Rally GB

[Anuauto]

Has anyone assessed the potentially serious implications on other UK events of the change of date to September. The traditional date did not conflict with other events significantly? The new date falls straight into the area where there was a problem already finding marshals for some existing events of several branches of the sport. What is the feeling regarding supporting the events you have traditionally marshalled rather than the Rally GB?

[sss]

this is one of my grips with organising clubs its not confined just to rally but race as well,

there is only a finite amount of marshals, rescue crews etc yet they continue to allow meetings to clash with others in the area reducing the amount of marshals they are going to get along, whilst there will never be a perfect solution it could be managed better.

[flagwaver]

Very true, Several members of this forum do both race & rallies & yes it will have an effect.

[Pike]

We said the same point last year - that quite a few circuit guys do rallies. For me the Rally GB or whatever its called these days used to be the finale of the season in November, now its going to blend into a weekend with no doubt countless other events on. I think the rally will suffer not necessarily in great numbers of marshals but more inparticular the quality of marshals that will be missing.

[Bald Spot]

If the Network Q rally in someones back garden does'nt ring your bell

Why not try the Rogert Albert Clark Rally in November. 5 days and Mk1 & 2 ford Escorts, plus saabs, minis, etc.

[Bald Spot]

Sorry for the typo above: Further information - web site is http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.co.uk/

Some route details:
20th November 2004
Scrutineering at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield
Prologue Stage (2.5 Miles approximately)


21st November 2004 – Leg 1
Start - Sheffield
Three Spectator Stages (15 Miles approximately)
Service Halt
Two Spectator Stages (6 Miles approximately)
Regroup
Service Halt
Three Forest Stages (15 Miles approximately)
Service Halt & Parc Ferme
Overnight Halt - Carlisle


22nd November 2004 – Leg 2
Re-Start – Carlisle
Service Halt
Four Forest Stages (40 Miles approximately)
Service Halt
Three Forest Stages (32 Miles approximately)
Service Halt
Four Forest Stages (50 Miles approximately)
Service Halt & Parc Ferme
Overnight Halt – Carlisle


23rd November 2004 – Leg 3
Re-Start – Carlisle
Service Halt
Three Forest Stages (50 Miles approximately)
Service Halt
Sheffield Finish

p.s. I got the number of days wrong. Sorry

[Gizmo]

I was one of those discussing this very point with Pike. There are already numerous events that I can be doing on that weekend and having already volunteered, I will be missing out the Wales speedcamera rally GB this year. It`s a shame because although it`s not REALLY a rally, we sort of enjoyed the day out communing with nature intermingled with the odd shout at a speccie or two. I do think that the quality of marshalling may well revert to pre-licensed days simply because most race/speed marshals will be elsewhere...looking down the line, could it be the end of the GB rally?

[Alan Green]

There may well be another safety clampdown coming to rallying as well - a co-driver was fatally injured in Dalby over the weekend. I was looking for the details on the web just now to be less vague but didn't find anything, but it was mentioned on the local evening news up here. RIP.

Back to the thread, as a regular on the RAC/NetQ/WRGB, it is going to be a pain getting adequate marshal cover this year IMHO. September just isn't set in the mind for the rally.
November=cold/wet/snowy/dark=rally time! September=sunny/dry/light=race season finales.

I could do either on that weekend - down to Cardiff and play for a few days, or a Sunday at Mallory. Decide closer to the time methinks.

Al.

[imull]

As a member of a club that shares the responsibility for one of the major spectator stages, we almost certianly will not be going back as a club as the powers that be have moved the rally to the week before the btrda rally that our club puts on...

cant say that I will miss it though. The amount of cr4p that you have to go through for 60 cars is just not worth it. Think I will save my money and help some other club events.

ps Alan, I know you mean well but perhaps its a bit early for speculation.

[Tony_J]

To pick up on an earlier point in this thread. Does anyone seriously believe that the organisers of a WRC event would consult with other clubs organising events. The FIA is a law unto itself.

[Boo Boo]

Nicely put Tony

[sss]

Originally posted by Tony_J
The FIA is a law unto itself.

agreed, but the clubs need to then look at the calender and then fit themselves around these events,

likewise the MSA/ACU as governing bodies of motorsport and not forgetting Association of Motor Racing Circuit Owners need to ensure this is done and offer appropriate assistance to do this.

[Anuauto]

Clubs cant just decide to move speed events etc out of the peak period into mid-December to accommodate an event that demands mass-marshalling. There are only so many suitable weekends in the UK weather envelope. Many clubs have only just stabilised the autumn schedule again some years after the introduction of the Goodwood Revival meeting and its drain on marshals. The UK WRC round had its place in the callendar for good reasons - and of course used to accommodate many true amateur competitors within a proper class structure. It is to be hoped responsible marshals will support the clubs when chosing priorities. It is a golden opportunity to remind Fisa etc who really enables motorsport these days.

[Woolley]

I'm sure it will have an effect, particularly getting sufficient Rescue Crews. However, by then they should have got the entire route down to two car parks and a cul-de-sac, so the 8 marshals who are still free should be able to cope quite happily with just the assistance of the man who collects the supermarket trolleys.

Rally GB? Not worthy of the name anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

The Rally of The Cardiff Carparks!! I'd sooner do a sprint at Curborough!!!!!