Friday 27 January 2012
Annual General Meeting and Film Night

Everyone should by now have received notice of the Annual General Meeting of De Lacy Social Club and De Lacy Motor Club Ltd. to be held at the Clubhouse on Wednesday 8th February 2012 beginning at 8.30pm prompt.

This is your club and it would be good to see as many members attending as is possible.

This year, as an added incentive to attend, there will be a Film Night when we hope to show two Roger Clark related films that you will not have seen for a long time…

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Friday 27th January 2012
Land Rover Unveils Two New Defender Concepts

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Wednesday 7th September 2011
Social Night Calendar Announced

Following a recent committee meeting and the successful inaugural trial of our new projection equipment last Friday night, DeLacy Social Club is pleased to be able to announce the following event schedule for social nights at the Rallyhouse.

Film nights will be held on the first Friday of the month with Andy Walshaw's famous Quiz and Cardingo nights being held on the third Friday of every month.

As usual the Social Club annual faith supper will be held in the run up to Christmas and this year will take place on Friday 23rd December.  This year, however, for added festive fun, the evening will be combined with a Christmas Quiz night.

If you missed the film night last Friday, you missed a 'REAL' treat...
DeLacy's senior marshal, a fresh-faced Richard Linnington being interviewed for TV ahead of the 1972 Seven Dales Rally explaining the nuances of stage rallying to the nation and at pains to point out that if a nuisance had been caused to the public in the past through excessive noise from rally cars, this was a thing of the past now "Throughout the event we have judges of fact and noise marshals who will have no hesitation in excluding competitors who breach the rules"

The eagle-eyed amongst you (well, certainly the older amongst you who are now probably far from eagle-eyed through advanced age...) might also have spotted our erstwhile club treasurer, the late Norman Pyke in action on the same event.  In my memory, Norman was never to be seen without his customary cigarette and a committee meeting in those days took place in a smoke wreathed committee room.
 

And who's this handsome fellow?  He was heard telling a dapper Dickie Davies that he was treating the Scottish Rally of 1972 as part of his holidays and expected the event would cost him in the region of three hundred pounds in order to compete but even spending that huge sum of money he would be well off the pace of the works teams. Well, this chap is still competing today and seems to have lost none of his pace even in to his seventies.  Still don't know, well its none other than the 'yumping bean himself, Bob Bean!

Come along to the next film night on Friday 7th October and see who you can spot when we delve once again into our rallying archives.

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Monday 29th August 2011
Film Night Returns to DeLacy

As we now have a swanky new projector and screen courtesy of Graham and Stella we have decided to bring back the club film nights of old.  Starting next Friday, 2nd September we hope that these will become a regular fixture during the darker months of the year.

So, come on down to the Rallyhouse, get your self a drink and make yourself comfortable for a night of rallying nostalgia.  We've rummaged in the archives and dusted off some rallying classics from the 1970s and 1980s.  See some of your favourites crews when they still had their own teeth and hair!

We look forward to seeing you there on Friday!

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Friday 4th February 2010
Michele Mouton Appointed WRC Manager

Michele Mouton, the most successful woman in the history of the World Rally Championship, has been appointed WRC manager with immediate effect - in charge of overseeing all aspects of the series, including safety, the calendar, and regulations.Mouton has been appointed to the role directly by Jean Todt, the president of world motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, to whom she will report along with WRC Commission President Jarmo Mahonen.

This is a brand new position within the World Rally Championship, which will take Mouton to most of the 13 events scheduled for this year as a highly visible and proactive presence. Mouton’s job will be primarily to listen to and represent the drivers and teams, as a well-known personality in the sport who will be able to reflect their wishes and needs to the higher echelons of the FIA.

The 59-year old, who finished runner-up in the 1982 World Rally Championship at the wheel of the legendary Audi Quattro, will work in “close collaboration with manufacturers, promoters and event organisers,” according to an FIA statement. As well as dealing with the here and now of the sport, the Frenchwoman will also remain closely involved with the working group that concentrates on the future direction of rallying, as it enters a new era.

