Report dated 01/02/12.
North West Stages.
This event, based in Blackpool, takes place this Friday/Saturday with loads of stages at all sorts of mixed surface venues including the prom at Blackpool. Two SOSCC drivers are entered; Billy McLelland will be there with a bloke called Baz Green in Billy`s customary Evo 3.5 at number 6 while Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie are at 23 in the Impreza. This is an event that in the past would have had a full entry but with 85 signed up to play, I`m afraid it`s a sign of the times. Good luck guys.
Report dated 22/01/12.
Annual Awards Party 11/02/12.
Here are the 2011 Trophy Winners, who will receive their awards at the Annual Awards Party on February 11th:..........
Autotest/PCT Class 1: 1st Wullie Keaning, 2nd Danny Pattie, 3rd Simon McLaughlin
Autotest/PCT Class 2: 1st Graham Currie, 2nd Warren Gillespie, 3rd Kelsey Gillespie
Autotest/PCT Class 3: 1st Paul Whyte 2nd Archie Simmonds 3rd Robert Glendinning
Autotest/PCT Class 4: 1st Drew Mclean, 2nd Heather Currie, 3rd Karina McLean
Autotest/PCT Class 5: 1st Gordon Clendinning, 2nd Robin Laidlaw, 3rd Chris Kemp
12 Car Rally Novice Drivers: 1st Stephen Kemp, 2nd John Warrick, 3rd Simon McLaughlin
12 Car Rally Novice Navigators: 1st Chris Kemp, 2nd Connor McLaughlin, 3rd Callum Clark
12 Car Rally Semi Expert Drivers: 1st David Sloan Snr, 2nd Warren Gillespie 3rd Tony Currie
12 Car Rally Semi Expert Navigators: 1st Scott Sloan, 2nd Kelsey Gillespie 3rd Paul Whyte
12 Car Rally Expert Drivers: 1st Kris Thomson, 2nd David Paterson 3rd Wullie Ross
12 Car rally Expert Navigators: 1st Wullie Keaning, 2nd Mark Paterson 3rd Mark Simpson
Good Companions Trophy...............................Roy Kerr
Marshals Trophy............................................George Bell
Wreckers Trophy............................................Tam Brown
Scavenger Hunt Trophy...................................Mark Simpson
Jim Clark Trophy............................................Greg McKnight & David Crosbie
Ace of Clubs Trophy.......................................Ian Paterson & Helen Brown
Southern Garage Trophy.................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
Vauxhall Trophy............................................Wullie Keaning
British Leyland Trophy....................................Tony Currie
Ford Trophy..................................................Graham Currie
Denham Cookes Trophy.................................Kris Thomson
Chrissie Neill Trophy.......................................Wullie Keaning
Ayrshire Trophy.............................................David Sloan Snr
Nicholson Trophy...........................................Scott Sloan
Francis Dundas Trophy...................................Adam Bevan
Buccleuch Trophy...........................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
A K Stevenson Trophy....................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
Top Gear Trophy...........................................David Bogie
John Bogie Trophy.........................................Kevin Rae
Guid Nychburris Trophy...................................Gordon Clendinning
Embassy Trophy............................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
Junior male Champion...................................Connor McLaughlin
George Myatt Trophy (Junior Champion)...........Kelsey Gillespie
Runner Up Trophy.........................................Warren Gillespie
Ladies Champion...........................................Shirley Currie
Queensberry Trophy (Club Overall Champion)...Wullie Keaning
See the `Trophies Back Now Please` item below, for Bob Sloan`s contact details. Bob is the only contact for tickets for our biggest annual social event so please ring him direct to reserve your tickets. It`s always good fun and good `craic`, not forgetting the fantastic Hog Roast with all the piping hot trimmings followed by a massive variety of scrumptious home made sweets. It`s a bargain at £13.50.
Report dated 30/01/12.
Rallye Monte Carlo Historique.
Thanks to all members who turned out last night to shepherd the competitors on their way to Monte Carlo, having stopped at the Cairndale Hotel for a `Welcome Point`.
Report updated 29/01/12.
All Under One Roof.
Club member, Stephen Kemp, has asked me to announce that he has sold his embroidery business, previously known as `Just Sew` to Paul Whyte who trades under the name of G23 Grafix, which hereafter is to be known as `G23 Grafix & Embroidery`. He has also asked that any enquiries be passed to Paul with immediate effect.
Meantime, Stephen still has several garments with the club logo embroidered on them and he intends to bring them to the next autotest, where they will be sold at a massive discount!.
So now, if you have a van or a rally car needing graphics, want a new shop or business sign designed and made locally, require some logos printed or embroidered onto a piece of clothing or workwear, want stickers, mugs, brollies or dozens of other things (including knickers) embroidered or printed on, you know who to call. It`s all under one roof!. Call Paul on 07921 785180 or visit www.G23Grafix.co.uk
Report dated 26/01/12.
Winter Autotest Challenge
Round 2 of the `Winter Autotest Challenge` hosted jointly by East Ayrshire Car Club and Scottish Sporting Car Club took place on Sunday 22nd January at Kames Motorsport Complex. Sixteen hardy souls braved a biting wind and a shower of sleet to contest eight tests using the paddock areas, parts of the sprint track, infield roads and the start line area. The first test layout was to be run three times with the best two runs counting for the final results. Making the trip up to Kames from our area were Wullie Keaning, Gordon Clendinning and Trevor Bowden while the furthest travelled competitor was without doubt Archie Simmonds all the way from Chirnside in Berwickshire.
After three runs at the first test layout, Gordon held a slender 2.5 sec lead over Wullie, with Archie hot on their heels in his Classic Rally spec. MG Midget. Trevor Bowden’s road going Ford Fiesta ST was swapping times with a certain Ricky Wheeler, who was triple entered in a very standard looking Mk3 Astra with Mark Runciman and Ricky’s son Michael. The rear wheel drive class was well supported which was very encouraging to see. Robert Shankland from Colmonell was trying to get to grips with the welded diff in his BMW 325 and was getting quicker as the day went on. Melvyn Hartley was using his powerful Gemini kit car which was built for sprints and hillclimbs, while Alan and Ian Brown were entered in the family Mazda MX-5. On further investigation it turns out that the japanese import MX-5 model comes with a limited slip diff as standard and with these cars regularly changing hands on auction site ebay for well under £1,000 they are surely good value and a lot of fun to drive, and you get japanese reliability into the bargain.
Tests 4, 5 and 6 incorporated the infield roads of the sprint track and Gordon found out to his cost on test 4 that these little tarmac access roads were indeed very slippy, picking up a penalty for whacking a cone during a very sideways moment and very nearly doing the same at the next pair of cones. Wullie steered his venerable Nova to fastest time on test 5 to keep the pressure on for the lead, while Archie was revelling in the precise handling of the Midget and staying within striking distance of the leading Nova’s. Ricky Wheeler was driving like a man possessed and continued to stretch his class lead over Trevor Bowden’s Fiesta. By the way, it’s been thirteen years since Trevor competed in the Scottish and MSA British Championship driving a Mini Special and you can see that he hasn’t forgotten everything that he learned back then. His Fiesta ST doubles as his daily driver to and from work and also gets the occasional thrashing at track days and autotests at the weekend.The Junior Ecosse Challenge observers were at Kames but only Andrew Struthers was doing the event in his Micra. The format of only two tests counting from three seems to work well for the junior drivers as Andrew’s first runs at each test layout were used to learn the test and to get a feel for the grip levels while his second and third runs produced some very consistent and improving times. A name to watch in the future. The final test layout was restricted to only two runs with only one time counting for the final results. The last test couldn’t come quick enough for Gordon as his Nova was now jumping out of reverse frequently. Despite having to hold the gear lever in reverse he set fastest time on the last test to secure the win.
However, Wullie finished the event in a fine second place and now leads the Winter Autotest Challenge from Archie Simmonds with two rounds still to go. To sum up, the venue as ever, lends itself to autotesting with some challenging tests, good facilities, plenty of parking, but it can be bloody cold in January!. Next round of the Winter Autotest Challenge is back at Kames on February 12th.Spectator Trip to Northern Ireland Saturday 3rd March. Only two seats left on the second minibus, so if you`re still thinking about it, then you need to get in touch with Gordon Clendinning on 07711 808832 ASAP!. Tarmac Autotest Training. If you would like to learn a bit more about tarmac autotesting or to get “one to one” training, it is hoped to secure a venue for a training/practice day on the 4th March. Please contact me, Gordon Clendinning, to register your interest.
Report dated 26/01/12.
Lament to a 12 Car Rally Cut Short.
(After this week`s 12 Car Rally fell foul to severe weather).
Twas on the ene of Rabbi’s birth
Twelve fine soles did flae an’ thrap
Roon Gallowa’s unca stiles n’ slaps
Their diel was cried by Billy Keanin’
Who set them skoobies so begilin.
The early pairt wis din a trice
But soon enough it wis na nice
The guid stoot mershals hung aboot
Like limpets clampit tae a boat
An yin big loon hid in a close
Charioteers noo were test’t sairly
O’r yump an flood’t glauri close
They gang but wear’ly
Soon a rain god sweart them stoap
For hev’n all but burst its banks
Like unca boosers at the nappy
It was slashin doon, an nain were happy
Oor kerts wer all birlt in the briney
And so wei sull’n hert they perkit up
Aye but soon were foo an unca happy
Wi tails of slidin’ in the mire
An how the’d leeved to rinaboot
An ither nicht in Bonny Gallowa
Bobert Urns. (Mark Simpson)
Report dated 23/01/12.
`Jack Frost Stages`, Croft 22/01/12.
One of the two annual winter `blasts` took place at Croft yesterday. Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie were entered but a persistent misfire in pre-event testing put a stop to all that. The Scooby`s due some fettling soon and hopefully it will be ready for the North West Stages at Blackpool on February 3rd/4th. Meanwhile, club member Mike Curry was alongside long-time driving partner, Andy Davison, in an Evo 5 and in complete contrast to last year`s embarassing debacle, where their BMW M3 just spun it`s wheels all day, they took a brilliant 6th overall. James Robertson had Tam Haining alongside for this event in C2 R2 and had a good day, finishing 25th on an event where outright speed is more than a bit handy on the wide straight bits. There`s a pic of Davison/Curry and Robertson/Haining on the `Rally` Gallery, thanks yet again to our official photographer, Bob Little, who made the long trek for our crews` benefit.
Report dated 23/01/12.
Oaktree Garage.
Club member, Stuart Paterson, has broken away from the shackles of working for someone else to set up his own new venture, an MOT garage in the commercial units on Brownrigg Loaning, Dumfries, called `Oaktree Garage`. He intends that it will be up and running by February 5th and indeeed, all the important equipment is already fitted and ready to go!.
Report dated 23/01/12.
You Whaaaaat?.
The MSA published the Forestry Commission Fees for 2012 today and regular gravel competitors who have never organised a rally, may be more gobsmacked than anyone to know that the `rate per mile` for Special Stage Rallies is £631. So, for example, if you were running an average `single useage` 45 mile rally in the Scottish Rally Championship, the Forestry Commission bill alone would be £28,395. (We just want to borrow the forests, not buy them!) Secondary useage for the same roads is £374 per mile. There is another item on the comprehensive list called the Forestry Commission Permit, which for most events is £317.00 Not sure what that is for but no doubt someone will enlighten us?.
Anyway, just imagine running the above 45 mile rally and getting just 80 paid entries. That means each car`s bill for the stages would be £355. On top of that, the MSA permit fee per car is North of £70 and then there are all the printing, awards, rescue, recovery, medical cover costs, etc etc. So, if you ever wondered why your entry fees for forest rallies were so high, now you know. It takes a sponsor with quite a wad to lighten that load.Report dated 23/01/12.
Kames Autotest, 22/01/12.
Two of our members did well at Kames yesterday. Gordon Clendinning took overall honours, with Wullie Keaning in second place but first in his class. Wullie tells me some of the tests were `cracking` and he reckons our members would have enjoyed them. Expect to see them being reproduced at our own events, sometime soon!.
Report dated 22/01/12.
Embroidery and Grafix.
G23 Grafix now offer a full range of printing and embroidery, from signwriting on full rally cars to just a name embroidered on a hat!. Visit their ad on the Sales and Wants page.
Report updated 12/01/12.
Trophies back now Please !.
With this year`s SOSCC Annual Awards Party taking place on February 11th, once again at the popular Crichton Golf Club, Bankend Road, Dumfries, tickets are now on sale and as before, Bob Sloan is the only contact on 07717 163232. At only £13.50 per ticket, this is a huge bargain considering you get a proper hog roast and all the trimmings including boiled and roast tatties, cauliflower and lots of other veg plus other meats, if you prefer. And even better still, you get to go back for as many second helpings as you want!!!!. This is definitely not just a buffet..............
In the meantime, all of those members who took temporary possession of a club trophy last February are asked to return them as soon as possible and certainly no later than February 1st, as all trophies will need to be sent on the engravers. Please only return trophies to Competition Secretary Paul Whyte and before you do, please polish them !. Paul can be contacted on 07921 785180.
Report dated 16/01/12.
Well............
As a trucker stops for a red light on the A12 in Essex, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window and she says, "Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load!" The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street. When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of Her car runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window.
As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly, "Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load!" Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street. At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up and knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says, "Hi, my name is Heather and you are losing some of your load!"
When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it he says,............ "Hi, my name is Wayne , it's winter and I'm driving a bloody gritter......."
Report updated 17/01/12.
Autotest on Tar, Brasswell. 15/01/12.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 440 penalties............................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Simon Mclaughlin, Nova, 506 penalties..............................12 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 541 penalties..................................12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 562 penalties.....................................11 points.
5th overall & 2nd in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 569 penalties.................................11 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 651 penalties.....................................10 points.
7th overall & 4th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Nova, 734 penalties..............................9 points.
8th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 810 penalties...................................10 points.
9th overall & 5th in class 1. Drew McLean, Corsa, 840 penalties.....................................8 points.
10th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 941 penalties..................................9 points.
11th overall & 6th in class 1. Robert MacGregor, Nova, 1241 penalties............................7 points.
12th overall & 7th in class 1. Gemma McLaughlin, Nova, 1440 penalties.........................6 points.
DNF in class 1. Michael Currie....(Fuel pump)...............................................................1 point.
DNF in class 5. Wullie Keaning....(Broken diff).............................................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. Danny Pattie.....(Overheating).............................................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. Tony Currie....(Clutch)........................................................................1 point.
Many thanks to John Bogie for the use of the yard and to all the lads who cleared it, to give us enough space to run two tests at a time. 12 superb tests were enjoyed by everyone (well almost, apart from the guys who had an early bath).
Thanks also to Derek Kirkpatrick, Colin Marshall, Andrew Taylor, George Bell and Kelsey Gillespie for marshalling and to Thelma and Roly P for administration and results. Clerks of the Course were Wullie Keaning & Warren Gillespie.
Bob Little`s pics are now on the `Autotest` gallery.
Report dated 13/01/12.
Fascinating videos.
Yeah I know there`s loads of good stuff out there, but two short films on You Tube I thought you might especially enjoy (if you havent seen them already) are: 1. `Wunderland` about a massive model world, built by two brothers in Germany that has cost millions and has become a massive visitor attraction. Number 2 is `Metropolis II`, a model city built in the Los Angeles Museum of Art which features around 1,100 model cars plus buses and trains, all moving around a model city called Metropolis II.
Prepare to be amazed !. Just visit our `Links` page and watch `Wunderland` and `Metropolis II`. Top tip: Don`t forget to double click on the image and get the full screen experience. To exit, simply press the `escape` button on your keyboard. (You`d think I knew what I was talking about!).
Report dated 13/01/12.
New Pics.
Photographer, Frank Love, has sent us some fine colour and black & white pictures from events taken by him on Scottish events, such as the Border Counties, Mogil Motors, `Scottish` etc, in the late seventies and early eighties, featuring the crews of Walter McDonald & Gordon Hood and also Ivor Clark & Roger Anderson. Find them on the `Rally` gallery now. For those who haven`t yet worked it out, our galleries are alphabetical so for Ivor, go to `I` and for Walter, scroll down to `W`. It`s easy.
Report dated 13/01/12.
The Future of Tarmac Autotesting in our Region.
Gordon Clendinning has asked that this report, of which he is the author, be placed on our website.
This statement was put together following discussions between Gordon Clendinning and tarmac autotest organisers and competitors from Solway Car Club, East Ayrshire, South of Scotland and Machars Car Clubs over the last few months, regarding the disappointing efforts of the Scottish Association of Car Clubs to raise the profile of tarmac autotesting in Scotland. The general consensus is that the four clubs mentioned above could work together to raise the profile and standard of tarmac autotesting in our region. At present, the four clubs have verbally shown an interest in supporting tarmac autotesting.
The aim over the next three years is to raise the profile, quality and spectacle of all tarmac autotest events in our region but not to make the tests complicated. We want to encourage more entries from rear wheel drive cars and introduce a colour coding system for test markers, to help beginners learn the test layouts. We hope to provide new venues, sponsored events and possibly a Regional Autotest Challenge Series, if we can gain enough interest. We do not want to discourage competitors from taking part or feeling uncompetitive.
For 2012 we hope to encourage tarmac autotesters to compete on other clubs` events within our region in an effort to gain more experience. To achieve this we need to avoid, as much as possible, date clashes for tarmac autotests with the other clubs. We will hold practice days to improve competitors` skill levels for young and old alike. These will take the form of small groups of competitors receiving “one to one” coaching from some of Scotland’s most experienced drivers.
A spectator trip is currently being organised for Saturday 3rd March to the first round of the Northern Ireland Autotest Championship, to enable car club members to observe the organisation, marshalling, timekeeping, car preparation and level of competition at a major event. This will be an opportunity not to be missed and while details are still to be finalised, we plan to take at least two minibuses over with Stenaline, travelling from the new port at Cairnryan on the Saturday morning, attend the autotest and return on the Saturday evening sailing.
