leading allrounder roger holder photo: mike...

No. 203 Winter 2014

Leading Allrounder Roger HolderPhoto: Mike Dodman

PAST PRESIDENTSMaurice Toulmin 1938 – 1959 Denis Flather 1959 – 1967 Vacant 1967 – 1974Denis Flather 1974 – 1989 Brian Midgley 1989 – 2007

President’s Notes Winter 2014The end of another year, or not quite, for the Sporting Trials brigade.Congratulations to all our champions and class winners. It is notable this year to seequite a few new names on our trophies, which is excellent. Although the rallychampionships have their own ceremonies, most of our awards for our 7 differentsports and all our special awards are presented at our luncheon on SUNDAY 25TH

JANUARY 2015 at the National Motor Cycle Museum near the NEC in Birmingham.Please try and make it – it is really a great day and we have some SERIOUS FUN aswell as having a pleasant lunch in good company. The AGM starts at 11.00 am andthe Luncheon at 12.30 pm.Congratulations to our 2 time Gold Star Forest Rally Champion Steve Perez whowon on a tie break (which had to go down to how many 3rd places he had), beatinghis arch rival Paul Bird. The scoring system devised by the Rallies Committee reallydoes throw up these amazing results and nearly always goes down to the wire.At the AGM we shall be explaining the accounts for the financial year 2013/14, whichwill show a loss to the Association. Both the Forest and Asphalt Championshipswere unable to find a replacement sponsor for Get Connected in 2014. TheAssociation Board committed to underwrite from reserves any losses to a maximumof £10K per series, to make sure that they were able to maintain their standards andkeep their costs for 2014 within budget. I am pleased to report that bothChampionships have had a very successful year increasing their registrations, andwe can look forward to 2015 with confidence. We have always said that the moneywe have collected over the years is there to support our Championships and this isprobably the very first time that we have had to invest in our future to this degree.We are still very solvent and by doing this it has given our Rally Championships timeto find alternative funding for 2015.Finally may I thank all our committee members, organising clubs, sponsors andmembers who have joined together to make 2014 such a successful year. BrandBTRDA is very strong and healthy.May I take this opportunity of wishing you all a very happy Christmas and aprosperous and successful New Year. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM andAwards Luncheon on the 25th January.

Mike Broad56 Heritage Court, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 9STEmail: [email protected]

*BTRDA LUNCHEON - SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY 2015*

NATIONAL MOTOR CYCLE MUSEUM , COVENTRY ROAD, BICKENHILL,SOLIHULL B92 0EJ

Taking place at the National Motor Cycle Museum, the BTRDA Luncheon is an annualawards presentation and dinner celebrating the Champions and achievements of allBTRDA disciplines.The day starts with the *BTRDA AGM*, where new Council Members and Directors areelected and a brief overview of the previous year across all BTRDA sports is given. Allfully paid up members are welcome to attend and have an input into the futuredirection of our Association.Following the AGM, we move onto the *Luncheon*, where a wonderful three course,sunday lunch style meal is followed by an exceptional awards presentation combinedwith a detailed overview of our competitors and champions over the previous 12months. Every BTRDA Sport is featured, their champions crowned and trophiesawarded. All BTRDA Members are welcome to attend, along with their guests, andtickets are only £27.50 per person, including a high quality three course meal.Tickets can be purchased online via the BTRDA website or an application form can befilled in and returned to Mrs Gemma Price, Rose Cottage, Pool Hill, Newent, GL181LL. Tel: 01531 822954

We look forward to seeing you on 25th January to celebrate all of our achievements in2014!

BTRDA Board and Council Elections.

As is custom the AGM will see elections for positions on the BTRDA® Ltd Board andCouncil. The Board are the Company Directors, who are responsible for the businessoperation of BTRDA®, whilst Council oversees the Sporting activities of the Club andis made up of the Chairman of each Committee, or their representatives, and anumber of elected Members whose knowledge of and enthusiasm for Motor Sporthelp to guide the direction of the overall operation.This year three of our long standing Members of Council; Julian Fack, John Larkinand Nick Pollitt have decided not to stand for re-election, in order to make way for“new blood”, and we thank them for their unstinting support over more years thanthey wish to remember. So now is your opportunity to come and help to make adifference in the future development of our Championships and, we like to think,Motor Sport in general. If you are interested in joining us, nomination forms areavailable from the Secretary of the Association, Neil Mackay and need to besubmitted by 17th January. Neil’s contact details are on inside of the front cover ofthe News.

BTRDA® Allrounders ChampionshipSupported by REIS

Page 3 www.btrda.com

ALLROUNDERS – CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR ENDAs I write this article 2014 championship eventsare drawing to a close with just one rallycrossand one sporting trial the last events in theBTRDA calendar of Serious Fun. With a bit ofsearching you may still find an acceptablespeed event. So now we look forward to theend of season awards presentation at theNational Motor Cycle Museum, close to theNEC in Birmingham, on Sunday, 25th January,when the Association Annual Luncheon andAGM takes place together with the main awardpresentations for all the BTRDAchampionships. This is a major social event forBTRDA and all its members, and is alwaysenjoyable. A ticket application is in this Newsand is also on www.btrda.com.We are encouraged that of our 21 contendersthere are ten qualified for the end of seasonawards. The leader, and in line for the ThePeter Cooper Trophy, is currently Roger Holderwith 104.41 points from three autotests, onecar trial and two autosolo events. Roger hascompeted in Allrounders for a number of years.Currently lying second, and in line for theDarbyshire Trophy, is Allrounders committeemember John Fox, with 95.23. This year Johnhas competed in a greater number of sprintsand hillclimbs, with his best points from twosprints, three autosolos and one sporting trial(with Jess Fack as his passenger and using herdad’s SRB trials car). In third place at the

moment, and in line for the gallery tray which isthe Margot Young Trophy, is Jamie Yapp,another long-standing supporter of ourchampionship, with 94.86 from a rallycross(brilliant, Jamie), two speed events and threeautosolos. Both John and Jamie, just 0.37 of apoint apart, were very late qualifiers but in thelast run of events jumped up the points tableand pushed a few down a tad. Leading for theDavijon Trophy for using the same car for allevents and in fourth overall spot is LiamRollings in his self prepared mini. Liam hasreturned to the championship this year andgained his points from three autosolos, twoautotests and one very important autocross.Other interested contenders should note thatuseful points can be gained by including aspeed event. Other qualifiers using just theone car are Nick Pollitt (VW Lupo), whogenerally excels in car trials but is equally athome in other disciplines and Richard Yapp(MX5), both long time supporters of clubmansevents and this championship. Wecongratulate all of them and the others whohave qualified for our end of year awards:-Dave Walker, Martin MacKenze, Lee Matthewsand David Allman, these last two havingincluded points from forest rallies, David fromthe co-driver’s seat. Jess Fack, who has hadsuch an exciting and busy year, can still qualifyif she can compete on that sixth event. Full

provisional interim points areincluded elsewhere within thesepages and the Championshipends on 31st December.This year our championship failedto attract the younger members,well, those under the age of 25,which is a shame. There is theDuckham Trophy for the highestplace qualifier under 25, but alasno takers this time round.Originally the Duckham Trophywas presented to the highestplaced autocrosser who alsoqualified for allrounders. Whenwe lost the autocrosschampionship the trophy was

John Fox and Jess FackRoss & DMSL Sporting TrialPhoto: Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com



ALLROUNDERS – CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR ENDAs I write this article 2014 championship eventsare drawing to a close with just one rallycrossand one sporting trial the last events in theBTRDA calendar of Serious Fun. With a bit ofsearching you may still find an acceptablespeed event. So now we look forward to theend of season awards presentation at theNational Motor Cycle Museum, close to theNEC in Birmingham, on Sunday, 25th January,when the Association Annual Luncheon andAGM takes place together with the main awardpresentations for all the BTRDAchampionships. This is a major social event forBTRDA and all its members, and is alwaysenjoyable. A ticket application is in this Newsand is also on www.btrda.com.We are encouraged that of our 21 contendersthere are ten qualified for the end of seasonawards. The leader, and in line for the ThePeter Cooper Trophy, is currently Roger Holderwith 104.41 points from three autotests, onecar trial and two autosolo events. Roger hascompeted in Allrounders for a number of years.Currently lying second, and in line for theDarbyshire Trophy, is Allrounders committeemember John Fox, with 95.23. This year Johnhas competed in a greater number of sprintsand hillclimbs, with his best points from twosprints, three autosolos and one sporting trial(with Jess Fack as his passenger and using herdad’s SRB trials car). In third place at the

moment, and in line for the gallery tray which isthe Margot Young Trophy, is Jamie Yapp,another long-standing supporter of ourchampionship, with 94.86 from a rallycross(brilliant, Jamie), two speed events and threeautosolos. Both John and Jamie, just 0.37 of apoint apart, were very late qualifiers but in thelast run of events jumped up the points tableand pushed a few down a tad. Leading for theDavijon Trophy for using the same car for allevents and in fourth overall spot is LiamRollings in his self prepared mini. Liam hasreturned to the championship this year andgained his points from three autosolos, twoautotests and one very important autocross.Other interested contenders should note thatuseful points can be gained by including aspeed event. Other qualifiers using just theone car are Nick Pollitt (VW Lupo), whogenerally excels in car trials but is equally athome in other disciplines and Richard Yapp(MX5), both long time supporters of clubmansevents and this championship. Wecongratulate all of them and the others whohave qualified for our end of year awards:-Dave Walker, Martin MacKenze, Lee Matthewsand David Allman, these last two havingincluded points from forest rallies, David fromthe co-driver’s seat. Jess Fack, who has hadsuch an exciting and busy year, can still qualifyif she can compete on that sixth event. Full

provisional interim points areincluded elsewhere within thesepages and the Championshipends on 31st December.This year our championship failedto attract the younger members,well, those under the age of 25,which is a shame. There is theDuckham Trophy for the highestplace qualifier under 25, but alasno takers this time round.Originally the Duckham Trophywas presented to the highestplaced autocrosser who alsoqualified for allrounders. Whenwe lost the autocrosschampionship the trophy was

John Fox and Jess FackRoss & DMSL Sporting TrialPhoto: Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com



presented to the competitor coming fourth inthe allrounders championship until a couple ofyear’s ago it was decided to award the trophyto encourage our younger competitors. Thetrophy carries some great names. In anattempt to give a little more encouragementyour committee has decided to allow FREEchampionship registration for ANYONE underthe age of 25 as at the first of January. Theentry level to motorsport may well be car trialsfor some or maybe autosolo which have takenoff with clubs nationally, or whatever you like,really. You do not have to have the full housecompetition prepared car to take part inmotorsport, “just run with what you have”.As you may be reading this News close toChristmas, your thoughts could be “what can Ido in January?” Well, the BTRDA will be at the

Autosport International Show 8-11 January,with a Rallycross static stand and putting on ashow in the Arena with Clubman Rallycrosscars, racing 6-8 cars at a time with addednoise!!. On Saturday 10th our Sporting Trialsfinal and dinner will be taking place in Cumbria,the event at Gale Hall, and the dinner just upthe road from Penrith. Then I’ve alreadymentioned the Annual BTRDA luncheon andAGM on 25th. After that it all starts over againstarting the competitive year with sporting trials.Let’s hope the weather is better than the firstearly months of this year and access to sites isgood, last year it was rain that put the venuesat risk.Well that’s it for this year folks, see you out andabout, and best wishes to you all in the Newyear. Whatever the weather, enjoy yourMotorsport. Phil D.

Old Allrounders RamblingsI visited the Classic car show, with Jamie andhis mate, and found former Allrounder BrianBetteridge on a stand with his rare Escort. Ihad not seen Brian for over 25 years when hedrove his Beetle in AutoX, Trials and Tests.The Escort known as a 1700T was a prototypebuilt by Ford to compete against the AudiQuattro in the early eighties. Apparently threeWRC cars were built and two were written off inpractising by Ari Vatanan. The project wasabandoned as the rear wheel drive was still nomatch for the Audi four wheel drive. TheRS200 four wheel drive car was then producedwith limited success. Brian owns one as well!Group "B" cars were then banned in 1986following the fatalities in the Portugal rallyinvolving the RS200. Brian's car is the only carin the world to exist in the rally spec hence therarity and is insured for £1/4 million !This got me thinking about how some folksmanage to drive front and rear wheel driveequally well, whilst the rest of us struggle. Ihave said for over 10 years that I was quickerin rear wheel drive than front wheel drive(having driven sprites for over 25 years)However, I then found, when I got the mx5, thatnot only did Jamie beat me first time out,(despite never having driven it before) as I

spent too much time sideways (great funthough!) I am actually now faster in the Nova,isn’t life strange.The old adage about the older I get the quickerI used to be, seems to apply to me. I was toldat the Hagley awards ‘do’ that apparently inspeed events, you go about a second slowerfor every decade. If that’s the case, it must bea second a year for Autotests and Solos in mycase!

Richard Yapp

Mike Broad,Nick Pollitt & Jamie Yapp2 Old Allrounders and one young one



presented to the competitor coming fourth inthe allrounders championship until a couple ofyear’s ago it was decided to award the trophyto encourage our younger competitors. Thetrophy carries some great names. In anattempt to give a little more encouragementyour committee has decided to allow FREEchampionship registration for ANYONE underthe age of 25 as at the first of January. Theentry level to motorsport may well be car trialsfor some or maybe autosolo which have takenoff with clubs nationally, or whatever you like,really. You do not have to have the full housecompetition prepared car to take part inmotorsport, “just run with what you have”.As you may be reading this News close toChristmas, your thoughts could be “what can Ido in January?” Well, the BTRDA will be at the

Autosport International Show 8-11 January,with a Rallycross static stand and putting on ashow in the Arena with Clubman Rallycrosscars, racing 6-8 cars at a time with addednoise!!. On Saturday 10th our Sporting Trialsfinal and dinner will be taking place in Cumbria,the event at Gale Hall, and the dinner just upthe road from Penrith. Then I’ve alreadymentioned the Annual BTRDA luncheon andAGM on 25th. After that it all starts over againstarting the competitive year with sporting trials.Let’s hope the weather is better than the firstearly months of this year and access to sites isgood, last year it was rain that put the venuesat risk.Well that’s it for this year folks, see you out andabout, and best wishes to you all in the Newyear. Whatever the weather, enjoy yourMotorsport. Phil D.

Old Allrounders RamblingsI visited the Classic car show, with Jamie andhis mate, and found former Allrounder BrianBetteridge on a stand with his rare Escort. Ihad not seen Brian for over 25 years when hedrove his Beetle in AutoX, Trials and Tests.The Escort known as a 1700T was a prototypebuilt by Ford to compete against the AudiQuattro in the early eighties. Apparently threeWRC cars were built and two were written off inpractising by Ari Vatanan. The project wasabandoned as the rear wheel drive was still nomatch for the Audi four wheel drive. TheRS200 four wheel drive car was then producedwith limited success. Brian owns one as well!Group "B" cars were then banned in 1986following the fatalities in the Portugal rallyinvolving the RS200. Brian's car is the only carin the world to exist in the rally spec hence therarity and is insured for £1/4 million !This got me thinking about how some folksmanage to drive front and rear wheel driveequally well, whilst the rest of us struggle. Ihave said for over 10 years that I was quickerin rear wheel drive than front wheel drive(having driven sprites for over 25 years)However, I then found, when I got the mx5, thatnot only did Jamie beat me first time out,(despite never having driven it before) as I

spent too much time sideways (great funthough!) I am actually now faster in the Nova,isn’t life strange.The old adage about the older I get the quickerI used to be, seems to apply to me. I was toldat the Hagley awards ‘do’ that apparently inspeed events, you go about a second slowerfor every decade. If that’s the case, it must bea second a year for Autotests and Solos in mycase!