Mouton commented: “This is a very exciting and challenging opportunity, especially at a time when Jean Todt wants to significantly increase the profile of the sport and take it to new heights. I am looking forward to working with all the WRC stakeholders; together, I believe we can bring new dynamism to our spectacular sport.”

Mouton will retain her position as president of the FIA’s Women and Motor Sport Commission, a post that she has held since the start of last year. Mouton has also organised the Race of Champions since 1988: a traditional end of season celebration event that unites racing and rally drivers to compete against each other on a superspecial stage in a variety of cars.

Mouton had been previously been linked with the role of WRC Commissioner, but the new position of WRC Manager is felt to be a more hands-on post. WRC insiders want the governing body to be more closely in touch with what is happening in the sport in a day to day basis - and Mouton’s appointment is a key part of that process.

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Thursday 3rd February 2011
Dancing On Ice comes to the De Lacy Clubhouse!

The 2010 Roger Albert Clark Rally was an event that really lived up to the name, the R.A.C Rally. This was an event that truly was as tough as it gets for competitors, organisers, spectators and even the media and once again Acceleration TV's cameras were there to capture the full story of the on the entire route capturing action from the stages, the service areas and even the road sections. Needless to say there is some superb on-board action as well, including from the Escort of the winners, Stefan Stouf and Joris Erard.

If you haven't seen this evocative record of the event then now's your chance.  The first public viewing of "Dancing on Ice" the story of the 2010 Roger Albert Clark Rally will be at the De Lacy Clubhouse on 4th March 2011.  All are welcome and the bar will be open so come along, see the film and meet members of the event team.  Hope to see you there...

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Wednesday 13th October 2010
Motor sport takes its message to the party conferences

As part of the Motor Sports Association’s commitment to raise the profile of motor sport within Westminster and to further the specific campaign for closed road motor sport, the governing body has recently held Fringe Meetings at each of the three main political party conferences.

Under the heading ‘How motor sport can benefit local communities’, the forums were designed to demonstrate the significant impact that motor sport has across the country, not just in terms of jobs and tourism, but also in terms of the roles that venues and events play in the fabric of society.

The series kicked off in Liverpool where MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton was joined by Allan McNish, Silverstone MD Richard Phillips and Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Michael Moore MP. As Mr Moore also happens to be the local MP for the Jim Clark Rally, he was able to speak first hand about the benefits to his constituency of the annual asphalt event.

At the Labour conference in Manchester Shadow Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe praised the efforts of the Motor Sports Association for its work in developing the sport and urged local authorities to understand just how much motor sport has to offer to the community. Stuart Turner, former Director of Ford of Europe, underlined the extraordinary level of expertise found in this country but warned that Britain was losing out in relation to Europe and other countries by not being able to close roads.

This week in Birmingham, Nigel Mansell OBE joined the panel alongside Colin Hilton, Richard Phillips and Conservative MP Ben Wallace. A packed audience of more than 100 delegates, including MPs and local councillors, heard the former Formula One world champion give his backing to the idea of closed roads, saying it would be “great for the country” and bring visitors and pride to parts of the country staging such events. He said the government should “embrace motor sport”, given the country’s world leading position, and its ability to help provide opportunities and focus for young people.

An excellent article about the Conservative Fringe meeting can be found on the BBC website here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11480367

In addition to the forums, the MSA was able to hold key briefing meetings with senior MPs and Ministers, including Transport Minister Mike Penning, to further the cause for the closed road campaign.

Reflecting on the past few weeks, Colin Hilton said: “We have had an extremely successful conference programme. The Fringe meetings were universally well received, the message is clear and everyone recognises that this is a ‘no-brainer’ for the new government. However, we know that support is one thing; but getting the amendment to the law is quite another. There is a still a long way to go, but we are certainly making progress.”