The cost will be no more than £30 per person, providing we can book this in the near future. If you have an interest in tarmac autotesting and would like to know more, then please contact Gordon Clendinning as soon as possible on 01644 420371 or on 07711 808832, to register your interest. Bookings for the trip to N. Ireland will be on a first-come first-served basis, as the first minibus is almost fully booked. Please contact Gordon before 1st February.
Report dated 11/01/12.
Thanks Jaggy!.
It`s nice when you`re given recognition when you do something right, so I was delighted today when fellow member, Scott McMillan, texted me to say that John `Jaggy Bunnet` Fife had made a complementary remark about our newsletter `Full Chat` in today`s Motorsport News. Needless to say, I was at W.H. Smith`s within seconds.
John`s article was about the sad demise of the paper version of club newsletters, which increasingly seem to be getting dumped in great numbers in preference for e.mailed versions. John is clearly all in favour of the traditional paper style newsletter and while I won`t quote the full article, even though I`m sure the publishers wouldn`t mind, here`s at least a flavour of what he said.
"`newsprint` is still a vital aid in keeping the sport and the clubs alive. A well filled newsletter isn`t just a source of calling volunteers to marshal, it covers the stories and personalities that you won`t find anywhere else. It is as much the lifeblood of a car club as oil is to an engine". "In those days when PC stood for Plain Coment rather than Political Correctness, the car club newsletter was full of libellous snippets, tantalising titbits and naughty jokes It made personalities of competitors who wouldn`t make the national stage, let alone the international one. It made club members want to read about their exploits and cringe at their outcomes.
A perfect example is the South of Scotland`s regular publication which is just one reason that motor sport in general is so vibrant in the enthusiastic south west".
Thank you John - very kind indeed. I know many people who still like to have their newletters plop through the letterbox and frankly, I always believed that part of one`s membership fee went toward paying the printing and postage of a newsletter anyway. To me it wasnt a privilege, just part of the deal. Anyhoo the way our members receive `Full Chat` wont change any time soon. Not if I can help it!. Roly P.
Report dated 11/01/12.
Chuck`s Knockhill.
Chuck Blair was at Knockhill last Sunday for the early season opener, held there last year in deep snow but just a wee tad slippery this year but wi nae sna!.
Chuck reports: "Had quite an eventful day at Knockhill. The first four stages were not good at all with the brakes binding on, due to the handbrake not releasing, then having them set up wrong, causing a few moments with a lot of trips to the grass and gravel traps.
So we lost about two and a half minutes to the other cars in the class. Stages five,six and seven saw us making a push, taking second in class back by over 35 seconds so second was ours until the last stage, when the back of the car caught a tyre and sent us spinning off and losing all the time we had made up. This meant we lost 2nd in class by two seconds although we had a great day steering from the rear, taking a dissapointing 29th overall and third in class. The car has now been broken and sold as intended."
Chuck tells me that his aim to do the 205 Challenge has been put on hold, due to his plans to get married in September this year. He`ll be back........................
Report dated 28/12/11.
Aviation Howlers.
We seem to have got into a run of aviation themes here lately but because they`re funny, here`s some stuff submitted by GP.
Real conversations between tower and plane:............
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees." TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000feet. How much noise do we make up here?". Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long take off queue: "I'm f....ing bored!". Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!" Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f...ing bored, not f....ing stupid!"
O'Hare Approach Control to a 747: "United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound." United 329: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this...I've got the little Fokker in sight."
A student became lost during a solo cross-country flight. While attempting to locate the aircraft on radar, ATC asked, "What was your last known position?" Student: "When I was number one for takeoff."
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower Noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport."
A Pan Am 727 flight, waiting for start clearance in Munich , overheard the following: Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?". Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English." Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany. Why must I speak English?". Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent):"Because you lost the bloody war!".
Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7". Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way, after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." Tower: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?". Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... We've already notified our caterers."
One day the pilot of a Cherokee 180 was told by the tower to hold short of the active runway while a DC-8 landed. The DC-8 landed, rolled out, turned around, and taxied back past the Cherokee. Some quick-witted comedian in the DC-8 crew got on the radio and said: "What a cute little plane. Did you make it all by yourself?". The Cherokee pilot, not about to let the insult go by, came back with a real zinger: "I made it out of DC-8 parts. Another landing like yours and I'll have enough parts for another one."
The German air controllers at Frankfurt Airport are renowned as a short-tempered lot. They not only expect one to know one's gate parking location, but how to get there without any assistance from them. So it was with some amusement that the crew of a Pan Am 747 listened to the following exchange between Frankfurt ground control and a British Airways 747, call sign `Speedbird 206`. Speedbird 206: " Frankfurt , Speedbird 206! Clear of active runway." Ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. Ground: "Speedbird, do you not know where you are going?". Speedbird 206: "Stand by, Ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." Ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?". Speedbird 206 (coolly): "Yes, twice in 1944, but it was dark, -- And I didn't land."
While taxiing at London 's Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft.Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming: "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going? I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour, and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that, US Air 2771?" "Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind.. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking: "Wasn't I married to you once?"
Report dated 26/12/11.
Some Fun !.
Here are a couple of fun (clean) things to look at, but please be aware that you can only do this if you have access to the internet!!!!!
If you dont, switch off now!
The first thing is on `You Tube` and is called `top 10 low pass fly-bys of all time`. Just go onto You Tube, type that in and see 3 minutes 29 seconds of impressive madness in planes!.The second, also to do with planes, is a bit geeky but fun to see all the same. Go to www.heathrow-london.co.uk and when you are on the home page, click on `live radar`. You`ll see, in real time, every commercial plane that`s fitted with a transponder, super-imposed on the map and you can read each plane`s altitude, the speed its going at, where it took off and where it`s headed plus loads more information. Try it, it`s pretty impressive!.Now, does anyone else have anything they`ve found (it doesn`t have to be about planes) they think we would all enjoy?.
Let me know on big_roly_p@yahoo.co.uk
And while I`m at it, where are all your jokes???.
Report dated 23/12/11.
Doonhamer Classic.
Plans for 2012`s `Doonhamer Classic` are forging ahead and earlier today, we came to an agreement with the management at the Barony Agricultural College, near Parkgate that it would be HQ for our event, while also providing documentation, ample trailer parking, scrutineering, breakfast, evening meal and bar facilities, as well as two test venues on site.
The aim is to have less mileage than before and around fifteen tests in 2012. It will also start an hour later, at 10.00am and the entry fee is £90, including breakfast, lunch and evening meal for two crew members.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship. Final Points after the 6th and final round on 21/12/11.
Mark Simpson...............................................................................................66 points.
Shirley Currie................................................................................................61 points.
Simon McLaughlin.........................................................................................52 points.
Heather Currie..............................................................................................52 points.
Roland Proudlock..........................................................................................50 points.
Hayley Whyte & Thelma Proudlock...................................................................46 points.
Connor McLaughlin & Graham Currie................................................................36 points.
Adam Bevan.................................................................................................35 points.
Chiara Simpson............................................................................................34 points.
Warren Gillespie............................................................................................31 points.
Gemma & Sian McLaughlin.............................................................................26 points.
Paul Whyte...................................................................................................22 points.
Jono McAndrew..............................................................................................16 points.
Tony Currie ..................................................................................................15 points.
Gordon Clendinning & Ryan Thomson...............................................................12 points.
Kelsey Gillespie, Donald Carruthers, Wendy Walker, Bob Sloan & Aideen Foley......10 points.
John Carson & Wullie Keaning...........................................................................9 points.
Jake McAndrew................................................................................................7 points.
2011 Champion, Mark Simpson, wins the Trophy and a very large tube of Silvo!
Report updated 21/12/11.
Christmas Quiz.
Tonight`s Christmas Qiuz rounded off a year-long competition for the coveted and splendid (no-seriously it`s a beauty) Scavenger Hunt Trophy, taking in no less than six quiz nights over the year. It was Bob Sloan`s turn to compile the quiz and finally, his sadistic pleasure in seeing folk suffer rebounded on him where, after some light hearted missile throwing, one competitors finally snapped and threw something solid at him, causing more than a modicum of carnage.
Bob had specified that all competitors must wear a Christmas hat or at least something in the Christmas spirit or instead, suffer a 5 point penalty. Everyone did capitulate and there were some splendid efforts, Simon McLaughlin`s hat being themed along the lines of Gold, Frankenstein and Myrrh, while Mark Simpson`s `mankini` left little to the imagination especially since the spherical objects were on the outside. Adam Bevan`s antlers were looking slightly sad while the Stuff The Turkey team had a load of balls. Appropriately, the prizes for all competitors were easter eggs!.
Results from a possible total of 108 points:
1st overall. `Stuff The Turkey`....Roland & Thelma Proudlock & Hayley Whyte..86....12 points each.
2nd overall. `You`ll Logs`....Mark & Chiara Simpson....59.....................................10 points each.
3rd overall. `Santa`s Helpless Helpers`..Graham, Shirley & Heather Currie & Adam Bevan..57...9 points each.
4th overall. `Crouching Barmaid, Hidden Sausage`..Simon McLaughlin & Tony Currie..minus 52 (for abuse of quizmaster)..8 points each.
Tony Currie`s case comes up next Tuesday.
Report dated 19/12.11.
Full Chat.
The last edition of Full Chat for 2011 is being posted out this week.
Report updated 19/12/11.
Christmas & Knockhill Stages.
Mike Curry`s doing the Christmas Stages at Croft on January 2nd alongside Andy Davison but, I hear, no longer in the mental BMW (which doesn`t like slippery conditions) but potentially something else which does handle slippery stuff - more later - , while Chuck Blair`s doing Knockhill on January 8th in his Nova. Anyone else?.
Item dated 19/12/11.
Eh?.
Why did Mickey Mouse go to the doctor? .....`cos he was having Disney spells.
Report updated 15/12/11.
12 Car Rally, 14/12/11.
Results:
Experts:
1st overall. David & Mark Paterson. 2 fails 16 minutes........................12 points each.
2nd overall. Wullie Ross & Mark Simpson. 2 fails 28 minutes...............11 points each.
Semi experts:
3rd overall. David & Scott Sloan. 0 fails.............................................10 points each.
Novices:
4th overall. John and Abby Warrick. 2 fails..........................................9 points each.
Many thanks to all who signed on to marshal, Colin Marshall, Andrew Taylor, Bob Little, Roland Proudlock, Donald Carruthers, Kris Thomson, Liam Harkness & Chuck Blair. Joint Clerks of the Course, Wullie Keaning & Warren Gillespie.
Bob Little`s pictures (with captions) of each crew were uploaded onto the `Misc` gallery tonight. Find them under Abby Warrick, Scott Sloan, Mark Paterson and Wullie Ross.
Item dated 12/12/11.
From Shirley Currie, More funnies, some in reply to my challenge for jokes about blokes....
Why cant blokes make pancakes ? ......cause they`re useless tossers.
Why do blokes have their best ideas during sex ? ........because their plugged into a genius.
Paddy take his pet goldfish to the vet and tells the vet it has epilepsy, the vet says it looks calm enough to me to which paddy replies "I haven't taken it oot the effin bowl yet"
Paddy comes home to find his wife doing the washing with the machine propped up with two bricks under one side. "what are you doing asks Paddy", his wife replies "doing the washing at 30 degrees you thick t**t"
Three students doing a psychology lesson. The first was asked "what is the opposite of JOY, she said SORROW. The second was asked " what's the opposite of DEPRESSION, he said HAPPINESS. Then Paddy was asked " what's the opposite of WOE , he quickly replied GIDDYUP....
The rest of Shirley`s jokes were unrepeatable here.................
Report updated 12/12/11.
Autotest on Tar, Heathhall 11/12/11.
Final Results after 9 tests:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 400 penalties.....................................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 408 penalties....................................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 440 penalties...................................11 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Nova, 443 penalties...............................11 points.
5th overall & 3rd in class 2. Trevor Bowden, Fiesta, 443 penalties....................................10 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Danny Pattie, 106, 463 penalties..........................................10 points.
7th overall & 4th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Nova, 467 penalties...................................9 points.
8th overall & 5th in class 1. Tony Currie, Rover, 467 penalties...........................................8 points.
9th overall & 6th in class 1. Drew McLean, Corsa, 490 penalties.........................................7 points.
10th overall & 7th in class 1. Jono McAndrew, Proton, 504 penalties...................................6 points.
11th overall & 8th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Proton, 511 penalties...................................5 points.
12th overall & 4th in class 2. John Warrick, 205 GTi, 519 penalties....................................9 points.
13th overall & 9th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 544 penalties....................................4 points.
14th overall & 5th in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 555 penalties......................................8 points.
15th overall & 6th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 601 penalties......................................7 points.
16th overall & 10th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 606 penalties.....................................3 points.
17th overall & 11th in class 1. Robert MacGregor, Nova, 615 penalties...............................2 points.
18th overall & 12th in class 1. Gemma McLaughlin, Nova, 679 penalties.............................1 point.
Many thanks to the landowners for providing access to the venue and to Donald Carruthers, Colin Marshall, Andrw Taylor and Kelsey Gllespie for officiating, to Thelma and Roly P for results and to warren Gillespie and Wullie Keaning for organisisng.
Apart from this being (yet again) an excellent annual event full of fancy dress and the feel-good factor, all the participants, including Gordon Clendinning who also donated while being many miles away!, are thanked for their generosity in raising a brilliant £187 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Great pics of all competitors by our official club photographer, Bob Little, uploaded on the `Autotest` gallery page tonight 12/12/11. Also see Wullie Keaning, Simon McLaughlin and Tony Currie on the `Miscellaneous` gallery, with their excellent fancy dress and decorated cars.
Report dated 08/12/11.
Quiz NIght at the Five Arches 08/12/11.
Results from round Five of the 2011 Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship:
1st overall. `Proudlock`s Petals`...Thelma Proudlock and Hayley Whyte...69..............12 points each.
2nd overall. `Nameless and Shameless`...Bob Sloan and Aideen Foley...66...............10 points each.
3rd overall. `Ken Dodd`s Dad`s Dog`s Deed!`...Simon & Sian McLaughlin & Jono McAndrew.55...9 points each.
4th overall. `Kirkton Water Babies`...Shirley and Graham Currie.....48........................8 points each.
5th overall. `Me Myself And I`...Tony Currie.........28................................................7 points.
Thanks to everyone who took part. Roly P.
Item dated 07/12/11.
Laugh !?!?.
I was sat in a restaurant and got hit on the back of the head by a prawn cocktail. I looked round and this bloke shouts, 'That's just for starters!'
Last night I was sitting on the sofa watching TV when I heard my wife's voice from the kitchen, 'What would you like for dinner my love, chicken, beef or lamb?' I said, 'Thank you, I'll have chicken please' She replied, 'You're having soup you fat slob, I was talking to the cat!'
My girlfriend said she was leaving me due to my obsession with the 60's group The Monkees. I thought she was joking .................................. and then I saw her face.
Last night I reached for my liquid viagra and accidentally swigged from a bottle of Tippex. I woke this morning with a huge correction....................................
Report dated 06/12/11.
Wednesday 6th 12 Car Rally.
Please note this has been postponed until December 14th. See `Events Calendar` Page.
Report dated 05/12/11.
Wullie`s Wanderings.
Congratulations to Wullie Keaning, who travelled to W. H. Malcolms`s yard near Paisley last Saturday for a Scottish Sporting Car Club Tar Autotest. It seems the 80 mile trip there and back was well worth it, as despite the heavy rain showers all day, Wullie led the field of sixteen competitors from the start. This was despite being pushed hard all day by none other than new member Archie Simmonds from Chirnside, who will be familiar to most members as the winner of our recent Doonhamer Classic Rally and even more recently was on good form at our last autotest.
Incidentally, Wullie tells me that SOSCC members are invited to the `Winter Autotest Series` and the next three rounds are on January 22nd (East Ayrshire), February 12th (East Ayrshire) and March 10th (Scottish Sporting). Call Wullie on 07821 433805 for more details.
Report updated 07/12/11.
Roger Albert Clark.
The one day `Clubmans` section of this popular event that took place on Sunday took in a total of six stages, with two runs at each of the Ae, Twiglees and Heathhall stages.
Among the ten Clubmans entries, no less than five were South of Scotland Car Club crews, among them being James and Claire Robertson in the C2 R2 who were 3rd overall. Tam Brown and Mike Curry rolled and retired the 205 on stage 15. Here`s Mike`s take on the matter. "Sadly, Tam and I rolled in Ae destroying Tam's pristine 205. We were checked out by the paramedic on the stage and found to be ok if a little mad - Tam even drove what was left of the car out of the stage and the remains are now at MC Rallying's workshop awaiting assessment.
Greg and Chris McKnight had gearbox difficulties and retired on stage 16 and the there`s Darren Martin and Martin Steele who took their their Puma to 5th overall, and Roy Eide-Johansen and Mark Simpson who lost drive on the Mk I Escort and retired on stage 20.
While it doesn`t happen all the time, S**t definitely happens!.
Report dated 02/11/11.
A Prelude to the Jokes we can all share, during the long, dark, cold months.
Remember last Christmas, when loads of members sent in jokes to help banish the winter blues?. Here`s a few for starters......
FEMALE LOGIC.....................(these are not in the least bit sexist are they?)
Two blondes (male or female... who knows these days?) living in Townsville Australia were sitting on a bench talking and one blonde says to the other, "Which do you think is farther away.......... Melbourne or the moon?"
The other blonde turns and says "Helloooooooooo, can you see Melbourne ...?????"
CAR TROUBLE
A woman pushes her BMW into a gas station. She tells the mechanic it died. After he works on it for a few minutes, it is idling smoothly. She says, "What's the story?"
He replies, "Just crap in the carburetor". She asks, "How often do I have to do that?"
SPEEDING TICKET
A police officer stops a lady for speeding and asks her very nicely if he could see her license. She replied in a huff, "I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you!"
