.

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Wednesday 2nd June 2010
Social Update

Just as we were all drawing breath from the recent Pool, Darts and 'Mystery' events, Social Secretary Andy Walshaw rolled out plans for his 'Raffle and Barbeque' evening on Friday 28th May.  Club members were urged to look in their cupboards and bring with them something that' had possibly been on the shelf gathering dust for a while and which they would be happy to donate to the raffle. 

Andy suggested that anything would do but suggested maybe a tin of biscuits or the bottle of plonk that Auntie Mable had given you for Christmas and you haven't drunk!   In the event, it seemed that members had taken Andy at his word and for a club interested in all things motoring there seemed to be an overabundance of drink amongst the donated prizes.  Thinking about it, it was maybe because we are indeed an abstinent crowd and this was unwanted drink…

We were lucky with the weather as rain had been forecast but the evening remained fine enough for the promised barbeque and over a dozen turned up for the evening’s festivities.  Another testing quiz from Andy awaited us all starting with a picture quiz based on ‘Radio Times’ covers from years gone by… and no, Steve that’s Matt Monroe in the photograph, NOT Andy Stewart…
Thirty questions and the winner was Linda Higgins with nineteen correct answers – that’s the last time I’m bring my wife if she’s going to beat me !

Again everyone enjoyed the competition and so if you want to come along, Andy will be running his next event on Friday 2nd July when he promises another barbeque and quiz evening.

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Tuesday 1st June 2010
Happy Birthday UK Driving Test

The United Kingdom driving test is 75 years old on the 1st June 2010 having been made compulsory for all drivers in 1935.  A UK driving licence had actually been required since they were introduced by the Motor Car Act 1903 but no test was required.  However, legislation for compulsory testing was introduced for all new drivers with the Road Traffic Act of 1934.  The test was initially voluntary to avoid a rush of candidates until 1st June 1935 when all people who had started to drive on or after 1 April 1934 needed to have passed the test.

Testing was suspended during World War 2 and again during the Suez Crisis in 1956 to allow examiners help to administer petrol rations.

For those of us who passed our test back in the dark ages, it’s difficult to think just how the test has changed since ‘our day’ and the 1.6 million people who sit the examination annually, with a pass rate of around 43% have a complicated and expensive route to gaining their licence these days.  Unless you have had to sit the test recently for example, how many of you realise that demonstrating arm signals was declared irrelevant in 1975 and that a ‘hazard perception’ test and a ‘show and tell’ section on vehicle safety are now compulsory?

I can’t remember how much it cost me to get my licence but back in 1935 the test cost seven shillings (37.5p).  Now it's £31 for the theory test and £62 for the practical, making it £93 in total. A provisional licence costs £50, but converting it to a full one is free of charge.  Now that, for most people is a significant investment when you realise that doesn’t include the cost of lessons and fuel in dad’s car whilst practising those essential driving skills.

The minimum age at which one can take the driving test is currently 17 (or 16 if receiving Disability Living Allowance).  There is no maximum upper age limit for a licence but all full UK licence holders must renew their driving licences at the age of 70 (with the permission of their GP only) otherwise they will no longer be eligible to drive as full licence holders by law.

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Wednesday 26th May 2010
Social Night Friday 28th May

Just a quick reminder of the DeLacy Social Night on Friday 28th May.  Social Secretary Andy Walshaw has organised his 'Raffle and Barbeque' evening.  Following recent successful social events, Andy is pushing the boat out and will have fun for everyone with his BBQ at £4.00 per head, RAFFLE at a 50p a strip of tickets, free QUIZ, and £1 BINGO event! 

Andy is asking members to come along and bring with them something that's possibly been on the shelf gathering dust for a while and which they would be happy to donate to the raffle.  Anything will do but Andy suggests maybe a tin of biscuits or the bottle of plonk that Auntie Mable bought you for Christmas and you haven't drunk!

Andy will be setting up his gas barbeque and food will be available from 8:30PM.  Please let him know if you are intending to be there.