Report says closed roads could net £40m

A study by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University has concluded that closed-road motor sport events could bring more than £40m into local communities across the UK during the next five years.

Commissioned by the MSA, the report draws upon previous studies, extensive desk research and long-standing experience to arrive at the £40m figure. It concludes that there is compelling evidence to support the MSA’s proposed legislation amendment that would enable local authorities to suspend the Road Traffic Act without having to resort to an Act of Parliament.

“We are delighted by the findings of the Sheffield Hallam paper,” said MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton. “It confirms our belief that this amended legislation could provide a significant boost not only for the sport, but also for the communities themselves. We will now circulate the research paper among our key Westminster contacts, but would also ask people to send it to their local MP and local authority to demonstrate the depth of support behind this campaign.”

To view the report and supporting documents, including a draft letter to MPs, please click here: www.msauk.org/site/cms/newsarticle.asp?chapter=210&nid=1351

Jimmy Girvan, 1954-2010

Two-time Scottish Rally Champion, Jimmy Girvan, tragically lost his life on the second special stage of last month’s Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally in Perthshire. The rally was abandoned as a mark of respect.

An extremely popular and well-respected driver, Jimmy had enjoyed considerable success during a 27-year career, claiming Scottish Championships in 1990 and 2008. He continued to be a leading figure in Scottish rallying and his loss will be felt throughout the entire motor sport community.

The MSA sends its deepest condolences to Jimmy’s wife, family and extensive network of friends.

Rallying to undergo major review

The MSA has announced a complete review of stage rallying to be undertaken within the next six months.

MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton has appointed Steve Stringwell JP, Chairman of the MSC Judicial Advisory Panel, to lead the review by forming a working group to make recommendations for the governance, structure and strategic development of the sport.

“I am very much looking forward to the challenge of pulling this review together,” said Stringwell. “I think everyone is aware of the issues facing rallying and I hope that the results of this review will enable some positive action to be taken to improve the situation for the long-term health of the sport.”

The MSA has also announced plans to introduce less aggressively treaded tyres into Stage Rallying over the coming years. “We believe that we have a duty to behave in a responsible and sustainable way if we are to safeguard the future of the sport and continue to enjoy access to the forests for our events,” said Hilton.

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Wednesday 13th October 2010
The Rally Show at ... Cornbury Park!

Rally Show Ltd. are delighted to announce that in May 14th & 15th 2011 they are bringing The Rally Show to a new venue, Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire.  Cornbury Park, the family home of Lord and Lady Rotherwick, provides an exciting new location for this popular motorsport festival.

Since its launch in 2007, The Rally Show has attracted more than 70 000 visitors and competitors to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Some of the biggest names in world rallying have attended including Marcus Grönholm, Rauno Aaltonen, Paddy Hopkirk, Stig Blomqvist, Bjorn Waldegard, Ari Vatanen, Jimmy McRae, Mikko Hirvonen and Russell Brookes.

Malcolm Neill, Director of The Rally Show said, “Cornbury is a superb venue for our event, and proved its motorsport credentials when it hosted special stages on the Network Q RAC Rally in the 1990s. The special stage runs around the main house and is 100% smooth asphalt. It is just over a mile long, with great spectator viewing and a hairpin finish. Competing cars will be able to start at thirty second intervals which will enable us to pack as much action as possible into the two day event.”

Over two days, The Rally Show boasts a combination of competitive rallies, and demonstrations of the latest World Rally Cars and Historic Rally Cars. It is an event for the whole family to enjoy, with the opportunity for spectators to drive specialist trials cars, or even brave a guest ride in a rally car.

The new event at Cornbury Park will be equally unmissable for motorsport fans, and we are thrilled to confirm that leading stunt driver Terry Grant will be there to entertain the crowds. Malcolm Neill added “we are extremely pleased that the fantastic facilities at Cornbury Park will allow us to offer extensive camping and motor home parking. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come and enjoy the festival for the whole weekend”.