RIVER WALK
A girl goes out for a walk. She comes to a river and sees another girl on the opposite bank. "Yoo-hoo!" she shouts, "how can I get to the other side?"
The second girl looks up the river then down the river and shouts back, "You ARE on the other side."
AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE
A gorgeous young redhead goes into the doctor's office and said that her body hurt wherever she touched it. "Impossible!" says the doctor. "Show me." The redhead took her finger, pushed on her left breast and screamed, then she pushed her elbow and screamed even more. She pushed her knee and screamed; likewise she pushed her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream. The doctor said, "You're not really a redhead, are you?
"Well, no" she said, "I'm actually a blonde." "I thought so," the doctor said. "Your finger is broken".
BLONDE ON THE SUN
A Russian, an American, and a Blonde were talking one day. The Russian said, "We were the first in space!" The American said, "We were the first on the moon!" The Blonde said, "So what? We're going to be the first on the sun!". The Russian and the American looked at each other and shook their heads. "You can't land on the sun, you idiot! You'll burn up!" said The Russian.
To which the Blonde replied, "We're not stupid, you know. We're going at night!"
IN A VACUUM
A lassie was playing Trivial Pursuit one night. It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on `Science & Nature`. Her question was, "If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?". She thought for a time and then asked, "Is it on or off?".
AND FINALLY
A girl was visiting her blonde friend, who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex. Her friend said, "Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?"
"HELLLOOOOOOO......," answered the blonde. "They're watch dogs!"
Now girls, as they say, dont get mad.......get even!. Let me have your (reasonably clean) jokes about men on text at 07824 847383 or e.mail: big_roly_p@yahoo.co.uk
Report dated 01/12/11.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship. Quiz nights.
Championship points to date, going into the quiz on 08/11.11.
Mark Simpson....................................................................56 points.
Shirley Currie.....................................................................44 points.
Roland Proudlock...............................................................38 points.
Heather Currie...................................................................43 points.
Connor McLaughlin.............................................................36 points.
Simon McLaughlin..............................................................35 points.
Warren Gillespie.................................................................31 points.
Gemma McLaughlin & Adam Bevan.......................................26 points each.
Chiara Simpson..................................................................24 points.
Paul & Hayley Whyte & Thelma Proudlock...............................22 points each.
Graham Currie....................................................................19 points.
Sian McLaughlin..................................................................17 points.
Gordon Clendinning & Ryan Thomson....................................12 points each.
Kelsey Gillespie, Donald Carruthers and Wendy Walker............10 points each.
John Carson & Wullie Keaning.................................................9 points each.
Jono and Jake McAndrew........................................................7 points each.
Report dated 27/11/11.
Coppermines Grizedale Stages.
Here`s another rally that in past years, would have attracted a full entry but this year around 55 entrants tackled the stages around Coniston, with one stage in the dark on Saturday night and the rest today. In the mix were our own Darren Martin and Martin Steele, the Longtown Lads, who were at 40 and took their Puma to 25th overall. Who knows what they`ll turn up in next, as they seem to have an apetite for changing their car after every few rallies.
Report dated 26/11/11.
Doonhamer Classic.
For those of you who competed on this year`s Doonhamer Classic and look forward to repeating the exercise in 2012, the date for next year`s event was confirmed at today`s NESCRO AGM as being Sunday, September 23rd, 2012.
To all of you who did compete and also those who wished they had put an entry in this year but didn`t, consider this announcement to be ten months advance warning to start preparing for what must be one of the cheapest forms of rallying around, with pre-start bacon rolls,, lunch and tea for both crew members included in the entry fee which, it is hoped, will remain as this year at £90. Proper classic cars or just the family shopper will do. Just run what you brung!.
Incidentally, a sponsor would be welcomed for this event and if you would like to discuss the possibility of your business being the title sponsor for not a huge outlay, call me on 07824 847383. Roly P.
Report updated 25/11/11.
Bucket Seats?.
Anybody got a low backed bucket seat, or possibly a pair of reasonably priced bucket seats?. See `Sales & Wants`.
Report dated 20/11/11.
Autotest on Tar, Oakbank, 20/11/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 336 penalties......................................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 344 penalties...(inc 5 % for LSD)....12 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 3. Archie Simmonds, Midget, 360 penalties....(inc 5 % for LSD).....12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Nova, 395 penalties.................................11 points.
5th overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 418 penalties.....................................12 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Nova 418 penalties.................................10 points.
7th overall & 2nd in class 2. Trevor Bowden, Fiesta ST, 434 penalties................................11 points.
8th overall & 3rd in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 435 penalties.....................................10 points.
9th overall & 4th in class 1. Drew McLean, Corsa, 436 penalties.........................................9 points.
10th overall & 5th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 445 penalties.........................................8 points.
11th overall & 2nd in class 5. Chris Kemp, 205 GTI, 456 penalties.......(inc 5% for LSD)......11 points.
12th overall & 3rd in class 5. Stephen Kemp, 205 GTI, 463 penalties....(inc 5% for LSD).....10 points.
13th overall & 6th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Proton, 466 penalties....................................7 points.
14th overall & 4th in class 2. John Warrick, 205 GTI, 503 penalties.....................................9 points.
15th overall & 5th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 624 penalties.......................................8 points.
16th overall & 7th in class 1. Robert MacGregor, Nova, 664 penalties..................................6 points.
Well done to Warren Gillespie and Wullie Keaning for running the slickest autotest of 2011, with no less than thirteen tests completed by all competitors and everyone on their way home by 3.30pm!. Thanks also to Donald Carruthers for marshalling, Bob Little for the photographs and Thelma and Roly P for the computerised results service. Thanks also to John Bogie, Andy McNish and all the other guys at Oakbank for clearing the huge yard sufficiently to allow two tests to run at the same time.
Report dated 18/11/11.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship.
Round four, a quiz run by Bob Sloan, took place tonight at the 5 Arches Dumfries.
Results:
1st overall. `The Chuckle Brothers` - Connor McLaughlin & Roland Proudlock....45.....12 points each.
2nd overall. `Godlego` - Mark Simpson....40.........................................................10 points.
3rd overall. `Piston Broke` - Shirley Currie & Simon McLaughlin....39..........................9 points each.
4th overall. `Pinky & Perky` - Heather Currie & Adam Bevan....25..............................8 points each.
Report dated 16/11/11.
Track Talk.
Club member Ian Wright`s had a very successful year on the tarmac tracks. Here`s how he finished in the 2011 Lowlands Speed Championship:
1st in class A2, Road saloons 1401 cc – 2000 cc from 6 registered drivers.
4th overall in road saloons from 32 registered drivers and....
8th overall in the full championship from agrand total of 65 registered drivers.
Ian has just sold the wee Civic that`s been reliable all year, but he has a couple of options for next season. Watch this space.
Well done Ian. here`s to 2012.
Report dated 13/11/11.
Quiz night.
The next club night/quiz night tales place this Thursday at the 5 Arches, Dumfries. While there is a quiz, it`s also a social night. Come along just for a blether if quizzes dont interest you. More info on the Events Calendar Page.
Report dated 13/11/11.
Historic pics.
Just going through my extensive library of old black & white negatives and found one of Tony Pond reading Full Chat after the 1984 Manx International Rally. Find it alphabetically on the `Misc` gallery, under Historic pic 20. Many of you younger readers will not recognise the name but Tony Pond is a legend of rallying when really beefy cars were on the go. Finishing third in a big Gp A Rover Vitesse was quite something. He was also a star in a Computervision sponsored Metro. Ahhhh. That takes me back.
Also appearing on the `Misc` gallery today, is an image of past member Paul Roxburgh in his Mini on the 1967 Scottish International rally. Find it as `Historic pic 21`.
Report dated 10/11/11.
12 Car Rally 09/11/11.
The `Damp Squib 12 Car Rally`. Starting at the Australian Bite Lay-by on the A75 near Shawhead, eight crews braved a rather wet! night. The road to TC1 had a rather generous covering of brown countryside which was just a bit slippy by all accounts, this brown ground to be found at quite a few locations. Willie Ross provided a passage control and a few crews failed to find him amongst all the muck and mire on their way to Hallmyre, via Ninemile bar and Auchengibbert. Tc 2 was on the Dalbeattie to Haugh o' Urr road near Firthhead, where Colin “The” Marshall, was assisted by George and Andrew. They were reached after a blast on the Corsehill and Hardgate roads.
Next up was the Dalbeattie – Castle Douglas road past the Quarry and over the hill at Barskeoch and over the old military road towards the A75 near Gerranton. Mark S was on duty here at Tc3 and managed a bit of PCT practice, bogging the Mondeo down in the soft verge at the control, but getting going eventually, blasting his way out. Drew Mclean overshot the control, but that was maybe 'cause he couldn't see the Mondeo as it was now well camouflaged!. Due to a sudden shortage of marshals (was it the weather ?) Tc4 was unmanned and the crews passed Gerranton, skirted Crossmichael and back to Clarebrand, Old Brig o' Urr to Wullie Ross at Tc5, at the dead centre of KPD. (Willie was spooked).
Nobody was reporting major difficulties at this point, however Liam and Jock were now last on the road, due to a combination of careful plotting and `Nae Bliddy lights mate`..... Again the major marshal deficit meant that Tc6 became a passage control as Mark S cut and ran from tc3 to try and make tc5, where Willie R had the clues. Fail!. The First crew, the Kemp Klan, had just departed Tc5.
TC 6 was on the Brooklands Road, from near Crocketford to Glenkiln and always a fantastic blast. Due to the combined length of the sections, some crews were running a bit late, so Tc 6 closed, missing the last car - sorry Daniel and Callum. All eight crews were still in the hunt as they blatted off from Tc 6 to Shaheid, Old Cluden and Routin Bridge. Some drivers couldn't resist a diversion off-route for a splash at the Midrig Ford (Willie and Kris, or perhaps it saved washing the car later!). Tc 7 was well lit up with more fluorescent jackets than Cooncil Pothole Crew on Overtime, with Marshall`s Marshals, followed by Drumpark, Newtonairds and a loop around Cormadie, on to Irongray and the Woodlands Hotel (top gate Willie). The Sloan rangers took a major detour and went otl, but not enought to spoil their night. The final TC was on the Irongray Road at Mid Nunnery and required crews to visit Holywood, Newbridge and the Newton road.
Many thanks to all the Marshals (too many to list). M S.
Results:
Experts
Kris Thomson & Wullie Keaning..................4 Fails 4 Minutes...................12 points each.
Non experts
David Sloan & Scott Sloan..........................3 Fails 27 Minutes.................11 points each.
Warren Gillespie & Kelsey Gillespie..............6 Fails 17 Minutes.................10 points each.
Novices
Jock Warrick & Liam Paterson.....................1 Fail. 29 Minutes...................9 points each.
Stephen Kemp & Chris Kemp......................6 Fails 11 Minutes..................8 points each.
Daniel Pattie & Callum Clark.......................8 Fails 24 Minutes..................7 points each.
Scott McLean & Drew McLean.....................11 Fails 15 Minutes..................6 points each.
Tony Currie & Heather Currie.....................13 Fails 11 Minutes..................5 points each.
Report dated 03/11/11.
New pics.
Five new inmages added to our `Misc` Gallery today, showing some of the folk who participated in the Celebration Evening for David Bogie and Kevin Rae on October 21st. Look them up alphabetically under `C` for `Celebration Evening`. Due to Bob Little`s camera malfunctioning on the night, many thanks to Colin Smith for these images, who points out that his usual digital camera was out of service and these were snapped from a distance with a wee `point and shoot` box. We are, nonetheles, very grateful Colin. Good job you were there!.
Report dated 01/11/11.
Quiz Time.
It`s quiz season again and three dates will be announced on the `Events Calendar` page soon, for all you sociable types in the club.
Report dated 01/11/11.
A Timely Warning.
Club member Simon McColm sent me this today:
Hi Roland. Can you circulate this around especially as Christmas is fast approaching- it has been confirmed as false by Royal Mail. The Trading Standard Office are making people aware of the following scam.
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 66111911 (a Premium rate number). DO NOT CALL this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call this number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £312 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655
For more information see the Crime Stoppers website. Please pass this info to your friends.
Report updated 01/10/11.
Galloway Hills.
Six SOSCC crews tackled the Hills on Sunday:
At 8 were Ian Paterson and Jim Haugh in the Subaru Impreza and after early turbo boost problems caused by a tiny part going missing, they were delighted to finish tenth after a replacement part was found in Jim Haugh`s Castle Douglas workshop. Stuart Paterson & Colin Maxwell were at 24 in Stuart`s Impreza but unusually for them they had an off, only one stout tree stopping the car from rolling sideways down a banking. Jim and Claire Robertson were in the C2R2 at 34 and finished 35th. Michael Hunter and James McWhir were seeded 52 in the Lada Samara and took 36th. Darren Martin and Martin Steele occupied 53 in an Escort Cosworth and improved on their seeding quite a bit, taking 29th.
On the other hand Roy Eide Johansen and Mark Simpson were going well in Roy`s Mk I Escort until one of them (dont know whether it was Roy or Mark) peeped the horn at a mate in a later stage and promptly went off, the car rolling onto its side. (See MAC video, AKA Byelawan`s, you tube film of the incident) End Of!!!. Some excellent airborne shots from Bob Little are on the `Rally` gallery now, apart from Roy, who unfortunately didnt make it to the yump.
Report dated 25/10/11.
Hold the Front Page!.
I got a few e.mails last week from various folk who`d been competing on our Doonhamer Classic, excitedly telling me that the Doonhamer had made the front pager of the Historic Rally Car Register`s (HRCR) regular Magazine, the `Old Stager`.
This isn`t a magazine which can be bought at the newsagents as its only sent out to members, so I was very fortunate to be sent a copy by e.mail. Sure enough, there on the front cover is Archie and Richard Simmonds` Midget cocking a wheel on the Jones` Yard test as large as life!. This is great stuff as it will draw more attention to the event from potential 2012 competitors.
Report dated 25/10/11.
Snippets.
Speaking to Greg and Chris McKnight last Friday at the celebration evening, it was good to hear how upbeat they are and quite rightly, having set out their stall with some outstanding performances on the few events campaigned in 2011. The Nova`s on its way down to Pro Tec soon for some fettling and Greg tells me that with the right funding in place, the plans for 2012 are to "go for it" in their class on the Scottish Rally Championship. That`s an exciting prospect and we wish them well.
Meanwhile, in garages all over the countryside, cars are being readied for competition. The few that I know of currently, are Bob Sloan`s Avenger which has already been given a cracking paint job and will initially make appearances on autotests, Wullie Ross`s 205, which could well be aiming for some classic rallies a-la Doonhamer and Paul Whyte`s Chevette, which after a few autotests for fun, will be stripped down, rebuilt and almost certainly a contender on classic rallies. Anybody else working on a project?.
Report dated 24/10/11.
Events Calendar, 1954 Stylee....
Jonathan Lord, whom most of you will know as Clerk of the Course for the Scottish Rally, recently added a book about Scottish Motor Sport in 1954 to his collection.
Here`s the SOSCC events calendar for that year:
March 13-14, Night Navigation Rally.
April 4th, Gymkhana.
May 9th, Galloway Hundred (Jonathan doesn’t know what sort of event that was and neither do I).
June 20th, Gymkhana.
July 11th, Rally.
October 9-10, Rally (Dumfriesshire).
October 24th, Hill Climb (where, we wonder?).
November 21st, Gymkhana.
The South of Scotland Car Club Secretary in 1954 was J B McGowan, 135 Irish Street, Dumfries.
This item has been added to the `History` page.
Report dated 24/10/11.
Historic Pictures.
Some fabulous historic pictures have been added to our Miscellaneous (Misc) Gallery tonight. Look for them alphabetically under Historic Pics, nos 11 to 19 and also 25, 27 & 28. These are all courtesy of the family of founder SOSCC member, Jimmy Cringean, who sadly died earlier this year. There are many more to follow.
Report dated 24/10/11.
Classic !
Our old friend and fellow motoring nut, Gordon Bisset`s been in touch to ask that the following information be put on `Full Chat`.
Each year he organises a bus, in aid of Cancer Research, to go to the `Classic Car and Motorcycle Show` at the NECC Birmingham. This year the show is on Sunday November 13th and he tells me there are still six seats available for anyone who likes the convenience and considerable cost savings from being driven to and from events of this nature. Even more convenient is that the bus will drop you off and collect you again at the main door of the NECC which, considering the alternative of walking for miles from the NECC`s scattered car parks, is a huge boon.
The bus will leave Dumfries`s Homebase car park at 6.00am (with alternative pick ups on the A75 and at Gretna Gateway) and after a full day at the show, it leaves the NECC at 5.00pm for the homeward journey, getting back to Dumfreckle at about 10.45pm.
Tickets, inclusive of transport and entry ticket, are a bargain at £41 believe me. If interested, you should ring Gordon direct on 01387 710318.
Report dated 24/10/11.
MC into M3 Squared !.
No, I don`t really know what the above means either, but it sounded like a good formula to me, as are Andy Davison and Mike Curry, in a BMW M3.
Here`s the latest communique from exotic parts:
Club member Mike Curry made the trip over to the Otterburn Ranges over the weekend, for the final round of the Richard Egger Insurance Services MSA Asphalt championship, the Cheviot Stages. Mike as always, was co-driving for Andy Davison in the awesome flamboyantly driven BMW M3 and were looking for a good result to finish off the season. A high quality entry, which included the likes of Damian Cole (Focus WRC), Steve Simpson (Subaru S12 WRC) and John Indri (Millington powered Darrian) assembled in the rain for the Sunday start at 8:30. With rear wheel drive and only second hand tyres the crew were somewhat concerned but still hoping for a top 10 finish to follow on from their fine 5th Overall on the Tyneside Stages.