You can email Andy on snailspeedandy@hotmail.co.uk  

We look forward to seeing you all there

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Wednesday 21st April 2010
Mystery Night

As revealed in the report below on Andy Walshaw's recent 'Killer Darts' night, Andy has organised the next round of his successful tournament series for Friday 30th April. Termed a 'Mystery Night' (Because he hasn't yet planned anything I think!) all members are welcome.  Please invite guests, family and friends.  Entry fee will once again be £1 with half of the entry half proceeds going to the winner.
 
Light snacks will be available and Andy promises that the nature of the event will be revealed on the night but suffice it to say that it will prove a challenge to those of a competitive spirit!

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Wednesday 21st April 2010
What A Killer!

Last Friday's 'Killer Darts' night  attracted a good crowd of payers and non-players to the club and helped put some much-needed money into the club coffers.

Andy Walshaw managed to build on the number who entered the snooker tournament, the first in the new social series, a few weeks ago and ten members rolled up their sleeves to take part in the second round darts tournament.

Andy said " It's good to see more numbers getting involved on this event and I'm grateful to all who played and all those who turned up to support the event as spectators".

The match started with each of the players being given three lives each which made it a very interesting event.  First up to the oche was Stella "Artois" Robinson setting the pace, with all those following then trying to beat the score of those who had gone before.

Graham James was the first to be knocked out although putting up a very spirited performance as some good scores started to get thrown. Odds-on favourite Ross Lebeter was always going to be a challenge to beat but when you have the likes of Brian and Margaret Heppenstall throwing more luck than management hands it was definitely keeping the match pretty open!  After a couple of rubbish rounds (his words!) Andy felt he was facing destruction and on his way out when somehow he managed a treble twenty to beat a very good score by the man in front of him.

As everybody was falling by the wayside and Dick Lebeter was throwing very good scores but still not beating the man in front, the tournament was down to four contenders and then soon to be three with Stuart Taylor, Ross Lebeter and the dark horse on his first visit to DeLacy, John Marshall.  Soon Ross was out with Stuart throwing some awesome hands with his pre-World War 2-looking prototypes  and John throwing well too, there was some fierce competition.  Both managing to keep beating each other until the end when John just could not better Stuart's score.

Well done to Stuart on his win and donating his winnings to club funds.  Once again a big thank you to everybody who played and came to support the event and of course thanks to Andy for organising it.

Andy hopes to see everyone at the next event on the 30th April which is going to be a bit of a Mystery Night as there hasn't been time to put the treasure hunt together but he will be organising something competitive!  So, as it is now its called a Mystery Night he will reveal on the night what he has in store but it will once again be £1 entry and half of the proceeds to the winner.  There will be sandwiches so please let Andy know if you are going to take part.  You can email Andy on snailspeedandy@hotmail.co.uk

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Tuesday 20th April 2010
New Invitations Page

You may notice that the DeLacy website now has a new 'Invitations' page.  When we have been asked for assistance on events, to run stages, marshal or run radios, then the invitations will appear here.  Out of courtesy, if you feel that you are able to help you should in the first instance contact Steve Cowley, Chief Marshal of DeLacy Motor Club, although contact addresses for the event organisers will be published so that you can contact the organisers for more details.

Good luck and Good Marshalling!

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Wednesday 14th April 2010
MSA launches its Manifesto for Motor Sport

The Motor Sports Association – governing body of UK motor sport – has unveiled a manifesto that will form the basis of the MSA's Public Affairs activity for this year. The manifesto highlights three key issues that the MSA will be looking to discuss with government during 2010 at private meetings, high profile events and the party conferences in the autumn.

The three issues for discussion are closed road events; planning laws; and motor sport as an environmental test bed.

The MSA is now calling on its 50,000 members to sign an online petition to support the call for Closed Road events on mainland Britain without the need to resort to an Act of Parliament to suspend the Road Traffic Act at www.petition.co.uk/MSA.

