Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, before the rise in popularity of ‘special stage’ rallying in the forests, the pinnacle of the sport was night road rallying. These events took place on Saturday nights in quieter parts of the countryside. They placed an emphasis on navigation with Ordnance Survey maps whilst endeavouring to maintain a 30mph average speed. Times have changed, together with public perception, and roads have become busier. This has brought significant alteration to the regulation of the sport but there nevertheless remains a successful and popular arm of the sport devoted to those navigational night events.
Historic and post-historic cars have long proved suitable for this sport even against those in current production. In recognition of this, HRCR is launching its own national championship specifically comprising some of the best of these events from across England and Wales. Classes cater for cars built up to 1959, up to 1967, up to 1974 and up to 1981, complying with MSA rules. Both driver and navigator need National B competition licences. There are experienced-based classes for Masters, Experts and Novices. Because of the challenging nature of many of the rounds it is thought that total beginners might be better to first contest some of the rounds of the parallel ‘HRCR Clubmans Rally Championship’. The best 7 scores will count from the 10 rounds.
Whilst covering some of the best rallying terrain in the country various championship events will also include some use of forestry and military land as well as authorised use of farm tracks and green lanes (affectionately known to rally folk as ‘whites’ due to their colour on OS maps).
Photographs by M&H Photography
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