As is usual on Otterburn, the slippy roads took their toll on the hard tryers early on but despite the car oversteering everywhere, Andy and Mike finished the rally in a fine 4th Overall and first in class behind the super cars, this result rounding things off nicely for the season. The car did look slightly the worse for wear at the end but as one journalist pointed out at the finish, the value of Andy's car is probably the equivalent of 3 new rear wings for the S12 Subaru!.
Andy has now secured the MSA Asphalt Championship Young Driver Award for 2011 although sadly, Mike is a bit too old to qualify but was certainly impressed with a very close up view of an M3 being driven on the limit (and over it on a couple of occasions).
Report updated 22/10/11.
Celebration Time, Come On !!!!
The Celebration Evening at the Woodland House Hotel last night to honour David Bogie and Kevin Rae`s brilliant year was a huge success. Loads of great DVD`s especially edited for this event were shown and Robbie Head hosted the forum in front of a full house of over 100 guests. Thanks to all who attended and added to the happy and friendly atmosphere. There`ll be a full report in the next `Full Chat` club newsletter.
Report dated 12/10/11.
12 Car rally 12/10/11.
Results:
Experts:
1st overall. Kris Thomson & Wullie Keaning. 9 fails 0 minutes...........................12 points each.
Semi Experts:
2nd overall. David & Scott Sloan. 4 fails 14 minutes.........................................11 points each.
3rd overall. Warren & Kelsey Gillespie. 19 fails 3 minutes.................................10 points each.
Novices:
4th overall. Scott & Drew Mclean. 5 fails 3 minutes.............................................9 points each.
5th overall. Tony Currie & Paul Hamid. 15 fails 14 minutes.................................8 points to Tony, (Paul Temp` Member.)
Thanks to marshals, George Bell, Colin Marshall, Davie Holland, Roland Proudlock, Paul Whyte, Andy McNish, Alistair Stewart and son Angus. Cerks of the Course Liam Patterson and John Warrick.
Report dated 12/10/11.
He`s on the road.
Congratulations to James Clark, who recently passed his driving test.
Report dated 11/10/11.
Full Chat Magazine.
The latest issue of our club magazine, Full Chat, is being posted now and you should receive it in the next day or two.
Report dated 10/10/11.
Autotest on Tar/Concrete/Gravel. Jones` Yard, October 10th.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 454 penalties................................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 473 penalties..............................12 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 5. Chris Kemp, 205, 499 penalties......................................12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, Rover, 513 penalties..............................11 points.
5th overall & 2nd in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Nova, 516 penalties...........................11 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 524 penalties..................................10 points.
7th overall & 3rd in class 5. Stephen Kemp, 205, 528 penalties..................................10 points.
8th overall & 4th in class 5. Joe Hunt, Rover, 540 penalties.........................................9 points.
9th overall & 2nd in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 540 penalties..............................11 points.
10th overall & 4th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 561 penalties...................................9 points.
11th overall & 5th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 573 penalties.................................8 points.
12th overall & 6th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 579 penalties...................................7 points.
13th overall & 7th in class 1. Tony Currie, Rover, 582 penalties...................................6 points.
14th overall & 8th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 594 penalties...............................5 points.
15th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 601 penalties...............................10 points.
16th overall & 9th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Proton, 610 penalties..............................4 points.
17th overall & 1st in class 4. Scott McLean, MGF, 622 penalties..................................12 points.
18th overall & 10th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Civic, 633 penalties...................................3 points.
19th overall & 2nd in class 4. Drew McLean, MGF, 634 penalties..................................11 points.
20th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 635 penalties.................................9 points.
21st overall & 11th in class 1. Robert MacGregor, Nova, 638 penalties...........................2 points.
22nd overall & 12th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Nova, 642 penalties.........................1 point.
23rd overall & 13th in class 1. Jono McAndrew, Proton, 650 penalties.............................1 point.
24th overall & 14th in class 1. Gemma McLaughlin, Nova, 925 penalties.........................1 point.
Many thanks to James Jones for the use of the yard, to George Bell and Roland Proudlock for marshalling, Bob Little for the photographs and Wullie Keaning & Warren Gillespie for Organising.
Report updated 10/10/11.
IRC Rally Scotland.
5.30pm 10/10/11.
Well, David and Kevin`s long run of good luck ended when a hidden rock damaged the Evo too much for it to continue. It was a brave effort and the result was obviously not to be, but well done for trying lads and for certain, you have only done yourselves good for getting into the top ten for so long, in such a high quality field.
10.35am 09/10/11.
Our lads currently lie tenth after stage nine, Carron Valley 3, with the remainder of todays awesome stages still to complete. Going on uncut tyres yesterday afternoon was a gamble that simply didn`t pay off as, to quote David, it was "tricky out there". Hopefully conditions and tyre choices today will be more to David & Kevin`s liking.
3.30pm 08/10/11.
David Bogie must be even happier now than he was this morning after last night`s shanannigans. You wil recall he reported that the intercom failed after just a quarter of stage one, Carron Valley, and as a result he posted a disappointing time of 5.50. Then with the intercom working but with Kevin still having to hold the battery in place, he tackled the second run at the same stage and was given a time seven seconds slower. They could only assume that they must have been given a wrong time and in fact, the time sheets for stage 2 were later corrected, showing David & Kevin nineteen seconds faster than on stage one!.
I understand that there was some confusion at the end of Carron, Valley, where competitors were leaving the stage without the officials having completed their time cards!. (And to think I was asked to be the stage commander on Carron Valley but gracefully declined!)
Things are looking much better now and after five stages, they currently lie 10th overall, eight of the cars ahead being those S2000 `flying buzzbombs` that make the IRC such a spectacle.
However, Finnish driver, Jarko Nikara is just six seconds ahead and David is slowly reeling him in. David is also currently top British driver and second Gp N, with only Nikara ahead in a similar car.
Get ready to watch it live on Eurosport at 5.30 today.
Roly P.
Report updated 03/10/11.
Colin McRae Stages.
One of the most popular rallies of the year for both competitors and spectators, the Colin McRae Stages, took place on Saturday.
Two club crews were entered and it`s great to report that Liam Harkness and Tont Marchbank scored a fantastic (brilliant actually) 11th overall in the flying Mk II Escort, only 4.25 seconds off MK II veteran, Steve Bannister who was 10th.
This has to be the highlight of Liam`s rally career so far and deserves great credit, especially as Liam has gradually increased his speed all year, pulling out all the stops to have a cracking result just at the right time. This result also means that Laim is crowned Scottish Junior Champion for 2011 and he also gets a trophy for winning class 8!!!. Well done to you both!.
James Robertson and George Myatt on the other hand, saw all their aspirations come to a grinding halt on stage 2, with a knackered drive shaft on the C2 R2 on a slippery uphill section.
Spare a thought also for our poor official photographer, Bob Little, who travelled all the way up country to snap our two teams, got himself a cracking position on a lovely corner and then was told the stage was cancelled. Gutted!.
Report dated 30/09/11.
Turners Talk.
Spent a very pleasant few hours at the Blythswood Hotel in Glasgow last night. The Blythswood used to be the HQ of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club (RSAC) until they moved out in 1992 and since then, it has been transformed into one of the plushest places to be in the city. It`s also where the `Rallye Historique Monte Carlo` starts from and I say `starts`, because while it was thought to be a one-of when the event had Glasgow as one of several start venues this January, I`m reliably informed by Douglas Anderson, (the man responsible for bringing the hostoric `Monte` back to Glasgow) that it`s all going to happen again in January 2012.
The reason for the visit was to hear Eric Carlsson, the ex works Saab rally driver from waaaay back and now in his seventies, reminisce about the old days. Sadly Eric took ill a couple of weeks ago and couldn`t travel from Luton to Glasgow although I`m pleased to hear he is making a good recovery and will be in Glasgow for a similrar event in 2012. Nonetheless, the evening was still special, as Stuart Turner, one of Eric`s original navigators, ex BMC Rally Team Manager and later Ford Rally Team supremo, author and excellent after dinner speaker, was in attendance and we all got a masterclass in keeping an audience entertained for over an hour but making it feel like five minutes.
The commercial reason for the event was to raise money for `Rally and Drive Scotland` (RADS) which is headed by Douglas and has to raise its own funds to bring the Monte to Glasgow each year. I understand it did quite well.....
One wee snippet from Stuart`s speech was his memory of his first rally with Eric. "It was like a religious experience. All I could see was a white blur and a saint`s name. Then Eric told me that I was so crouched over with fear that I had my underpants over my head".
Quality !.
Roly P.
Report dated 24/09/11.
BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONS 2011 !
Yes, its official. David Bogie and Kevin Rae are 2011 British Rally Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and no doubt there`ll be big celebrations in Yorkshire tonight.
What a fantastic achievement in a five year old car, when the opposition are in the latest toys. I am sure I speak for all of us in the SOSCC when I say congratulations to the boys for a truly professional performance all year. Now they can enjoy a few rallies up to the end of the year without championship pressures, such as the McRae Stages and Rally Scotland, both due to happen in the next few weeks.
This result is no less than they deserve and it`s worth stating that it`s all been done without the slightest hint of hype or bull**t.
Here`s a quote from Alan from ProTec on the British Rally Forum tonight:
"yes congratulations to David, Kevin and all the team, Brilliant job by everyone all year to achieve the double.
David drove brilliantly “slow” today, mind you he couldn’t have driven fast even if he had wanted to, the car was loaded with two spare wheels, tools, emergency spares, and the ECU map pulled back so safe he could have got more boost by blowing down the turbo pipe himself ! which of course went against all the traits of David’s competitive driving nature, but he did not have a choice, today was about securing what he had worked hard for on all the other rallies - to win the championship.
You know what is most pleasing from where I sit, we are not a big team, we don't do all the razzmatazz as some teams like to do, We just get on and do the best job we can with a brilliant driver & co driver, my dedicated mechanics, and a good old reliable car. And when you throw in the outstanding support of David & Kevin's family & friends, it is a formidable force for anyone to compete against".
I think that says it all
Roly P.
Report dated 23/09/11.
Gallery Updated.
Quality pictures of every competitor on the Doonhamer Classic, taken by our official club photographer, Bob Little, have been uploaded onto the `Miscellaneous` and `Rally` Galleries tonight. Find them alphabetically, using the first letter of your Christian name.
Report dated 21/09/11.
5 pence piece - dustbin lid !
The next few days will be nervous ones for the Bogie family, as David, with co-driver Kevin Rae, is heading to Yorkshire for Saturday`s `Yorkshire International Rally`, (formerly the Trackrod) the penultimate round of the Dulux Trade British Rally Championship.
David has a considerable lead over Wales`s Elfyn Evans and Irishman Jonny Greer but can still be beaten. However, should he finish first on Saturday, he will win the title and wont have to go to the last event, the Manx International in October and this would be a very good thing as the Isle of Man in October can be a very hostile place, with fog, wind and rain making the shiny Manx roads treacherous.
I understand David is going for a win in Yorkshire so it`s `heads down and balls out` but even if he is second overall on this rally to Elfyn, that`ll still be enough to clinch the title although third probably wouldn`t be good enough.
OK, the mathematics are always tricky at this end of the year but as October`s a busy month anyway, with the McRae and the IRC `Rally Scotland` all being within weeks of the Manx, David would rather not have to be dropping one or more of these, (two of his favourite events) to do one he just doesnt like.
David was at Greystoke today with the Evo testing it after the damage of Ulster had been repaured, including a chassis leg that had been pushed up two inches after one or more heavy landings. The car`s also had a new turbo and in fact the whole car`s been run over with a fine tooth comb and can you blame him?. The championship title`s very close but still so far away.
Heart warmingly, many of the top Scottish Championship drivers have given David a huge amount of support in the last few weeks and days, as they`d all like to see the reigning Scottish Champion showing the English, Welsh and Irish contenders the way.
I suggest all SOSCC members do the same, as David has been a great embassador for the club, carrying the club`s name to fame on the International rally scene.
The Yorkshire Rally is 85 miles of gravel over nine fast stages that demand total commitment and pin point accuracy on the 100mph + bends.
Good luck to David, Kevin, John, Anne and Pro-Tec.
Roly P.
Report updated 21/09/111.
Doonhamer Classic.
Running an event that you have little experience of can be a bit of a vertical learning curve but suffice it to say that of the seventen entries listed below, all but one made it to the finish, so we must have done something right!. Sadly the Land Rover had early misfire problems which prevented it from getting far from the start venue, the Queens Hotel in Lockerbie, whose biggest advantage was that it was only a stonesthrow from the Motorway and very accessible from North or South, a good thing since most of our entries travelled a long way to be with us.
In trying to provide a variety of tests, ten venues had been secured but as one fell by the wayside late in the day, we ran the test at Heathall runway twice, to give competitors the ten tests promised on the regs. Starting the cars off at Lockerbie in a heavy shower seemed to be a bad omen but once the initial showers cleared, it turned into a fine day. However, the sun was too late to stop one of the tests becoming waterlogged...more later. Test one, `Dookers Pool` on Castlemilk Estate was simply an access road which had been built to give safe passage under the Motorway and while it was short it was just enough to wake the crews up, as it was just a mile from the start.
The feed mill at Brydekirk was next up and the twisty nature of the test caught at least one experienced crew out, the navigator stating he couldn`t remember the last time he`d got a `WD` (wrong direction) penalty. Halcrow Stadium, the dog track at Gretna was the first loose test and this was enjoyed by all, even if some got it wrong, massive power slides definitely being the way to go for the rear wheel drives. `John Bell Field` in Annan was simply a car park whose test instructions required concentration and again, some found it to be more tricky than intended.
The Broom Fishery at Powfoot was the last before soup and a sanny at the Powfoot Hotel and heavy overnight rain made this treacherous but entertaining although the reaction from the drivers was mixed, some just sucking air in through their teeth at lunch, feeling glad to have survived it, while others loved it, even remarking that it should have used the whole road at the fishery, including the neutral exit road.
Oakbank was next and unlike our Sunday afternoon autotests that just use the lorry park, the test went right round the factory building. No complaints from anyone here apart from the suggestion from several drivers that this test should have incorporated two laps and not one of the factory and that the test should have been run twice. Well, we live and learn, so the next time the Doonhamer visits Oakbank that`ll probably be on the menu. Jones` old sawmill at Heathhall is always a popular venue and again with a light covering of gravel, it gave most crews the opportunity to slide around a bit. Several drivers suggested that the yard could have provided a much longer test and of course this has been noted.
The runway at Heathhall is always popular as there is literally nothing to hit!. Everyone enjoyed this so it`s a good thing it was run twice. The Cheese Factory at Lockerbie was a bit of a novely as for most of the time, it`s out of bounds to anyone other than lorry drivers or employees. The team there had laid on a tasting marquee which simply invited tasters to make a small donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care and for the reasonable crowd of marshals spectators and competitors, all who had the opportunity to walk the test, this was a welcome diversion for which they didnt grudge making a charity donation. By goad the cheese is tasty and I have to say the management deserve a pat on the back for giving every marshal, official and competitor a sample of Lockerbie Cheese and Butter to take home. As all the competitors were running way ahead of schedule at this point and would have been way too early to arrive back at the Queens Hotel just five miles away, walking the course, drinking coffee, eating cheesy biscuits and then getting a second bonus (non-competitive) run at the tenth and final test helped to bring the crews back nearer to the intended time schedule.
Back at the hotel, everyone enjoyed a buffet and found out the reults of the quiz that crews had to complete as they traversed the route, Andrew Swanston and Mike Curry winning a twenty pound voucher off next year`s entry fee. Trophies were delivered on time and generally, crews left happy with their day (Archie Simmonds even raising a smile when he noted in his acceptance speech that he had beaten old adversary Gordon Clendinning), many promising to send on some constructive criticism about the event as pointers for the future. Indeed they have since done so, so next year`s Doonhamer Classic can only be even better than this years. One thing that would be good to have is a sponsor. Anybody got any ideas?.
While the entry fee did include membership for all entrants, so that it would be a `closed to club` event to avoid the need for competition licences, the temporary members will forgive me for making a few comments about those drivers who were club members prior to the July 31st cut-off date.
Chris and Stephen Kemp took Chris`s 205 Gti to a good fourth overall and while they were not eligible for overall awards due to the youth of this car, Chris was impresive on all the tests, showing some real pace and talent. Gordon Clendinning brought his lovely replica HS Chevette along and with wife Karen sidelined for health reasons, young Craig Service was conscripted to compete on his first rally. It has to be said that without two costly `WD` penalties, this pair would have been at least second overall and possibly even challenging Archie Simmonds for the lead. We all enjoyed Gordon`s drifting demonstration at the Cheese Factory, especially on his second run where the Chevvy was rarley pointing straight. Ian and Daniel Wright came along in the sprint prepared Civic and had a good steady run to 9th. Again overall positions were not on the cards as post 1981 cars obviously dont qualify as being `classic` but that didnt deter Ian from having a good go. Its always good to see a member whose chosen discipline rarely allows us to see him in action, take part in an event against his fellow club members.
Simon McLaughlin`s fabulous Datsun 260Z sounded and power-drifted as good as it looks and where it was possible the power was given its head, although the slippery `Broom` test didn`t suit it at all. Eunice obviously hadn`t quite grasped the idea of a rally when she asked Simon why he was driving so fast, but nonetheless, she really seemed to be enjoying looking out of the side window most of the time. I understand Simon might bring something else a bit different from the norm out on next year`s event. Liam Patterson and Callum Clark swopped seats occasionally in their Civic and really seemed to be having a great laugh, something that`s frankly impossible to avoid when in Liam`s company. They were 12th but it didnt matter `cos they were having fun. Rob Glendinning brought yet another immaculate Chevette to this event (amazing that two of the cars from an entry of only seventeen should be red chevettes, not to mention that the drivers should be called Clendinning and Glendinning) and it looked purposeful as well as being fast. A couple of stray tests cost dearly but it`s to be hoped this won`t be the last outing for Rob or his Chevette.
