Roger Albert Clark Rally - 23-27 Nov 23

Seeded Entry List

Posted: November 22, 2023 4:55 PM

1 Martin McCormack/Barney Mitchell (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
2 Kris Meeke/Noel O'Sullivan (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
3 Oliver Solberg/Elliot Edmondson (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
4 Osian Pryce/Rhodri Evans (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
5 Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
6 Richard Tuthill/Stephane Prevot (Porsche 911) [D4]
7 Roger Chilman/Patrick Walsh (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
8 Chris Ingram/Hannah McKillop (Triumph TR7 V8) [G2]
9 Paul Barrett/Gordon Noble (Ford Escort) [D3]
10 Matthew Robinson/Sam Collis (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
11 Ghislain de Mevius/Johan Jalet (Ford Escort RS MK2) [D3]
12 Adrian Hetherington/Ronan O'Neill (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
14 Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
15 Seb Perez/Gary McElhinney (Lancia Stratos HF) [G2]
16 James Ford/Neil Shanks (Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0) [D4]
17 Cathan McCourt/Liam Moynihan (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
18 Daniel Alonso Villaron/Alejandro Lopez Fernandez (Ford Escort Mk) [J5]
19 Richard Jordan/James Gratton Smith (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
20 Steve Bannister/Callum Atkinson (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
21 Simon Webster/Jez Rogers (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
22 Grégoire de Mevius/Andre Leyh (Toyota Celica Twin Cam Turbo) [Category K]
23 stefaan stouf/Dai Roberts (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
24 Gareth James/Daniel Petrie (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
25 Daniel Keith Mennell/Steven Brown (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
26 Rudi Lancaster/Guy Weaver (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
27 Mike Stuart/Sinclair Young (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
28 Paul Thompson/Josh Davison (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
29 Kevin Procter/Jamie Edwards (Ford Sapphire Cosworth 4x4) [F2]
30 Sacha Kakad/James Aldridge (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
31 Steve Graham/Tony Graham (Lancia Fulvia) [C1]
32 Craig Jones/Ian Taylor (Ford Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000) [C5]
33 Ken Sturdy/Alex Lee (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
34 David Hutchinson/Jeff Garnett (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
36 Barry McKenna/James Fulton (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
37 Barry Stevenson-Wheeler/John Pickavance (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
38 Baz Jordan/Arwel Jenkins (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
40 Theo Bengry/Les Forsbrook (Opel Ascona 400) [D4]
41 Andrew Haddon/Mark Crisp (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
42 Robert Woodside/Dean Beckett (Porsche 911) [C4]
43 Robert Barrett/Andy Coupland (Ford Escort) [J4]
44 Ben Jemison/Dean Kellett (Vauxhall Chevette) [D4]
46 Dyfrig James/Emyr Jones (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
47 Ieuan Evans/Dafydd Evans (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
48 Ben Smith/Steven Smith (Ford Escort MK1 RS2000) [C3]
49 Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
51 Phil Squires/Mick Squires (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
52 Eddie O’Donnell jnr/Cameron Fair (Ford Escort) [D3]
53 Vivian/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
54 Tony Thompson/Matthew Thompson (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
55 Rob Dennis/Andy Boswell (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
56 Mark Holmes/John Connor (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
57 Dave Forrest/Jamie Forrest (Ford Escort Mk2) [D3]
58 Mike Reed/John Millington (Ford Escort RS2000) [D3]
59 Neal James/Kevin Jones (Ford Escort) [D3]
60 Keith McIvor/David Burns (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
61 Mike Simpson/Dale Gibbons (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
62 Darren Martin/Peter Johnson (Subaru Legacy RS) [F2]
63 Chris Harris/Brynmor Pierce (Porsche 911) [D4]
64 Barry Renwick/Paul Hughes (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
65 David Pedley/Paul Stringer (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
66 Alun Horn/Ryan Griffiths (Ford Escort) [J4]
67 Steven Ormond-Smith/John Tear (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
68 Aaron McClure/Simon Taylor (Peugeot 205 Gti) [F2]
69 Andy Wolfe/James Crook (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
70 Gavin Edwards/Caron Tomlinson (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
71 Christopher Ingram/Paul Turner (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
72 Grant Inglis/Gavin Chisholm (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
73 David Tomlin/Keith Ashley (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
74 Dave Hemingway/Simon Ashton (Ford Escort) [J4]