Richard Yapp

Mike Broad,Nick Pollitt & Jamie Yapp2 Old Allrounders and one young one



REIS BTRDA Allrounders ChampionshipProvisional Overall Scores to 23rd November 2014

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Roger Holder 17.50 A 17.14 A 17.14 A 16.67 B 18.18 H 17.78 H 104.41John Fox 7.69 F 18.26 G 17.33 G 16.67 H 17.50 H 17.78 H 95.23Jamie Yapp 16.67 E 19.17 G 18.67 G 12.73 H 13.33 H 14.29 H 94.86Liam Rollings 17.14 A 10.00 A 8.57 G 16.67 H 16.67 H 17.14 H 86.19Nick Pollitt 17.14 B 16.67 B 16.00 B 13.33 G 6.67 H 11.11 H 80.92Dave Walker 10.00 A 10.91 B 10.00 B 16.36 B 5.71 H 14.29 H 67.27Richard Yapp 10.00 A 14.78 G 14.67 G 9.09 H 8.57 H 10.00 H 67.11Martin MacKenzie 5.71 A 8.00 A 12.73 B 13.33 B 14.55 H 11.11 H 65.43Lee Matthews 2.86 A 13.33 B 13.33 B 14.55 C 13.33 H 5.00 H 62.40David Allman 10.00 B 10.91 B 12.00 B 8.57 C* 11.82 C* 8.00 H 61.30Richard Yapp 10.00 A 6.67 A 4.21 G 13.33 G 6.67 H 10.00 H 50.88

Simon Harris 17.14 B 16.92 B 17.50 B 8.00 H 12.00 H 71.56Stuart Perren 11.43 A 11.43 A 11.11 A 16.00 F 10.77 F 60.74John Moffatt 18.57 B 18.46 B 18.00 B 55.03Neil Bye 3.33 C* 12.86 C* 13.33 D* 14.29 D* 43.81Duncan Wild 8.57 A 12.50 A 16.00 A 37.07Jess Fack 4.32 G 5.33 G 7.50 H 6.67 H 4.44 H 28.26Mike Bailey 11.43 D* 12.50 D* 23.93Tommi Graham 11.43 D 12.50 D 23.93Helen Perren 8.57 A 6.00 A 6.67 A 21.24Brian Sharpe 5.00 A 2.86 A 7.86Andrew Dobrovolskis 0.00

A - Autotest B - Car Trials C - Forest Rally D - Asphalt Rally E - RallycrossF – Sporting Trials G - Speed H – AutoSOLO* Indicates Rally Co-driver Names in italics indicates Davijon score

Qualifiers Dave Walker and Richard YappPhotos: Nick Pollitt & Geoff Robinson



REIS BTRDA Allrounders ChampionshipProvisional Overall Scores to 23rd November 2014

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Roger Holder 17.50 A 17.14 A 17.14 A 16.67 B 18.18 H 17.78 H 104.41John Fox 7.69 F 18.26 G 17.33 G 16.67 H 17.50 H 17.78 H 95.23Jamie Yapp 16.67 E 19.17 G 18.67 G 12.73 H 13.33 H 14.29 H 94.86Liam Rollings 17.14 A 10.00 A 8.57 G 16.67 H 16.67 H 17.14 H 86.19Nick Pollitt 17.14 B 16.67 B 16.00 B 13.33 G 6.67 H 11.11 H 80.92Dave Walker 10.00 A 10.91 B 10.00 B 16.36 B 5.71 H 14.29 H 67.27Richard Yapp 10.00 A 14.78 G 14.67 G 9.09 H 8.57 H 10.00 H 67.11Martin MacKenzie 5.71 A 8.00 A 12.73 B 13.33 B 14.55 H 11.11 H 65.43Lee Matthews 2.86 A 13.33 B 13.33 B 14.55 C 13.33 H 5.00 H 62.40David Allman 10.00 B 10.91 B 12.00 B 8.57 C* 11.82 C* 8.00 H 61.30Richard Yapp 10.00 A 6.67 A 4.21 G 13.33 G 6.67 H 10.00 H 50.88

Simon Harris 17.14 B 16.92 B 17.50 B 8.00 H 12.00 H 71.56Stuart Perren 11.43 A 11.43 A 11.11 A 16.00 F 10.77 F 60.74John Moffatt 18.57 B 18.46 B 18.00 B 55.03Neil Bye 3.33 C* 12.86 C* 13.33 D* 14.29 D* 43.81Duncan Wild 8.57 A 12.50 A 16.00 A 37.07Jess Fack 4.32 G 5.33 G 7.50 H 6.67 H 4.44 H 28.26Mike Bailey 11.43 D* 12.50 D* 23.93Tommi Graham 11.43 D 12.50 D 23.93Helen Perren 8.57 A 6.00 A 6.67 A 21.24Brian Sharpe 5.00 A 2.86 A 7.86Andrew Dobrovolskis 0.00

A - Autotest B - Car Trials C - Forest Rally D - Asphalt Rally E - RallycrossF – Sporting Trials G - Speed H – AutoSOLO* Indicates Rally Co-driver Names in italics indicates Davijon score

Qualifiers Dave Walker and Richard YappPhotos: Nick Pollitt & Geoff Robinson

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MSA Asphalt Rally Championship


FIVE ALIVE!.…This year’s REIS MSA Asphalt RallyChampionship didn’t reach its conclusion untilthe second weekend in November but, evenbefore the final event in the calendar - theOtterburn Military Ranges-based Cheviot KeithKnox Stages - took place, Damian Cole hadsecured his fifth consecutive title. FollowingCole and co-driver Elliott Edmondson’s win onthe penultimate round in Wexford, the onlycrew who could have upset the applecart wereSteve Simpson/Patrick Walsh, but theirabsence from Otterburn sealed the destinationof the 2014 title. Having said that, Cole signedoff in fine style with his second consecutivevictory on the Cheviot, giving himself a full-house - five maximum scores - on his way tohis record-breaking feat.The conclusion of the Cheviot, which sawSimon Mauger/Ashley Trimble finish asrunners-up in the former’s Escort MkII, was thescene of considerable celebrations for JohnStone. Third overall on the day in his LegendFires Skoda Fabia WRC saw him complete a100% finishing record for the season - 7 starts,7 finishes - on his way to his best-everChampionship result, 2nd overall. His co-driverfor most of the season, but unavailable for theCheviot, was Carl Williamson who takes 3rd inhis category.

Filling in the gaps, then, 3rd driver and 2nd co-driver (again!) in the overall Championshipstandings were Steve Simpson and PatrickWalsh. After a very promising start to theseason - they were leading after both the ManxNational & Jim Clark Rallies - their causewasn’t helped by retirements on the ALMCStages in Ireland and then the Tyneside Stagesat the beginning of August. Simpson won thetitle back in 2007 and Walsh has been runner-up for the past three years - surely their luckmust change soon....Alex Laffey/Jack Morton traded in their FiestaS2000 for an R5+ during last winter and, afteran inauspicious debut on Epynt in March,slowly began to get to grips with their newsteed as the season progressed. An outrightwin on the non-Championship Rally of theMidlands in June proved to be a greatconfidence booster to the point that, with justthe Cheviot to go, Alex was 4th overall in theDrivers’ table with an excellent chance of takinga podium spot. However, that was conditionalon a good run over Otterburn.... Just a coupleof miles into the opening stage, the car steppedout and on to the grass - you can probablyguess the rest!...So, Laffey ended up in 5th place, behind SimonMauger whose last-gasp push moved him one

higher. Mauger has contestedjust five rounds this year, butmade them all count. He takesClass B12 and, once again,emerges as the ‘class of the field’in the Millington Rear-WheelDrive Challenge. Prior to theCheviot, Keith Robathan heldsway in both class and Challengein his own Escort and hadentered the final round with PhilSandham who had alreadyclinched the co-driver’s title fromhis endeavours with DarrenAtkinson earlier in the season.The records show that that allcame to a very abrupt halt on theTyneside Stages, also onOtterburn, in August and we areled to believe that, three monthslater, what is left of that particular

MSA Asphalt Rally ChampionsDamian Cole & Elliott Edmondson on the Mewla Rally

Photo: Ralliphotowales



Escort is still on its trailer!...David Tinn’s first full Asphalt Championshipseason in a Proton Millington Satria has been avery steep learning curve over unfamiliarterritory in an unfamiliar car. Partnered onoccasions by his daughter Alice, Marc Fowlerand Giles Dykes (thankfully, not all at the sametime!), he swiftly came to terms with the taskand, at one point, was sitting in 4th place in theoverall points. Unfortunately, engine failure(are we allowed to say that, bearing in mind thecar in question?!...) on the Cheviot saw himfinish 7th in the final analysis. We hope to seehim back in 2015 when he will be up againstSimon Chapman who has recently pensionedoff his Metro 6R4 in favour of the Proton thatwas used by Ollie Mellors to take runner-upspot on the Manx in May.David Hardie/John McCulloch participatedwhen time permitted and they, too, made themost of every opportunity to add to their pointstally, such that they finished their season aswinners of Class B13. That accolade carrieswith it the Kwiktrak trophies and vouchersdonated by sometime Championship co-driverSimon Hunter. Hardie/McCulloch’s main threatwas fellow Scotsman Jim Sharp, but he reallyneeded the eventual winners not to finish theCheviot if he was to benefit fully - but, as canbe seen, they did!...Meanwhile, Darren & Sue Underwood madethe AB Motorsport Front-Wheel DriveChallenge all their own without the need to goto Otterburn in November. Five starts, fourmaximums and one second in their Nova leftthe opposition trailing in their wake. Taking aslittle notice as possible of those ahead of him,

Andy Hawkins persevered in his VW Golf tofinish behind the Underwoods but, perhapsmore importantly, clinch Class B11 by a narrowmargin from Martin Hodgson/Tony Jones intheir Escort.Ian Barnard made no mistake in his dominanceof B9, his Nova taking maximum points everytime it finished on its way to claiming the FuchsTitan Race end-of-season award of £500-worthof product for its driver’s 2015 campaign.Kevin Tappin’s rapid 1600cc Escort was theUnderwood’s greatest threat in B10, while Paul& Julian Doroszczuk’s always immaculateEscort was 3rd in B11 behind Hawkins andHodgson.Behind the battling B12 Escorts of Mauger,Robathan & Atkinson, the two Talbot SunbeamLotuses of Mike Taylor/Peter Grant and CathySewart/Various have been an ever-presentforce throughout this year. Mike’s best resultcame in Wexford when Cathy retired, while thetables were reversed on the first visit to Irelandwhen hers was the only Sunbeam to see thefinish line!Championship regular John Indri had whatwas, by his standards, a quiet season. Thosewho know him will be surprised to hear thatthere is such a thing, but the winter purchase ofan Impreza S11 to replace the trusty Darrianproved not to be such a good idea as was firstthought. Indeed, the Chelmsford driver’s bestresult of the season came at the wheel of the‘yellow peril’ - 3rd overall on the Mewla.In spite of neither driver completing the finalround, Alex Laffey and David Tinn occupied thetop two places in B14. Laffey wins the PrimaMotorsport Junior Trophy for the third - andfinal! - time as, having reached the tender ageof 23, he won’t be eligible for it next year!However, Carlisle driver Peter Taylor will andhis outright win on the Tyneside Stages markshim out as a likely candidate to succeed Laffey.By the time the flag drops next March, no doubtthere will be others....Further details of the REIS MSA Asphalt RallyChampionship are available from theCoordinator :Andrew Haill – Tel : 0121 313 1416/E-mail : [email protected] By visiting the Championship website :www.asphaltrallying.com

RALLY CHALLENGE - EXTRA

Intending to enter the new Rally Challenge?Why not also register for our AllroundersChampionship. By finishing five events in thetwo rally groups you would be well on theway to qualifying, needing just one moreevent from one other group - and you coulduse your rally car in at least our Speed Group(Sprints, Hillclimbs, Autocross). TheAllrounders Championship is open to bothrally driver and rally co-driver.



MSAAsphalt Rally Championship

2014 ‘ROLL OF HONOUR’

1st OVERALL DRIVER DAMIAN COLE REIS-GC Champ. Trophy/ BTRDA Award1st OVERALL CO-DRIVER ELLIOTT

EDMONDSONREIS-GC Champ. Award/ Motordrive Trophy

2nd OVERALL DRIVER JOHN STONE REIS-GC Champ. Award2nd OVERALL CO-DRIVER PATRICK WALSH REIS-GC Champ. Award3rd OVERALL DRIVER STEVE SIMPSON REIS-GC Champ. Award3rd OVERALL CO-DRIVER CARL WILLIAMSON REIS-GC Champ. Award

Millington Rwd Challenge AB Motorsport Fwd Challenge1st Simon Mauger/Phil Sandham 1st Darren & Sue Underwood

MSA Championship Classes:

N4 David White/Matthew White B12 Simon Mauger/Phil SandhamA6 David Earthy/-------- Keith Robathan/Peter GrantB9 Ian Barnard/-------- Darren Atkinson/Mark MasonB10 Darren & Sue Underwood B13 David Hardie/John McCulloch

Keith Tappin/Peredur Davies Jim Sharp/Michael CalvertMatthew Roberts/-------- --------/Craig Wallace

B11 Andy Hawkins/Tony Jones B14 Alex Laffey/Jack MortonMartin Hodgson/J Doroszczuk David Tinn/Ken BillsP Doroszczuk/-------- Alan Oldfield/Andrew Roughead

SUPPLEMENTARY AWARDS :ANDREW HAILL ASSOCIATES GROUP ‘N’ TROPHY : David White

PRIMA MOTORSPORT JUNIOR AWARD (Trophy & Replica) : Alex LaffeyHENDY FORD MOTORSPORT AWARD (Trophy + £100 Voucher) : Damian ColeJOHN HORTON MOTORSPORT MANAGEMENT ‘STAR DRIVE’ : John Stone

KWIKTRAK TROPHIES (1st in B13) : David Hardie/John McCullochFUCHS TITAN RACE AWARD (1st 1400) : Ian Barnard

