Several regular contenders had to miss the CARS Halfnight Rally due to it being sandwiched between the Classic Marathon and the Classic Malts. This was a pity since Matlock Motor Club organised an excellent event, which gave the classic crews a rare opportunity to compete on equal terms with local modern competitors. Despite the recent Foot and Mouth difficulties the organisers managed to test crews to the full and give everyone ample opportunity to make as many mistakes as they wanted, writes Paul Robinson.

There were several new pairings at the start. Peter Noad and Neil Lewis in the Audi 80 were seeded first Historic followed by Terry Schraider partnered by John Upham in his Rapier. Brian Cope's Cooper S sported new lights since the East Anglian and Paul Doe partnered him this time. Then came a trio of TRs. Peter Pratt and Tony Pettie in the TR2 followed by Terry Pickering with Paul Robinson in the TR3 and Len and Helen Olds in their immaculate TR4. These three were the subject of much comment from spectators at the start. Lined up together they were an excellent example of the different extremes of preparation and presentation.

The time card showed no less than 5 Regularity sections and the Historic crews were hopeful of a good showing against the modern crews . but this was not to be. Many crews were surprised when the Final Regs stated that there was no need to calibrate trips on a measured mile. Further enquiries revealed that most of the modern crews don't even carry average speed tables. All was revealed at the Drivers' briefing. Each Regularity was split in two with a "Secret" Control somewhere in the middle. Various handouts defined the route but, interestingly, no average speeds were specified. You were timed on presentation of the time card! In other words you went as fast as you could and waited for your time (which was given on the time card). Needless to say, nobody incurred early penalties, although there were a couple of queries as to the accuracy of the marshal. s clocks.

A short run out from Chesterfield and the action started. A short section south west of Dronfield saw Pickering/Robinson with the only clean sheet. As the route looped onto map 120 the historic crews were constantly seeing each other whilst the moderns disappeared into the distance. Terry Schraider retired and went home early whilst Len Olds had serious overheating which blew his top hose. Several minutes were lost changing it - he carries a spare! - and they had to cut to petrol to avoid going OTL. Brian Cope and Paul Doe spoiled an otherwise impressive run by missing a control in the first half. Neil Lewis was one of many navigators who succumbed to "mal de nav" such was the pressure of plotting at speed combined with the severe undulations of some of the whites. Terry Pickering was already complaining of no brakes whilst navigator Paul Robinson was struggling to keep ahead with the plotting "The junctions are coming up much quicker than I am used to".

A short stop for petrol showed Pickering/Robinson 3 minutes ahead of Pratt/Pettie who were only 8 seconds ahead of Noad/Lewis. The route then headed east towards Elkesley taking in a deep ford at Crookford Hill and numerous "agricultural whites". Fortunately, the organisers used direction arrows and lots of "No" boards to give clues as to which field to take. Many crews were now beginning to suffer as the continuous stream of handouts combined with plotting on bumpy roads meant that most navigators were only able to plot one junction ahead.

The last but one section near Mansfield consisted of 18 map references with 5 GT Controls (Grass Triangle) in a 9-minute section and this was a disaster for Pickering/Robinson. Confusion in the car meant they had to do an extra loop to gain the correct signature at the time control and they dropped 14 minutes and were convinced that they were now out of contention. Undaunted they pulled out all the stops on the final section to record a time bettered by only a couple of the moderns and overtook 3 cars in a 6 minute section!

The final control was outside the finish at Junction 29 of the M1 where weary crews compared mistakes. Nobody was really sure who had won until the results were posted at 6-00am. Brian Cope and Paul Doe had the least time penalties but the early fail cost them the win. Despite their 14 minute excursion Terry Pickering and Paul Robinson held onto a slender 1 minute victory over Peter Noad and Neil Lewis with Peter Pratt and Tony Pettie 3rd just over 3 minutes behind. Wes Massam and Bernard Northmore had an excellent result to win the combined Novice/Beginners Class from Steve Watton and Malcomb Lamb in their A40. This was only Bernard's second ever Rally and to visit every Control without incurring any fails was a superb achievement.

Historic crews can usually mix it quite successfully with the Modern crews but not on this event. To put things in perspective Pickering/Robinson dropped a total of just over 30 minutes, which placed them 24th overall. The first modern crew lost only 41seconds in the whole event.

Historic Results HRCR Members