75 Fintan McGrady/Cormac McGrady (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
76 Stuart Ranby/Ian Bass (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
77 Conrad Bos/Geoff Crabtree (Ford Rs2000) [D3]
78 Remy Thomissen/Christopher Davies (Ford Escort) [C3]
80 Phil Morton/Chris Dodds (Mitsubishi Starion) [J4]
81 Paul Fry/Mike Steele (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
82 Adrian Young/Gwynfor Jones (Ford Escort RS2000) [D3]
83 Maxime Vilmot/Marie-Noelle Ratier (Ford Escort MK2) [D3]
84 Geraint Davies/Eurig Davies (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
85 Jim Robertson/Paul Gribben (Ford Escort) [H2]
87 Donald Peacock/Craig Wallace (Ford Escort MK2) [D3]
88 Mike Roberts/Ken Bowman (Ford Escort Rs2000) [D3]
89 Alexandre Felsenhart/Jean-Louis Hottelet (Ford Escort Mk1) [J4]
91 Gianni Anassarette/Ismaele Barra (Peugeot Peugeot 208) [J3]
92 Colin Richard Hope/Billy Dalgleish (SAAB 96 V4) [C3]
93 Federico Polese/Nicola Arena (Porsche 911 SC) [H2]
94 Tim Metcalfe/Stephen McAuley (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
95 Henry de Frahan Miguel/Eggermont Emmanuel (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
96 Alan Carfrae/Liam Carfrae (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
97 John Brazier/Damian Bird (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
98 Bart-Jan Deenik/Egbert Kolvoort (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
99 James Brady/Jack Brady (Porsche 911) [F2]
100 Keith Turner/Tracy Wood (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
101 Maarten Buitenhuis/Jeanette Buitenhuis (Alfa Romeo Guilietta) [D3]
102 Chris Cleghorn/Ryland James (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [G2]
103 Robin Hamilton/Philip Sandham (Talbot Sunbeam) [D4]
104 Paul Holmes/Elizabeth Beesley (Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000) [D3]
105 Nick Mason/Pete Smith (Datsun 240Z) [H2]
106 Frank Tundo/Alan Jones (Triumph TR7 V8) [Safari]
107 Alec Cooper/Mark I`Anson (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600) [C5]
108 Ray Barnes/Ula Budzynska (Lotus Sunbeam) [D4]
109 Ian Tunney/Chris Sanderson (Mitsubishi Starion Turbo) [E2]
110 David Calvert/Colin Blunt (Ford Escort) [J4]
111 Rodger Mark Fowler/Malcolm Johnson (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
112 Stu Mclaren/Mark Ammonds (Opel Kadett GT/E Group2) [D3]
113 Douglas Menzies/Graeme Menzies (Ford Escort Mk II) [D3]
114 Lyn Davies/Aled Richards (Ford Escort MK2 RS1800) [D5]
115 Howard Allan/John Buckley (Ford Escort Mk2) [D3]
117 Gordon McCombie/Russell Smith (Saab 900) [J4]
118 Colin Smith/John Pinder (Vauxhall Astra Mk3) [J4]
119 Robin Hernaman/Ray Crowther (BMW 318ti Compact) [J4]
120 Martin Oglesby/John Parker (Opel Kadett) [D3]
121 Chris Lonnon/Mark Courtier (MG ZR 160) [J4]
122 Alan Young/Ashley Young (Ford Mk 2 Escort) [D3]
131 Adam Milner/Roy Jarvis (Ford Escort Mexico MK1) [C2]
132 Neil Weaver/Jack Morton (Opel Corsa S1600) [J3]
133 Rory McCann/Paul Mc Cann (Hillman Avenger) [C2]
134 Bryan Jardine/Declan Campbell (Ford Escort MK1 RS 1600) [J3]
135 Aaron Rix/Abi Haycock (Ford Escort Mk2) [J2]
136 David Hopkins/Richard Wise (Talbot Sunbeam Ti) [D2]
137 Alex Waterman/Chris Davies (Datsun 1600 SSS) [C2]
138 Calzia Simone/Fabrizio Filicicchia (Peugeot 208) [J3]
139 Chris Hellings/Glyn Thomas (VW Mk1 Golf GTi) [D2]
140 Stuart Cariss/Linda Cariss (Ford Escort Sport) [C2]
141 Philip Clarke/Richard Bonner (Ford Escort) [J3]
142 Dave Watkins/Dave Shepherd (Ford Escort mk1) [C2]
143 Noel Lappin/Conor Lappin (Ford Escort) [J2]
144 Lyndon Barton/Simon Hunter (Ford Escort Mk2) [J3]
145 Anthony Harrison/Marcus Pomfret (Ford Escort mk1 Mexico) [C2]
146 Tony Jardine/Allan Harryman (Chrysler Avenger) [C2]
147 Greg Mills/ANDREW SANKEY (Ford Escort MK2) [J3]
148 Wyn Hughes/David Davies (Ford Escort) [D2]
149 Mark Constantine/Andrew Constantine (Vauxhall Nova Sport) [E1]
151 Paul Rawson/Mike Curry (Ford Escort) [C2]
152 Mark Tugwell/Debora Tugwell (Ford Escort) [C2]
153 Andy Madge/Matt Cooper (Toyota Corolla GT Coupe) [J3]
154 Pete Johnston/Charles Johnston (Peugeot 205GTI) [J3]
155 Pete Stimson/Mark Butler (Ford Anglia) [B3]
156 Paul Mankin/Graham Wild (Ford Lotus Cortina) [B4]
157 Alan Kitson/John Roberts (Ford Escort mk1) [C2]
158 William Jones (Wyn)/Martin Davies (Hillman Avenger) [C2]
159 Domenico Ramoino/Fabiana Ramoino (Renault Clio Rally5) [J5]
160 Charles Knifton/Stephen Gozzard (Peugeot 205 Gti) [E1]
161 GréGory Perrard/CéSar Delbecque (Renault Clio Rally) [J2]
162 Richard Holdsworth/Harry Walshaw (Ford Cortina GT) [B3]
163 Andrew Pidden/Thomas Pidden (Ford Mk1 Cortina) [B3]
164 Martin Lindén/Rickard Forsell (Volvo Pv 544 Sport) [B4]
165 Ian Beveridge/Paul Price (Toyota Corolla TE27) [C2]
167 Patrick Messer/Natalie Messer (Peugeot 205 XS) [J2]
168 Robert Evett/Michael William Evett (Morris Mariina) [C1]
169 James Rudd/Oliver Foster (Nissan Micra) [J2]
170 John Cotton/Gill Cotton (MG ZR) [J2]
171 Roger Mustoe/Andrew Hebron (VW Polo 16V) [J2]
172 Rob Aslett/Rob Aslett (Peugeot 205) [J3]
173 Owen John George Turner/Ryan Walker Pickering (Mitsubishi Lancer) [C2]
174 Stephen Higgins/Corey-Powell Jones (SAAB 96) [B3]