The manifesto has been launched publicly in order to provide guidance and information for those members of the motor sport community who may wish to discuss the sport with Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) in the forthcoming general election campaign.

The MSA manifesto is available online at www.msauk.org/manifesto along with a draft letter that can be downloaded and sent to PPCs or MPs to make the case for motor sport. Also available online are the combined manifestos from the other members of the Motorsport Alliance – the Auto-Cycle Union and the MIA – providing a consolidated guide to the needs of four- and two-wheeled motor sport and the associated industry.

Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive:

“The MSA has made great strides in the past 18 months with its Public Affairs campaign, raising the profile of the sport and highlighting our development programmes to key ministers and shadows. The 2010 manifesto sets out our strategic priorities for the coming year, but can also be a useful tool for any of our members that might like to make the case for motor sport to their MPs and PPCs. We would particularly encourage everyone to demonstrate the level of support for closed road events by signing the petition at www.petition.co.uk/MSA.”

The MSA Manifesto For UK Motor Sport is now also
available for download from the DeLacy website:

Download in PDF format (198Kb) here

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Sunday 4th April 2010
Too Many Pointless Roadsigns

Language campaigners have said too many pointless signs are springing up next to Britain's roads.

The Plain English Campaign (PEC) - which aims to reduce gobbledegook - said roadsides were filling up with "too much information about nothing".  Officials said drivers were being distracted and money wasted.

The group made its complaints as the Highways Agency, a Government agency which manages major roads, said it had decided against planting signs saying "Highways Agency" next to motorways across the country - after spending £76,000 of taxpayers' money on a "pilot project" in the north west of England.

A Highways Agency spokesman said 23 "Highways Agency" signs had been installed alongside the M6 and 11 alongside the A66 in 2005 as part of an experiment.

"Police constantly tell motorists not to use mobiles or eat or drink when driving but to concentrate on driving," said a PEC spokesman. "Yet at the same time there seem to be more and more signs springing up to distract motorists."

He went on: "We've seen signs that seem to invite drivers to take a note or use a computer - such as trafficinfo@...; signs which pointlessly state the obvious - such as 'don't drink and drive'; and signs which are frankly baffling - such as 'don't become a statistic'. What is that about? A protest against identity cards?

"Some signs - such as the 'Highways Agency' signs put up by the M6 - seem to be little more than adverts. There's too much information about nothing. We may as well fill the roads with commercial advertising as they do in America and put up signs saying 'High Lane Oakcakes' and 'Cheshire Cheese'. At least that would raise money."

The Highways Agency spokesman said 'Highways Agency' signs were planted in the north west as part of "a pilot which investigated whether we should sign the roads we manage". But he said the agency had decided against installing signs nationwide.

"The agency wanted to assess whether such signing would clarify for road users whom they should contact to make comments about a particular route, and whether it would increase awareness of the agency's role as network manager for the country's strategic roads," he added. "The signs were designed and located with the aim that they would inform drivers, but not distract them."

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Tuesday 30th March 2010
Raffle and Barbeque Evening at the Clubhouse

Do you need an incentive to visit the clubhouse?  Well, here's one for you...

On Friday 28th May, Andy Walshaw, Club social secretary will be running a raffle and barbeque evening.  Andy is asking members to come along and bring with them something that's possibly been on the shelf gathering dust for a while and which they would be happy to donate to the raffle.  Anything will do but Andy suggests maybe a tin of biscuits or the bottle of plonk that Auntie Mable bought you for Christmas and you haven't drunk!

Andy will be setting up his gas barbeque and food will be available from 8:30PM.

We look forward to seeing you all there

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Tuesday 16th March 2010
Remember the Dacia Duster?