Several spectators remarked that they should have entered this rally when they saw how simple the classic rally concept is and how little cost or preparation is required compared to, say, stage rallying. Yes, you should have entered so why didnt you????. How about next year?. With Paul Whyte, Bob Sloan and Wullie Ross,(who was driving the opening car navigated by Colin Maxwell) all currently working on cars that will be suited to classic rallying, (and thats only the ones I know about) there`s almost certainly going to be more club crews doing classic events in the future.
Next year`s Doonhamer Classic will probably be on September 16th or possibly the 23rd. Whatever the date, bring it on!Roly P.
O/all........Driver/Navigator.......Town........Car...........Penalties................Total inc` markers.Class/pos.
1. A Simmonds / R Simmonds. Ch`side. Midget........39 54 51 45 51 54 57 51 50 32 484. H3, 1st.
2. D Marsden / M Garstang. L`caster. Cortina GT.......39 60 51 51 54 58 57 57 54 51 542. H2, 1st.
3. Ian Dixon / David Lauder. Scotlandwell. RS2000....42 68 56 54 56 61 60 57 58 42 554. C5, 1st
4. C Kemp / S Kemp. Thornhill. Peugeot 205 Gti.......43 75 53 51 65 61 62 57 52 35 554. M7, 1st.
5. J Norman / P Littlefield. Gartmore. Mini Cooper S...39 67 63 58 56 64 86 60 59 43 595. H1, 1st.
6. A Swanston / M Curry. Roslin. RS 1600 Mk1..........44 120 59 60 61 58 68 57 59 38 634. H4, 1st.
7. G Clendinning / C Service. N/Galloway. Chevette...39 56 120 48 57 53 56 120 51 34 644. C5, 2nd.
8. N Morrison / T Douglas. Earlston. BMW 2002ti.......41 120 59 56 57 68 83 65 57 47 653. H4, 2nd.
9. I Wright / D Wright. Dumfries. Honda Civic...........42 120 57 47 61 53 69 53 54 120 676. M7, 2nd.
10. S McLaughlin / E McLaughlin. Lock`bie. 260Z......42 67 120 53 121 68 49 76 53 35 684. H4, 3rd.
11. A Murdoch / B Lucas. Kilmarnock. Austin Mini......60 60 55 53 69 63 120 54 120 35 689. C5, 2nd.
12. L Patterson / C Clark. Dumfries. Honda Civic......43 120 55 54 85 59 65 61 56 120 718. M6, 3rd.
13. S Bankier / D Alexander. Duddo. Volvo Amazon..50 120 64 65 80 67 76 63 60 120 765. H2, 2nd.
14. R Glendinning / P Whyte. K/Fleming. Chevette...42 120 120 59 66 77 120 59 64 39 776. M7, 3rd.
15. D Heirs / G Meek. Ab`feldy. Saab96..................42 101 62 69 60 67 120 120 61 120 822. H3 2nd.
16. K Barnard / J Forster. Morpeth. MGB GT.............44 71 80 89 81 89 120 120 120 60 874. H4, 4th.
DNF. Donald Urquhart / Eilidh Urquhart. Cumbernauld. Landrover Ser3. Class H4
Many thanks to all officials and marshals: Bob Sloan, David McKeown, Gordon Paterson, Dave Thompson, Mark Simpson, Kelsey Gillespie, Steven Smith, Harold Tweedie, Gordon Smith, Tony Currie, Alan Henderson, Willie Ross, Scott McMillan, Ian Crosbie, David Crosbie, Colin Maxwell, Wullie Keaning, Thelma Proudlock, Hayley Whyte, Roland Proudlock, David Pinkerton, Douglas Taylor, Derek Kirkpatrick, Shirley Currie, Graham Currie, Mike Hodgson, George Bell, Donald Carruthers, James Robertson, Colin Marshall, Matthew Alexander, Joanne Smith, Donna Smith & Glynn Smith.
Grateful thanks also go to all nine landowners, for providing access to some truly challenging and fun tests which were enjoyed by the competitors.
Thanks also to Lockerbie Cheese, who not only provided the venue for the final test of the day but also laid on drinks and snacks for the competitors, marshals and spectators, as well as a pack of cheese samples for every competitor and marshal, of whom there were many. Also, grateful thanks to G23 Grafix, for providing our new start/finish banners, free of charge.Report dated 13/09/11.
Only in OZ.
A true story from the Mount Isa in Queensland.
Recently a routine Police patrol car parked outside a local neighbourhood pub. Late in the evening the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the car park for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles. The man managed to find his car, which he fell into.
He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off. Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry night). Then he flicked the indicators on, then off, tooted the horn and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few centimetres, reversed a little and then remained stationary for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left. At last he pulled out of the car park and started to drive slowly down the road.
The Police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and carried out a random breathalyser test. To his amazement the breathalyser indicated no evidence of the man's intoxication. The Police officer said 'I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the Police station - this breathalyser equipment must be broken.'
'I doubt it,' said the man, 'tonight I'm the designated decoy'.
Report dated 13/09/11.
Rallycross round-up.
Here`s a short round-up from Ian Biagi on his rallycross season to date:
Three wins early on in the season have given me a points advantage going into the final of the Autosport International BTRDA Rallycross championship, which will be at Knockhill on 18th Sept 2011, as Mallory Park, (where the final was to be held) has not been upgraded in time.
In the last 3 events, I have qualified well in “A” finals but first corner contact and taking to much kerb at Blyton left the car missing a front wheel on two occasions. A trip to Lydden Hill last weekend rounded up the six events, plus the double points final that count for the championship.
This leaves me in a three-way battle for the Super Modified Class, with Garry Cook and Garry Simpson close behind. The event is also a round of the MSA championship and has be hailed as a Scotland, England battle at Knockhill, with Andy Scott in the running for the MSA title as well. Incidentally, the highlight of Lydden Hill was Marcus Gronholm`s spectacular two-wheeled negotiation of North bend in front of Andy Scott, as can be seen on You Tube. It has to be in the running for `motorsport video shot of the year.
Ian Biagi.
Report updated 13/09/11.
Lindisfarne.
After eleven stages, Mike Curry and Lindsay Talbot finished 23rd overall and ninth in class 2. Otterburn sems to have weaved its usual magic, with more than half of the 16 retirements having simply gone off, or crashed properly, including a couple of rolls!.
Here`s Mike`s story:
Linsday and I made the trip over to the Otterburn military ranges last weekend to compete on the Lindisfarne Rally. This 93 mile event used the whole of the ranges including the little used eastern side with its tight hairpins and bridges. Lindsay was on the notes in our `Alan Thomson, Welders of Lockerbie` supported Peugeot 205 which now boasts power steering for the first time.The unsettled weather made tyre choice tricky as some stages started in sunshine on dry roads and ended in lashing rain and with 4 stages to complete before first service it was even more of a gamble. Going out on slicks with a cut was the decision and it proved to be the right one for the first loop.
Having caught 2 cars on the first stage and another on the second, things were looking good. The intermittent rain got heavier and resulted in a spin onto the grass on stage 6 losing 40 seconds. Changing to inters on the front and cut slicks on the rear for the remainder of the event worked well and we were happy to see 23rd Overall at the finish.
Starting at the back of the field gave a fine view of the carnage up front and every stage sported a warning triangle, followed in some cases by an upturned car but happily we avoided this scenario (just).
Report dated 12/09/11.
Stunning!
If you have 3 minutes 34 seconds to spare, go onto `You Tube` and search `Ford`s new rally HQ`.
I thought for a moment that the film might be an elaborate joke but having watched this film a couple of times, it`s obviously genuine. It`s hard to describe what you`ll see so I wont. Just watch it, it`s worth it.
Roly P.
Report dated 11/09/11.
Spliced!.
Congratulations to SOSCC Committee members, Donald Carruthers and Wendy Walker, who were married yesterday in the Station Hotel, Dumfries.
Report dated 07/09/11.
Doonhamer Classic.
All officials, marshals and helpers are invited to attend the Chicken Shack at 12.00 noon on Sunday September 11th, to sort out the equipment required for the tests.
Report dated 09/09/11.
Senna.
This film, which has been getting rave reviews, has recently been available for viewing at local cinemas, but mostly for one night only. It chronicles the racing career, from Karts to Formula 1, of one of the most inspirational drivers who never missed a chance to go for a gap - whether it was a car width or not!.
For some reason, this seemed to annoy wee Alain Prost a bit and it has to be said he really doesn`t come out of the film well!. In fact, he must be a bit pi***d off, as it most definitely shows him in a very bad light. And he`s such a nice guy too........................
Ayrton Senna`s career took place during the era when racing had real characters and not the squeaky clean PR lackies we now have. Indeed, several times during the film, it`s possible to see the real dislike - nay hatred - between some of the drivers and officials. Jean Marie Balestre, the then President of the FIA, is another one that doesn`t benefit from any positive PR in this film. Is it just a coincidence that the two main villains of the film are French?.
I recommend that you go and see this film if you get a chance, as it shows the great highs and the even greater lows of a man who was virtually sainted in his country, Brasil, for what he did to help the education of Brazilian children, as well as lifting the spirits of each and every one of his fellow countrymen and women. There`s also plenty of `in car` footage that give you a real feel from the drivers perspective, especially on a big screen.
Be prepared though for the horrific and graphic footage of Roland Ratzenbergers fatal crash during a practice session and of course, the equally harrowing death of the film`s subject.
Fortunately there are several lighter moments including one sequence where a crazy looking interviewer asks Senna if his girlfriends ask him to go faster?!!!!
Report dated 09/09/11.
Mini Monte.
Some sharp-eyed members called me today, to draw my alttention to some rally prepared Minis (classic ones) parked outside the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries. Well, you just need to mention `Mini` and I`m there, so I went along this afternpon to see what was occurin`.
These folks were from the Mini Register, a kind of national organisation for Mini lovers everywhere and they were taking part in a four day tour that they do each year. This year`s event (they call them `Touring Assemblies`) included overnight stays at the Cairndale on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, before heading Southward and home. It appears they just select some country roads including some whites that they fancy driving along and after a day`s `hard driving`, enjoy a drink and a good meal. The entry fee`s well over a grand, so it`s not for the faint hearted!.
One of the older versions looked like a genuine works cooper `S and was certainly badged correctly as well as looking it`s age. The real proof of its provinence was a metal Monte Carlo Rally plate riveted to the bonnnet with the year 1966 on it, although the date could hardly be made out as the white paint picking out the letters and digits had virtually disapeared.
The crews were in high spirits when they started to arrive back at the Cairndale today and judging by the muck on the cars, they had been along some entertaining roads on their four day jolly.
Roly P
Report dated 07/09/11.
Nostalgia is living in the past.
Stuart Paterson has loaned me the official programme for the 28th Scottish International Rally of 1972. The programme in 1972 cost 15p and is stuffed with interesting stuff.
For example, the first prize for this event which took place over four full days and was based in Nairn, was a `Morris Marina 1800 Coupe Super De Luxe`!. There were 197 entries, among which were former members Willie Paterson (Stuart`s late dad) and Roy McCourt in a Ford Escort TC at number 132.
The first two days were non stop and sleepless, weaving from the Sunday 8.00am start at Glasgow Airport, down into the Borders and then across into Dumfries & Galloway, before meandering North to Nairn, which was eventually reached by car one at 4.30 pm on the Monday!. This part alone covered over 700 miles and no les than 34 stages including very many well known forests, which never now appear on the itinerary for one single event. Some sadly, are no longer in use.
Strangely for an official programme, it doesn`t list all the stages or the precise time they will be visited, although there is a rambling and lengthy item about meal and service halts, interspersed with the names of stages.
The programme lists past winners including one of our own founder members, Francis (Frank) Dundas, who in the 1958, (the first year that overall winners were recorded although the `Scottish` did run annually long before this), drove a Triumph TR3.
Car number one in 1972 was an Escort RS 1600 driven by Chris Sclater and he was followed by Brian Culcheth in a Triumph Dolomite, Roger Clark in another RS 1600, Tony Fall in a Datsun 240Z and Andrew Cowan in yet another RS 1600. Hannu Mikkola was at eight and in fact, the entry list which is like a who`s who from the rallying elite of that era.
Anybody recognise or remember other drivers such as: Adrian Boyd- RS 1600, Shekhar Mehta - 240Z, Mike Hibbert - RS 1600, Lars Ingvar Ytterbring - Datsun 1600 SSS, Anders Kullang - Opel Ascona, Will Sparrow - Mini 1275 GT, Roy Fidler - 240 Z, Billy Coleman - Alpine Renault 1600, Donald Heggie - Escort TC, Jimmy Rae (not McRae)- RS 1600, Drew Gallacher - RS 1600, Per Inge Walfridsson - Volvo 142, Bill Taylor - RS 1600, Alistair Robertson - Saab V4, Andy Dawson - Zenith Imp, Rosemary Smith - Manta Coupe, Tony Fowkes - Escort TC, John Hauglund - Skoda, Charles Samson - Vauxhall Viva, or Russell Brookes who incidentally was in a Mini at number 68?. No?. So it`s just me then!
I must say that I feel sorry for the wee Cooper S running at 195. Being way at the back, its crew must have been driving along the bottom of the ruts, looking upward to see the sky.
Thanks for sharing the programme with us all Stuart. Incidentally, as you regular visitors know, we have a comprehensive `History` page on this website which I am constantly adding to. If you are reading this and might have any documents or memorabilia, (however insignificant you may think it is), that would help to add the slightest bit of interest to the page, please call me.
Roly P.
Report updated 06/09/11.
Autotest on Grass, Chanlockfoot. 04/09/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 438 penalties........................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Roland Proudlock, Mini, 465 penalties.....................12 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 468 penalties.......................12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 1. Simon Mclaughlin, Proton, 470 penalties.................11 points.
5th overall & 2nd in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 482 penalties.......................11 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Simon McColm, Civic, 496 penalties.........................10 points.
7th overall & 4th in class 1. Mike Currie, Civic, 501 penalties...............................9 points.
8th overall & 5th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 509 penalties........................8 points.
9th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 516 penalties........................10 points.
10th overall & 6th in class 1. Alan Little, 106, 517 penalties................................7 points.
11th overall & 7th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 518 penalties................6 points.
12th overall & 8th in class 1. Tony Currie, 106, 526 penalties..............................5 points.
13th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 542 penalties........................9 points.
14th overall & 9th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 548 penalties.........................4 points.
15th overall & 10th in class 1. Jono McAndrew, Rover, 554 penalties....................3 points.
16th overall & 1st in class 3. Paul Whyte, Chevette, 573 penalties.....................12 points.
17th overall & 11th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Rover, 587 penalties....................2 points.
18th overall & 12th in class 1. Gemma McLaughhlin, Proton, 615 penalties...........1 point.
19th overall & 13th in class 1. Jack McColm, Civic, 675 penalties.........................1 point.
DNF in class 3. Rob Glendinning, Chevette........................................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. Danny Pattie, Corsa..................................................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. Mags Pattie, Corsa....................................................................1 point.
Many thanks to David Dalgleish for yet again providing access to one of our favourite regular venues. Thanks also to the reliable George Bell for marshalling all day and to `the ladies`, Shirley, Mags, Gemma and Kelsey, all of whom assisted with the timekeeping and results service.
Finally, thanks yet again to Bob Little for the images which will soon appear on the `Autotest` Gallery.
Roly P.
Report dated 06/09/11.
PCT, Chanlockfoot 04/09/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 20 penalties........................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Astra, 22 penalties.......................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Danny Pattie, Peugeot, 45 penalties.....................11 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 50 penalties.......................11 points.
5th overall & 1st in class 4. Shirley Currie, Frontera, 76 penalties.....................12 points.
6th overall & 2nd in class 4. Heather Currie, Frontera, 89 penalties...................11 points.
7th overall & 3rd in class 2. Connor McLaughlin, Peugeot, 91 penalties..............10 points.
8th overall & 4th in class 2. Simon McLaughlin, Peugeot, 101 penalties...............9 points.
DNF in class 2. Gemma McLaughlin ................................................................1 point.
Thanks to Tony Currie, Adam Bevan, George Bell and Andy Pattie for marshalling.
Roly P.
Report updated 03/09/11.
Merrick Stages.
Four SOSCC club crews tackled today`s stages away to the West on the Merrick Stages. Stuart Paterson and the newly married Colin Maxwell in the Craigie Bank Garage sponsored Impreza finished 47th. James Robertson and George Myatt were 30th in the Penpont garage C2 R2. Liam Harkness and Tont Marchbank finished 35th in the Orchard Engineering supported Mk II Escort and it would appear that Roy Eide-Johansen and Mark Simpson didn`t start. Late entry Ian Paterson with Jim Haugh on the notes, finished 21st in the Craigie Bank Garage Impreza. Well done to all our crews.
Report dated 02/09/11.
Dinnae Hurry A Curry!
Club member, Mike Curry, had a bit of a disaster on the last round of the MSA Asphalt championship, the `Mewla` – Here`s his report:
Mike Curry undertook the long drive down to the Epynt ranges last weekend, to partner his regular driver Andy Davison in the M3 on the latest round of the MSA National Asphalt Championship, the Mewla rally. Having had a successful recce in Mike`s ageing 998cc Yaris (and a few nice pints from the Wye Valley Brewery) the crew awoke at the start venue the Royal welsh Showground in Builth Wells to find the overnight rain, which had lashed their tents, (budget rallying) had abated and the skies were brightening for the 35 minute run out to the first stage.
As the crew had only one helper, they were unable to have emergency service before the first stage, so tyre choice at the start was going to be crucial. Andy took the decision to go out on medium slicks for the first two, as he thought it would dry up . . . . . . . Wrong!
On the run out it went very dark and rain began to fall which got heavier and heavier and the sight of all the other crews frantically changing to full wets in the service area before the first stage, gave cause for concern - to put it mildly.