Category 1 Registered before 31.12.67
B1 Cars up to 1000cc
B2 Cars up to 1300cc
B3 Cars 1301cc to 1600cc excluding Twin Cam engined cars
B4 Cars 1601cc to 2000cc including Twin Cam engined Cars
B5 Cars over 2000cc including all Porsche 911s

Category 2 Registered between 01.01.68 and 31.12.74
C1 Cars up to 1300cc
C2 Cars up to 1600cc including 2 Valve Twin Cam engined cars
C3 Cars 1601cc to 2000cc
C4 Cars over 2000cc
C5 Cars Over 2000cc including All Multi Valve Twin Cam engined cars

Catergory 3 Registered between 01.01.75 and 31.12.81
D1 Cars up to 1300cc
D2 Cars up to 1600cc including 2 Valve Tqin Cam engines
D3 Cars 1601cc to 2000cc
D4 Cars over 2000cc including Multi Valve Twin Cam engined cars
D5 All othe Multi Valve Twin Cam engned cars

Catergory 4A Registered between 01.01.82 and 31.12.85
E1 Cars up to 1600cc
E2 Cars over 1601cc

Category 4B Registered between 01.01.86 and 31.2.90
F1 Cars up to 1600cc
F2 Cars over 1601cc

Category K FIA Appendix K cars Registered before 31.12.85
G1 Cars up to 1600cc
G2 Cars over 1601cc

Safari Safari Vehicle Specification up to 31.12.85
H1 Cars up to 1600cc
H2 Cars over 1601cc

Open Roger Albert Clark Open Rally
J1 Cars up to 1000cc
J2 Cars 1001cc to 1400cc
J3 Cars 1401cc to 1600cc
J4 Cars 1601cc to 2000cc
J5 Cars over 2000cc

Kris Meeke/Noel O'Sullivan join Roger Albert Clark Rally entry list

Posted: October 14, 2023 4:19 PM

Former WRC ace Kris Meeke is the latest star name driver to be confirmed for this November’s Roger Albert Clark Rally.

