a note from the organisers
Re explaining how we decided to run this Challenge here is an extract from info which I sent to ‘Triumph World’ magazine and which was used largely in the opening article of their March edition:
‘February 6th 2010 will see the sixth annual running, by the combined team from Southsea and Bognor Regis Motor Clubs, of the South Downs Stages Rally at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. Over these years the event, now in its fourth year of sponsorship by Towncross Engineering, has grown in stature and has earned a reputation as a well run and very friendly yet competitive tarmac rally.
Each year the organizing team looked at ways they could improve the event. Their main criteria was to ensure enjoyment for both competitors and spectators as Goodwood is one of the few tarmac rally venues in the South which can be accessed by members of the public, rather than being on military property with associated security issues. A key consideration is that the event remains a ‘stand alone’ event and not part of any championships so that the competitors focus is solely on enjoyment on the day and not having to worry about championship points.
The size of the venue and winter time conditions mandated by Goodwood dictate that the event cannot grow physically any more. Therefore the team, anxious to attract more spectators and rally enthusiasts generally looked at how they could increase the entertainment value of the event without losing any of its previously stated criteria. For the past two years they had had some TR7 V8s take part and these proved to be popular amongst everyone involved with the event, so they hit upon the idea of attracting more of the rumbling beasts.
‘A TR7 V8 has a particular presence about it’ said Phil Collings, Event Manager. ‘The iconic shape mixed with that special V8 sound, plus the fact that the car holds a place in the heart of British rally fans, both those who are old enough to have been involved with them originally or watched them on the top British and sometimes World Rallies, but even amongst some of the younger generation who have heard about the ‘people’s rally car’ as it was once referred to and some of the legends who drove it, particularly Tony Pond’. The fact that the car was a pig to drive on the loose, especially in its early days and compared to a MkII Escort, which was always known as a forgiving car to drive – hence its prolification throughout all levels of rallying. So it took someone of the caliber of Pondy to get the best out of the beast. All of which creates the legend that is the Triumph TR7 V8’.
The answer to what we do in the future is open to debate currently and we would welcome feedback and ideas from anyone as the event is for cmpetitors and spectators alike. The feedback received so far, especially from the TR7 competitors has been very positive and encouraging, so we will clearly want to build on this. Exactly what form this takes will be a decision made after much research, listening to comments and taking into account some potential improvements to the condition of use of the venue.
The general opinion of those club members and competitors that I have had a chance to speak to since the event is that this was our best event yet.
The best place to keep up to date with the news during the year is the event website
www.southdownsstages.co.uk, plus I will try and keep all interested parties abreast of what will happen.
WATCH THIS SPACE………..
[8 whole cylinders worth of punch to ram the world through the windshield and out the rear view mirror. Car & Driver]
1981 Grinnall TR7 v8
1981 Black FHC
1979 & 1980 Black Premium FHC(laid to rest) Sorry
John