BEST EVENT : Whickham/Hadrian MCsTONY DAVIES MEMORIAL AWARD : Team Lotusbits

BTRDA® Sporting Trials Championship


As we approach the Christmas break at theend of this year’s trials calendar it is time toconsider the situation. As Mike Sonespredicted, 2014 would be a hard year and asusual he was correct. Whilst entries in BTRDAtrials this autumn have been satisfactory in themiddle of the country, at the far-flung ends ofthe kingdom it has not been such a happypicture. In general the broadly Midlands basedevents have attracted numbers in the mid tohigh ‘20s, but trials in the Southeast and theNorth have not bettered twenty, and sometimesonly reached the mid teens. I am referring toBTRDA Championship trials only but it isinteresting to note that very few drivers fromthe Southeast are travelling, whilst a talentedcontingent of Northern drivers are regularlycompeting in Midlands based events, helping tomake up the numbers.The MSA British Championship went rightdown to the wire, it was resolved in favour ofJohn & Maxine Fack’s MSR, who won by justone point from Ian Bell & Russell Sharp’sHamilton. As it turned out (although neitherwas aware at the time) it all hinged on the lastfew feet of the last section of the LoughboroughTrial at Eaton near Melton Mowbray. Johnneeded to beat Mark Milne’s Crossle, and to dothat he had to clean Dave Oliver’s section,something that no one else managed. He didso with a fine climb and so won the 2014championship. Congratulations to John &Maxine and commiserations to Ian & Russell,

and thanks for entertaining us all year withsome really skilled performances. Roll on2015.Speaking of John reminds me that he has beenworking for over a year now on a hugespreadsheet potentially showing all BTRDASporting Trial winners. He has now reached apoint where he needs more input, particularlyon the early years. With luck some of you willbe able to help, but John is also hoping to getaccess to the Haymarket archive to peruse oldcopies of Autosport, which used to cover oursport in great detail. When I started in the early‘70s we got at least a half page with a photoevery week in Autosport. Big trials like to GoldStar used to get two whole pages,unimaginable today. I am proposing that weput the whole sheet on the BTRDA website foreveryone to look at, and hopefully to addmissing information and correct any errors.One thing that becomes obvious when you lookis the very small numbers of winners at anyperiod in history. I hope you will find itinteresting and I leave you to find out morewhen it makes its way onto the website.Yet again we are in trouble with tyres, thecurrent favourite the Vredestein T-Trak hasbeen withdrawn, leaving just one listed tyre, theToyo 330. There is nothing wrong with thatexcept we need more than one tyre for justsuch a situation in future. As always we arelooking for something that performs worse thanthe existing tyres, something that seems almost

impossible to achieve. When we changed tothe T-Trak from the previous Sprint+ from thesame manufacturer we were confident thatits smooth looking tread would not performas well as the incumbent. We were wrong, itwas quite a bit better in all conditions apartfrom freezing weather. There is a franticsearch going on for one or morereplacements for testing right now, and wehope to have some recommendations verysoon. It may not be possible to add any tyresto the Blue Book list until the end of 2015, butthe Toyo should at least see us through untilthen.Josh Veale & James Washer looking every

way but the way they are going!Peter Fear TrialPhoto: Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com



As usual we ran two BTRDA Trials Trainingdays, one at Shelsley Walsh in April andone at Long Compton in October. We didnot attract anywhere near the previouslevel of support for the Long Compton day,but what it lacked in numbers it made upfor in quality. We even had Mark Hoppethere, who had won the Car Trial Gold Starjust a couple of weeks previously. As youmight expect he showed great promise,although he was flagging by the end of theday. These days are very full on and highlyconcentrated, especially when there areonly a few participants, leaving little time torelax and think about what you havelearned. As Mark discovered driving a sportingtrials car is different from anything else. Inorder to drive home the message that the“fiddle” brakes are the most important thing intrials driving, I always repeat a little joke that“you might be able to carry on if you break thesteering, but if your fiddle brakes go wrong youhave to retire straight away!” I have neverreally believed it, but during the LoughboroughTrial, Ian Bell’s Hamilton snapped its steeringrack clean in two in an unseen pothole half waythrough the afternoon round, yet he managedto finish the trial in second place.At the time of writing we only have the 750Gloster Trial to close the 2014 calendar, whichis not an MSA round this year, but afterChristmas we have the Gold & Silver Star Finalto look forward to on Saturday January 10th.This will be at the challenging Gale Hall siteabove Melmerby near Penrith. We have hadseveral near misses with the weather in recentyears, including the last time at Gale Hall. Thattime we ran the trial OK, followed as usual bythe Trials Dinner in the evening, but overnight afull gale developed with torrential rain andstorm force winds, which made life problematicfor those who had to brave the Southbound M6on the way home. It would have beenimpossible to run the trial on the Sunday. Let’shope we get away with it once more this time.The Trials Dinner & prize giving will be at theNorth Lakes Hotel in Penrith.We have been very fortunate to get a greatdeal of coverage in Motorsports News this yearthanks to the efforts of Duncan Stephens, whosupplies print ready copy and photos before the

6am deadline on Mondays, regardless ofwhether he has competed on the event or not.Considering the small numbers and noncommercial nature of our sport we are truly“punching above our weight” in terms ofpublicity. Thanks Duncan. Hopefully thecombination of training days and regularexposure in print will enable us to recruitenough drivers for the sport to remain viable inthe medium term.Actually finding new recruits in terms of driversis not our most pressing problem, nor is thesupply of cars or sites to compete on. No, ourproblem is organisers, we need Clerks ofCourse, Secretaries, Chief Marshals,Scrutineers and marshals. For far too long wehave relied on the same small teams, many ofwhom are getting too old to do as much as theyhave done in the past. We are working on this,and recent rule changes which require driversto miss out one event in the championship andto “officiate” in one form or the other can onlyhelp. We have a terrific sport, let’s keep itgoing and hopefully growing.I stepped down as Chairman of the TrialsCommittee a few years ago, only to be broughtback for a temporary stay. I said at that timethat I would not carry on past my 70th birthday,and that time has come. Simon Kingsley, a topcompetitor in his Crossle, and member of theMSA Trials Committee, will be taking over inJanuary after the Gold Star Final, so the best ofluck to Simon in the years to come.Happy Christmas to you all, and I look forwardto seeing you on the hills in the New Year.

Julian Fack

Ian Bell & Russell Sharp on the Peter Fear TrialPhoto: Julie Johnson www.daisyroots.com



ST Short event reportsCharles Pollard Trial, Peterborough MC, Uppingham, 28 September,

BTRDA & MSA - 22 starters.1 Roland Uglow/Laura Wilks Crosslé 16 1st Red2 Thomas Bricknell/Stuart Hancy Crosslé 203 Mark Milne/Vickie Hunter Crosslé 3515 Paul Faulkner.Gerard Phillips Sherpa Indy 98 1st Blue18 John Cole/Anne Cole MJH 3 123 1st Green

This very compact site with lots of molehill type lumps always produces a decent event, even insunny weather since the slope faces North, and does not generally dry out. Roland Uglow startedhis fine campaign here and showed the Championship leaders how to do it, with a superb display,in spite of having to travel from North Cornwall.

John Southern Trial, NPTCC, Firbank, Cumbria, 5th October, BTRDA - 19 starters.This is the most Southerly of the Lake District sites, and is a steep wooded bank with plenty ofscope for long sections. Bryan Walker has waited five years for his first win, and he must havebeen delighted to beat the Championship leader here.

1 Bryan Walker/Mark Simpson Jedi 12 1st Blue2 Ian Bell/Russell Sharp Hamilton 13 1st Red3 Simon Kingsley/Matthew Kingsley Crosslé 146 Richard Sharp/Joe Sharp Cartwright 25 1st Green

Pete Fear Trial, Ross & DMS, Pauntley, nr Newent, 12 October, BTRDA & MSA -32 starters.

The new site for the Pete Fear is steep but sandy and amazingly grippy. Hills that look impossibleare fine, even when it is wet. This is a large site and offers plenty of scope, but it does demand acareful choice of tyre pressures by the C of C. This time higher pressures would have workedbetter.

1 John Fack/ Maxine Fack MSR 4 1st Red2 Andy Wilks/Mark Smith RCAP 53 Simon Kingsley/Jo Edwards Crosslé 711 Richard Sharp/Joe Sharp Cartwright 26 1st Green13 Alastair Moffatt/ Jim Lewis Facksimile 35 1st Blue

Mercian, Coventry & Warwicks, Long Compton, 19 October, BTRDA & MSA -27 starters.

Long Compton always produces a good trial, there is just so much scope, whatever the weather.Duncan Stephens laid out some huge long and testing sections, although there were only 24, it feltlike we had done 48 by the end!

1 Roland Uglow/Laura Wilks Crosslé 15 1st Red2 Tom Bricknell/Lester Smith Crosslé 163 Ian Veale/Sandy Veale Sherpa 2212 Richard Sharp/Joe Sharp Cartwright 54 1st Green16 Alastair Moffatt/Richard Pinkney Facksimile 65 1st Blue



Stone Trough Trial, YSCC, Keighley, Yorks, 26 October, BTRDA & MSA -21 starters.

This was a new site for the Trough, and although it is very compact and the sections are closetogether, sometimes causing some drivers confusion, it proved to be a challenging event with muchcareful trickling required. Yet again Roland Uglow showed his mastery of the conditions with a finewin to take the top award, a lovely little stone trough mounted on a wooden plinth, covered in thegreat names from the past.

1 Roland Uglow/Andy Wilks Crosslé 7 1st Red2 Simon Kingley/Mat Kingsley Crosslé 123 John Fack/Maxine Fack MSR 137 Bryan Walker/Mark Simpson JEDI 20 1st Blue16 Ian Fullwood/Janette Fullwood CAP 98 1st Green

November Sporting Trial, sportingtrials.com (KBCC), Otham, Kent, 2 November,BTRDA & MSA - 16 starters.

Sadly a very poor entry for this well run trial near Maidstone. It was dry to start with, and requiredreally well executed trickling to maintain progress, but then the rain tipped it down and it became amaximum attack blasting trial, and during the lunch break the trial was abandoned due todangerous descents. There were some very big scores in spite of the limited number of sections.

1 Ian Bell/Russell Sharp Hamilton 37 1st Red2 Ian Veale/Sandy Veale Sherpa 413 Josh Veale/James Washer Sherpa 5311 Richard Robarts/Beth Carroll RB7 94 1st Blue12 John Cole/Anne Cole MJH 118 1st Green

Roy Fedden Trial, Bristol MC, Thornbury, 9 November, BTRDA & MSA -27 starters

First time at the new site, a wooded location used previously for 4 x 4 trials, ideal conditions fromheavy rain during the week, and a challenging event. As usual a large contingent of enthusiasticBristol MC members marshaling. John Fack consolidated his challenge for the MSA Championshiphere, with one trial to go.

1 John Fack/Maxine Fack MSR 21 1st Red2 Ian Wright/James Washer Sherpa Indy 243 Peter McKinney/Zoe Chilton Crosslé 24 1st Blue12 Mike Wevill/Nigel Cowlin Crosslé 73 1st Green

Loughborough Trial, Loughborough CC, Eaton, 23 November, BTRDA & MSA -22 starters.

Thomas Bricknell set out the sections on Thursday, and reported it was bone dry and hard, hehoped for rain. His wishes were granted and it did not stop until Sunday, although it only drizzled alittle during the trial, perfect conditions. A great trial, and a brilliant win for Peter & Liz Fensom.John Fack’s third place beat Ian Bell’s second to the MSA Championship by one point only.

1 Peter Fensom/Liz Fensom Hamilton 36 1st Red2 Ian Bell/Russell Sharp Hamilton 403 John Fack/Maxine Fack MSR 4411 Bryan Walker/Jackie Walker JEDI 79 1st Blue13 Richard Sharp/Joe Sharp Cartwright 81 1st Green



Provisional Championship Table - Top Scorers

Name Cla

ss

Tota

l

Tria

lW

ins

Loug

h-bo

roug

h

Rob

inJa

ger

Rob

inAl

exan

der

Dav

idAy

res

Cha

rles

Polla

rd

John

Sout

hern

Pete

r Fea

rPi

nfor

d

Mer

cian

Ston

eTr

ough

Nov

embe

rSp

ortin

g

Roy

Fedd

en

Ian Bell Red 296 6 29 28 29 25 24 29 27 22 24 30John Fack Red 289 5 28 30 30 26 30 25 28 25 30Roland Uglow Red 269 4 28 23 30 30 30Simon Kingsley Red 269 0 26 29 17 21 28 28 29George Watson Red 258 0 23 27 23 20 22 24 19 18 23 21Andrew Wilks Red 254 0 21 25 28 25 29 16 22 20Peter Fensom Red 252 2 30 30 24 27 24 24 24 25Julian Fack Red 235 0 25 18 11 18 21 27 23Mark Milne Red 230 1 27 28 27 22 27Richard Sharp Green 218 0 18 23 22 18 C 25 20 19Steve Courts Red 208 0 19 19 18 16 24Joshua Veale Red 200 0 27 24 23 22 27 28Martin Grimwood Red 197 0 22 24 13 13 21 c 17 26Bryan Walker Blue 194 1 20 21 17 30 25Thomas Bricknell Red 169 0 29 29 29Richard Robarts Blue 164 0 15 14 7 20 21Dave Rance Red 159 0 17 21 23 26 26Roger Bricknell Red 158 0 24 15 26 19 25 26Peter Mckinney Blue 156 0 17 25 16 27 c 28Ian Wright Red 155 1 20 27 29John Cole Green 152 0 13 9 15 13 13 5 19 16Paul Faulkner Blue 128 0 16 15 12 18 18Duncan Stephens Red 124 0 c 26 23Mike Readings Blue 123 0 14 22 15 11 9Pat Henson Blue 123 0 12 11 7 12 11 14Brian Thornton Red 112 0 21 21Ian Veale Red 110 0 26 28 29Barry Hogg Red 103 0 16 26 20 20Jerome Fack Red 98 0 23 17 22Stephen Wicken Green 90 0 5 4 12 3 17Paul Price Blue 68 0 14Alastair Moffatt Blue 68 0 18 15David Morris Blue 68 0 20 18Dave Hailes Green 68 0 14 10 13Ian Fulwood Green 67 0 c 3 12 14 19Robin Jager Red 59 0 22Alan Baker Green 55 0 7 6 11 9 10 12Boyd Webster Blue 54 0Neil Cromey Green 46 0 6 3 7 4 10Robert Packham Green 41 0 c 25Stuart Perren Green 41 0 11 8Dougie Parkinson Blue 40 0



Name Car Total1 John Fack MSR 1282 Ian Bell Hamilton 1273 Roland Uglow Crossle 80T 1084 Andy Wilks RCAP 93

5 Peter Fensom Crossle &Hamilton

90

6 George Watson Hamilton 847 Simon Kingsley Crosslé 81

8 Josh Veale Sherpa &Crosslé

79

9 Thomas Bricknell Crosslé 65Ian Wright Sherpa Indy 65

11 Julian Fack Crossle 6212 Steve Courts Facksimile 5713 David Rance Crossle 5414 Ian Veale Sherpa 5015 Peter McKinney Crossle 80T 4916 Mark Milne Crosslé 4817 Roger Bricknell Facksimile 45

Richard Sharp Cartwright 4519 Duncan Stephens Crossle 4120 Richard Robarts RB7 2921 Paul Faulkner Sherpa Indy 26

22 Paul Price CAP 24Martin Grimwood Crossle 24

24 Jerome Fack SRB 23Bryan Walker JEDI 23

26 Mike Readings Sherpa Indy 22Barry Hogg Hamilton 22

28 Brian Thornton Kincraft 1229 John Cole MJH Mk3 1130 Alastair Moffatt Facksimile 8

David Morris SRB 832 Robin Jager Kincraft 7

Stephen Wicken Concord 7Nick Speed Crossle 7

35 Dave Zank Sherpa 5Jon Moores MSR 5

37 Mike Baker Crosslé 4Dave Oliver Facksimile 4Ian Fullwood CAP 4Mike Wevill Crosslé 4

41 Stuart Beare Sherpa Indy 342 Dave Hailes Facksimile 2

Colin Campbell Jedi 244 Neil Cromey Sherpa 1

2014 MSA British Championship ProvisionalFinal Scores

by Janet Darbyshire, Championship Co-ordinator

Stats for MSA BritishChampionship

The 15 events that made upthis year’s championshipwere won byJohn Fack - 5 winsIan Bell - 4 winsRoland Uglow - 3 winsPeter Fensom - 2 winsIan Wright - 1 win44 competitors in 15different makes of carscored points during theseason.

John & Maxine Fack in actionat the Peter Fear Trial.