The Northern Irishman will drive a freshly built historic specification Ford Escort Mk2 from the Wales Motorsport team on the November 23-27 rally, which will cover 350 stage miles in the forests of Wales, Scotland and England.

Meeke joins rising WRC star Oliver Solberg in the entry list for the event that re-creates the spirit and atmosphere of the original RAC Rallies of the 1970s. He will be part of an eight-car team from the Wales Motorsport squad of Meirion Evans.

“For sure it's going to be a huge challenge,” Meeke said. “I have a real thing from my childhood for old school rallies and the way it used to be. To say I'm excited to do it is an understatement as it's been on my bucket list for a long time, but the opportunity to do it has never presented itself before. This is the culmination of several months of planning with Meirion Evans from Wales Motorsport.”

Forest special stages in the dark and using organisers’ route notes rather than making his own will be just two of the challenges he'll face on the event. Meeke will be co-driver by Irishman Noel O’Sullivan, who challenged for the lead of the 2021 rally alongside Osian Pryce.

Meeke, five times a WRC rally winner, added: “A WRC rally is nearly 200 miles in three days and it is intense. But this is five days and it's 350 miles. That's what makes it special and the amount of driving in the dark is something special as well. It’s going to be a huge challenge and it is going to be awesome.”

Meeke has limited experience in Ford Escorts but says it was the obvious choice for the event. “I've driven an Escort a few times. Maybe not so much in recent years but back when I was involved with Colin McRae.”

The dialogue between Meeke and Evans started back in the spring. “Meirion does build a very, very good car so it should be a strong package. I've seen the attention to detail on the cars he builds.”

Chris Harris returns to Roger Albert Clark Rally

Posted: October 14, 2023 4:15 PM

Journalist and TV presenter Chris Harris will return for his second attempt at the Roger Albert Clark Rally in November when he will compete at the wheel of a Porsche 911.

Harris and co-driver Brynmor Pierce finished tenth in the Open Rally in 2021 in their Ford Escort Mk2, despite being one of the crews caught by Storm Arwen. They spent much of the Friday night in the car when locked in Kielder forest by fallen trees.

However, the respected Top Gear presenter is up for a repeat challenge and has now made plans to contest this year’s event in a 3-litre Porsche 911 run by Tuthill Team Porsche. Team boss Richard Tuthill, who is also competing on the event, is one of Chris's oldest friends.

Though best known for his role on Top Gear, Harris has an extensive background as a journalist and racer and has shown his ability in a very diverse range of cars and events. However, he has a special affinity to Porsches and is eager to sample a 3-itre 911 in the forests of England, Scotland and Wales.

Harris said: “We’re looking forward to the event again as we have unfinished business from 2021. Our choice of car this year is something I'm more used to. Lots of sideways motoring planned and who doesn't enjoy the sight and sound of a 911? The long last stage looks to be a stern test and as long as we don't have to spend a night in the car again, we're both up for the challenge.''

Harris is the latest star named driver to be confirmed for the Roger Albert Clark Rally, which runs for five full days from 23 to 27 November.

Oliver Solberg confirmed for 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally

Posted: October 14, 2023 4:13 PM

World Rally Championship star Oliver Solberg will drive a Ford Escort RS1800 on this November’s Roger Albert Clark Rally.

Oliver’s father Petter will lend his son the family Escort Mk2 and the 21-year-old will seize the opportunity to drive some of the stages his family has been talking about for generations.

“Before I talk about anything,” said Oliver, “I have to say a big thank you to Phil Mills. Phil has helped so much to make this happen, getting everything ready for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity.

“Unless there’s something a little bit unexpected, my season with WRC2 is going to end at Rally Chile next month. I know there’s a big gap before the start of next year and I was looking for events to do to keep me driving and keep me in the seat. I was talking with Phil and he suggested Roger Albert Clark.

