Good evening folks! Not been on here for a while, its been a busy summer since my last post back in April. Myself and Bob have done just a couple of rallies since, the Lake District Classic were we finished third overall and we then went on to do the HRCR Clubmans round in Wales, the Vale of Clywd, which was a very tough event, more than one competitor with decades of experience saying it was one of the hardest events they had done, anyway excuses out the way we finished a very respectable 16th overall, after a few mistakes, fastest on the first test though
Anyway the lack of events this year is because myself and Bob decided early in the year to do the Rally of the Tests, which has nearly broke me, but with the help of many people, friends and family, and with the backing of MINISPORT, Chris Harper, and Michael Anderson and Rob Eastwood have been very generous this dream of mine is a reality. The event is three and a half days long starting in Chester and finishing in Harrogate, with over eighty crews from all over Europe competing. I will keep updating over the next couple of weeks.
The RoTT as it is referred to is for cars built pre 1963, later cars are competing but can only win their class and not finish in the general classification. I have had to remove the 'S' brakes and am now on Cooper 7" discs , no adjustable suspension and with the help of Slowboy junior and senior the Orangebox now has glass windows and a steel bootlid, as opposed to plastic windows and f/glass bootlid. There has been some tweeks and modifications done the 997 Cooper engine, which is sat on a Morris 1100 box, last time on the rollers it had a healthy 75bhp at the crank. Tyres for the event, courtesy of Minisport are some of those very nice M&S pattern tyres from BMC Automobiles in France, obviously with no studs though!
IN a motorsport career spanning over twenty years, rallyman Steve Entwistle has won championships, taken outright wins and collected numerous class victories.
But the Rishton driver faces his biggest challenge, starting tonight, when he tackles the bi-annual Rally of the Tests.
The four-day event is a hugely-popular recreation of RAC Rallies from the 1960's, with competitors tackling
20 regularities and 30 special tests in a gruelling four days.
First run in 2001, and run every other year since, the ROTT has grown in popularity and now attracts crews from all over Europe.
But for Entwistle, who has contested selected rounds of the HRCR Clubmans Championship this year, the ROTT is a huge undertaking for both his car and his pocket.
"The Rally of the Tests is an event I've wanted to compete on ever since it started," explained Steve, who has Cumbrian navigator Bob Hargreaves alongisde.
"I decided twelve months ago that 2013 would be the year I finally achieved my aim, and basically I've spent the last year preparing for it.
"The format means that the rally is, in effect, three HRCR rounds rolled into one, and you have to prepare mentally and physically for it.
"To an outsider, it might look like a load of old cars going on a country run, but nothing could be further from the truth. We are on the go from 8am in the morning until 7pm at night with no let-up.
"It also means that we have to make sure the car, which is 53 years old, can last the distance."
Entwistle has enjoyed unparalled success with his distinctive 'Orangebox' Mini, notching up a whole host of top five finishes and class wins in the iconic ex-Roy Mapple machine.
"It only has 997cc under the bonnet, but we manage to surprise quite a few people with our pace!" added Steve.
"I've spent the last few months making sure the car complies with the strict regulations governing our class, which is for pre-1962 cars under 1500cc.
"We've had to do things like changing the brakes, which were later Cooper S brakes for the proper period ones. They don't stop the car as well, but at least we'll pass the strict scrutineering.
"I'm under no illusions about how tough this is going to be. But my aim is to finish, anything else on top will be a bonus."
Following the success of last year’s event, organisers Guy Woodcock and Anthony Preston have been busy over the winter months devising a new route for 2013.
That includes a tour of North Wales before venturing north into the traditional 'Rally of the Tests' heartlands of Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
This year’s ROTT boasts over 30 special tests, including a mix of stately homes, farm tracks, forest roads and other interesting venues.
These will be complimented by around 20 regularity sections using scenic mountain roads and rural byways plus two evening sections on private land.
Prologue: Thursday - Chester
The Thursday Evening Prologue will follow a now established format with a 2-hour run around the lanes in Guy’s home patch featuring three short Regularity Sections plus a Test before returning to the Rally HQ for the traditional Welcome Dinner.
Day 1: Friday - Chester to Stoke
The first full day of the event gets underway with two Tests at a new venue before a series of regularities explore the hills and forests of Denbighshire. Then it is on to a brunch halt at a local motor sport venue.