Suffice to say that they were caught by 3 cars on the first stage alone, including a 1400 Nova and arrived at first service after 2 stages in 57th Overall. From there on, it was soft inters and catch up all day, which eventually resulted in 32nd Overall – a bit of a difference from 5th on the Tyneside stages but at least some points on the board.
Mike has an entry in for a drive on next weekend`s Lindisfarne on the Otterburn Ranges in his 205 with his partner Lindsay on the notes, which he hopes will be more predictable than last week`s weather.
Report dated 29/08/11.
Navvy Needed.
Chuck Blair tells me he`s looking for a co-driver for the Galloway Hills on October 30th. Anyone between an expert or a complete novice will suit but they must be willing to contribute. Contact Chuck if you are up for it, on 07851 367455.
Report dated 27/08/11.
Doonhamer Classic, September 18th.
Members are reminded that while this is a classic event, aimed primarily at cars built before 31/12/81, virtually any modern car built after that date is eligible to take part, including the family shopper!.
The event is basically a daylight 12 car rally with two meals and ten autotests thrown in at ten diferent venues!. How much fun do you want?. Get your regs on the `events calendar` page, or phone Mark Simpson / Roland Proudlock. Entries todate are shown on the `events calendar` page. Entries close on September 5th.
Report dated 27/08/11.
Tied the Knot!.
Congratulations to club member, Colin Maxwell, who married Julie Dick today at Caerlaverock Church.
Report dated 26/08/11.
Solway Autumn Classic Weekend.
The Wigton Motor Club have just annouced a weekend of Classic events on October 22nd/23rd.
Here`s a short excerpt from their publicity that may interest a few SOSCC members:
On the Sunday, the Solway Historic Rally takes place with the start and finish at the Rowrah kart circuit and a series of tests in north and west Cumbria. The road sections are non competitive. The Solway Saunter touring assembly takes place over a similar but slightly longer route. The event starts with coffee and a light lunch is provided at halfway along with a meal at the finish back at Rowrah, where crews will be able to watch the other competitors complete the final test on the kart track while they enjoy their meal.
For more, check out the Wigton MC website on www.wigtonmc.co.uk.
Report dated 21/08/11.
We are nearly 60!.
If you vist our History page you`ll spot we estimated that the `Dumfries and District Motorcycle and Car Club` morphed into the South of Scotland Car Club in 1954, which is why, in 2004, we celebrated what we thought was our 50th birthday. Well...... yesterday I met a lady called Mrs Cringean, whose late husband was a founder member of the SOSCC and she was able to show me trophies he recieved for competing on events run in by the SOSCC in 1952!!.
There`s a lot more to the story and several excellent pictures to confirm all this, thanks to the generous assistance of Mrs Cringean`s daughter Janey and I promise to update the website with all of the latest revalations and pictures as soon as possible.
Meantime, we need to get our thinking caps on, as the 60th anniversary of the South of Scotland Car Club is obviously next year, 2012 !!!.
Anybody got any bright ideas how we might celebrate this milestone?.
Roly P.
Report dated 21/08/11.
Cumbria Classic Car Show.
For many myself included, looking at static cars, no matter how rare, special or tidy they are, is not rated highly among our favourite pastimes and indeed, I very rarely even go spectating because I find more and more often that I am dissapointed and regret wasting valuable time. But today, I visited the Cumbria Classic Car Show at Dalemain House near Penrith, run by Wigton Motor Club and was pleasantly surprised.
Reputedly over 600 cars were on show, a mix of exotic, rare and downright unusual and there were other side shows to amuse the crowd which was huge, if the number of cars in the car park was anything to go by.
There`s no doubt about it, nostalgia is big business and there are more than enough folks out there craving something as entertaining and pleasant to do as visit a car show on a Sunday afternoon.
Report updated 21/08/11.
Toddsleap International Rally NI.
After all fourteen stages of this rally, David Bogie and Kevin Rae finished fourth behind three quick Irish boys who were performing well on home turf. Even though David and Kevin were fourth everything went to plan, as they had set out with the aim of taking a reasonably high finish to pick up some more valuable points, knowing they didn`t need to be first BRC boys here, having already had three firsts and a second on the first four rounds.
None of the three crews on the podium were challenging for the lead of the BRC title so their results dont have great bearing on the BRC. More importantly, Jonny Greer was 5.6 seconds behind them, with Elfyn Evans a further 5.6 seconds adrift.
Another good day at the office and their lead of the BRC extended even further, with fourteen points now separating David and second placed man, Elfyn Evans!.
Report dated 20/08/11.
Rallye Monte Carlo Historique.
Within weeks of the finish of the 2011 Historique Monte, Glasgow start and UK Co-ordinator, Douglas Anderson, received an email from the Automobile Club de Monaco asking if he would again co-ordinate the 2012 Glasgow Start on Sunday 29 January 2012. To be asked again, without hesitation, is a credit to all those who helped out on the 2011 event. So, due to this success, they will be doing it all again next year. Douglas knows he said ‘Never Again’, but he also knows that you should ‘never say never’. Secretly, he is delighted to be asked.
He has had lots of feedback and some very constructive comments on the 2011 Start and UK leg and has taken them all on board so he will be implementing some changes for next year. The Start Towns for 2012 have now been announced officially and are up on the Automobile Club de Monaco website (www.acm.mc). He has some new ideas for next year, one of which is to encourage more Scots to enter the Rallye. He is also floating the idea of a ‘Scotland Works’ Rally Team.
Whatever happens, Douglas has already had it confirmed that SOSCC will be happy to be involved again.
Report dated 20/08/11.
Greg`s Coast.
I was dissapointed to see that Greg McKnight and David Crosbie`s storming drive to ninth overall on last week`s Solway Coast rally didnt get the hint of a mention in yesterday`s lengthy Dumfries Standard report, a notable performance that - for this talented 19 year old - certainly warranted special credit.
No matter, this will be put right soon, so that in the future, when Greg looks back on his rally career in newspaper cuttings, this excellent performance will be recorded. Roly P.
Report dated 20/08/11.
Blood Donors.
Having given blood again on Thursday of this week, I was delighted to be told this was my 20th donation, given consistently over several years, as there must be at least 3 months between donations. I know it`s a tenuous link between motoring, motor sport and donating blood, but occasionally our fellow competitors and motorists urgently need blood after a nasty accident, so it`s good to know that blood will be available for them / us if needed.
I`ve long been a disciple of this activity so may I appeal to all of you who dont already give blood to give it a go. It`s painless, you get to lie down and relax for twenty minutes and there`s even a nice cup of tea and a biscuit at the end, not to mention a feeling that you are doing some good for your fellow man!. Go on, you know you want to!.
Roly P.Report dated 20/08/11.
2012 Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge.
Junior Ecosse Challenge Co-ordinator, David Barlow, will attend the grass PCT and Autotest on 4th September at Chanlockfoot with a display Junior 1000 Rally car. He will be very pleased to speak to anybody who may have an interest in the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge in 2012.
Here`s some background to the Challenge taken from its website.
"Thanks to the brilliant work of Tristan Dodd and the Formula 1000 Rally Club, the Junior 1000 Rally Championship for 14 to 17 year olds was launched in 2009. It is fair to say that the `heart of the Championship to date has been around Wales and parts of England but we have seen a couple of young Scottish drivers go down to take them on. The Junior 1000 Rally Championship is a National brief from the MSA and we were delighted when we were given approval to work with the Formula 1000 people to create a `Scottish Division` in 2012.
There will be one National set of rules, regulations and standards but we will have our own events and championship structure in Scotland, managed by the Ecosse Challenge. We will work very closely with the other Scottish Rally Championships and the Colin McRae Vision Junior Training Programme. Knockhill will also feature very strongly as our base for training".
Visit www.ecosse205challenge.co.uk
Report dated 15/08/11.
Rally of Scotland.
Andy Jardine`s been in touch asking for marshalling asistance on this event----
He says..."Anybody from the club who would like to come to Rally of Scotland and marshal would be made most welcome. One of the aspects of the event that has received the highest praise from the competitors over the last two years, is the competence and friendliness of the Scottish marshals and it would be great to have more folks from SOSCC helping out.
The main event runs from the 7th - 9th October and is based in Perth. The rally starts at Stirling Castle on the Friday night and does two stages in Carron Valley. Saturday is the Perthshire stages with main service at Perth Airport, Scone. On Sunday the rally goes to the Trossachs with a remote service in Callander, then returns to Scone Palace for two spectator stages and the podium.
Anybody wanting more information or to sign up, should go to the website and contact the Chief Marshals and let them know their availability and preferences for what they want to do. The site address is: www.msaevents.co.uk/rallyofscotland/marshals.
Thanks. Andy Jardine".
Report updated 15/08/11.
Solway Coast.
A few club crews were at Dundrennan yesterday for the Solway Coast Rally.
Last years`s winner, Ian Paterson, with Bruce Harper on the notes had three punctures on the Craigie Bank Garage Subaru but an off later in the day meant they didn`t finish.
Stevie Hogg returned to the fray after a lengthy break, in the recently acquired Hogg`s Caravans Evo 7 with Phil Shortt co-driving at 4. The pair had a poor start but eventually got on the pace and climbed up to 8th overall and 6th in class.
Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie were at 12 in the DW Construction Scooby but having picked up a puncture and broken a shaft in stage 2, packed up and called it a day.
Michael Hunter and James McWhir were at 32 in the Lada Samara, and had a steady run to 27th and 7th in class.
Alan Little and Emma Nicholson made one of their rare appearances but DNF`d.
A late entry went in from Greg McKnight and David Crosbie in the flying Jas P. Wilson, Timbertech and Orchard Engineering 1400 Nova, and as they had suffered a puncture in stage 2 with only 4 tarmac tyres to use, Greg elected to go onto chunkies and then set a blistering pace all afternoon to take 9th overall, 1st in class and surely the drive of the day by a very long way!.
Darren Martin and Martin Steele appeared in their Scooby and took 17th overall and 7th in class.
If any of the above`d like to text me on 07824 847383, I`ll post your story here. Ta. Roly.
Report dated 07/08/11.
Autotest on Grass, Dressertland, August 7th.
Results after 8 long tests:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 565 penalties............................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 588 penalties..........................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Danny Pattie, Corsa, 605 penalties.............................11 points.
4th overall & 3rd in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 607 penalties..............................10 points.
5th overall & 4th in class 1. Simon McColm, Civic, 616 penalties..............................9 points.
6th overall & 2nd in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 621 penalties..........................11 points.
7th overall & 5th in class 1. Michael Currie, Civic, 622 penalties...............................8 points.
8th overall & 6th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 624 penalties.......................7 points.
9th overall & 7th in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 625 penalties...........................6 points.
10th overall & 1st in class 5. Robin Laidlaw, Vitara, 637 penalties.(inc 5% for LSD)..12 points.
11th overall & 8th in class 1. Gordon Smith, KA, 638 penalties................................5 points.
12th overall & 9th in class 1. Steven Smith, KA, 640 penalties.................................4 points.
13th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 646 penalties..........................10 points.
14th overall & 10th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Corsa, 652 penalties............................3 points.
15th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 660 penalties...........................9 points.
16th overall & 11th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 696 penalties...........................2 points.
17th overall & 12th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 699 penalties........................1 point.
18th overall & 2nd in class 5. Chris Kemp, 205 GTI, 704 penalties.(inc 5% for LSD).11 points.
Many thanks to Roy Weir for providing access to this brilliant new venue (a 30 acre undulating field) and to Colin Marshall, Donald Carruthers and Roland Proudlock for marshalling. Joint Clerks of the Course, Wullie Keaning and Warren Gillespie.
Report dated 06/08/11.
Speyside Rally - Scottish Rally Championship.
Three club crews travelled North this weekend to participate on the Speyside Rally. At number one, David Bogie and Kevin Rae resumed the defence of their champions title in the Evo 9, hoping to maintain their lead and wrap up their third successive SRC title and they were successful on all counts!!!!!. They were in fact first overall by 37 seconds from Euan Thorburn and therefore comfortably ahead where as they often do, they got in front and controlled the rally from there.
This cracking result is overshadowed by the fact that David and Kevin are now confirmed as Scottish Rally Champions for the third year in a row, equalling the legendary Drew Gallacher`s record. Very well done to David, Kevin, Pro-tec and all the team, including John and Anne who have put so much into this title. However, the work`s not over, as the team must now concentrate on the BRC which they currently lead. Next BRC rally is the `Toddsleap` in Ireland.
Liam Harkness and Tont Marchbank were seeded at 48 in the tidy MK II and having already increased their speed on the events completed to date in 2011, they continued in this vein, taking a brilliant 33rd overall against a quality entry.
James Robertson and George Myatt however suffered a mechainical problem on stage 8 and retired. Hopefully they have a couple of scores to drop.
Report dated 04/08/11.
Mike on the Tyneside.
Club member Mike Curry had reason to celebrate last weekend when he and driver Andy Davison powered the BMW M3 to fifth overall on the latest round of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, the Tyneside Stages.
The event took place on the twisty and fast tarmac on the notorious military ranges on Otterburn, where even the slightest indiscretion can result in a major high speed incident. Such was their pace on one stage that they were only beaten by Damian Cole who then asked the crew what compound tyres they were using. The answer "Ebay Compound" was probably not what Damian was expecting to hear but is in fact true, as all the tyres the crew use are second hand cast offs, as their budget precludes anything else.
Beating Simon Mauger in the Millington Diamond powered Escort MK2 and John Indri in a Millington engined Darrian car in an M3 with a standard (albeit powerful) engine on a stage was a great achievement. The only issue with the car was the Michelin slicks de-laminating again, an issue which caused their retirement on the Rally of the Midlands last month. Fortunately this time it only resulted in a minute loss on a stage but still remains somewhat of an issue.
In recognition of their fine achievement, the crew were awarded the "John Horton Star Driver Award" at the finish which rounded off a near perfect event for the crew.
Report dated 02/08/11.
Wullie`s Wanderings!
Wullie Keaning ended up with a busy weekend, when he decided to take part in the Scottish Association of Car Clubs (SACC) Autotest Challenge at Knockhill on Sunday. This was part of the annual Knockhill Speedfair and the autotest had been re-organised after the date last November was cancelled due to snow.
Not content with trailing his autotest Nova all the way to Knockhill, Wullie had booked himself and family in to Center Parcs at Penrith for the weekend, so, very early on Sunday morning, Wullie left the family and headed back to Dumfries, collected the Nova and set his compass for Knockhill. Then, when the autotest was all over, he reversed the route getting back to Penrith to join his family late in the day.
Good news is that Wullie was first in class and second overall to David Robertson in a Mini special but only by a few seconds. A large shiny trophy was his reward. Well done Wullie!.
Report dated 31/07/11.
Ding Dong !.
Congratulations to club member Mark Proudlock, who married Laura Richardson yesterday in bright sunshine at a venue near Crocketford.
Report updated 13/07/11.
Grass Autotest at Auchenbainzie 10/07/11.
Results (including correct classes & points):
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie keaning, Nova, 487 penalties........................................12 points.
2nd overall & 2nd in class 1. Danny Pattie, Corsa, 514 penalties........................................11 points.
3rd overall & 3rd in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 518 penalties......................................10 points.
4th overall & 4th in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 520 penalties............................................9 points.
5th overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 524 penalties.......................................12 points.
6th overall & 2nd in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 525 penalties.......................................11 points.
7th overall & 5th in class 1. Mike Currie, Civic, 551 penalties...............................................8 points.
8th overall & 3rd in class 2. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 574 penalties........................................10 points.
9th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 575 penalties..........................................9 points.
10th overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Chevette, 584 penalties..(inc 5% for LSD)..12 points.
11th overall & 6th in class 1. Alan Little, 106, 584 penalties.................................................7 points.
12th overall & 5th in class 2. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 588 penalties..........................................8 points.
13th overall & 7th in class 1. Simon McColm, Civic, 594 penalties.........................................6 points.
14th overall & 8th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Corsa, 615 penalties...........................................5 points.
15th overall & 9th in class 1. Ally Todd, Corsa, 675 penalties...............................................4 points.
16th overall & 10th in class 1. Jack McColm, Civic, 756 penalties..........................................3 points.
Many thanks to David Kirkpatrick for the use of his field and thanks also to Warren Gillespie and Wullie Keaning for organising this event.
Report dated 13/07/11.
PCT at Auchenbainzie 10/07/11.
Results after the `index of performance` has been applied:
1st overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 18 penalties....................................12 points.
2nd overall & 2nd in class 2. Wullie Keaning, Astra, 43 penalties..................................11 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 1. Stephen Kemp, 207, 37 penalties......................................12 points.
4th overall & 1st in class 4. Heather Currie, Frontera, 123 penalties..............................12 points.
5th overall & 2nd in class 1. Chris Kemp, 207, 58 penalties.........................................11 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 78 penalties....................................10 points.
7th overall & 3rd in class 1. Danny Pattie, 306, 88 penalties........................................10 points.
8th overall & 4th in class 2. Mark Simpson 205 GTI, 107 penalties.................................9 points.
Thanks to Warren Gillespie and Alan Henderson for organising this one.
Report updated 06/07/11.
Crail Stages.
Two more SOSCC crews (who didn`t do the Scottish) were out competing last weekend at Crail Airfied in the Kingdom of Fife. Of the 63 entries, seeded at number 3 were Billy McLelland and Helen Brown in the rapid Evo 3, and while they had every chance of challenging for a win, the turbo decided it didn`t want to and they retired on stage three.
Andy Fry and Michael Hunter were at 15 in the Fry Construction MG ZR but going by the very slow stage times posted on the final results, all was not well with the car and they were 40th overall and unfortunately, last classified finishers. No the best day for SOSCC!
Report dated 30/06/11.
Yoof News.
Congatulations to our current Junior Club Champion, Kelsey Gillespie, who passed her driving test last week and also to our newest member, Jack McColm, who is 14 today and cannae wait for his first autotest.