Photo: Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com



Name Car Total1 John Fack MSR 1282 Ian Bell Hamilton 1273 Roland Uglow Crossle 80T 1084 Andy Wilks RCAP 93

5 Peter Fensom Crossle &Hamilton

90

6 George Watson Hamilton 847 Simon Kingsley Crosslé 81

8 Josh Veale Sherpa &Crosslé

79

9 Thomas Bricknell Crosslé 65Ian Wright Sherpa Indy 65

11 Julian Fack Crossle 6212 Steve Courts Facksimile 5713 David Rance Crossle 5414 Ian Veale Sherpa 5015 Peter McKinney Crossle 80T 4916 Mark Milne Crosslé 4817 Roger Bricknell Facksimile 45

Richard Sharp Cartwright 4519 Duncan Stephens Crossle 4120 Richard Robarts RB7 2921 Paul Faulkner Sherpa Indy 26

22 Paul Price CAP 24Martin Grimwood Crossle 24

24 Jerome Fack SRB 23Bryan Walker JEDI 23

26 Mike Readings Sherpa Indy 22Barry Hogg Hamilton 22

28 Brian Thornton Kincraft 1229 John Cole MJH Mk3 1130 Alastair Moffatt Facksimile 8

David Morris SRB 832 Robin Jager Kincraft 7

Stephen Wicken Concord 7Nick Speed Crossle 7

35 Dave Zank Sherpa 5Jon Moores MSR 5

37 Mike Baker Crosslé 4Dave Oliver Facksimile 4Ian Fullwood CAP 4Mike Wevill Crosslé 4

41 Stuart Beare Sherpa Indy 342 Dave Hailes Facksimile 2

Colin Campbell Jedi 244 Neil Cromey Sherpa 1

2014 MSA British Championship ProvisionalFinal Scores

by Janet Darbyshire, Championship Co-ordinator

Stats for MSA BritishChampionship

The 15 events that made upthis year’s championshipwere won byJohn Fack - 5 winsIan Bell - 4 winsRoland Uglow - 3 winsPeter Fensom - 2 winsIan Wright - 1 win44 competitors in 15different makes of carscored points during theseason.

John & Maxine Fack in actionat the Peter Fear Trial.

Photo: Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com

BTRDA® Car Trials Championship


LOW DOWN TORQUETime waits for no man, so here we are onceagain composing our seasonal, indeed end-of-season, jottings. With a little more leisure timeover the Christmas / New Year holidays wemight just attract a spike in our readershipfigures, so I best not stray too far off the beatentrack for fear of losing you.Beaten track? It is, of course, on the unbeatentrack that we car trials enthusiasts become soanimated; and why not indeed? Aside fromenjoying the fresh air and exercise, there isalways lots to chat about. Invariably it will bethe same old subjects, as in any branch ofmotor sport, but occasionally something newsparks an interest just to add to theconversational cocktail.Permit me to direct you to Simon’s ‘Scorer’sSnippets’ for a comprehensive summary of howthe season panned out. But let me add anextra word of congratulations to our new GoldStar winner, Mark Hoppé, for his well-measured attack on the car trialschampionships because not only did Mark win“ours” he also cleaned up on the “other” one.Surely unprecedented in the first full year ofcontesting trials championships; only a selectfew have ever achieved “the double” and 2014will forever be etched onto Mark’s motor sportCV.Thank you to all contributors to the SurveyMonkey event reports, providing invaluable

feedback. This leads me neatly to offer ourcongratulations to Ross & District Motor Sportsfor winning the Mike Stephens trophy - for thebest event in the qualifying rounds. Worthywinners, once again.After having lost our former April Welshweekend opportunity we welcomed Bala &District Motor Club’s Derwydd Trial into theChampionship in September; and the clubpulled out all the stops to make us verywelcome indeed. The sun shone too, whichalways helps.We are delighted to announce that DavidAllman has agreed to join the car trialscommittee and we look forward to hearing anynew perspective that David may bring to thetable; thoughts from a younger generation, too.The 2015 Championship Rules are available atwww.btrda.com/Car_Trials/ There have beensome tweaks to the Class 3 definitions to makethem more inclusive, but the most significantchange is to the scoring section in which wehave added a ‘bonus points’ element to makethe Grand Final more attractive to morecompetitors. This should make for a reallyinteresting Grand Final with a far lesspredictable outcome; opportunities for morecompetitors to win the Gold Star championshipand more pressure on “the favourite”. Greatstuff!We look forward to seeing you at the annual

BTRDA luncheon on 25January and to the newseason of car trials.Meanwhile, best wishes forChristmas and the New Year.

Neil Mackayneil.mackay.home@btinternet.

com

2014 Silver Star Championand

Jack Williams TrophyWinner

Steve Courts

Photo: Nick Pollitt



Derwydd Trial, Bala Motor Club 28th September 2014“The A49 and A5 don’t immediately spring tomind as lovely driving roads, but between 6and 8 on a dry Sunday morning they can begreat fun.” That’s how I started an event reportback in 2005, and it still holds true today.Comprehensive arrowing to Bala Motor Club’sfirst use of a new site for the championshipbrought to mind the excellent arrowing on thePK Memorial Road Rally in June when Ibrought the Golf up to Corwen for its firstproper Welsh road rally for nearly 30 years.Anyway, back to today. There was no chanceof going to look at the hills, as we were down inthe farmyard with just glimpses of posts andarrows about 200 feet higher up the mountain.So it was time to change the wheels, load theballast and have a cup of coffee with anexcellent bacon buttie, while chatting to othercompetitors including a large number of keenlocal youngsters (aged maybe 15 to 25+). Thecars were mostly destined for the knackersafter a few more trials, but only one (frommaybe a dozen) retired from this event.Despite a little low cloud descending into fifteenminutes of mizzle during scrutineering, theconditions were going to be pretty dry up on thesections. The forecast was for a dry day withsome sunshine, and that proved correct. Thecar numbering system seemed to be based onwhen drivers entered the event, so it wasn’teasy to see who was in which class (or event –as there was a Clubman’s event runningalongside). Get over that slight mental hurdle,and also that it didn’t seem imperative to stickto a running order, and you just go with theflow. Typically, we BTRDA lot stuck as close toour running order as we sensibly could – andstill enjoyed ourselves!Driving up past the rest of the sections, wecame to a ‘clump’ of the first three hills. Thefirst included a loop while avoiding a couple ofcar-sized rocks, and a short steep uphill finish.Most scored one or two, while most expertscleaned it. The second hill had an off-camberturn at about the 7 marker, which caught manynon-ballasted cars out on the still-damp grass,and Neil Mackay had to burn for 30 secs to getout. Speed was of the essence on hill three –once the 150 right had been negotiated, andmost got out OK. Hill Four’s finish was at the

same altitude as the start, but the dips andtwists were a little taxing. Hill Five wasachievable on a cross gradient, where mostdidn’t keep their speed up (only seven cleansfrom 30 cars). Hill Six looked trickier, but wasdrier and not too difficult. Hill Seven againwasn’t steep, but had a couple of small humpsto get over and then a choice of down throughwet ground or short cut over a low level rockacross the top (turning 120 right all the while)with a poorer line to a clean. Only sevencleans again. None though on the last hillwhere a really steep eight foot 1 in 2, with littlerun up, greeted us. Only three ones here,including Tim Beard and John Wadsworth.Class One after the first round was Tim Beardon 12, David Allman on 17, Dave Walker on 18and John Wadsworth on 24. Class Two hadNeil and me on 2, with Rupert on 5, NigelGriffith’s Nova on 8, a 106D on 9 and the restwell into double figures. Barrie Parker andBrian Roberts led Class 3, also on 2, with AlanRoberts on 3 and Aled Wyn and Neil Jones’MX5 on 6.Round two had unchanged hills, and althoughNeil caught a stone which made the car jumpout of gear on Hill One before the two marker,he cleaned the last hill to take lunch on 4.Rupert and I both lost one on Hill Eight to be on6 and 3 at the half way point. Back down to thefarmyard for the lunch break and although thehills hadn’t been altered before, they would beafterwards.Different kettle of fish now! Hill one wastightened and lengthened, but didn’t cause toomany problems. Hill Two and Three ditto, whilethe rest of the sections were only causingproblems for the unballasted cars. After threerounds. After three rounds, Beard 23, Walker27, Wadsworth 31 & Allman 33.Kevin Roberts (C of C) then got a case of the‘got to take marks off them’, and Hill Two gotreally tight. Beard and Walker scored 7, whileAllman and Wadsworth fought their way to thetop. Even Rupert had to ‘tweak’ his Mini in onebit, so you can imagine what Neil and I had todo (successfully). Neil and I were the onlyones up a much lengthened Hill Three, but itwas Hill Four which killed my chances. Just an



impossibly tight uphill ninety left, with no spaceto play with. I might have made it at the thirdattempt, but it cost me a six and the class lead;Neil didn’t clout the six post like me, butstopped at four. Hill Five had a decent newclimb from the six post, and Neil had a greatdrive to the top, while I’d lost it and droppedanother four.The Class One battle continued to its excitingend, with Allman on 62, Walker on 52, Beardon 48, and Wadsworth storming to the win on42. Having held the class lead since the firsthill of the day, I was somewhat disappointed tolose out on the last round. However, Neilcleaning Hill Five gave him the deserved winon 8 marks lost, and overall victory with mesecond on 14. Rupert was on 19 and the 106Dwas on 29. Thank you to Jim for passengeringfor me (as well as Neil) on an energetic day.Class Three’s dice was also decided on thatHill Four, where Barrie managed to get hisWestfield round the bend, with Brian Robertsfailing, and Alan Roberts making it. Theyfinished on 7, 10 and 9 respectively.

Mention must be made of the fantastically keenand enthusiastic marshals, along with theiraccuracy. The ladies of the Club provided thenot-expensive hot snacks/rolls and freetea/coffee. The results were not slowconsidering they had two rounds to score upeach time, and also they cross-checked themelectronically. Results were available on theBala MC website that evening. A great effortby the Club.The A5 and A49 don’t immediately spring tomind as lovely driving roads, and between 5and 8 on a dry Sunday afternoon they weren’twonderful. But overtaking powerfully, yetsafely, on roads you know is one of the crumbsof pleasure left in A road driving.

1st Overall Neil Mackay Citroen AXGT 8 40%1st Class 1 John Wadsworth Ford Ka 42 97%1st Class 2 Simon Harris VW Golf GTi 13 64%1st Class 3 Barrie Parker Westfield Sei 7 88%

SNH

BTRDA Grand Final, 5th October 2014.After a long season starting back in my homecounty of Dorset in early March, 17 of the 20qualifiers for the 2014 Grand Final headed toCatton Park, Lichfield for the 2nd time in 5weeks to contest the new format final.The major awards were all still up for grabs andthe 7 hills looked (and proved) to be reallytricky with many stopping points ready to catchout the unprepared.Class 3 uncharacteristically led away at hill 1,giving the rest of us the chance to eye up thehills and the available lines.Hill 1 was challenging with a run along the flatinto a well judged climb before a sharp dropand a climb through some deceptively slipperynettles.With the exception of 3 drivers in class 1 we allmade a 4 and headed off to hill 2. It wasdeceptively slippery under some trees and thisis where the scores started to diverge withSteve Courts starting his challenge for the goldin the Imp with a superb 1 best of the rest beinga 3. Mark Hoppé started his challenge by

pinching 3 off of all the class 1’s to head theclass after 2 hills.So it continued until the end of the 7 hillsmaking up round 1 – a real mixture- in fact Iwould say the hardest set of tests I have donein my short career. They were ably (fiendishly)laid out by Duncan StephensAfter round 1 Mark Hoppé (41) and SimonHarris (31) headed class 1 and 2 with class 3stalwarts Dave Oliver and Steve Courts tiedwith Brian Roberts all on 22.The venue was grippy but slippery all at thesame time and continued to test the metal ofthe title protagonists.Round 2 saw Mark Hoppé drop a 6 on test 6and lose a huge 5 points to the resurgent DaveWalker to trail by 4 – the nerves were setting infor Hoppé who needed to win the event toguarantee the gold in his first season in thechampionship.In class 2 Simon had stretched to a 11 pointlead over local ace Nick Pollitt in the borrowedDuncan Stephens Nova. However it was class



3 that was still oh so tight with Oliver now 1point ahead of Courts.Round 3 saw a little tightening of somesections and a widening /dual route addition toa couple of hills. A low scor 28 by Hoppé gothim back to the head of the field with TimBeard now starting to pressurise Walker for the2nd spot in class 1. Class 2 saw John Moffattscore the lowest for the round but he haddamaged his chances in round 2 and it was stillHarris out in front.Class 3 saw Steve Courts grab a 1 point leadfrom Oliver after underscoring by 2 on theround.So as we headed to lunch Hoppé still had hishand on the Gold – just – any slip wouldpotentially see Courts take it by a point overall– so with 2 rounds to go it was still very tense.Round 4 after lunch was perhaps the mostpivotal of the season, with a great round fromHoppé extending his lead over Walker andBeard, which coupled with a dropped 5 on hill 2costing Courts very dearly as he dropped to 6behind Oliver going into the final round of theyear.Class 2 saw Moffatt put in a round of 6 to gain3 on Harris. But the Golf was still holding swayout in front.Onto the final round and Hoppé had stretchedenough of a lead to cope with an over confidentapproach to the final hill, which saw him headthe class ahead of Walker and Beard.

Harris had a stunning round of 3 to take thepoorly supported class 2 win by a country milefrom Moffatt and Pollitt with Neil Mackay just afew points further back after working the AXvery hard on several sections.Class 3 saw a super round by Barrie Parker,but it was a little too late to challenge Oliverand Courts for the top places.So after an excellent and worthy Grand Finalthe points were totted up and the resultsannounced.John Wadsworth had already won the MacHazlewood trophy for his total points scoredduring the season – a great result for the welltravelled veteran.The Jack Williams award for lowest scoreacross the season was won by the superconsistent Steve Courts.The season long class winners were DaveWalker, John Moffatt and Dave Oliver.John Wadsworth in the Ka had been strugglinga little during the day but had done enough totake the Bronze star from Kevin Roberts.The battle for the Silver Star was resolved withSteve Courts taking it from Simon Harris.However, the battle for the Gold Star sawHoppé take the overall trial win and add 20points to the maximum he had brought to thefinal to make it a double championship win –adding it to the MSA title won 5 weeks earlier atCatton Park. (Not bad for a fat newcomer in aboy racer’s Saxo :)

The marshals andorganisers of the finaland all events thisyear needcommending for theefforts that havemade a greatseasons trialling. Iam already lookingforward to2015……where do Isign up ?

Mark Hoppé

2014 Gold Star Champion Mark Hoppé Photo: Nick Pollitt

BTRDA® Car Trials ChampionshipScorer's Snippets 9th November 2014

The Silver Star® Championship was closegoing into the Grand Final with Steve Courtsand I just three points apart. Also, BrianRoberts and Tim Beard were another four orfive points back, so they were ready to moveup if either of us slipped up. Luckily for us wedidn’t, as I won my class, and Steve camesecond in his. So the points gap at the endwas narrowed to just one to Steve’s advantage.Pretty close!Mark Hoppé was the favourite for the BronzeStar®, having obtained the five maximums totake to the Final. But John Wadsworth was justthree behind, with Kevin Roberts five furtherback. It could have gone any which way. WithNick Pollitt ‘defecting’ to the ballasted class, thedoor was nudged further open for Mark to winthe event overall and score a further maximumto win the Gold Star® title. Even under‘favourite’s pressure’ he duly did – see hisevent report elsewhere in this News – andalthough John did not have a good day, he didjust enough to stay ahead of Kevin and inheritthe Bronze Star® title, Kevin being Runner Up.The new Gold Star® scoring system actuallyhad no effect on deciding the champion thisyear. However, it did reduce the number ofpotential winners going into the event fromeverybody to, realistically, about seven driversthis time. The Committee are introducing aslight tweak to the scoring at the Final nextyear to increase the chances for the Final eventwinner to become Gold Star® champion. Wewill see if it has the desired effect of moreoptimism at the start of Finals day.