Suitably refreshed, the route pushes further west across the Welsh hills towards Dolgellau for more tests and regularities including a number of smooth forest sections. The return journey back east wends its way around Lake Vyrnwy before three challenging tests in the Tanat Valley and a visit to the Green Inn, near Oswestry (the Sunday lunch halt in 2012) for the afternoon tea stop.
The event heads back into England for a cross-country run through North Shropshire via a couple of tests and short regularities. The day is rounded off by the evening section.
Day 2: Saturday - Stoke to Windermere
Saturday’s action begins with three tests close to Stoke before the route heads into the lanes for a couple of regularities across the Cheshire Plains to a coffee halt at Oulton Park. Here crews will tackle a test on the rally circuit with its notorious lack of grip if wet.
More tests and regularities then follow as the event skirts the major conurbations of southern Lancashire to make for lunch at a beautiful stately home, near Preston.
Popular sections from previous Rally of the Tests are revisited, combined with the addition of new venues to keep crews on their toes.
An early evening tea halt in Appleby precedes the 'after dark' action which includes a private land TC section plus a brace of challenging regularities before the overnight halt on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Day 3: Sunday - Windermere to Harrogate
Leaving the Lake District National Park behind, two interesting regularities serve as a morning wake-up call as crews head back north through the Cumbrian Fells for a series of exciting special tests.
Then it is into the hills as the route crosses the Pennines into North Yorkshire to tackle more interesting sections.
The event concludes with a brace of special tests in the Vale of York which both the driver and navigator can enjoy before the run in to the finish in Harrogate
Class 2 - Saloons Pre 1962 Type up to 1500cc
8 Brian Dwelly (GBR) / Janette Dwelly (GBR) Morris Minor 1000 1959 948
9 Steve Entwistle (GBR) / Bob Hargreaves (GBR) Mini Cooper 1960 997
10 Guy Symons (GBR) / David Watson (GBR) Riley 1.5 1960 1496
14 Ted Gaffney (IRL) / Karen Gaffney (IRL) Morris Mini 1962 848
15 Roger Humphrey (GBR) / William Humphrey (GBR) Austin Mini Cooper 1962 997
16 Ernest Campbell (GBR) / David Johnston (GBR) Morris Mini Cooper 1962 997
17 Frank Lenehan (IRL) / Cath Woodman (GBR) Morris Mini Cooper 1962 997
18 Robert McClean (GBR) / Susan McClean (GBR) Ford Anglia 105E 1962 1198
19 Grant Cratchley (GBR) / Martin Jones (GBR) Riley 1.5 1962 1489
57 Helen Scott (GBR) / Richard Scott (GBR) Morris Minor 1000 1968 1098
Class 3 - Sports Pre 1962 Type up to 1650cc
3 Rob van der Leeuw (NLD ) / Peter van Egmond Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1958 1600
7 Paul Wignall (GBR) / Mark Appleton (GBR) Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1959 1570
11 John Dignan (GBR) / Peter Dignan (GBR) MG A 1960 1600
20 John Abel (GBR) / John Dennett (GBR) Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1962 1600
24 Richard Prosser (GBR) / Andy Gibson (GBR) Sunbeam Alpine 1962 1600
29 Jayne Wignall (GBR) / Peter Rushforth (GBR) Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint 1963 1571
34 Neil Wilson (GBR) / Matthew Vokes (GBR) Porsche 356 1964 1598
35 Jan Ebus (NLD) / Iain Tullie (GBR) Porsche 356 1964 1600
Class 4 - Saloons Pre 1962 Type over 1500cc
1 Bill Ainscough (GBR) / Jason Dearden (GBR) Lancia Aurelia B20 1954 2500