Tickets for The Rally Show, Cornbury Park, 14th & 15th May 2011 are on sale now at www.therallyshow.org  A special discounted price is available until 31st December.

The Rally Show at Chatsworth is scheduled to run on October 8th/9th, 2011.

For further information please contact The Rally Show office: Tel. 01189 710424,
or email: office@therallyshow.org

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Friday 1st October 2010
2011 WRC contenders Unveiled
 

Well, I wish I could have been at the Paris motor show this week.  I would have loved to see the new Jaguar and Audi Quattro concepts, but most of all I would have loved to see the New-For-2011 WRC cars in the metal.  If the pictures are anything to go by then the WRC should be interesting to watch next year as Ford, Citroën and Mini unleash their all-new contenders for the 2011 World Rally Championship.   The Citroën DS3 WRC, the Fiesta RS WRC and the MINI WRC have now all been unveiled to the public and all we have to do now is to wait until next year to see how they perform.
 

The Citroën DS3 WRC is more compact than the C4 it replaces  and the Citroën Racing 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine boasts 300bhp delivered through a four-wheel-drive transmission incorporating a six-gear sequential gearbox and front and rear mechanical differentials.
 

The Fiesta RS WRC uses a Fiesta S2000 rally car, designed and built by Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport team as its base.  This car, as you will remember, won  the Monte Carlo Rally on its IRC debut last January and has featured high up in the results in other international and national rallies during the year.
 

The new boy here is the Mini but with Prodrive running the WRC operation, they’re likely to be capable of hitting the ground running especially as they have now confirmed Kris Meeke as one of their drivers for 2011 where he will contest the 1.6l Countryman against the likes of Loeb, Hirvonen and Solberg
 

With Loeb confirming 2011 will be his last season in the sport it’s all to play for in 2011.

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Friday 1st October 2010
Club Members Rally Machine Takes Shape

More news on the rear wheel drive Fiesta being rebuilt by De Lacy members Steve and Andy Walshaw.  This car featured in an article on this website back in March when the father and son team told us about their plans to give their Fiesta a comeback following its enforced retirement in 2004.  At that time they were planning to have the car ready to go in May (see article here) but it's now October and the car is still at RDR Motorsport.  What's the hold up guys?
 

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Sunday 19th September 2010
And Now For Something A Little Different

Stuart Taylor

With historic rallying being one of the most popular aspects of the current rally scene and with my retirement imminent I had a choice of what to do with my time and how to get back into my favourite sport. 

Many years ago Steve Higgins and I used to campaign on a modest level either road cars or in the latter days a couple of designated rally cars in club events, mainly navigational night rallies but also a little bit of stage rallying.  It was in the days of the Mark I and Mark II Escorts, with a smattering of Cortinas, Hillman Imps and the odd  Lotus Sunbeam.

So when Steve and I started to use my road Volvo 122 S. Rudd speed (commonly known as the Amazon) we were sitting in something a little different from the norm.  This car was great fun but whatever we did at weekends the car needed to be roadworthy for Monday morning and the trip to work.  Consequently our attention switched to building our own car from the shell of a four-door mark one Cortina.  The first job was to weld the rear doors permanently in the closed position, one less thing to worry about and a way of strengthening the shell.  Before we could get this project finished, however, someone asked if they could buy it from us and so off she went to a new home.

The next move was into Steve's ex-road Hillman Imp California to which we did lots of work including a front radiator conversion, full roll cage and the famous works rear exhaust silencer (from an Aston Martin).  This was a great little car in which we had loads of fun and actually managed to get some sponsorship from a local garage

As Steve  and I moved with our work to different parts of the country rallying had to take a rest until one day I decided to have a go again, this time with an ex-works group 2, Vauxhall Magnum 2.3L so after many hours of rebuilding this car and finding a suitable engine for it Steve and I set off for our first event which was organised by the Aylesbury motor club (of which I was a member at the time).  This was to be a navigational event with some very interesting and fast special stages.  A good event to take part in and thankfully a number of our friends from the De Lacy motor club came down to Marshall on the Finmere special stage.  The events of this special stage have for a small group of De Lacy members become folklore and all we need to say is that we did not benefit from the sweet smell of success indeed a broken clutch mechanism forced us out of the event.

