Lombard Rally heads for Ardentinny
Friday November 7th sees the Lombard Rally 2008 passing through the forest tracks of Ardentinny. The rally starts on the previous Thursday from Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The Ardentinny Forest paths will be closed most of the day on November 7 (posters have been placed throughout the forest accesses). We can't yet confirm if rally spectators will be able to access the forest on the day.
The West Argyll route is as follows: Friday 7th November
SS1.2 Rest & Be Thankful – 07:30
SS5.2 Innellan – 11:00
SS8.2 Invernian – 15:00
SS9.2 Inverliever – 15:30
SS10.2 & SS14.2 Eredine – 16:00
SS16.2 Rest & Be Thankful – 21:30. Loch Fyne Oyster Bar – all day Mechanical assistance area.
Marshalls Needed
If you are interested in marshalling, you can contact the Chief Marshal, Ian Butcher, Tel: 0121 354 2023. Email: butcher965@btinternet.com.
Lombard Rally 6 - 9 November 2008 GENERAL ROUTE INFORMATION The Lombard Rally heads north this November, starting from the historic town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Thursday morning 6 November. The lead car will start at 10:00 from Crescent Gardens, opposite the Royal Hall, flagged away by the Mayor of Harrogate. The event winds its way north, following a retrospective route close to that of 1971 on Thursday via the North Yorkshire forests, Kielder, Kershope, and Castle O'er. Friday sees the route visit Cowal & Trossachs National Park, including 'Rest & Be Thankful' and the forests of West Argyll. Saturday is spent in Galloway, Ae and the borders forests, before heading south once more to Harrogate through Cumbria and North Yorkshire. TO ENTER THE RALLY Either call the Rally Office on 01550 721919 or visit the Lombard Rally website at http://www.lombardrally.com, where all documents can be downloaded. LEADING ENDURANCE ENTRIES Robin Eyre-Maunsell and co-driver Peter Scott are favourites to win this year in their Nissan Micra 1000cc, but a strong field will mean they will have to keep one eye on the rear-view mirror! Other leading entries include Frank Fennell / Kevin Savage (Rover 200), Paul & Debbie Flinders (Suzuki Swift GTi), Doug Brown / Graham Raeburn (Vauxhall 1.4Sri), Iain Patterson / Lesley Patterson (Rover Metro), and Neil Wilson, who has still to nominate a navigator. Leading Irish contestants are Karl & Frank O'Donoghue (Rover 200). Kenny Owen, Clerk of the Course, said: "The event is very open this year, so anyone has a chance over the four long days - it could be YOU!" LEADING HISTORIC ENTRIES Stuart & Linda Cariss last year's category winners will be contesting the new Historic section in their trusty Mk1 Escort 1300cc, but with strong opposition this year from the likes of Kevin Clark / Tom Leeming (Avenger Tiger) and Chris Parkes / John Taylor (SAAB 850 Sport two-stroke), victory is not certain! Other cars in this category include Jack Curran / David Bardwell (Lancia Coupe Rallye), who will also pose a serious challenge to the Cariss' title hopes. DEMONSTRATION RALLYE for GROUP B CARS Running alongside the Lombard Rally this year is the Lombard Demonstration Rallye for 'Sexy Cars'! Yes, Group B is back for a demonstration run at selected venues. Current entries include a Porche 911 (Safari Car), Ford Escort Mk2 (ex-Wilson / Rothmans), Audi quattro A2 (ex-Mikkola / Tour de Corse), Fiat Ritmo Abarth (ex-Sundstrom / Finland 1000 Lakes), Opel Manta 400 (ex-Frequelin / Rothmans), Renault 5 Maxi Turbo (ex-Ragnotti / Tour de Corse), MG Metro 6R4 (ex-Llewellin / Computervision), MG Metro 6R4 (ex-Auriol / French Rallye Export 33 car, Ford RS200 (ex-Lovell / Lombard RAC Rally), Lada VFTS (ex-Brundza /New Zealand Rally), Nissan 240RS (ex-Walker / Jordan Rally) and a Lancia Delta Integrale (Italian Totip liveried car). WHERE TO SEE THE GROUP B CARS There are two venues on this year's Lombard Rally where the 'Sexy Cars' can be seen. . . 1) Colin McRae Selectif Forest Estate at Dalry, Near Castle Douglas. Saturday 8 November. Car parks open from 06:30hrs Demonstration starts: 09:30hrs Lombard Rally starts: 11:00hrs Demonstration recommences immediately after the Lombard Rally ends Ends: 15:00hrs latest. Jimmy McRae will start the demonstration in one of Colin's cars, in respectful memory of one of Britain's all-time rallying icons. A collection will be made for the "Colin McRae Vision" charity. 2) Yorkshire Event Centre at Harrogate Sunday 9 November. Car parks open from 10:00hrs Demonstration starts: 12:00hrs Lombard Rally starts: 13:20hrs Demonstration recommences immediately after the Lombard Rally ends Ends: 16:00hrs latest. Advance tickets for this event are on sale from: :: Harrogate International Centre Box Office, Kings Road, Harrogate HG1 5LA Tel: 0845 1308840. Opening times: Monday - Saturday 09:30 - 17:30hrs. Email: bookingoffice@harrogate.gov.uk. :: Norman Gowans 91, Kings Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1AQ. Tel: 01556 502214. Opening times: Monday - Saturday 08:30 - 17:30hrs. :: Dumfries Tourist Information Centre 64, White Sands, Dumfries DG1 2RS. Tel: 01387 253862. Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00hrs. Email: dumfries@visitscotlandandgalloway.co.uk. (A £1 transaction fee will be charged by the TIC).