5 Roy Gillingham (GBR) / David Taylor (GBR) Ford Zephyr Mk 2 1958 2553
12 John Bateson (GBR) / Mark I'Anson (GBR) Mercedes-Benz 300SE 1961 3000
25 Branko Brkovitch (CDN) / Nick Bloxham (GBR) Mercedes-Benz 300SE 1966
3000
27 James O'Mahony (IRL) / Frank Hussey (IRL) Volvo 122S 1962 1780
30 Nick Green (GBR) / Steve Sly (GBR) Volvo 122S 1963 1780
36 Will Rutherford-Child (GBR) / Bob Rutherford (GBR) Volvo 122S 1964 1780
37 Dermot Carnegie (IRL) / Paul Bosdet (GBR) Volvo PV544 1959 1780
38 Neil Oatley (GBR) / Fred Gallagher (GBR) Volvo PV544 1964 1780
39 Robert Ganly (IRL) / Michael Jackson (IRL) Volvo 122S 1964 1850
40 Frank Fennell (IRL) / Kevin Savage (GBR) Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1964 1570
45 Michael Moss (GBR) / Willy Cave (GBR) Fiat 2300S Coupe 1965 2300
49 Gareth Hockridge (GBR) / Ian Vale (GBR) Volvo 122S 1966 1780
50 Richard McAllister (IRL) / Jo McAllister (IRL) Volvo 122S 1966 1780
53 Rod Hanson (GBR) / Clare Grove (GBR) Volvo 123GT 1967 1780
Class 5 - Sports Pre 1962 Type over 1650cc
4 Sue Shoosmith (GBR) / Trina Harley (GBR) Triumph TR3A 1958 2138
6 Charles Graves (GBR) / Ron Palmer (GBR) Jaguar XK150 1958 3440
21 Tony Sheach (GBR) / Rob Kiff (GBR) Triumph TR4 1962 2138
23 Tom Callanan (IRL) / Chris Towers (GBR) Triumph TR4 1962 2138
26 Ryan Pickering (GBR) / Andy Ballantyne (GBR) Triumph TR4 1962 2188
28 Jonathan Hancox (GBR) / Richard Lambley (GBR) Triumph TR4 1962 2188
32 Rodger Vickers (GBR) / Phillip Haslam (GBR) Austin Healey 3000 1963 2912
51 Dilwyn Rees (GBR) / Edwyn Evans (GBR) Austin Healey 3000 1966 2912
Post 62 Cars - Class Awards Only
Class 6 - Saloons 1962 - 1968 Type
2 Stephen Owens (GBR) / Dale Errock (GBR) Morris Mini Cooper S 1971 1275
33 Xavier del Marmol (BEL) / Dan Erculisse (BEL) Morris Mini Cooper S 1964 1071
41 Tony Newman (GBR) / Andrew Duerden (GBR) Austin Mini Cooper S 1965 1275
46 Arthur Senior (GBR) / Chris Sheridan (GBR) Austin Mini Cooper S 1966 1295
48 Robert Crofton (GBR) / Richard Crofton (GBR) Ford Cortina GT 1966 1498
54 Pat Neville (IRL) / Eamonn Waldron (IRL) Volvo 142 1967 1780
61 Duncan Wild (GBR) / Lorna Harrison (GBR) Austin Mini Cooper S 1969 1293
68 Kevin Haselden (GBR) / Matt Fowle (GBR) Mini Cooper S 1971 1275
82 Rachel Vestey (GBR) / Owen Turner (GBR) Mini Cooper S 1972 1275
Class 7 - Sports 1962 - 1968 Type
31 David Morgan (GBM) / Martyn Taylor (GBR) MG B 1963 1798
42 Noel Kelly (GBM) / Tony Davies (GBR) MG B 1965 1800
47 Andy Hamer (GBR) / Bob Kerry (GBR) Austin Healey Sprite 1966 1310
52 Robin Eyre Maunsell (GBR) / Peter Scott (GBR) Sunbeam Alpine V 1967 1725
55 Tim Lawrence (GBR) / Alan Pettit (GBR) MG BGT 1967 1860
56 John Korrison (GBR) / Worth Birkill (GBR) Lancia Fulvia HF 1972 1584
58 Colin Evans (GBR) / Nigel Raeburn (GBR) MG BGT 1968 1800
60 Phil Dunmore (GBR) / Rachel Wakefield (GBR) MG CGT 1968 2912
62 Keith Leckie (GBR) / Jens Stahlschmidt (DEU) Porsche 912 1969 1600
64 Pete Dalton (GBR) / Rob Faulkner (GBR) Ford Lotus Cortina MK II 1970 1598
73 Richard Harrison (GBR) / Peter Boyce (GBR) MG BGT 1973 1798
78 Keith Davis (GBR) / Richard Bestwick (GBR) MG BGT 1976 1798
Class 8 - Saloons and Sports post 1968 Type
59 Cornelius Goedegebuur (NLD) / Fred Bent (GBR) Volvo 122S 1968 2000
63 Patrick Lynch (GBR) / Hubert Lynch (GBR) Ford Escort 1969 1700
65 Peter Naaktgeboren (NLD) / Bart den Hartog (NLD) Ford Escort RS1600 1970 1600
70 Seren Whyte (GBR) / Elise Whyte (GBR) BMW 1602 1972 1600
