Chris Thorley's Rallying Homepage
Special Stage Rallying

For 2003 events are likely to be pretty few and far between, doing what I can, when I can...

Image of crew relaxing

Opposite Lock 2003. Photo Courtesy James Worth

Image of Stage Plan          Stage Plan: Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park

The Opposite Lock took place over the 

concrete and dirt tracks of the disused airfield at Manby in Lincolnshire on Saturday 26th July 2003.

Partnering rally debutant James Worth in his 2.0 Vauxhall engined Sunbeam at car 83.

First day back after a fortnight holiday, with James due to go on holiday the following day.

Had a few problems with cars blocking the stages during the first half of the event, with James speeding up as his confidence improved.

Times on the "loose" sections not helped by unsuitable tyres

Finished 52nd Overall and 21st in class after having a great day out in the glorious sunshine.

Thanks to the service crew (who had very little to do all day); Leanne, Tony, Christine, Darrel, and Alice.     

The Dukeries Rally  took place on the gravel tracks of the mansfield forests on Saturday 21st June 2003.Once again navigating "mad" Max Hartley, this time in his Skoda Estelle 130.

        Image of the Skoda

  Dukeries Rally, Car 230. Photo Coutesy Max Hartley
The forest debut for Max, he had to contend with the "interesting" handlingof the car which he remarked was rather different to the usual Mini!

Struggled with two failed alternators and minor overheating throughout the day; also indulging in the odd half-spin; in particular hitting a bank in front of a chap who bore a remarkable resemblance to Alexi Sayle, and nearly hitting the infamous gateposts in Clipstone.

Unfortunately we were forced to retire OTL with fuel evaporation on the final stage.

Thanks to the Service and Management crew: - John, Nigel, Simon, Tony, and Andrew.

Special mention to Andrew, without who's help the car would simply not have been ready in time.

Image of mini crossing finish ramp

Rally of Midlands 2003. Photo Courtesy Kev Gresham

The Rally of the Midlands was a local event taking place over the weekend of 17/18 May 2003 in in the area of Hinkley and Nuneaton.

Partnering "Mad" Max Hartley in his "Crop Shop" supported 1400cc Mini.

Had a few problems on day 1 with the car which suffered from a chronic misfire at low revs, refusing to run cleanly all day.
We also had to contend with ntermittent brakes from SS5 due to a leaking master cylinder, and a wheelbearing that failed on the final road section of the day.

The service crew worked wonders overnight and a re-fettled car was ready for day 2.

Had a major scare attempting to take a chicane flat out on SS13 at Arbury Hall, with the car getting completely broadside between the trees, then managed to hit a tree on the final bend, breaking a headlight and damaging the front. 

Finished a relived 28th Overall and 4th in Class. Thanks to the Service crews: - Alan, James, Leanne, Niki, John, Julian, Tony, Colin, Kevin, Andrew and Daryl.

Webmaster Chris Thorley: Page last updated 17 August 2003

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