Sadly the Magnum was lent to a colleague one day for him to use to go shopping, it came back on a low loader having had a head on smash and 110 mile an hour.  And so we saw the end of another rallying phase.

Now many years have passed and as I contemplated retirement from work I needed something to do as a project.  In addition to returning to Yorkshire and re-establishing contact with De Lacy motor club I thought what better than to go and do a little bit of historic rallying.

As in the past I wanted to be driving something a bit different and I have always had a passion and a great trust in Volvos.  So with hours of research on the Internet, looking at the sporting history of Volvos and the fact that it was a Volvo which became European rally champion in 1964, won the RAC Rally and went on to win the East African Safari Rally it is perhaps no surprise that the unique and quite rare Volvo PV544S should be my chosen project.

Now these particular cars were never sold in the UK but were specifically for the European, American and Canadian markets so all of them are left-hand drive and many of the early models are in very short supply and have limited part availability.  But delving a little deeper I discovered that the last few years of production revealed cars which shared many components with both the Amazon (122S) and the early 144S.  They all shared the famous Volvo B18 engine and gearbox which is a masterpiece of precision engineering but a simple and incredibly reliable engine to use, in fact my first Volvo had covered over a quarter of a million miles before it even needed a rebuild.

Again it was to be the internet that provided a link to the appropriate car, a 1965 model which was the last year of production for the PV 544S, and it was being sold by a chap high up in the Dales between Skipton and Lancaster.

So a snowy day in late January 2010 saw Jackie and I taking a trip into the Dales having had numerous conversations with the vendor before the day and making it clear that if I was interested in the car I'd be buying it there and then and expecting to drive it home.

We don't need to go into the details of the negotiations or the venue of our transaction but all I will say is that I had great fun test driving the PV all the way back to York.

The car was fully roadworthy, taxed and MOT until November 2010 and was in reasonable condition body wise and mechanically was very sound albeit with the wrong engine up front.  This car had been fitted with a later Volvo B20 engine which would not suit for historic rallying but was a great engine to mess around in the car with before I decided to take it off the road and start the restoration.

I ran the car all way through the winter until late April, which actually gave me time to build a car port under which I would be able to strip the car down and work on the shell, the garage being fully occupied with tools benches and equipment.  So the stripped down started and as with all old vehicles surprises are always just behind the next part you unbolt.  But by this time in early May I had already identified two or three key suppliers of components for the car and the decision had been taken to ‘go to town’ and make sure that the shell was in tiptop condition before rebuilding all the mechanicals.

Now to put down on paper the jobs that were done seems very quick and easy but as anyone who has restored a classic car knows, time patience and the expense of restorations should never be underestimated.

In addition to stripping down the car I also needed to ensure that I could work on it throughout its restoration so with welding torch in hand and a few key pieces of steel box section a set of dollies were made on to which the shell would be bolted and enable me to manoeuvre the body, provide easy access to the underneath and reduce the back bending task of welding in floor sections and chassis legs.

The photographs accompanying this article will give you some idea of the stages and progress made to date.  Watch out for further reports as work progresses.

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Sunday 19th September 2010
And Another
 

Another keen club member is steadfastly preparing a competition machine.

This time, the car in question is a one litre Nissan Micra and the builder this time?  None other than John Birkitt who has recently added a number of weld burns to his appearance to prove that he is being diligent in making the car strong enough to withstand the pounding he will no doubt give it!

We look forward to more information on this build too.

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Friday 16th July 2010
Who, Where, When?

Answers on a postcard please...

And The Answer is:

Richard Jackson and John Birkitt on SS1 Rudding Park of the 1990 RAC Rally.  They finished 58th O/A and 7th in class.

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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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