Report dated 30/06/11.
Ian Biagi`s blog.
The recent Autosport International BTRDA Rallycross event on June 19th was at Blyton Park, Lincolnshire. The event comprised of three different championships, sharing the race time and classes. The changing weather conditions (wet turning dry) made tyre choice a vital factor. In the 2nd heats, Ian set the 3rd fastest time and in the 3rd heat came off second best in a challenge against the 2.0 litre MG ZR of Garry Cook and spun off the track at the first corner.
He made pole for the “B” final which had to be re-run after John Wood in a TOYOTA MR2 rolled heavily whilst challenging him for the lead. In the re-run Ian led from pole to get on the back row of the “A” final and was 4th at the first corner, the more powerful cars passing him on the back straight but he was quicker across the loose, now catching up on the slowing 3.2 MERC powered MG ZS of Paul Wakling, allowing Garry Simpson to get a good run off the loose in his 2.5 BMW and pass Ian, then the MG ZR of Garry Cook. Into the finish complex they tangled, Ian passed and it was job done.
Glen Guthrie in a 3.2 VW GOLF was first across the line, winning the cramlington championship, Paul Wakling next in the MG ZS winning the M.D.A championship and Ian third over the line, winning the B.T.R.D.A SUPER MODIFIED for a third time and taking the up to 1600 class win as well. Garry Cook hit the flag marshals post as he crossed the finish line and was classified second.
Report dated 28/06/11.
Team SOSCC !.
Well, as it`s overdue, now`s as good a time as any to record the results of our members on the 2011 Scottish.
As stated on the report dated June 24th, no less than 12 SOSCC drivers had entered the rally with their respective co-drivers and with a couple of exceptions, the results were good.
David Bogie and Kevin Rae were out to defend their lead of the Scottish Championship and having posted four fastest times of the six stages (which, unlike any other crew, included beating the bogey on stage one by more than 20 seconds), they were in a handy lead going into the last stage, `Ae West`. Having spoken to David at the start of the stage we marshalled, Castle O`er, he was as chipper as always and couldn`t have predicted that a puncture over the last few miles of stage six would turn a 17.5 second lead into a 24 second deficit. However this isn`t a disaster, because if third overall (which is where they finished) is one of his worst scores to consider for dropping at the end of the year, that will mean all their other results were better than this!. Lets hope so.
Ian Paterson and Helen Brown were quite happy with the car and their performance and took the Craigie Bank Garage Impreza to 18th overall, six places ahead of Stuart Paterson and Colin Maxwell who were also happy with their day and the other Craigie Bank Garage Impreza, to take 24th.
Liam Harkness and Tont Marchbank had a great day to finish 27th in the nicely prepared and definitely quickening Mk II and James Robertson and George Myatt racked up another load of useful SRC class points in the Penpont Garage C2R2 in 34th place.
When asked if he was enjoying himself at the start of Castle O`er, Duncan Wardrop said, "well its different", meaning of course that forest rallying is quite a departure from his favoured tarmac events. He and Ian Crosbie took 39th place. Tam Brown and Mike Curry had put in a very late entry in Tam`s 205 GTI, Mike having just finished rebuilding the engine during the week. 42nd was a just reward for their tenacity.
Chuck Blair and Mark Roberts were out in Chuck`s Nova, whose engine had been losing oil on its last outing. With a new engine fitted, Chuck was disappointed to report that oil loss was again a problem, several pints being lost due to (I believe) a faulty seal, the reason for which which is to be investigated. However they pushed on and pulled off 49th overall. Roy Eide Johansen and Mark Simpson were campaigning Roy`s tidy Mk I Escort and not only did it find reliability but it finished a creditable 53rd overall.
When asked why they were not in the Impreza which had appeared on the entry list, Darren Martin and Martin Steele said "dont ask", but I just had!. However I didnt get to the bottom of this and instead all I can do is record a result of 59th overall for the now familiar Puma.
Sadly, Greg and Chris Mcknight (Nova) and Michael Hunter and James McWhir (Samara) both retired due to mechanical problems.
Bad luck guys, it would have been good if all 12 SOSCC entries had finished but well done to all of you, for flying the flag!.
Report dated 26/06/11.
Marshalling our Troops!
Apart from the large numbers of members actually competing on the Scottish Rally this weekend, 23 in all, there was an even larger army of SOSCC members out there assisting with the running of the event.
I`d like to thank you all and if I miss anyone out from the following list, please accept my apolgies in advance. They included Colin Marshall, my Deputy Stage Commander, who not only ran me through the stage on the Thursday before the event (to allow me to reaclimatise myself to a forest that I last travelled through in the late 70`s in a competing Mini), but also cleared the stage furniture at the end, ably assisted by Mark Lavery who was atending his first ever rally and will definitely be back, as he`s now got the buzz!.
Also on duty were: Shirley Currie, Graham Currie, Heather Currie, Adam Bevan, Ronnie Clark, James Clark, Stuart Foryth, Mike Hodgson, Danny Pattie, George Bell, Doug Taylor, Martin Brown, Hamish Connechen, Fraser carson, Scott McMillan, Alan Henderson, Stephen Kemp, Simon McLaughlin, Connor McLaughlin, Donald Carruthers, Wendy Walker, Simon McColm and Jack McColm, plus our welcome guests from Moffat Motor Club, Eamonn Long, Christine Long, Laurie Boyle, Alison Hurst, Dave Bradshaw and Jo Valentine. Apart from all of the above, I know that David Pinkerton was in Twigleees on a radio and Gordon Paterson would almost certainly be at a passage control somewhere, as has been his wont on most Scottishes in recent years.
It also goes without saying that, thanks to all who signed on at Castle O`er, it ran without problems, although one still has to have one`s wits about one as a Stage Commander, as two crews tried the old "Oh we`re not ready yet, can we start on the next minute" trick!. One unhappy crew were sent on their way on the correct minute with just four secods notice, while the others only just got away with it, as their time card had not been completed when they started their shannanigans!. This did however, give me a whole minute to put a fly in their ears and they were strongly reminded that when you pull onto the start line, you should be ready to go, with helmets and belts on. Eejits!
Oh well, I suppose I`ll be off their Christmas card list now, but what they hey!.
I`d also have liked a word with the occupants of car 84, a Civic which we knew via the radios had broken down and was well off the stage. This pair then decided that they wanted to leave the stage in the gap before the 4WD`s arrived and in attempting this, promptly broke down again in the middle of the road. The recovery crew were quickly dispatched to, in the words of Diana the radio controller, "drag them somehwere safe and dump them" and this they did very quickly, thanks to the very useful shortcuts in Castle O`er. Apparently, the recovery guys didn`t miss the chance to give them a bollocking, so happy days there too then!.
Roly P. Tank Commander.
Report updated 24/06/11.
Scottish Rally.
No less than twelve SOSCC crews will be out in our local stages this Saturday. At 1 are David Bogie and Kevin Rae, looking to maintain or even extend their lead of the Scottish Rally Championship in their Evo 9. At 22 are Ian Paterson and Helen Brown, whose last outing in the Impreza in May got them a win at Hallburn.
Stuart Paterson and Colin Maxwell are at 34 in their Impreza which has had its gearbox repaired since failing at Hallburn. At 46 are Liam Harkness and Tont Marchbank in the tidy MK II Escort, aiming to continue to get better and better results each time Liam drives it. Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie are at 48 on the Impreza, making a rare departure from their favoured tarmac stages to try their hand at local gravel.
Roy Eide Johansen and Mark Simpson are at 52 in the tidy Mk I Escort while Darren Martin and Martin Stele are at 56 in their newly acquired Impreza.
James Robertson and George Myatt have the C2 R2 at 73 and will be going for more SRC class points, while Greg and Chris McKnight are at 80 in the Nova, which got quite a bit of coverage on`t telly recently in the SRC coverage.
Chuck Blair and Mark Roberts are at 90 in the Nova, which I believe was last driven in anger last year at the Forrest Estate, while Michael Hunter and James McWhir are at 99 in the colourful and rare Lada Samara. And finally, Tam Brown and Mike Curry are at 103 with a late entry in Tam`s 205 Gti.
Good luck to you all.
Report dated 21/06/11.
Solway Coast.
We have received a request for marshals for the above event on August 14th, to man junctions in the stages. If you are available, please contact chief marshal, Stewart Robertson, direct on 01387 850274 or alternatively Email albert.connelly@virgin.net.
Report dated 21/06/11.
Hot Curry.
Club member Mike Curry had a busy couple of weeks in the co-drivers seat contesting both the Dukeries Rally and the Rally of the Midlands on consecutive weekends and with different drivers. The Dukeries rally was a one off with driver Toni Carranante who was developing a 3 litre BMW E30. The rally went well and the pair finished 40th overall and 2nd in class despite a couple of offs on the sandy Clipstone stages.
The following weekend Mike was with his usual driver Andy Davison in the M3 on the Rally of the Midlands based in Hinckley. The fast stages suited the car, although sporadic rain meant tyre choice became a lottery. Having climbed up to 11th overall the fast flowing stages in MIRA beckoned and the push was on.
Sadly the choice of intermediates at 7am in the drizzle was the wrong choice in the dry sunshine at 11am and a rear tyre delaminated in spectacular fashion whilst chasing Damian Cole around the banked oval at over 130mph. It was like a bomb going off in the car and with only a spacesaver spare in the car due to the cage and fancy WRC fuel tank and with still 4 stages to tackle before service, they had no choice but to call it a day.
Report dated 13/06/11.
Guid Nychburris Autotest on Tar, Heathhall 12/06/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 527 penalties....(inc 5% for LSD)....12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 2. Warren Gillespie, 106, 588 penalties....................................12 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 601 penalties...................................12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 632 penalties........................................11 points.
5th overall & 3rd in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 663 penalties.............................10 points.
6th overall & 2nd in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 664 penalties...................................11 points.
7th overall & 2nd in class 5. Colin Rose, MX5, 722 penalties................(inc 5% for LSD)....11 points.
8th overall & 4th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 733 penalties...............................9 points.
9th overall & 3rd in class 5. David Hall, Escort II, 760 penalties............(inc 5% for LSD)...10 points.
10th overall & 5th in class 1. Mike Currie, Civic, 761 penalties.........................................8 points.
11th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 802 penalties...................................10 points.
12th overall & 6th in class 1. Simon McColm, Civic, 814 penalties....................................7 points.
13th overall & 7th in class 1. Drew McLean, 206, 844 penalties........................................6 points.
14th overall & 4th in class 2. Mark Simpson, 205 GTi, 871 penalties................................9 points.
15th overall & 8th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 953 penalties..................................5 points.
16th overall & 9th in class 1. Ally Todd, Civic, 1013 penalties..........................................4 points.
17th overall & 10th in class 1. Nathan Hogg, Civic, 1016 penalties...................................3 points.
18th overall & 5th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, 106, 1237 penalties..................................8 points.
19th overall & 11th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 1313 penalties..................................2 points.
DNF in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova............................................................................1 point.
Well done to all the competitors and Clerk of the Course, Tony Currie, who between them raised a briliant £200 for `Cash for Kids`. SOSCC certainly are Guid Nychburris!!!!. Many thanks also to Knavesmire for providing access to the venue and to Paul Whyte, Roland Proudlock, Donald Carruthers and Niall Cowan for marshalling, as well as all the oher helpers.
Report updated 30/05/11.
Jim Clark Reivers.
While a lot of us were getting down and really seriously dirty at Story`s building site in Dumfries, (and loving it!) David Bogie and Kevin Rae were in the Borders on Sunday, extending their lead in the SRC and why not, as they had just done the same the day before, in the BRC.
There really was no serious challenge on David once he got into his rhythm in the 6R4 and as he had done in the International, built a lead that was unassailable, winning by one minute eleven seconds. This gives David an eleven point lead over Euan Thorburn after four rounds, the next being his home event, the Scottish, right here in Dumfreckle!.
James Robertson and George Myatt took the C2 R2 to 54th although James is looking forward to getting back to gravel on the Scottish late in June. Mike Curry and Lindsay Talbot were 59th in their 205 Gti.
Here`s Mike Curry`s story of his weekend.
"I had a busy weekend on the Jim Clark co-driving in the M3 for Andy Davison on the National section of the event where the fast flowing stages really suited the car. Despite an overshoot which took out a pair of farm gates, we finished 10th overall and 2nd in class, with which we were very pleased.
I then swapped seats into my Peugeot 205 for the Reivers event on the Sunday and co-driven by my partner Lindsay, we finished 59th overall in a car (and driver!) that was somewhat nervous over the crests and bumps of the Berwickshire lanes. I felt far safer in the BMW doing 135mph on a stage than I did at 90mph in the 205 over the same section of road.
I`ve got a busy time coming up as I am co-driving on the Rally of the Midlands, the Dukeries and the Scottish. all of which take place in the next 4 weeks".
Report dated 29/05/11.
Autotest on Grass at Ladypark Farm, Dumfries.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 522..................................................12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 532................................................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 535...............................................11 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 2. Warren Gillespie, Peugeot 106, 542....................................11 points.
5th overall & 3rd in class 1. Danny Pattie, Corsa, 556...................................................10 points.
6th overall & 4th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 564...........................................9 points.
7th overall & 5th in class 1. Simon McColm, Civic, 580...................................................8 points.
8th overall & 6th in class 1. Mike Currie, Civic, 586........................................................7 points.
9th overall & 7th in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 587.....................................................6 points.
10th overall & 8th in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 591...................................................5 points.
11th overall & 9th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 596..........................................4 points.
12th overall & 10th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 597..............................................3 points.
13th overall & 1st in class 5. Ronnie Laidlaw, Vitara, 618...........(inc 5% for 4WD............12 points.
14th overall & 2nd in class 5. Dougie Campbell, Vitara, 619.......(inc 5% for 4WD)...........11 points.
15th overall & 11th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Rover, 628..............................................2 points.
16th overall & 1st in class 4. Drew Mclean, MGF, 634....................................................12 points.
17th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 639................................................10 points.
18th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, Peugeot 106, 653.....................................9 points.
19th overall & 12th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 708.................................................1 point.
20th overall & 13th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 733..................................................1 point.
21st overall & 14th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Corsa, 734..................................................1 point.
22nd overall & 15th in class 1. Ally Todd, Corsa, 758.....................................................1 point.
23rd overall & 16th in class 1. Gemma McLaughlin, Proton, 853......................................1 point.
Many thanks to Roy Kerr and to Peter at Story Construction for arranging access to this superb venue that all our competitors would love to return to. Thaks also to George Bell for marshalling, Bean for his `walkie talkies` and to Wullie Keaning and Warren Gillespie for assisting me on the day. Roly P.
Report dated 28/05/11.
Jim Clark.
Yet another magnificent performance by David Bogie and Kevin Rae meant they took the win on the Jim Clark International Rally today and have now further extended their lead of the Dulux Trade BRC, particularly as their closest rival to date, Welshman Elfyn Evans, finished fourth overall. Our pair had built a lead of over 40 seconds earlier in the day and this allowed them to be more cautious in the afternoon stages despite a spin in stage 11, to win comfortably by 17.6 seconds, even though Jonny Greer was charging in the new Skoda Fabia.
In the National event, club member Mike Curry co-drove Andy Davison in a BMW M3 to an impressive 10th overall and 3rd in class 12, while Billy McLelland and Helen Brown were forced to retire when they `lost a wheel in SS8` according to the reults service.
Now it`s on to the Reivers on Sunday, with Bogie/Rae at 1 in the awesome Metro 6R4, James Robertson and George Myatt at 63 in the C2R2 and Mike Curry & Lindsay Talbot at 97 in their Peugeot 205 Gti. Good luck to all.
Report dated 26/05/11.
Fun Quiz, 26/05/11.
Bob Sloan`s quiz that took place immediately after tonight`s AGM was the usual mix of sensible and mental questions but we all humoured Bob anyway, as he just loves to see the pain on our faces.
Results were: `MCN` (Mark & Chiara Simpson & Niall Cowan Jnr) scored 30 and get 12 points each. `Alton Towers` (Donald Carruthers, Wendy Walker and Roland Proudlock) scored 29 and get 10 points each. `We are the Champions` (Wullie Keaning & Warren Gillespie) scored 24 and get 9 points each. `Heather`s Halfwits` (Shirley & Heather Currie & Adam Bevan) scored 21 and get 8 points each.
Points to date after 4 rounds of the Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship are:
Mark Simpson...................................................................46 points.
Shirley & Heather Currie.....................................................35 points each.
Warren Gillespie................................................................31 points.
Simon & Gemma McLaughlin & Roland Proudlock...................26 points each.
Connor McLaughlin & Chiara Simpson...................................24 points each.
Paul & Hayley Whyte & Thelma Proudlock..............................22 points each.
Graham Currie...................................................................19 points.
Adam Bevan......................................................................18 points.
Sian McLaughlin..................................................................17 points.
Gordon Clendinning & Ryan Thomson....................................12 points each.
Kelsey Gillespie, Donald Carruthers and Wendy Walker............10 points each.
John Carson & Wullie Keaning................................................9 points each.
Jono and Jake McAndrew.......................................................7 points each.
Report dated 26/05/11.
Annual General Meeting.
Tonight`s meeting was well attended and as a result of nominations, five new Directors were appointed, namely Warren Gillespie, Donald Carruthers, Wendy Walker, Shirley Currie and Niall Cowan Jnr. Welcome to you all!.
The `Management` page has now been updated.
Report dated 22/05/11.
Pendragon.
After all eight of today`s Pendragon stages, Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie finished 14th overall and 7th in class 5 in the DW Construction Impreza, while Andy Fry and Michael Hunter were 24th overall and 4th in class 4 in the Fry Construction MG ZR V6. Well done lads!
Report dated 21/05/11.
Congratulations.
Many congratulations to Board Member, Mark Simpson, and Nicola Johnston who were married today, at the Queens Hotel, Lockerbie.