“It’s always been a dream to do this rally. I heard so many stories about the rally and the stages which are used. I was telling my Grandpa [Per-Inge Walfridsson] about it the other day and he straight away said: “You will be going to the Kielder forest; this is one tough place to compete!”

“It’s so cool to hear these stories. Everybody heard so much about the old RAC Rally, it feels like we’re going back in time a little bit and doing this. If we’re going to do a rally like this, it has to be in the Escort. I’m very grateful to dad for letting me drive his car. I will do a day testing before we start, which I’m kind of needing – I think I did around six kilometres on snow and about the same on gravel in this car before. I need some experience and feeling before we start.

“Both of my eyes are absolutely on the finish. This will be the longest rally I ever competed on. It’s going to be fairly tough: five days and I think around 40% of the route in the dark in a car with no power steering – I’m going to be in the gym a fair bit from now until the start!

“Seriously though, this is about having fun – the result doesn’t matter. It’s about driving and just enjoying the sport in a car and on roads which are as legendary as each other. It’s really a dream to be doing this, so thanks again for Phil and everybody who’s made it happen.”

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall said:
“We thrilled that Oliver and his family have chosen to enter our event. It will add another element to a fantastic entry list and we hope that Oliver enjoys the rally. We’d also like to thank Phil Mills for his role is bringing this plan together.”

39-mile stage to conclude 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally

Posted: October 14, 2023 4:11 PM

The Roger Albert Clark Rally will conclude with a mammoth 39-mile final stage, the longest gravel special stage in UK rallying for 40 years.

The stage, being called ‘The Big One’, will run in the early afternoon of Monday November 27 and will be the deciding stage in the marathon event. The 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally will run from 23 to 27 November covering 350 stage miles in the forests of England, Scotland and Wales.

‘The Big One’ will run in the Pundershaw region of Kielder forest in Northumberland and will cover 39.22 miles. Earlier in the day, much of the stage route will be used in three stages which will then be joined up to give the rally its longest ever special stage. It will take the leading crews around 40 minutes to complete the stage.

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall said:
“No one has run a stage of this length for a very long time and it will be a real sting in the tail. A lot of people remember the long stages run on the original RAC Rally and we thought it would be good to re-create that era. The stage could have a dramatic impact on the final results!”

A similar, but shorter, Pundershaw stage was run on the 1995 Network Q RAC Rally, covering 36.59 miles. The stage was won by Carlos Sainz (Subaru Impreza 555) in 31m36s from Richard Burns (Impreza 555) and Alister McRae (Ford Escort RS Cosworth), though the rally was won by Colin McRae in his Subaru Impreza 555.

However, it is 40 years since a longer stage was run and that was in Yorkshire on the 1983 Lombard RAC Rally when SS16 in Dalby was a mammoth 40.50 miles. The stage and the rally was won by Stig Blomqvist (Audi Quattro A2) and he completed the stage, which crossed the forest drive to link other forests to Dalby, in 36m30s.

Leading contenders in this year’s Roger Albert Clark Rally say that it will be a massive challenge and that tyre choice will be critical to make sure the rear tyres on the more powerful rear-wheel-drive cars can last the distance.

Entries Received

Posted: October 14, 2023 4:08 PM

Roger Albert Clark Rally - 23-27 Nov 23 - ENTRIES RECEIVED

On Line Entry Link / Regulations

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:44 PM

On Line Entry:

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2023/rac/

Roger Albert Clark Rally - 23-27 Nov 23 - REGULATIONS

Roger Albert Clark Rally entries to open on Wednesday 1st of March @ 6pm

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:39 PM

Press release: Tuesday 14 February 2023

Entries for the 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally will open on Wednesday 1 March, with a new system designed to remove the initial rush for places and reward those who have supported the event over previous years.

The event regulations are due to be published on Saturday 18 February and entries will open 11 days later at 6pm on March 1. This year, there will not be a time pressure on placing entries. Competitors will have until March 19 to complete the on-line entry form and pay a deposit of £1000.

The organisers will accept 180 entries plus 15 reserves. Any entries lodged beyond that total will be added to a waiting list. Prospective competitors will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1000 to gain a place on the list of accepted entries.