Mark Hoppé leaps straight to Gold Star®– onlystatus next year, while John Wadsworth movesup to the Silver Star® championship.As they rightly should, the committee discusseach of the qualifying events in detail, takinginto account the replies/comments from SurveyMonkey that the competitors themselves havesubmitted after events. The Committee thenhave the unenviable task of choosing which ofthe events was the best. You may beinterested to know that this whole subject ofreviewing the events takes over ninety minutes– it is not just glossed over. It was good to seethat the Cymru Trial had excellent reports thisyear, and that the Gaby Mohr, Wyre Forest andErnest Owen were at that level too. But, as lastyear, the best two were considered to be theWarwickshire and Wye Valley trials, with thelatter just taking the honour.As usual, here are some annual statistics foryou. The average number of competitors perevent has moved back up from 30.8 last year,to 31.2 this year. The average number ofnational competitors has decreasedsubstantially from 24.6 to 19.9. BTRDAregistered drivers also fell again from 12.5 to11.3 per event. Our championship registrationsincreased by two to 28. The best supportedevent (including Clubman) was again Falcon’sspring trial, now called the Ivinghoe Trial with40 entries, while the most National competitorswere at the Wye Valley (32). The most BTRDAcompetitors were at the Wyre Forest (20).The list of Championship Award winners is asfollows; congratulations to all of them.

Simon Harris

BTRDA® Car Trials Championship Award WinnersGold Star® Winner Mark HoppéSilver Star® Winner Steve CourtsSilver Star® Runner up Simon HarrisBronze Star® Winner John WadsworthBronze Star® Runner up Kevin RobertsClass 1 Winner Dave WalkerClass 2 Winner John MoffattClass 3 Winner Dave OliverJack Williams Trophy Steve CourtsNancy Mitchell Trophy not contestedMac Hazlewood Trophy John WadsworthMike Stephens Trophy Ross & District Motor Sports

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REIS BTRDA® Rally SeriesPEREZ IN SEVENTH HEAVEN!....

Well, if you thought the finish of last year’sREIS BTRDA Gold Star® Rally Championshipwas close, this one would have had you on theedge of your seat! In 2013 Euan Thorburncame out on top in a tie-break situation byhaving four maximum scores to ConnorMcCloskey’s three but, this time, not only didSteve Perez and Paul Bird end the season withthe same number of points - they also hadequal numbers of firsts, seconds and thirds....The BTRDA Rally Series regulations state that‘any ties will be decided in favour of thecompetitor with the greatest number ofmaximum scores within their best six scores.In the event of a further tie, the greatestnumber of second highest scores and so on.Should this fail to resolve the tie, thenreference will be made to a competitor’s 7th

highest score...’ and that’s what finally tippedthe balance in Perez’ favour - a measly (or so itseemed at the time!) 22 from an off day on thePlains trumped Bird’s seventh score - a 1 forstarting, but not finishing, the Somerset Stages.While Steve Perez took his second Gold Startitle, four years after his first, his guide for theseason, Paul Spooner, had contested everyevent to date - including the Malcolm Wilson inPeter Smith’s Metro 6R4 - which precluded himtaking any points from the Cambrian. Hence,Aled Davies, Bird’s able partner, found himselfas 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Champion Co-driver, adding to the two Asphalt Championship

titles he gained a decade ago!Somewhat overshadowed by all the noise ofbrain cells and calculators trying to work outpoints situations was the fact that Dave WestonJnr and Kirsty Riddick kept their heads (whilstall around!....) to take their first BTRDA RallySeries win on the Cambrian. Second places onthe Plains & Nicky Grist Stages had tipped usthe wink that it was going to happen - it wasjust a case of when...So, the final Gold Star Championship Drivers’points table shows Perez from Bird fromWeston, while the Co-drivers’ ‘Roll of Honour’has a somewhat different look to it. Firstly, asoutlined above, Aled Davies finished ahead ofPaul Spooner and secondly, as Kirsty Riddickmissed the Plains Rally, Ian Windress took 3rd

place. His driver, Stephen Petch, was 4th, justfour points behind Weston after a season forwhich the Bishop Auckland driver should bewell pleased.After a shaky start, which saw his Focus WRCend up in a culvert on the Wyedean, Petch setabout fulfilling the promise he had shown bywinning the 2013 Trackrod Forest Stages.Taking a mid-season change to a Fiesta R5+ inhis stride, not only did he finish every event heentered but, at the same time, his lowest scorewas a 25 - coincidentally on the Cambrian. AsFiestas slowly become a more common sight inthe UK forests, Petch and his team can sleepeasy in the knowledge that they already have

the best part of a season’sexperience of the car morethan anyone else - roll on2015!Luke Francis/John H Robertsarrived in Chepstow inFebruary having up ratedtheir Group N Lancer EVO9to Class B13 during thewinter, and the early signswere very encouraging.Three excellent scores fromthe first four events gaveconsiderable cause foroptimism but, sadly, it wasnot to last. Retirementsfrom three of the last four

Gold Star Winning Driver Steve Perez and2nd O/A Co-Driver Paul Spooner Photo:Ralliphotowales

REIS BTRDA® Rally Seriesrounds - including the Cambrian which theywon in 2012 - pushed them down to the lowerreaches of the Top Ten but, nevertheless, apoint had been made....Group N continues to be a hot-bed ofcompetition - seven crews scored points on theopening round and one, Russ Thompson/AndyMurphy, continued to do so on such a regularbasis that, by mid-season, not only were theyleading the BTRDA Production Cup® but theyalso found themselves at the top of the GoldStar table overall! However, a constant thorn intheir sides were Tom Naughton/Andi Mortwhose similar Lancer EVO9 had got the betterof them on the Malcolm Wilson, Somerset &Plains Rallies. A mid-season blip - absencefrom the Dukeries followed by a DNF on theNicky Grist - gave hope to their rivals, but asolid end to the Championship sawNaughton/Mort run out winners fromThompson/Murphy and Pat Naylor/IanLawrence.Roland Llewellin/Jamie Edwards were in themix until the Nicky Grist, while AlexAllingham/Chris Williams finished top dogs onthe Woodpecker in their Impreza. JamieAnderson only managed to fit in three eventsthis year but, having won two of them and beensecond on the third, his presence is still to betreated with respect!Matthew Robinson/Sam Collis’ domination ofthe REIS BTRDA Silver Star® Championship in2014 has been something to behold! Eightstarts, eight finishes, six maximums to givethem a ‘full-house’ in the points, not to mentionthe driver’s third consecutive Silver Star - and

then, of course, there’s the BTRDA HistoricCup® and the MSA English RallyChampionship which have both been claimedby the Escort crew...In spite of a rare retirement on the Cambrian,Jon Ballinger/Mike Wilding (Opel Manta) hungon to runners-up spot, whilst a good run inNorth Wales elevated Sean Edwards/StevePugh (Ford Escort) into 3rd place at theexpense of the Fiesta ST of SashaKakad/Andrew Price.In marked contrast to the past couple ofseasons, the Morris Lubricants BTRDA® 1400Championship went down to the wire in 2014and Mat Smith/Giles Dykes (Ford Ka) emergedfrom the final run through Penmachno to takethe title. On the day they were beaten by DanGray/Matt Rogers (Peugeot 106) who weretheir closest rivals in the overall Championship,while their first maximum of the season helpedMarcel Freling/Karen Robinson (MG ZR) to 3rd

place.Forty-five (yes, that’s 45!) drivers scored pointsat some time during the year and, of those, fivescored one or more maximums! Such wastheir commitment that each of the final Top Sixdrivers started eight of the nine events in thecalendar and sixth-placed Ryan Weston(David’s brother) was only 21 points adrift ofMat Smith by close of play....The BTRDA Rally First® Championship hadbeen put to bed by Nick Carr/Joe Sturdy on theTrackrod Forest Stages but, in the finalanalysis, the second, third and fourth-placeddrivers were all on the same points tally!James West, Rory Jones and Neil Andrewwere split by numbers of maximums, secondsand so on, while co-drivers Steve Eggingtonand Dom Adams had to be similarly prisedapart by Tynemouth Computer Services’ ever-faithful results system.Full details of the 2015 REIS BTRDA RallySeries, incorporating the Gold Star, Silver Star,BTRDA 1400 & Rally First Championships areavailable on the Championship website :www.btrdarally.com while the MSA EnglishRally Championship has its own :www.englishrally.co.uk

ANDREW HAILL

RALLY CHALLENGE - EXTRA

Intending to enter the new Rally Challenge?Why not also register for our AllroundersChampionship. By finishing five events inthe two rally groups you would be well onthe way to qualifying, needing just onemore event from one other group - and youcould use your rally car in at least ourSpeed Group (Sprints, Hillclimbs,Autocross). The Allrounders Championshipis open to both rally driver and rally co-driver.

REIS BTRDA® Rally Series

Gold Star WinningCo-DriverAled Davis

withSecond Overall Driver

Paul Bird

Rally FirstChampions

Nick Carr andJoe Sturdy

on the Woodpecker

1400 ChampionshipWinners

Mat Smith andGiles Dykes

on the Cambrian

All photos courtesyof Ralliphotowales

REIS BTRDA® Rally SeriesREIS BTRDA Rally Series 2014 Award Winners

Champion Driver Steve Perez Champion Co-Driver Aled DaviesSecond Overall Paul Bird Second Overall Paul SpoonerThird Overall David Weston Jnr Third Overall Ian Windress

Champion Driver Matthew Robinson Champion Co-Driver Sam CollisSecond Overall Jon Ballinger Second Overall Mike WildingThird Overall Sean Edwards Third Overall Steve Pugh

Champion Driver Mat Smith Champion Co-Driver Giles DykesSecond Overall Dan Gray Second Overall Matt RogersThird Overall Marcel Freling Third Overall Karen Robinson

BTRDA RALLY FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPChampion Driver Nick Carr Champion Co-Driver Joe Sturdy

BTRDA PRODUCTION CUPChampion Driver Tom Naughton Champion Co-Driver Andrew Mort

BTRDA HISTORIC CUPChampion Driver Matthew Robinson Champion Co-Driver Sam Collis

OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDSFirst Junior Driver (£250 from Mintex) Nick CarrFirst Junior Co-Driver Joe Sturdy

First Lady Driver Jayne Auden First Lady Co-Driver Karen RobinsonFirst Senior Driver Neil Andrew First Senior Co-Driver Mike Wilding

MG ZR Rally ChallengeChampion Driver Rory Jones Champion Co-driver Tom HughesSecond Overall Marcel Freling 2nd Co-driver Karen RobinsonThird Overall Richard Gemmell 3rd Co-driver David Auden

REIS BTRDA® Rally Series

REIS BTRDA GOLD STAR CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS AWARDS

B14 Driver Co Driver B13 Driver Co Driver1st Stephen Petch Kirsty Riddick 1st Simon Rogers Andrew Sankey2nd - - 2nd Luke Francis John Roberts3rd David Bogie Kevin Rae 3rd Wayne Sissions Neil Shanks

B10 Driver Co Driver B11 Driver Co Driver1st Steve Deeley Alan Proudman 1st Nick Dobson David Millard2nd James Hutchings Jessica Rogan 2nd Jody Bowcott Steve Pugh3rd Nathan O’Connor Tim Leigh 3rd Tony Williams Karen PhelpsN4 Driver Co Driver N3 Driver Co Driver1st Tom Naughton Andrew Mort 1st Sacha Kakad Andrew Price2nd Russ Thompson Andy Murphy 2nd Tony Simpson Ian Bevan

Patrick Naylor Ian Lawrence 3rd Simon Dalton -H1 Driver Co Driver H3 Driver Co Driver1st David Dobson Adrian Scadding 1st Allan McDowall Gavin Haycock2nd Rex Ireland - 2nd Gavin Heseltine

MILLERS OILS BTRDA 1400 - CLASS AWARDS1400S Driver Co Driver 1400C Driver Co Driver

1st Clive Anstey Mark McCulloch 1st Matthew Jackson Teresa Butler2nd Ryan Weston Tim Currie 2nd James Weaver Mark Vaughan3rd Martin Shaw Ian Prout 3rd Robert Evett Richard Simmonds

BTRDA RALLY FIRST - CLASS AWARDSRF1.4 Driver Co Driver RF1.6 Driver Co Driver

1st Rory Jones Dominic Adams 1st James West Steve Eggington2nd Neil Andrew Tom Hughes 2nd Ron Hall Ron Morgan3rd Carl Davies Richard Jones 3rd Steven Knott -

RF1.0 Driver Co Driver1st Sam Bilham Graham Wild2nd Claire Marsh Abi Haycock3rd Thomas Bayliss -

BTRDA Rally First Junior Driver Nick CarrBTRDA Rally First Junior Co Driver Joe Sturdy

Special BTRDA Trophies to be awarded by the BTRDA Rallies Committee Bill Turner Trophy for best event – Cambrian Rally

Ian Butcher Trophy (best performance in 1st season) – David Weston Jnr

Mickey Dee Trophy (most entertainment) – Sam Collis

Richie Holfeld Maximum Attack Trophy – Mat Smith

Rally Man of the Year (Phil Price Trophy) - Matthew Robinson

2014 MSA ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD WINNERSChampion Driver Matthew Robinson Champion Co-Driver Sam CollisSecond Overall Neil Andrew Second Overall Dominic AdamsThird Overall Rory Jones Third Overall Steve Eggington

E1 Driver Co-Driver E2 Driver Co-Driver1st Nick Carr Tom Hughes 1st Marcel Freling Karen Robinson2nd Jon Ambler Joe Sturdy 2nd Clive Anstey Tim Currie3rd Carl Davies Richard Jones 3rd Mat Smith Giles DykesE3 Driver Co-Driver E4 Driver Co-Driver1st James West Jessicca Rogan 1st Sacha Kakad Andrew Price2nd Nathan O’Connor Alan Proudman 2nd Tony Simpson Ian Bevan3rd Steve Deeley Jane Robbins

E5 Driver Co-Driver1st Nick Dobson Mike Wilding2nd Jon Ballinger Gavin Haycock3rd Sean Edwards Steve Pugh

First Junior Driver £250 (from Mintex) Sam BilhamFirst Junior Co-driver Dominic Adams

MSA English and BTRDA Silver Star ChampionsMatthew Robinson & Sam Collis

Photo: Ralliphotowales

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Demon Tweeks DirectBTRDA® Autotest Championship


From The Hot SeatHaving wrapped up the Championship in timefor the last edition of the News, other thanthanking our sponsor Demon Tweeks for theircontinued support, I only have the prospects for2015 to report on. Firstly the Championshipwill see the addition of a new round to be heldin Scotland next year in light of the renewedenthusiasm for the sport “north of the boarder”.Having done some reshuffling of traditionaldates, this new event to be organised by theSouth of Scotland Car Club, under thesupervision of seasoned Autotester and TopGear stuntman Gordon Clendinning, onSaturday the 25th July, along with another non-Championship one on the Sunday to make thetrip worthwhile for the Southerners. Anotherchange being that Caernarfonshire & Angleseywill no longer be a double header weekend withKnutsford but become a stand-alone one inAugust. So, with the exception of NorthernIreland (who have their own vibrantChampionship), we will again travel to all theHome Nations in 2015.I have previously written about our attempt toencourage new drivers into Autotesting by theintroduction of a Starter Series of events using

a more simplified basic level test layouts toenable competitors to lean there craft beforemoving up to the Championship event whichcan be quite daunting. I am pleased to saythat, with the support of the MSA, the “RookieChallenge” is to become, also with someassistance from Demon Tweeks, the “BTRDA®

Clubmans Autotest/PCA Challenge” in 2015,initially based on a small number of eventsorganised by experienced competitors, who willmentor the newcomers to our sport. Theevents will be run under dual permits, Autotestand PCA, at Clubmans level so that no licencesare required and points scored in either sectionwill count towards the final awards. Seasonedcompetitors who have finished in the top ten ofthe Gold Star or top five of the Silver StarChampionships are not eligible for theChallenge but will be encouraged to attendtheir local events to pass on their expertise tothe competitors. So now is a great time foranyone who fancies taking their driving skills upto a new level to come and have a go.

