Championship Updates

Tarmac, Asphalt, Sealed Surface Or Whatever

The EARS/Motoring News sealed surface championship is a thing of the past and when we put together our list of national and local championships last month it had no natural successor. We now have been told that the country's premier asphalt series for 1998 will be known as the Safety Devices National Macadam Rally Championship - Tarmac™ will neither sponsor it nor allow their name to be used.

The new series is cut to eight rounds from last year's ten with contenders counting their six best scores, thus allowing you two huge accidents on the way to your pot.

The organisers have cut out the West Cork, Ravens Rock and Tour of Mull rallies all of which required ferry travel as well as recce time. Andrew Haill, (0121 313 1416), has also hinted that those in the smaller capacity classes might find entries cheaper in 1998, though we are waiting for more details.

If you would like to know more about these events, the most experienced competitor in Southern is probably Sue Orchard (cue for a lot of letters from other people who have been competing but remaining coyly silent about it).

The eight rounds are:
Feb 15: Cheviot
Apr 11: Eppynt
Apr 25: Tour of Cornwall
May 4: Millbrook
Jul 3: Jim Clark
Aug 9: Tyneside Stages
Aug 29: Mewla
Sep 19: Wexford

Welsh Road Rally Championship

If you feel adventurous and would like to go back to the old days of road rallying, this championship is definitely for you. Southern is a member of the Welsh Assocation of Motor Clubs so we can take part in this.

Richard Phillipson has the detailed regs which you should look at if you want to try this, but here is a potted version:

There are three main classes of car:

Under 1300cc: Any modifications allowed but no overboring beyond the class limit

Standard Production Cars: Any standard car can take part as long as it has no modifications whatsoever. No fancy body panels, widened arches, competition seats, changes to engine or gearbox, or extra lights. You are allowed to add competition belts, extra gauges, fancy steering wheel, a roll cage and a sump guard.

Other Cars: Subject to the Blue Book regs.

The main eligibility scrutineer is Ceri Morgan who can be contacted on 01437 766489 if you have any questions. Richard has a further list of other scrutineers.

The championship secretary is John Surridge; call him on 01639 822049 for regs or further information.