Remember the Dacia Duster?  I know at least one club member who still has cold sweats about the Dacia Duster he once had as a course car on one of the international rallies run by DeLacy back in the day.  The old car was legendary...  For all the wrong reasons.  The body creaked and groaned, the panel fits were wide enough to put a hand through and the interior was made of recycled egg boxes.  Everything that made Romania great was evident in that car but now it has been resurrected by Dacia's new owners Renault and they have entered it in a desert rally to prove how tough it is

The Duster, Dacia's new "rugged, spacious and affordable off-road vehicle", which was recently displayed at the Geneva Motor Show, is now taking part in the 20th anniversary Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco (March 15-28). The event starts in Erfoud and is based on a format of six legs, for a total distance of more than 2,500km through the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco.

The sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and the mountainous terrain of the Atlas foothills will provide Dacia Duster with a first class opportunity to showcase its off-road ability, as well as its strength and reliability. Two Renault group employees who have played active roles in the Duster project will contest the event at the wheel of two Dacia Duster 4x4s.  Isabelle Charles (car 315), 47, in charge of colours and materials design for Dacia Duster is teamed with Nathalie Descout (car 316), 28, who is in charge of Dacia Duster's global advertising campaign.

The two Dacia crews will also take part in the eco-driving challenge which will award prizes to the three crews who emit the smallest amounts of CO2 during the 2010 Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. The two Dacia Duster 4x4s taking part in the rally are powered by the more environmentally respectful dCi 85 diesel engine: Dacia Duster 4x4 dCi 85 emits just 140g of CO2/km, which qualifies it for the Dacia eco² hallmark.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is Dacia's second foray into the world of motor sport. Like the Trophée Andros ice-racing series, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a unique competition which fits perfectly with the spirit that prevails at Dacia, a brand that likes to challenge established automotive thinking.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is the only all-lady motor sport event and an original approach to motor sport.  Rather than outright speed, the emphasis is on covering the shortest distance possible based on basic tools.  The competitors can use two items of equipment, a compass and a map (1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale).  Based on strategy and thinking on one's feet: the competitors take the lie of the land into account to choose their own itinerary between the mandatory checkpoints.

Morocco is a key market for Dacia. It is the country's second best-selling brand,  after Renault, with a market share of 16.5 per cent, while Logan is Morocco's best-selling model.

By July this year the Dacia Duster will be available for sale across Europe. The new model delivers an unbeatable equipment/specification/interior space package for its price, with tax-paid prices starting around £12,000. Order books opened at the beginning of March in the majority of its markets.

The two Dacia Dusters that will take part in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles will both be four-wheel drive versions. Dacia Duster is a genuine 4x4 that will take the different challenges thrown at competitors in its stride. It was designed to be driven on all types of terrain, anywhere in the world, and offers real off-road ability thanks to its high ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs  and large approach and departure angles . 

The Dacia Duster 4x4 with running gear from Nissan is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with a very short first ratio which allows it to travel at very slow speeds on uneven terrain, and improves starting performance from standstill with heavy loads or on steep slopes.

Thursday 4th March 2010
Car News From Club Members

De Lacy members Steve and Andy Walshaw are currently
re-building their Rear Wheel Drive Fiesta Mk II after a long awaited comeback. Steve has not driven the car in anger since 2004 at Swinderby having had some very competitive results up to then.

It has long been an ambition of Steve and Andy to restore the car having had to cease competing for a while when Andy's son Harry was stricken with a form of cancer, from which he has since recovered. The car, currently at RDR Motorsport is being rebuilt by the pair to go on and do some events in the near future.

Andy said "We still have a bit to go but we are pretty certain we can have the work completed pretty soon and are trying to have the car ready for the John Overend rally at Melbourne in May where Steve will be taking the wheel and may need a co-driver too if anybody is interested".

The car currently is being tidied up ready for a 1300 cross-flow engine to go in.  Steve and Andy will keep us updated as to what's happening regards rebuild and rallies in the pipeline.
 

Thursday 4th March 2010
Clubnight Social Dates

We are grateful to Andy Walshaw for organising the following Clubhouse Social Dates:

Andy  has promised to organise more of these events depending on interest.
 

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