Steve Layton

From the PitsAfter the lie down to recover from theexcitement of the finish of the BTRDA DemonTweeks Gold Star Autotest championship, onlya few weeks later there was a need for anotherlie down after watching the Ken WhartonMemorial Autotests at the Arrow Hotel,Alcester. The 4 car team event has been runby the Hagley & District LCC since 1958(although only a 3 car team then). and the 2014event must go down as one of the closestfinishes ever. I’m sure if Eire’s Paul Phelan isreading this he will correct me! After 7 tests itwas the Northern Ireland team of Robin Lyons,Mark King, Paul Blair and Steven Fergusonwho beat the Republic of Ireland team ofEamonn Byrne, David Thompson, TimmyLynch and Guy Foster by the narrowestmargins of 3.9 seconds after the 28 individualteam member runs. That difference could havebeen the other way round if the single cone

penalty of 5 secs had been avoided by theRepublic team. However, the Northern teamhad collected 4 during the day on what weresome of the best testing autotests that MalcolmLivingston has created. The final 68.9 secondrun by Steven Ferguson to clinch the event wasone of the most spell binding 68.9 seconds Ihave ever watched at an autotest. If you arearound the Arrow Mill Hotel area in October2015 pop in to be thoroughly entertained.Before then, if you are with the new youngtechnology of Facebook there are some verygood videos of various drivers on the testsavailable. The Ken Wharton event is always anevent where you can meet up with some of themore senior autotesters. One of the more olderdrivers who did pop in this year was JohnLarkin who used to compete against RobinLyons father, John, back in the 70’s. John wasalso at the event supporting the Northern



Ireland team, looking more like a bankmanager now than he did back in the 70’s! I doremember the contest between John Lyons inhis Mini and Trevor Smith in his Midget for the1974 Gold Star title which finally went in favourof John and stopped the two year run of GoldStars for Trevor. During that season Trevortried competing in a mini but after a not sogood day against John went back to theMidget. Three years later Trevor teamed upwith two other Johns, Larkin and Calton to winthe Ken Wharton for England. If only their skillswere available in 2014 for the England team!After all these years John Larkin is retiring fromthe BTRDA Council and the Autotestcommittee where he was the Chairman formany years. We all thank John for hiscontribution to the BTRDA over the last 40years. As a Life Member we won’t be losingJohn to the BTRDA.Back to 2015, and yes, I did say 2015, and thewelcoming news is that the Autotest committeeare going to run a Clubmans Autotest/PCAChallenge for the year to attract the younger

driver and the newcomer to competitionautotests. This follows the successful trialsearlier on in the year where a test day wasorganised with a much simpler pylon layout.Trials of coloured cones to indicate direction oftravel and other ideas were carried out to tryand get the driver round the test successfully.Exact event dates for the series have yet to besorted but they are all likely to be in theMidlands area to reduce travelling. As theorganiser of the regional Southern Autotestchampionship I’m finding it more difficult to getClubs to organise Nat B tarmac rounds, lastyear there were only 2 non BTRDA clubsputting forwards events. We have many moreclubs organising Clubmans grass events.Could this be the way to go by including thistype of event in the Challenge? Or, how abouta grass round in the Gold Star series to reallyfind the best allround Autotest driver?Something to think about as you digest yourfiftieth mince pie sat around the log fire!Peter Cox

My 2014 autotesting season with the best yet to come (I hope!)So we all started a new year of autotesing, anew season and a fresh start with morechances to win but also more opportunities tomess things up!!My season actually started quite well with athird place at Hagley, a third place atWolverhampton and my first and only FTD ofthe season at a very greasy and muddyHereford event at Foxley. After then thingstook a bit of a ‘wrong turn’ (sorry!!) with toomany penalties, caused I think by trying toohard, but also of course due to some very stiffcompetition from Richard Pinkney, PaulFobister and Chris Chapman to name but afew.Later on in the season the events were greatfun and very enjoyable, however my resultswere best recorded as ‘could do better’!! But Idid redeem myself somewhat wining FTD in thereserve event at the Ken Wharton. Mechanicalproblems did appear on more than a fewoccasions with things like a huge hole in thegearbox causing a loss of a lot of oil, the

throttle cable breaking halfway around a testand over assisted power steering so that youhad to guess which way the blitz would offnext!!Paul and I have enjoyed travelling to most ofthe events together. At the Anglesey Autotest(won by Malcolm Livingston) Paul beat me by0.1 of a second and someone said ‘I expect itwill be a bit quiet on the way home!’ Actually itwasn’t, but I did resolve to try harder next time!!Over the years I have come to the conclusionthat events are not won but rather that they arelost. If you are consistently quick with good carpreparation and you can keep your head in theheat of the competition then you just mightcome out on top. We can all have excusesabout the weather, the tests or our tyres but atthe end of the day it is a sport we very muchenjoy. So keep entering, keep smiling andkeep trying to win. I know I will and I hope youwill join me in the 2015 season.

David Evans



2014 demon tweeks Direct BTRDA® AutotestClass and Award Winners

GOLD STARCHAMPION Richard Pinkney The FLATHER STAR Autotest Trophy

RUNNER-UP Paul Fobister The FRANK LIVINGSTON Memorial Trophy

SILVER STARCHAMPION Dave Cook The A.C.WESTWOOD Trophy

RUNNER-UP Rob Rolston The CASTROL Trophy

BRONZE STARWarren Gillespie The IAN MANTLE Trophy

RUNNER-UP William Keaning An Award

CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPA Rob Rolston The ANDREW LARKIN Memorial Trophy

David Fox Class AwardB Dave Cook The MOTORSPORT Trophy

2nd Warren Gillespie Class AwardC Richard Pinkney The RICHARD SQUIRE Trophy

2nd Chris Champman The TREVOR J. SMITH TrophyD Paul Fobister The RIFLEMAN Trophy

Dave Evans Class AwardE Richard YappH Toby Cook The DARBYSHIRE TrophyJ Paul Fobister The JOHN LARKIN Jubilee Trophy

2nd Dave Evans Class Award3rd Malcolm Livingston Class Award

Best over 60 Duncan Wild An Award

L Helen Perren The LADIES AUTOTEST Trophy and an Award

Best Event The Denis Flather Shield

Demon Tweeks DirectBTRDA® Newcomers AutoSOLO Challenge

Going SOLOSo, everything went according to plan and boththe AutoSOLO Challenge and theChampionship were decided on the last eventof the season (phew!). In the Challenge bothPatrick Boyle and Stephen Watts knew thatthey had to win their respective classes tostand a chance of taking overall honours andthey both did, with Patrick becoming theChallenge Champion by virtue of a maximum ofseven class wins out of seven, while Stephencould only count six wins and one second tofinish one point behind. So a fitting end to whathas been a very successful series of eventsover the last seven years. The Challenge wascreated in 2007 to encourage new competitorsinto what was then a new type of event. Withthe support of the organising Clubs this formatproved to be very successful, with a number ofinitiates moving on to other sports, or into theAutoSOLO Championship, which began in2013 for those who wished to compete atNational B level. So we now hand the batonback to the Clubs to encourage newcomers

and thank Demon Tweeks for their supportover the last eight years.The last round of the Championship saw threecompetitors finishing on a maximum score of70 points, so the tie decider came in to play.Mike Biss (MX5) took the Championship for thesecond time by virtue of 11 Class wins from theevents that he had competed in, from StuartHarrison (GBS) with 10 wins, a second and athird, whilst Liam Rollings (Mini) just had sevenstraight wins. Both Liam and Stuart took theirrespective Class wins, as did Ben Heggs(Fiesta) in the large engine saloon class. Onceagain a very successful year for what isbecoming a growing Championship thanks tothe enthusiasm of the organising Clubs and theassistance of Meath Engineering.I am sure that 2015 will continue to be a hardfought Series and look forward the keencompetition.

Steve Layton

BTRDA Newcomers Autosolo Challenge 2014 Provisional Scores

NAME

BEST 6SCORES TO

DATEFINAL

02/11/14BEST 7

SCORESOverall

AWARDS

Boyle, Patrick 60B 20B 80B 1st Overall + 1st in ClassMoore, Graham 25B/10D 25B/10DSolarski, Robert 9C/8E 9C/8EVinall, Alan 10C 10CWatts, Stephen 59D 20D 79D 1st Class D

Patrick Boyle2014 BTRDA

Newcomers AutosoloChallenge Winner

Photo: Duncan Wild

Meath Engineering (tools) LtdBTRDA® AutoSOLO Championship

AutoSOLO Championship Provisional Scores

NAME 5-Oct-14 26-Oct-14 2-Nov-14 Best 7Scores Award

Class ARollings, Liam 10 10 20 1st in ClassWakeman, Alan 9 8 62 2nd in ClassWakeman, Miranda 8 5 13Dallyn, Paul 0Dunlop, David 0Yapp, Jamie 9 9Williams, Andrew 10 10Yapp, Richard 7 7

Class BHeggs, Ben 7 8 59 1st in ClassGraves, David 3 3Olsen, Richard 6 6Olsen, Emma 5 5Smith, Alexander 0

Class DBiss, Mike 10 10 10 70 1st Overall + 1st ClassYapp, Richard 5 9 30Sones, Mike 0

Class EHarrison, Stuart 10 10 10 70 1st in ClassHarrison, Ian 9 8 9 64Matthews, Lee 8 8

Smith, Trevor

Mike Biss2014

BTRDA AutoSOLOChampion

Photo: Duncan Wild

www.btrda.com

Getting Started

How did you get into Motorsport? Was itmarshalling, navigating or competing on grassroots events? Did a friend or a relative takeyou to events? Was your mum or dad acompetitor? Where are our new competitorscoming from?These are all questions currently beingdiscussed in the various BTRDA committees.In autotesting the average age has beenclimbing and we have very few juniors while themajority of competitors are in the Jubilee classfor those over 45. Recently I was speaking toDave Thomas who looks after the ANWCCChampionships. He said that in the past 20years the average age of all ANWCCcompetitors has risen by 10 years. Asmembers of BTRDA we are committedenthusiasts. It would be a good idea if wecould all encourage someone to get involved,but in what branch of motorsport.My first contact with motorsport was a visit toOulton Park in the mid fifties. My parents weremembers of the caravan club and I remembertaking part in a driving test with a trailer on theback. After finishing third I was disqualifiedbecause I didn’t have a driving licence, after allI was only fifteen. I marshalled on the caravanroad rally in the late fifties and always had aninterest in cars but it wasn’t until I went toLoughborough University (sorry C.A.T. in thosedays) that I became involved in competing. Iwent marshalling and took part in autotests.This brings me to the point of this article. Inthose days any car was suitable to learn theskills of Autotesting. I started with a 1939Rover 12 at Donnington on the pre-war racetrack and followed with a Ford 100E. The testswere relatively simple, easy to learn and fun todrive. The costs of competing were low andremain so.After University I enjoyed autotesting and cartrials in my everyday road car, interspersedwith the odd road rallies. The autotests atregional and BTRDA level could be driven inmy road car during the seventies. Graduallythe sport of autotesting and the cars havedeveloped beyond recognition from thirty years

ago. Gone are those enjoyable events wherewe learned our craft of handbrake turns, Jturns, etc.Now Autosolos provide an excellentintroduction to motorsport for many people andthere are many young members of BTRDA inthis branch of the sport (and a few old hands aswell). While it was thought that some would tryautotesting it would appear that in generaldrivers don’t want to make this transition.Newcomers don’t like to go backwards,although several manage to do thatinvoluntarily on events. Many clubs run grassautotests and PCAs for their members but fewevents on sealed surfaces. The new initiativeby the BTRDA Autotest committee of running aClubmans/PCA Autotest Challenge will test thewater to see if it will attract new competitors toautotesting. The events will be of the form Iremember in my youth; simple to learn anddrive while giving a lot of fun. They will providean opportunity to develop skills and encouragenewcomers. We all have to start somewhere.The PCA element should persuadefather/mother and son/daughter to have a go.How I wish I’d been able to compete at 14rather than wait until I had a licence and myown car. If successful it can form a basis forclubs to adopt.Back to my first question. How did you getstarted? In autotesting many of our youngerparticipants are related to current participants.Children often follow their parents interests. Idoubt that BTRDA motorsport at the top levelwill survive purely on existing membersbreeding their successors. We shouldencourage new competitors through our localclubs. As far as autotesting is concerned Ihope that the BTRDA initiative will provide abridge to move up to BTRDA Championshipevents. Even if you are not an autotestexponent, perhaps you can watch how our ideaprogresses and then introduce our ideas toyour club.Watch this space.

Duncan Wild

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BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross Championship

“Winter Warmer Rallycross”The DDMC (Darlington & District Motor Club organised) “Winter Warmer” Rallycross

meeting on November 16th at the Croft Circuit attracted a huge entry of 60 cars which all puton some fantastic racing in front of the largest crowd seen at a BTRDA Rallycross eventever. With some great promotion taking place in Darlington town centre the week beforeplus local and social media covering the event this provided the Croft Circuit with its 3rd

largest Championship crowd of the season.The headlining “Procters Coaches” ClubmanSupercar class was boosted at the event bysome “non championship” drivers including;WRX driver Kevin Procter (Fiesta), Mad MarkWatson (Xzara), Gary Pusey (Subaru) andRallycross newbie Dmitrij Sribnji in his Subaruwhich was converted from a time attack car toa rallycross car in 7 days. Not surprisingly itwas Procter who dominated the day but behindhim the racing was fast and furious. Going intothe event it was Andy Grant (Ford Focus) whowas leading the Championship, however histitle challenge came to an abrupt end afterpractice as a gearbox problem would preventhim going any further in the event. This leftSimon Horton to pick up the event win and alsothe 2014 Clubman Supercar Title, he waschased all the way to the flag by Mad MarkWatson until the last corner of the last lap whensuspension failure would prevent him from

taking the flag. Coming home in 2nd place wasGary Pusey and picking up the final place onthe podium in his first ever rallycross event wasDmitrij Sribnji.

The “Funk Motorsport2 Super Modified classattracted a huge grid of 21 cars which providedsome extremely close racing throughout the 3heats. Driver of the class at Croft must go toDaniel Rooke the Southern AutocrossChampionship driving a Citroen AX in his firstever Rallycross meeting. Daniel travelled allthe way from Devon for the event and put insome fast heat times to line up on the front rowof the A Final. In the C Final it was RichardLewthwaite (MR2) and Rob Scott (Toyota) whoboth progressed onto the back of the B Finalgrid. The B Final was won by Brian Jukes (TT)and in second place was Jim Black, with bothdrivers going onto the back of the 10 car A

Final grid. The class waswon by Jack Thorne in hisSuper 1600 spec CitroenC2, however he waschased all the way to theflag in the A final byChampionship leaderKieran Curran (Corsa) andcompleting the podium wasDaniel Rooke (AX).