Within the 180 places, 25 entries will be allocated to first time competitors, 15 entries will be at the organisers’ discretion and 20 entries will be reserved for foreign-based competitors.

Should there be more than 120 applicants for the remaining 120 entries, priority will be given to drivers who have previously started the event the most times. Only two drivers have started all 14 editions but many have done the event multiple times and loyal supporters will be recognised if all entries cannot be accommodated.

A second instalment of £1500 will be due by July 1. The entry fee is £4900 but any entries paid in full by April 30 will be discounted to £4500. The final deadline for the full entry fee payment is October 28.

All accepted entries at March 31 will go into a draw and one crew will receive a credit of £1000 towards the balance of the entry. In addition, all entries received and paid in full by May 1 will be entered into a draw and the winner will get a refund of 50% of their fee.

The 2023 edition will mark 20 years of the event, which will run over a full five days of forest rallying starting on Thursday morning and finishing on Monday afternoon.

TIMELINE:

Saturday 18 February: regulations published
Wednesday 1 March: entries open
Sunday March 19: deadline for completed entry forms and £1000 deposit
Friday March 31: provisional entry list published
Saturday July 1: second instalment of £1500 due
Saturday October 28: deadline for balance of entry fee

Roger Albert Clark Rally route outline revealed

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:37 PM

Press release: Monday 6 February 2023

The provisional route for this year's Roger Albert Clark Rally has been revealed with the event starting in Carmarthen and finishing in Carlisle five days later.

The November 23-27 event will feature as many as 150 special stage miles not previously used on the rally, as it ventures into new regions of Wales and further into south-west Scotland than ever before.

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall unveiled the route outline at the BHRC awards dinner on Saturday night (February 4) and confirmed five full days of rallying and more than 340 stage miles from Thursday to Monday. The competitive route covers some of the best forest stages in Wales, Scotland and Northumberland before the finish in Carlisle on Monday afternoon.

The rally opens with scrutineering and documentation at Carmarthen Showground on Wednesday, November 22, before a ceremonial start in Guildhall Square in Carmarthen on Wednesday evening.

The competitive action begins on Thursday morning (November 23) with a day of 45 stage miles and service at Walters Arena. Friday will be the first really tough day covering around 80 stage miles as the route ventures further into mid-Wales with service at Sweet Lamb.

The first cars will finish Friday’s leg at around 1630hrs and competitors will then complete a transport section to Carlisle where the rally will be based for the remaining three days.

The restart on Saturday morning will be from H&H Auctions at 0730hrs ahead of over 60 competitive miles in south-west Scotland, based on service in the Newton Stewart area. After another overnight halt at Carlisle, Sunday’s action moves into the Kielder complex with nearly 80 competitive miles and service at Kielder Greenside as the route heads east.

Monday will provide a serious sting in the tail with over 80 stage miles, including several long stages, in the central block of Kielder before the first finisher is due back in Carlisle at 1530 hours.

Heppenstall said: “I'm delighted to unveil our provisional route outline for this year. We are planning 340 miles of forest stages and around 850 liaison miles. Importantly, we are expecting to include around 150 miles of stages that have never been used on this event before and we will also be looking carefully at which stages are double used.

“The level of competitor interest at this stage is unprecedented and I know many competitors have been waiting for this information in order to make hotel bookings. We plan to publish the event regulations on February 18 and entries will open on March 1. We will soon publish details of how the entry system will work.” The entry fee will be £4900.

Wednesday 22 November
1000 to 1600: scrutineering and documentation at Carmarthen Showground
1900: ceremonial start in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen

Thursday 23 November
0800: start from Carmarthen Showground
45 stage miles: service at Walters Arena
1530: end of leg at Walters Arena

Friday 24 November
0800: re-start from Walters Arena
80 stage miles: service in Sweet Lamb
1630: end of leg, location to be confirmed

Saturday 25 November
0730: restart from H&H Auctions, Carlisle
60 stages miles: service in Newton Stewart
1930: end of leg at H&H Auctions, Carlisle

Sunday 26 November
0800: restart from H&H Auctions, Carlisle
80 stages miles: service at Kielder Greenside
2000: end of leg at H&H Auctions, Carlisle

Monday 27 November
0800: restart from H&H Auctions, Carlisle
80 stages miles: service at Kielder Greenside
1530: finish at H&H Auctions, Carlisle

Please note: all details remain provisional at this time.