71 Andy Beaumont (GBR) / Andrew Fish (GBR) Sunbeam Rapier H120 1972 1725
72 Michael Tanswell (GBR) / Bernard Northmore (GBR) Ford Escort Mexico 1973 1600
75 Paul Davis (GBR) / Bill Granger (GBR) Ford Escort RS2000 1974 1993
77 Jonathan Amery (GBR) / Pete Johnson (GBR) Scimitar GTE 1974 2994
79 Clive Baty (GBR) / Henry Carr (GBR) Ford Escort RS2000 1978 1993
80 Mike Kirk (GBR) / Malcolm Capstick (GBR) Ford Escort RS2000 1979 2100
81 Robert Taylor (GBR) / Jeanne Taylor (GBR) Porsche 924 1981 1984
Class 9 - Porsche 911 1965 - 1981
43 Howard Warren (GBR) / Ali Procter (GBR) Porsche 911 1965 1991
44 Robin Ellis (GBR) / Dave Hughes (GBR) Porsche 911 1965 1991
66 Tomas de Vargas Machuca (ITA) / Sean Toohey (GBR) Porsche 911 1970 2200
67 Paul Crosby (GBR) / Maurice Ellison (GBR) Porsche 911 1970 2700
69 Roger Powley (GBR) / Leigh Powley (GBR) Porsche 911 1972 2341
74 Geert van de Velde (NLD) / Peter Jan Smit (NLD) Porsche 911 1973 2700
76 Paul Bloxidge (GBR) / Will Davies (GBR) Porsche 911 1974 2687
83 Michael Haberl (AUT) / Sebastian Haberl (AUT) Porsche 911 1965 1991
ram on steve, but remember ! its a long event, keep it neat and consistent, you and bob can do very well on this rally, I am running a test on sat near preston, and a reg control up sedbergh on sat eve, DO NOT RUN ME OVER will be with mr charleson, aim for him
slowboy wrote:ram on steve, but remember ! its a long event, keep it neat and consistent, you and bob can do very well on this rally, I am running a test on sat near preston, and a reg control up sedbergh on sat eve, DO NOT RUN ME OVER will be with mr charleson, aim for him
slowboy wrote:ram on steve, but remember ! its a long event, keep it neat and consistent, you and bob can do very well on this rally, I am running a test on sat near preston, and a reg control up sedbergh on sat eve, DO NOT RUN ME OVER will be with mr charleson, aim for him
Be nice to see a familiar friendly face mate
Very best wishes Steve for success on a great event, what an impressive entry list has to be a privilege to take part ----enjoy!
Now then, if you're starting in Chester on Thursday i'm surprised... ...so to start your first competitive section on Thursday evening....you've got little old me on the control and then on Friday morning whilst you're all sleepy...your first regularity start is manned by.....yup you guessed it...little old me again...
Should be interesting, I have mixed feelings on events like ROTT, but i'm intrigued to see how you all do
Brynmor wrote:Now then, if you're starting in Chester on Thursday i'm surprised... ...so to start your first competitive section on Thursday evening....you've got little old me on the control and then on Friday morning whilst you're all sleepy...your first regularity start is manned by.....yup you guessed it...little old me again...
Should be interesting, I have mixed feelings on events like ROTT, but i'm intrigued to see how you all do
Shout up mate, will try not to ignore you like on the Vale of Clywd
, no adjustable suspension and with the help of Slowboy junior and senior the Orangebox now has glass windows and a steel bootlid, as opposed to plastic windows and f/glass bootlid. There has been some tweeks and modifications done the 997 Cooper engine, which is sat on a Morris 1100 box, last time on the rollers it had a healthy 75bhp at the crank. Tyres for the event, courtesy of Minisport are some of those very nice M&S pattern tyres from BMC Automobiles in France, obviously with no studs though!