The “Red5Motorsport”Production class had alarge entry of 18 cars all ofwhom provided the hugecrowd with some greatracing throughout the day.In the heats the fastesttimes were shared between

2014 Rallycross Champions Kieran CurranPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World


“Winter Warmer Rallycross”The DDMC (Darlington & District Motor Club organised) “Winter Warmer” Rallycross

meeting on November 16th at the Croft Circuit attracted a huge entry of 60 cars which all puton some fantastic racing in front of the largest crowd seen at a BTRDA Rallycross eventever. With some great promotion taking place in Darlington town centre the week beforeplus local and social media covering the event this provided the Croft Circuit with its 3rd

largest Championship crowd of the season.The headlining “Procters Coaches” ClubmanSupercar class was boosted at the event bysome “non championship” drivers including;WRX driver Kevin Procter (Fiesta), Mad MarkWatson (Xzara), Gary Pusey (Subaru) andRallycross newbie Dmitrij Sribnji in his Subaruwhich was converted from a time attack car toa rallycross car in 7 days. Not surprisingly itwas Procter who dominated the day but behindhim the racing was fast and furious. Going intothe event it was Andy Grant (Ford Focus) whowas leading the Championship, however histitle challenge came to an abrupt end afterpractice as a gearbox problem would preventhim going any further in the event. This leftSimon Horton to pick up the event win and alsothe 2014 Clubman Supercar Title, he waschased all the way to the flag by Mad MarkWatson until the last corner of the last lap whensuspension failure would prevent him from

taking the flag. Coming home in 2nd place wasGary Pusey and picking up the final place onthe podium in his first ever rallycross event wasDmitrij Sribnji.

The “Funk Motorsport2 Super Modified classattracted a huge grid of 21 cars which providedsome extremely close racing throughout the 3heats. Driver of the class at Croft must go toDaniel Rooke the Southern AutocrossChampionship driving a Citroen AX in his firstever Rallycross meeting. Daniel travelled allthe way from Devon for the event and put insome fast heat times to line up on the front rowof the A Final. In the C Final it was RichardLewthwaite (MR2) and Rob Scott (Toyota) whoboth progressed onto the back of the B Finalgrid. The B Final was won by Brian Jukes (TT)and in second place was Jim Black, with bothdrivers going onto the back of the 10 car A

Final grid. The class waswon by Jack Thorne in hisSuper 1600 spec CitroenC2, however he waschased all the way to theflag in the A final byChampionship leaderKieran Curran (Corsa) andcompleting the podium wasDaniel Rooke (AX).

The “Red5Motorsport”Production class had alarge entry of 18 cars all ofwhom provided the hugecrowd with some greatracing throughout the day.In the heats the fastesttimes were shared between

2014 Rallycross Champions Kieran CurranPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipJeff Hope-Davies, Gareth Softley and JohnGaskin, just proving how competitive the classwas. In the B Final it was championshipcontender Ryan Stutchbury (205) and localdriver Ian Horn (Nova) who finished 1st and 2nd

and would join the back of the 10 car A Finalgrid. In the A Final it was Martin Peters wholead from lights to flag but he was chased allthe way by current class leader Jeff Hope-Davies and John Gaskin (Saxo).

The “Fuchs Lubricants” BMW Mini and ClassMini classes saw a boost in entries at Croft with3 entries in each category. In the BMW Miniclass it was non championship contenders KrisHudson and Keifer Hudson who lead the waywith David Bell not finishing the A Final after

suffering with a puncture. In the classic miniclass it was rallycoss returnee Alan Forsterwho won all 3 heats and the final and he leadhome Martin Knowles and Craig Truelove.

The event also had a class for Autocross carsand a grid of 6 cars was assembled all localdrivers from the Newcastle area. Nearly all ofthem were trying rallycross for the very firsttime and in the A Final it was Ben Davison(Corsa) who won from Mark Pearson (Puma)and Keith Jeffrey (Nova).

All the competitors now only had 2 weeks inwhich to prepare their care for the final round ofthe 2014 Autosport International BTRDAClubmans Rallycross Championship at theBlyton Circuit.

“Kieran’s Championship Delight”Ireland’s Kieran Curran rounded off what has been a fantastic year by winning the final

round of the 2014 Autosport International BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship atBlyton (Sunday 30th November) and with it, the overall BTRDA Championship title.

The MDA (Minicross Drivers Association)organised event at Blyton which was titled the“Anita Wadge Memorial Rallycross Meeting”in memory of long time marshal and rallycrosssupporter Anita Wadge who sadly passed awayin 2013. The event attracted a large entrywhich was boosted by the MSA Swift Sport andMSA Junior Swift Championships. The racingtook place on a slightly re-modelled circuit fromthe one used in March and it certainly got theapproval of all competitors. All the competitorsand organisers were blessed with a crisp sunnyday which meant all the racing was fitted inwithin daylight hours and with minutes to spare.With FREE spectator entry the crowd was thebiggest seen at Blyton for a long time and theywere all treated to some great racing.

The Funk Motorsport Super Modified classattracted a strong entry of 12 cars and it wasTony Lynch (BMW Mini) and Kieran Curran(Corsa) who shared the fastest heat times inqualification. The racing in the class was

intense all day and it was these 2 drivers whowould sit on the front row of the A Final grid. Inthe C Final it was Dave Ewin and Rob Scottwho finished 1st and 2nd respectively andmoved onto the back of the B Final. The B finalwas a fantastic race from start to finish and wasinitially lead by Brian Jukes (Audi TT), but whenhis engine let go on lap 3 it was Larry Carter(206) who took up the race lead which is wherehe stayed until the flag. Todd Crooks (BMWMini) finished 2nd in the B final and would joinLarry on the back row of the A Final. The 6 carA final was the last race of the day and itcertainly gave the crowd some fantasticentertainment and great racing. As the lightswent to green it was Kieran Curran and AllanTapscott who made the best starts, leavingTony Lynch scrambling for grip on the line.The next 4 laps would see some fantasticaction, drivers swapping places, time and timeagain, when the chequered flag came out itwas Kieran who took the win from Allan

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipJeff Hope-Davies, Gareth Softley and JohnGaskin, just proving how competitive the classwas. In the B Final it was championshipcontender Ryan Stutchbury (205) and localdriver Ian Horn (Nova) who finished 1st and 2nd

and would join the back of the 10 car A Finalgrid. In the A Final it was Martin Peters wholead from lights to flag but he was chased allthe way by current class leader Jeff Hope-Davies and John Gaskin (Saxo).

The “Fuchs Lubricants” BMW Mini and ClassMini classes saw a boost in entries at Croft with3 entries in each category. In the BMW Miniclass it was non championship contenders KrisHudson and Keifer Hudson who lead the waywith David Bell not finishing the A Final after

suffering with a puncture. In the classic miniclass it was rallycoss returnee Alan Forsterwho won all 3 heats and the final and he leadhome Martin Knowles and Craig Truelove.

The event also had a class for Autocross carsand a grid of 6 cars was assembled all localdrivers from the Newcastle area. Nearly all ofthem were trying rallycross for the very firsttime and in the A Final it was Ben Davison(Corsa) who won from Mark Pearson (Puma)and Keith Jeffrey (Nova).

All the competitors now only had 2 weeks inwhich to prepare their care for the final round ofthe 2014 Autosport International BTRDAClubmans Rallycross Championship at theBlyton Circuit.

“Kieran’s Championship Delight”Ireland’s Kieran Curran rounded off what has been a fantastic year by winning the final

round of the 2014 Autosport International BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship atBlyton (Sunday 30th November) and with it, the overall BTRDA Championship title.

The MDA (Minicross Drivers Association)organised event at Blyton which was titled the“Anita Wadge Memorial Rallycross Meeting”in memory of long time marshal and rallycrosssupporter Anita Wadge who sadly passed awayin 2013. The event attracted a large entrywhich was boosted by the MSA Swift Sport andMSA Junior Swift Championships. The racingtook place on a slightly re-modelled circuit fromthe one used in March and it certainly got theapproval of all competitors. All the competitorsand organisers were blessed with a crisp sunnyday which meant all the racing was fitted inwithin daylight hours and with minutes to spare.With FREE spectator entry the crowd was thebiggest seen at Blyton for a long time and theywere all treated to some great racing.

The Funk Motorsport Super Modified classattracted a strong entry of 12 cars and it wasTony Lynch (BMW Mini) and Kieran Curran(Corsa) who shared the fastest heat times inqualification. The racing in the class was

intense all day and it was these 2 drivers whowould sit on the front row of the A Final grid. Inthe C Final it was Dave Ewin and Rob Scottwho finished 1st and 2nd respectively andmoved onto the back of the B Final. The B finalwas a fantastic race from start to finish and wasinitially lead by Brian Jukes (Audi TT), but whenhis engine let go on lap 3 it was Larry Carter(206) who took up the race lead which is wherehe stayed until the flag. Todd Crooks (BMWMini) finished 2nd in the B final and would joinLarry on the back row of the A Final. The 6 carA final was the last race of the day and itcertainly gave the crowd some fantasticentertainment and great racing. As the lightswent to green it was Kieran Curran and AllanTapscott who made the best starts, leavingTony Lynch scrambling for grip on the line.The next 4 laps would see some fantasticaction, drivers swapping places, time and timeagain, when the chequered flag came out itwas Kieran who took the win from Allan

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipTapscott and Tony Lynch rounding off the top3. Following the top 3 home were Guy Corner(206), and B Final finishers Larry Carter andTodd Crooks.

This class win for Irishman Kieran Curranwas enough for him to clinch the overallBTRDA Championship title. After the raceKieran said “This has been an unbelievableyear, I started season not with the intentionof doing a full Championship, but as resultscame my way I found myself in a strongposition and decided to carry on. TheBTRDA Championship is a greatChampionship, everyone is so friendly andwelcoming, I hope to come back and defendthe title in 2015”The Red5Motorsport Production classattracted a large entry of 19 cars which meantthe finals went all the way down as far an Efinal. With such a diverse grid, some newdrivers taking part and a championship at statethis class provided some of the best racingthroughout the day. During the heats it wasMartin Peters and class leader Jeff Hope-Davies who shared the heat time which wouldsee them both start from the front row of the AFinal grid. The first final to be run was the EFinal and this was won by Steve Kemp (Saxo)

and rallycross newbie Oak Richardson (205)who would join the back of the D Final. The DFinal was a very close affair but it was ColinRamsey (205) and Chris Harper (Saxo) whocame 1st and 2nd and would join the back of theC Final grid. Chris Harper who was sitting 2nd

in the production championship before theevent started was having a dramatic event withdisastrous first heat, a non finish in the 2nd heatdue to broken steering he found himselfstarting from a D final and knew he had tomake progress if he was to challenge JeffHope-Davies and Martin Peters in the overallChampionship. The C final was probably oneof the closest races throughout the day withpositions changing each lap. In the end it wasLeigh Hickey (205) who took a great race winand was followed over the line by RyanStutchbury (205). However it was eventsbehind these 2 which would eventually shapethe final positions in the 8v and 16v classes. Inthe 8v class Colin Ramsey who came into theevent leading the class, had a race endingcoming together with Damon Fatchett whichwould see both cars limp over the line. Top16v competitor Chris Harper also had a toughrace, not being able to make it any furtherforward than 3rd place which wasn’t enough forhim to progress to the B Final. The B Final was

won by John Gaskin (Saxo), hewas followed over the line byGareth Softley (Xzara) andthese 2 drivers would join theback of the A Final. The A finalwas a great race with JeffHope-Davies and Martin Petersbeing locked bumper tobumper for the entire race.When the flag came out it wasJeff who took the win and alsothe Production title. He wasfollowed home by Martin Petersand B final winner JohnGaskin.

Jeff Hope-Davis at CroftPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipTapscott and Tony Lynch rounding off the top3. Following the top 3 home were Guy Corner(206), and B Final finishers Larry Carter andTodd Crooks.

This class win for Irishman Kieran Curranwas enough for him to clinch the overallBTRDA Championship title. After the raceKieran said “This has been an unbelievableyear, I started season not with the intentionof doing a full Championship, but as resultscame my way I found myself in a strongposition and decided to carry on. TheBTRDA Championship is a greatChampionship, everyone is so friendly andwelcoming, I hope to come back and defendthe title in 2015”The Red5Motorsport Production classattracted a large entry of 19 cars which meantthe finals went all the way down as far an Efinal. With such a diverse grid, some newdrivers taking part and a championship at statethis class provided some of the best racingthroughout the day. During the heats it wasMartin Peters and class leader Jeff Hope-Davies who shared the heat time which wouldsee them both start from the front row of the AFinal grid. The first final to be run was the EFinal and this was won by Steve Kemp (Saxo)

and rallycross newbie Oak Richardson (205)who would join the back of the D Final. The DFinal was a very close affair but it was ColinRamsey (205) and Chris Harper (Saxo) whocame 1st and 2nd and would join the back of theC Final grid. Chris Harper who was sitting 2nd

in the production championship before theevent started was having a dramatic event withdisastrous first heat, a non finish in the 2nd heatdue to broken steering he found himselfstarting from a D final and knew he had tomake progress if he was to challenge JeffHope-Davies and Martin Peters in the overallChampionship. The C final was probably oneof the closest races throughout the day withpositions changing each lap. In the end it wasLeigh Hickey (205) who took a great race winand was followed over the line by RyanStutchbury (205). However it was eventsbehind these 2 which would eventually shapethe final positions in the 8v and 16v classes. Inthe 8v class Colin Ramsey who came into theevent leading the class, had a race endingcoming together with Damon Fatchett whichwould see both cars limp over the line. Top16v competitor Chris Harper also had a toughrace, not being able to make it any furtherforward than 3rd place which wasn’t enough forhim to progress to the B Final. The B Final was

won by John Gaskin (Saxo), hewas followed over the line byGareth Softley (Xzara) andthese 2 drivers would join theback of the A Final. The A finalwas a great race with JeffHope-Davies and Martin Petersbeing locked bumper tobumper for the entire race.When the flag came out it wasJeff who took the win and alsothe Production title. He wasfollowed home by Martin Petersand B final winner JohnGaskin.

Jeff Hope-Davis at CroftPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipThe Fuchs Lubricants BMW Mini class onlyhad 1 starter and it was David Bell who wonthe class on the day andalso took the 2014 BMWMini class Championship. Inthe Fuchs LubricantsClassic Mini category therewas close racing all dayfrom Martin Knowles andCraig Truelove. The finalwas now different with bothcars nose to tail for theentire race, when the flagcame out it was CraigTruelove who took the winand also the classChampionship.

In the support categories itwas local driver Chris Mullenwho took the win in the MSASwift Sport class andCharlie Bean who won theJunior class. This win for

Charlie was also enough for him to claim the2014 Junior Rallycross Championship title.

With the BTRDA ClubmansRallycross Season now over,attentions turn to 2015 which isshaping up to be a bigger andbetter year than in 2014. InJanuary the BTRDA RallycrossChampionship will have itsbiggest ever presence at theAutosport International where astatic 3 car stand will be on showfor 2 days and this is in additionto BTRDA Rallycross competitorstaking part in the “Live Arena” forthe very first time. On February22nd there is a non MSA test dayat Blyton run by the MDA and thefirst round of the 2015 AutosportInternational BTRDA ClubmansRallycross Championship takesplace at Blyton on March 8th.

Simon Horton at CroftPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World

BTRDA® Clubmans Rallycross ChampionshipThe Fuchs Lubricants BMW Mini class onlyhad 1 starter and it was David Bell who wonthe class on the day andalso took the 2014 BMWMini class Championship. Inthe Fuchs LubricantsClassic Mini category therewas close racing all dayfrom Martin Knowles andCraig Truelove. The finalwas now different with bothcars nose to tail for theentire race, when the flagcame out it was CraigTruelove who took the winand also the classChampionship.

In the support categories itwas local driver Chris Mullenwho took the win in the MSASwift Sport class andCharlie Bean who won theJunior class. This win for

Charlie was also enough for him to claim the2014 Junior Rallycross Championship title.