2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally update

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:36 PM

Press release: Tuesday 10 January 2023

A detailed route outline for this year's Roger Albert Clark Rally will be unveiled at the annual RACRMC awards night on February 4.

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall plans to detail the route for the November 23-27 event, including overnight halts, key service areas and start and finish venues, and will make the announcement during the awards’ night when the prizes from the 2022 British Historic Rally Championship are presented.

Ahead of four days at Autosport international at the Birmingham NEC, Heppenstall said:
“Planning for the 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally is coming together very well and we have a range of key meetings in the days after the Autosport show. The major venues are now in place and we're working on details for service areas. Given that we expect up to 150 entries, finding large enough service areas is one of the key factors as we plan the event and that’s all looking good.

“I know there are a lot of people who are eager to plan ahead and book hotels and so all the details they need will be revealed on February 4 at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.”

As well as a great deal of interest from UK crews, Heppenstall is also receiving constant enquiries from teams and drivers across Europe who are eager to come and tackle the 15th edition of the Roger Albert Clark Rally.

The 2023 event will mark 20 years of the event, which will run over a full five days of forest rallying starting on Thursday morning and finishing on Monday afternoon.

2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally outline

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:35 PM

Press release: Thursday 24 November 2022

The countdown to the 2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally has begun with one year to go until the rally runs from November 23 to November 27, 2023.

The first route information has been made available by rally manager Colin Heppenstall. Although full details are yet to be confirmed, the event will start in the south and then move north, with five full days of rallying and more than 325 special stage miles planned.

Documentation and scrutineering will be held on Wednesday November 22, before the rally starts prompt on the morning of Thursday, November 23 for the first of five full days of competition. It is expected that a transport section will be held after Friday's leg to move the whole rally north and the event will then restart in the north of England for three days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. As before, the rally will cover forest special stages in England, Scotland and Wales.

Heppenstall said: “We're planning that each of the five days will be a full day of forest rallying although I am planning to finish the days a little bit earlier than before. The target is to have between 325 and 350 stage miles and we are now working on detailed route planning.

“What I can confirm is that we will run some stages only once where they are less able to cope with two passes of rally cars.”

Heppenstall plans to open entries in the New Year and the rally will run with a maximum of 150 historic and two-wheel drive rally cars. Judging by the initial response, a full entry is highly probable with a number of new cars already in build for the event along with renewed overseas interest now that Covid travel restrictions are gone. Importantly, a whole crop of regular contenders are planning to return for the 14th running of one of the UK’s most popular and challenging rallies.

2023 Roger Albert Clark Rally date announced

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:34 PM

Press release: Wednesday 9 June 2022

The date for the next edition of the Roger Albert Clark Rally has been confirmed as Thursday 23 to Monday 27 November 2023.

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall has announced that the next edition will cover a full five days of forest rallying, with stages planned in England, Scotland and Wales for what will be the 20th anniversary edition of the longest and toughest special stage rally in the UK.

The event will open with scrutineering and documentation on Wednesday 22 November, before rallying starts on the morning of Thursday 23 November and runs right through until the afternoon of Monday 27 November.

The route detail and direction of the event including the start and finish venues and overnight halts will be decided over the next few months. Heppenstall is currently evaluating all available route options, including which forest complexes can be used on which day.

Heppenstall said: “We're planning to make this five full days of rallying, so Thursday will be a full day with plenty of stage miles. I'm currently considering a range of route options and we'll confirm more details later this year.” Previously, the event has usually opened with a short loop of stages on the first evening, but next year it will go straight into a full day of competition.

Heppenstall is already being asked by UK and European crews about the date, route and the entry process. “It's remarkable that we've had a number of enquiries already, even though the rally is 18 months away. By confirming the date at this early stage, we’re giving everyone plenty of time for planning.

“Clearly, there is a demand for this event and lots of interest in the 20th anniversary edition of the Roger Albert Clark Rally. I already have European crews eager to place entries. We want to make it another major challenge befitting the event’s standing in the sport.”

Stage mileage is yet to be confirmed but Heppenstall is aiming for at least 300 miles of prime UK forestry stages. As before, the event will be open to historic rally cars and all two-wheel drive cars.

Club Website

Posted: February 28, 2023 10:47 AM

Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club