With the BTRDA ClubmansRallycross Season now over,attentions turn to 2015 which isshaping up to be a bigger andbetter year than in 2014. InJanuary the BTRDA RallycrossChampionship will have itsbiggest ever presence at theAutosport International where astatic 3 car stand will be on showfor 2 days and this is in additionto BTRDA Rallycross competitorstaking part in the “Live Arena” forthe very first time. On February22nd there is a non MSA test dayat Blyton run by the MDA and thefirst round of the 2015 AutosportInternational BTRDA ClubmansRallycross Championship takesplace at Blyton on March 8th.

Simon Horton at CroftPhoto: Hal Ridge, Rallycross World


Provisional Points Tables

R1

Bly

ton

R2

Pem

brey

R3

Pem

brey

R4

Pem

brey

R5

Cro

ft

R6

Bly

ton

Dro

pped

Sco

re Total

Overall ChampionshipKieran Curran (Ire) 0 30 30 25 27 60 0 172Jeff Hope-Davies 16 17 23 30 27 60 16 157Allan Tapscott 30 17 0 30 21 54 0 152Supermodified Overall ChampionshipKieran Curran (Ire) 0 30 30 25 27 60 0 172Allan Tapscott 30 17 0 30 21 54 0 152Tony Lynch 0 23 21 21 25 50 0 140Production Overall ChampionshipJeff Hope-Davis 16 17 23 30 27 60 16 157Martin Peters 27 0 30 0 30 54 0 141Chris Harper 25 25 14 23 21 28 14 122Super Modified 2101cc+ ClassTony Lynch 0 27 27 25 30 60 0 168Allan Tapscott 32* 19 0 30 27 58 0 167Guy Corner 25 18 30 29* 23* 50 18 157Super Modified 1601 to 2100cc ClassSean McAdden 25 21 21 21 0 46 0 134Gary Cook 29* 0 0 26* 30 0 0 85Phillip Kelly 0 26* 26* 0 0 0 0 52

A Few Words from Bill.Here we are at the end of the BTRDA’s first stand-alone championship year. We all need apat on the back as I think that it has been a great success. The rushing about is supposed tohave finished after Blyton, or has it? Not for some of us, whether it is the organising side oryou guys on the performing side, there’s more to come before R1 at Blyton next March.

Our 2015 Championship regs have been written and sent to the MSA, winners from this yearschampionship have been contacted regarding the prize giving and luncheon in January butbefore all of that we have an Autosport International Show to organise with some of you flyinga Rallycross flag over 4 days in the exciting Live Arena and others of you have the opportunityto have your car on our 2 day static display. We are sure that it will be a great success.

You will see the end of year Championship Points in this mag, congratulations to Kieran, ourDave Fuell Trophy jumps the water to SI for 2015, but not for the first time, those honours wentto John Haffey in 1992.

We look forward to seeing you at the lunch and prize giving on 25th January, in the meantimeMerry Xmas and H-N-Y. See you at either the Autosport Show or the test day at Blyton on22nd February.

Bill Skermer


Provisional Points Tables

R1

Bly

ton

R2

Pem

brey

R3

Pem

brey

R4

Pem

brey

R5

Cro

ft

R6

Bly

ton

Dro

pped

Sco

re Total

Overall ChampionshipKieran Curran (Ire) 0 30 30 25 27 60 0 172Jeff Hope-Davies 16 17 23 30 27 60 16 157Allan Tapscott 30 17 0 30 21 54 0 152Supermodified Overall ChampionshipKieran Curran (Ire) 0 30 30 25 27 60 0 172Allan Tapscott 30 17 0 30 21 54 0 152Tony Lynch 0 23 21 21 25 50 0 140Production Overall ChampionshipJeff Hope-Davis 16 17 23 30 27 60 16 157Martin Peters 27 0 30 0 30 54 0 141Chris Harper 25 25 14 23 21 28 14 122Super Modified 2101cc+ ClassTony Lynch 0 27 27 25 30 60 0 168Allan Tapscott 32* 19 0 30 27 58 0 167Guy Corner 25 18 30 29* 23* 50 18 157Super Modified 1601 to 2100cc ClassSean McAdden 25 21 21 21 0 46 0 134Gary Cook 29* 0 0 26* 30 0 0 85Phillip Kelly 0 26* 26* 0 0 0 0 52

A Few Words from Bill.Here we are at the end of the BTRDA’s first stand-alone championship year. We all need apat on the back as I think that it has been a great success. The rushing about is supposed tohave finished after Blyton, or has it? Not for some of us, whether it is the organising side oryou guys on the performing side, there’s more to come before R1 at Blyton next March.

Our 2015 Championship regs have been written and sent to the MSA, winners from this yearschampionship have been contacted regarding the prize giving and luncheon in January butbefore all of that we have an Autosport International Show to organise with some of you flyinga Rallycross flag over 4 days in the exciting Live Arena and others of you have the opportunityto have your car on our 2 day static display. We are sure that it will be a great success.

You will see the end of year Championship Points in this mag, congratulations to Kieran, ourDave Fuell Trophy jumps the water to SI for 2015, but not for the first time, those honours wentto John Haffey in 1992.

We look forward to seeing you at the lunch and prize giving on 25th January, in the meantimeMerry Xmas and H-N-Y. See you at either the Autosport Show or the test day at Blyton on22nd February.

Bill Skermer


Super Modified up to 1600cc ClassKieran Curran 0 30 32* 32* 29* 64 0 187Larry Carter 32* 25 25 25 25 54 25 161Rob Scott 25 23 23 27 23 50 23 148Production 1601cc to 2000cc ClassGareth Softley 32* 32* 26* 30 32* 60 26 186Ashley Barney-Kemp 23 27 21 27 0 50 0 148Martin Rodgers 25 0 0 0 27 58 0 110Production up to 1600cc 16V ClassJeff Hope-Davis 17 18 23 30 27 60 17 158Martin Peters 29* 0 32* 0 30 58 0 149Chris Harper 25 25 17 23 23 34 17 130Production up to 1600cc 8V ClassRyan Stutchbury 21 25 25 29* 27 60 21 166Colin Ramsey 32* 23 23 0 30 50 0 158Leigh Hickey 25 21 19 25 25 58 19 154BMW Mini ClassDavid Bell 0 0 0 0 30 40 0 70Classic Mini ClassCraig Truelove 20* 0 0 0 27 48 0 95Martin Knowles 0 0 0 20* 0 46 0 66Alan Forster 0 0 0 0 32* 0 0 32BTRDA Clubman Supercar ClassSimon Horton 27 30 21~ 30 21 87Andy Grant 32* 27* 26*~ 0 0 85Derek Job 25 27 0 0 0 52

*FTD Extra 2 points in sub class, ~ reduced points due to number of starters

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSFor advertisements, articles, photographs, reports and results in this issue of BTRDA NEWS the

NEWS TEAM would like to thank:Mike Broad, Peter Cox, Janet & Phil Darbyshire, Mike Dodman, Julian Fack, Jonathan Gibbs,

Andrew Haill, Simon Harris, Mark Hoppé, Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com,John Kendrick of Ralliphotowales, Steve Layton, Neil Mackay, Jodie Pemberton, Gemma Price,

Hal Ridge Rallycross World, Geoff Robinson 2020zoom, John Rook, Mike Sones,Duncan Stephens, Duncan Wild and our sponsors

THE EDITORS DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN THE VARIOUSREPORTS

BTRDA News is printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd Units 3&4 Lansdown Industrial Estate Gloucester RoadCheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 8PL


Super Modified up to 1600cc ClassKieran Curran 0 30 32* 32* 29* 64 0 187Larry Carter 32* 25 25 25 25 54 25 161Rob Scott 25 23 23 27 23 50 23 148Production 1601cc to 2000cc ClassGareth Softley 32* 32* 26* 30 32* 60 26 186Ashley Barney-Kemp 23 27 21 27 0 50 0 148Martin Rodgers 25 0 0 0 27 58 0 110Production up to 1600cc 16V ClassJeff Hope-Davis 17 18 23 30 27 60 17 158Martin Peters 29* 0 32* 0 30 58 0 149Chris Harper 25 25 17 23 23 34 17 130Production up to 1600cc 8V ClassRyan Stutchbury 21 25 25 29* 27 60 21 166Colin Ramsey 32* 23 23 0 30 50 0 158Leigh Hickey 25 21 19 25 25 58 19 154BMW Mini ClassDavid Bell 0 0 0 0 30 40 0 70Classic Mini ClassCraig Truelove 20* 0 0 0 27 48 0 95Martin Knowles 0 0 0 20* 0 46 0 66Alan Forster 0 0 0 0 32* 0 0 32BTRDA Clubman Supercar ClassSimon Horton 27 30 21~ 30 21 87Andy Grant 32* 27* 26*~ 0 0 85Derek Job 25 27 0 0 0 52

*FTD Extra 2 points in sub class, ~ reduced points due to number of starters

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSFor advertisements, articles, photographs, reports and results in this issue of BTRDA NEWS the

NEWS TEAM would like to thank:Mike Broad, Peter Cox, Janet & Phil Darbyshire, Mike Dodman, Julian Fack, Jonathan Gibbs,

Andrew Haill, Simon Harris, Mark Hoppé, Julie Johnson www.daisyroot.com,John Kendrick of Ralliphotowales, Steve Layton, Neil Mackay, Jodie Pemberton, Gemma Price,

Hal Ridge Rallycross World, Geoff Robinson 2020zoom, John Rook, Mike Sones,Duncan Stephens, Duncan Wild and our sponsors

THE EDITORS DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN THE VARIOUSREPORTS

BTRDA News is printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd Units 3&4 Lansdown Industrial Estate Gloucester RoadCheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 8PL


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Photo by:-1 Simon Harris at Catton Park Nick Pollitt2 David Evans at Foxley Nic Ayre3 Tom Naughton/Andrew Mort on the Cambrian Rally Ralliphotowales4 Alex Laffey/Jack Morton on the Mewla Rally Ralliphotowales5 John Stone/Carl Williamson on the Manx Ralliphotowales6 Ian & Sandy Veale Julie Johnson Daisyroots.com7 Andy Grant ahead of Simon Horton at Pembrey Hal Ridge Rallycross World8 Dave Rance/Duncan Cartledge Julie Johnson Daisyroots.com

SPECIAL AWARDS 2013 WINNERSThe Stross Rally Trophy Steve PerezAwarded annually to the BTRDA member achieving the best performance(s) or individual result(s) on anyInternational or National Special Stage Rally Championship/Event. This trophy is awarded upon therecommendation of the Rally CommitteeThe Jack Twyford Trophy Not AwardedAwarded annually to the highest placed BTRDA member driving on the British round of the World RallyChampionship or otherwise any event in the British Rally ChampionshipThe John Gott Memorial Trophy Patrick WalshA Special Award to be presented at the discretion of the Rallies CommitteeThe Patricia Baldwin Trophy Liz CoxA Special Ladies Award to be presented at the discretion of CouncilThe Automobile Club de Monaco Trophy Peter SmithAwarded to the winning driver in the Gold Star Series Historic Cup

HONORARY MEMBERS FOR LIFEDEREK SMITH: Joined the BTRDA in 1951, competing regularly, particularly in Autotests, and won the Flather Star in1963.After three years as Secretary of the Autotest Committee he became General Secretary of the Association from 1967-1982 and wasalso Treasurer during the same period. As Chairman of the Rallycross Committee from 1976 to 1978, and a Group 1 RACTimekeeper, he did much to improve the standards of timekeeping at BTRDA Rallycross and Autocross events

PHIL and JANET DARBYSHIRE: Phil and Janet have been actively associated with the BTRDA since the 1960’s, and bothserved on the Autotest Committee and since the Mid. 70's on the Allrounders Committee. Phil is still a member of Council and hasserved on the Rallycross committee since 1984. Additionally they have been involved in the production of the BTRDA News

BRIAN and MARGARET STAPLETON: Though almost exclusively with Sporting Trials Committee, Brian and Margarethave also served the Association since 1974 with Brian acting as Committee Secretary and Margaret as a co-ordinator for theSporting Trials Dinner. Both continue to take an active interest in the BTRDA.

MIKE and HAZEL STEPHENS: Mike has been involved in BTRDA activities for over 40 years, primarily concerned with theProduction Car Trial committee and was its champion many times over, but also as secretary to the Rallies committee during theperiod of greatest development of both road and special stage championships. Chairmanship of the Association was taken up in1982, and only relinquished in 1988 to the more demanding role of General Secretary until 2004. Hazel has been in charge of theorganisation of the AGM and Awards Presentation day since 1988, and between them, their household has looked after thedistribution and posting of News and Clear Round since the early 1980’s. They continue to be involved with various activities of theAssociation, including book-keeping, and the Clear Round.

HOWARD WILCOCK: Howard joined the BTRDA Rally Committee in 1979 and has been involved with the BTRDA RallyChampionships since 1987, firstly with the Clubmans Championship, and subsequently the Gold Star Championship, asChampionship Co-ordinator. Throughout this period, his wholehearted commitment has been unstinting, his judgement anddecisions taken about the format of the championship as a whole have been crystal clear, resulting in the Gold Star Championshipbeing the pinnacle of clubman motorsport. He continues to be involved in the championship, and represents BTRDA on a number ofMSA Committees

BRIAN MIDGLEY: Brian has been involved with BTRDA for over 40 years, principally associated with the production car trialworld where he was committee chairman, and fierce competitor, for many of those years, whilst he was also responsible for theAssociation’s awards for almost a decade. A constant and authoritative member of Council, he became a director of the Associationupon its conversion to a Limited Company, and subsequently elected as President in 1989. His tenure of that position has seen theAssociation make great strides forward, both in its dealings with the MSA and in the motorsport world at large. His was the greatestcontribution in the re-organisation of the Association into Holding, and Operational, companies that exist today.

MIKE SONES: Has been continuously involved in road rallying from 1963 to this day, and joined the BTRDA in 1972, specificallyto do the Production Car Trial Championship. 1974 saw the first involvement in the Autotest Championship that continues to thisday. In 1977 he joined the Rallies Committee and took on the job of running the Silver Star Road Rally Championship until itsconclusion in 1987. He joined the Allrounders/NEWS Committee in the mid 70’s, and membership of this committee was continueduntil mid 1990’s. The awards luncheon in 1981 was the first time he acted as master of ceremonies, a role that was expanded toorganisation of the AGM and Luncheon upon the retirement of Ron Kemp. He was elected Treasurer of the Association in 1982 andserved in that role until 1993. Having twice won the MSA Autotest Championship, he joined the Autotest Committee in 1994 and hecontinues to be a member, now being the championship marking official. When the BTRDA became the permit holder for the MSAAsphalt Championship, Mike was one of the liaison committee members, and continues in that role. He took up Chairmanship of theRallycross Committee in 2008. He was involved in the Association’s conversion to a Limited Company, and later in the formation ofthe holding and operational companies that exist today. He took a leading role in the organisation of both the 60th and 75th

Anniversary celebrations. He was elected Chairman of Council in the Golden Jubilee year of 1988 and continued in that positionuntil retiring in 2014.

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Gold Star® Champions 2013Allrounders Duncan StephensAutotest Richard PinkneyCar Trial Duncan StephensForest Rally Euan Thorburn/Paul BeatonSporting Trial Duncan Stephens

AutoSolo ChampionshipKevin Belcher

BTRDA® Challenge WinnersAsphalt Rally FWD Simon Mauger/Brian CammackAsphalt Rally RWD Tim Daltry / Paula SwinscoeAutoSolo Dan Darkin

BTRDA Gold Star andMSA Autotest Champion Richard Pinkney

Photo: Duncan Wild

leading allrounder roger holder photo: mike...

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