Report dated 19/05/11.
Pendragon Stages.
The Pendragon has moved forward in the year to get the use of the Warcop Ranges, as August was not a good month for the army`s liking. Also, as Lowther Park is no longer available for rallies, all eight stages over 60 miles will be at Warcop.
Of the fifty or so entries, two are from SOSCC. Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie are at 19 in the DW Construction Impreza, while Andy Fry and Michael Hunter have the Fry Construction V6 MG ZR at 32. Best of luck guys.
Report dated 18/05/11.
`Full Chat` Newsletter
The latest edition of Full Chat will be posted out to members on May 19th. This issue has all the usual features, plus one or two extra features. The main emphasis of this issue is to remind all members that the club`s Annual General Meeting and later a fun quiz, will take place next Thursday night, May 26th. All members and friends are welcome to attend.
Report dated 09/05/11.
DW Construction & Oakbank Stages 08/05/11.
The results for this event have been posted on the `Hallburn` page. On behalf of Clerk of the Course Ian Crosbie, myself and the rest of the organising team, I would like to convey our grateful thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to this successful event. Full report to follow when I get my breath back.........Roly P.
Report updated 30/04/11.
Pirelli International.
After thirteen stages, David Bogie & Kevin Rae have won this event, ahead of Robert Barrable in a Skoda, with Elfyn Evans back in 4th place. This means that after three rounds, the guys have extended their lead in the Dulux Trade British Rally Championship. Remarkable isn`t it that in a five year old car, they are showing all the boys in their trick new high spec cars the way!!!!!.................. On the Tour of Cumbria event that ran alongside the International although not doing all the same stages, Darren Martin & Martin Steele were finally classified 3rd of eight starters. Well done to you all.
Report updated 23/04/11.
Ingliston.
After all eight stages, the only SOSCC team competing here, Andy Fry and Michael Hunter in the flying MG ZR, finished 16th overall out of the 41 finishers. Well done lads !
Report dated 17/04/11.
Granite City Rally.
Grand to report that despite failing to win the `Granite` outright, David Bogie & Kevin Rae still lead the SRC after 3 rounds. It was however, a close contest and David must have been keeping an eye on the points when Focus driver, Dave Weston, beat him by just one second after six stages. It would have been mad to throw the car off the road chasing Weston, so well done to our lads for `keeping the heid` - and the lead.
James Robertson and George Myatt allegedly left the road in the C2 R2 in stage 3, although I am yet to confirm this, as it`s most uncharacteristic of James to have an off and there may just be an alternative explanation for their non -finish. Greg and Chris McKnight were flying and only a baw hair away from another fantastic result when the Nova`s fan belt came off and as the belt drives the water pump, it stopped pumping, the engine overheated and then failed to function, the car coming to a halt within sight of the finish line of the last stage.Liam Harkness took his tidy Escort II to a useful 32nd overall, navigated by Tont Marchbank and no doubt the results will continue to improve as Liam gets more and more to grips with the car.
Report dated 17/04/11.
Autotest on Grass, Ladypark, 17/04/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 515 penalties..............................12 points.
2nd overall & 2nd in class 1. Simon Mclaughlin, Proton, 543 penalties.......................11 points.
3rd overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 554 penalties.............................12 points.
4th overall & 2nd in class 2. Warren Gillespie, Peugeot 106, 560 penalties................11 points.
5th overall & 1st in class 5. Robin Laidlaw, Vitara, 562 penalties...(inc5% for 4WD)....12 points.
6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 562 penalties................................10 points.
7th overall & 4th in class 1. Steven Smith, KA, 574 penalties....................................9 points.
8th overall & 5th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Corsa, 577 penalties................................8 points.
9th overall & 6th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 585 penalties..................................7 points.
10th overall & 7th in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 586 penalties...........................6 points.
11th overall & 3rd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 587 penalties............................10 points.
12th overall & 8th in class 1. Gordon Smith, KA, 597 penalties..................................5 points.
13th overall & 9th in class 1. Alan Little, Peugeot 106, 599 penalties.........................4 points.
14th overall & 10th in class 1. Mike Currie, Civic, 600 penalties.................................3 points.
15th overall & 11th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 600 penalties....................2 points.
16th overall & 12th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 617 penalties...........................1 point.
17th overall & 13th in class 1. Simon McColm, Proton, 623 penalties..........................1 point.
18th overall & 14th in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 628 penalties...............................1 point.
19th overall & 4th in class 2. Kelsey Gillespie, Peugeot 106, 644 penalties..................9 points.
20th overall & 15th in class 1. John McAndrew, Rover, 651 penalties...........................1 point.
21st overall & 16th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Corsa, 671 penalties................................1 point.
22nd overall & 17th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Rover, 682 penalties..........................1 point.
23rd overall & 18th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 694 penalties..............................1 point.
24th overall & 19th in class 1. Ally Todd, Corsa, 699 penalties...................................1 point.
25th overall & 20th in class 1. Gemma McLaughlin, Proton, 769 penalties....................1 point.
26th overall & 2nd in class 5. Alan Scrimshaw, Caterham, 899 pen`s.(inc5% for 4WD).11 points.
DNF in class 5. Stuart Scrimshaw, Caterham, ............................................................1 point.
Many thanks to Robbie the farmer and Roy Kerr for ensuring we had access to this excellent field yet again. Thanks also to Doug and Mike for marshalling. Roly P.
Report updated 10/04/11.
Sprinter.
Just spent a pleasant day at Kames. Now that`s something you cant often say, as I remember being at Kames on numerous occasions and not many of those were on nice days. However with 20 degree temperatures, myself and travelling companions came home with faces like weel skelped erses!. (possibly helped by a bit of a breeze)
Club member Ian Wright was there, taking part in the first round of the Lowland Speed Championship and making a good fist of it from where I was standing. His wee Civic certainly looks pretty standard to the casual bystander but Ian has breathed on it quite a bit and it certianly gets up and goes when asked. Kames is a very tight and twisty wee track but Ian tells me that it feels really fast from inside the car as the track is narrow and where just over 70 mph is possible on the straight leading towards the pit entrance, if the course is done clockwise, as it was today.
A smaller than normal entry, at just 40, was received for today`s event so practice and timed runs were over quickly, with very few time consuming incidents meaning that the day`s entertainment was over at 3.00pm. However, I heard more than one murmur about getting a car ready and going back for a shot on another sprint day. And who can blame them, as sprinting seems to be very sociable and considering most competitors only got nine or ten minutes in their cars, including practice, you need to have good social skills!.
Anyway we wish Ian good luck over the next eleven rounds and perhaps he`ll keep us up to date, as the season progresses. I have posted a pic taken of of him at today`s meeting by Paul Whyte on the Miscellaneous gallery and you`ll find him if you search alphabetically, under `I` for Ian Wright. Roly P.
Report updated 03/04/11.
Flying Scotsman Rally.
Seventy six of the eighty one starters passed through our test at Drumlanrig Castle this morning. This was quite a spectacle, with all the competing cars and invited crews from all over the world parked around the oval lawn at Drumlanrig, while the crews took a coffee break, before tackling our test along the `red road`.
Spectators were treated to the very rare sight of millions of pounds worth of collectable vintage cars being thrashed through the sunlit 1 mile long test route and some of them were really going for it!. Each crew received a small memento from SOSCC and we now have many friends worldwide. My thanks to the team who marshalled, namely: Colin, George, Donald, Wendy, Mike, Simon, Connor, Niall, Ronnie, James, Stuart, Bob, Harold, Mark & Scott. Thanks also to Bob, some of whose pictures will be published soon.
Roly P.
Report updated 02/04/11. 6.45pm.
Stage Times!.
Of the four SOSCC stage rally crews in action today, three finished the day with cracking results. David Bogie and Kevin Rae were in Wales on the Bulldog International, round two of the Dulux Trade British Rally Championship and after all ten stages they took second overall, only 17 seconds behind winner Elfyn Evans, who took victory in his back yard, with the stages all being around his home town. Early leader, Adam Gould finished in third place. This result means David and Kevin still lead the championship on 38 points with Evans and his co-driver second on 36, as crews now prepare for the Pirelli International at the end of April.
At Charterhall, after two stages Ian Paterson and Helen Brown were forced to retire with a blown turbo pipe. However after the sixth and final stage, Stuart Paterson and Colin Maxwell came out of winter hibernation to finish a brilliant 4th overall, only 20 seconds behind the third placed crew, while Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie finished sixth by only five seconds, which is remarkable considering the car apparently didnt seem to be happy on the rolling road yesterday afternoon. Duncan and Ian are reportedly delighted with the result!. Peter Hunter eventually took the win from early leader, Dom Buckley Jnr Jnr (third generation Dom)
Well done guys. Another good day for SOSCC.
Report dated 28/03/11.
Scottish Association of Car Clubs (SACC) Autotest Challenge 2011.
The 2011 SACC Challenge Autotest will be part of the Speedfair at Knockhill on Sunday 31st July. Classes will be the same as for the event cancelled last November due to the snow and Regs will be available on both the SACC and GMSC websites, when they are published in June. Regards. Graham Murray. (SACC Autotest Co-ordinator).
Report dated 28/03/11.
12 Car Rally. February 23rd 2011.
Results:
Experts
1st overall. Wullie Ross & Mark Simpson. 2 fails & 20 mins..............................12 points each.
2nd overall. Kris Thomson & Wullie Keaning. 4 fails & 11 mins..........................11 points each.
3rd overall. David Paterson & Mark Paterson. 4 fails & 26 mins.........................10 points each.
Semi Experts
4th overall. Warren Gillespie & Kelsey Gillespie. 8 fails & 9 mins.........................9 points each.
5th overall. Tony Currie & Paul Whyte. 11 fails & 13 mins..................................8 points each.
OTL. David Sloan & Scott Sloan. 5 fails & OTL...................................................1 point each.
Novices
6th overall. Liam Patterson & Callum Clark. 7 fails & 16 mins...............................7 points each.
7th overall. Jono McAndrew & Jake McAndrew. 17 fails & 26 mins.........................6 points each.
OTL. Stephen Kemp & Chris Kemp. 4 fails & OTL...............................................1 point each.
OTL. Simon McLaughlin & Connor McLaughlin. 16 fails & OTL...............................1 point each.
Thanks to David Mckeown for assisting overall and marshals: Alan Barrie, Callum and Kirsty McKay, Colin Maxwell, Rory Young & Aileen Gibson, Mr and Mrs Ian Nelson & family, Harold Tweedie, Dennis Quinn, Gordon Hood, Colin Marshall and anyone else that the so called Brain cells may have forgotten. Finally, my apologies for the delay in getting these onto the web.
Gordon Paterson (Clerk of the Course).
Report dated 27/03/11.
12 Car Rally. March 23rd 2011.
Experts:
1st overall. Wullie Ross & Mark Simpson. 1 fail - 22 mins..................................12 points each.
2nd overall. David Paterson & Mark Paterson. 1 fail - 23 mins............................11 points each.
3rd overall. Kris Thomson & Wullie Keaning. 2 fails - 24 mins............................10 points each.
Semi-experts:
4th overall. Warren Gillespie & Kelsey Gillespie. 9 fails - 26 mins.........................9 points each.
5th overall. David Sloan & Scott Sloan. 5 fails - 40 mins......................................8 points each.
6th overall. Tony Currie & Paul Whyte. 13 fails - 65 mins.....................................7 points each.
Novices:
7th overall. Stephen Kemp & Chris Kemp. 6 fails - 47 mins..................................6 points each.
8th overall. Simon McLaughlin & Connor McLaughlin. 9 fails - 43 mins...................5 points each.
Thanks to Liam Patterson and John Warrick for organising this excellently executed event and to Colin Marshall, George Bell, John Weir, Andy McNish, Willie Nelson, Ian Widdowson and Ian Wright for marshalling.
Report dated 20/03/11.
Autotest on Tar, Jones Yard, 20/03/11.
1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning , Nova, 425 penalties...................................12 points.
2nd overall & 2nd in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 434 penalties.................................11 points.
3rd overall & 3rd in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 442 penalties......................................10 points.
4th overall & 4th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 451 penalties.........................................9 points.
5th overall & 5th in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 453 penalties....................................8 points.
6th overall & 6th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 459 penalties...............................7 points.
7th overall & 7th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 464 penalties.....................................6 points.
8th overall & 8th in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 466 penalties........................................5 points.
9th overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 471 penalties...................................12 points.
10th overall & 9th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 480 penalties.......................................4 points.
11th overall & 10th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 512 penalties..........................3 points.
12th overall & 11th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 536 penalties............................2 points.
13th overall & 12th in class 1. Kelsey Gillespie, Mini, 537 penalties..................................1 point.
14th overall & 2nd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 557 penalties..................................11 points.
15th overall & 13th in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Proton, 571 penalties................................1 point.
16th overall & 14th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Civic, 587 penalties.......................................1 point.
17th overall & 1st in class 4. Drew McLean, MGF, 591 penalties......................................12 points.
18th overall & 1st in class 5. David Hall, Escort MK II, 597 penalties....(inc 5% for LSD)....12 points.
19th overall & 2nd in class 4. Karina McLean, MGF, 601 penalties...................................11 points.
20th overall & 15th in class 1. Ally Todd, Civic, 609 penalties..........................................1 point.
21st overall & 2nd in class 5. Stuart Scrimshaw, Caterham, 622 penalties.(inc % for LSD).11 points.
22nd overall & 3rd in class 5. Alan Scrimshaw, Caterham, 641 penalties.(inc 5% for LSD).10 points.
23rd overall & 16th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 679 penalties................................1 point.
24th overall & 17th in class 1. Adam Bevan, Fiesta, 832 penalties...................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. David Hayton, Clio...............................................................................1 point.
DNF in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Clio...............................................................................1 point.
Many thanks to James Jones & Sons for providing access to one of our favourite venues and to Paul Whyte and asistant Wullie Keaning for running the event. Thanks also to George Bell and Colin Marshall for marshalling.
Report dated 19/03/11.
Border Counties.
It`s been a very good day at the Border Counties Rally, the second round of the Scottish Rally Championship, where all four of the SOSCC entered cars finished and not only that, but with mainly strong results. David Bogie and Kevin Rae continue imperiously commanding the SRC with another top drawer performance against the chasing pack, to take win number two in the SRC (by a huge 34 second gap) and win number three from only three rallies contested to date, in 2011. It may be a bit early to say but chances are they will now go on to round three, with two great results under their belts, as opposed to dropping the SRC in favour of the British Championship.
Thirtieth overall were James Robertson and George Myatt in the Citroen C2 R2, also taking third in the hotly contested class 4, only a few seconds behind the class winner.
SOSCC `drive of the day` must be down to young Greg McKnight who with his dad, Chris, took the 1390cc Nova to a fantastic 35th overall on only his second gravel forest rally. This father and son crew also took a win in class 2 by a massive 78 seconds. So not one but two of our past junior champions were performing at their best today!. (David Bogie of course being the other)
Darren Martin and Martin Steele took their Puma to 50th overall and it would appear they are getting used to the car now, their first outing being on the `Malcolm Wilson` a couple of weeks ago.
Well done to you all.
Report dated 19/03/11.
Epynt.
Mike Curry managed to sneak time away to compete in the first round of the MSA Asphalt Championship over Epynt last weekend and Andy Davison and he managed to get the M3 to the finish, this time in 26th place and some valuable points. It remained dry all day and the car ran very well considering the luck they have had with it lately and at one stage was flat in 6th (134mph). They were only caught once all day when a certain David Hardie, their 30 second man, caught them near the finish on the long 18 miler. The highlight of the day was starting 30 seconds in front of a Toyota Corolla WRC car which failed to catch them over a 14 mile stage (although he was pretty close to them at the flying finish). All in all it was good day out – they can’t afford the Manx which is the next round but they will be out on the Jim Clark National in May.
Report dated 16/03/11.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy. Round three. Quiz night 16/03/11.
Bob Sloan was at his sadistic best again tonight with one of his mindbending quizzes. This was the last quiz until October and in the meantime, we will hopefully have both a treasure hunt on foot in Dumfries and a car treasure hunt, during the warmer? summer months.
Tonight`s results:
1st overall. `Go Lego`. Mark Simpson, Chiara Simpson and Ryan Thomson. 50.............12 points each.
2nd overall. `Heather`s Halfwits`. Shirley, Graham & Heather Currie + Adam Bevan. 38..10 points each.
3rd overall. `The Big Fact Hunt`. Simon, Connor and Gemma McLaughlin. 37..................9 points each.
4th overall. `Hugh Jarse`. Roly P. 34..........................................................................8 points.
Thanks again to Bob for his efforts and especially for introducing a new idea, the music intros round.
Report updated 11/03/11.
Autosolos in West Cumbria.
Ryan Winthrop of the West Cumberland Motorsport Club has just sent us an e.mailed invitation to all their Autosolos (basically, all forwards autotests) to be run in 2011.
For SOSCC members, this means that you can enter into any Autosolo they organise, as long as you take your SOSCC membership card with you, as it will have to be shown on the day. All they ask is a confirmation letter from SOSCC saying that we accept the invitation and Paul Whyte has already taken care of this.
If any SOSCC member wishes regs for these events, they are available to download from the WCMC website for which you will find a link on the `Links` page. The first WCMC Autosolo is on the 10th April and not April 21st, as previously posted here.
Report updated 02/03/11.
Sunseeker Rally, 26/02/11.
David Bogie and Kevin Rae took the first round of the 2011 British Rally Championship in fine form, getting into the lead early on and staying there for the whole eleven stage event. Competition was fierce however and the final winning margin of 21.8 seconds is quite misleading, compared to the mere handful of seconds that David had between himself and second placed man Tom Cave throughout the event. Third placed Welshman, Elfyn Evans, was a further 5.6 seconds back at the finish.
Congratulations to both David and Kevin on a fine opening performance in the 2011 Dulux BRC and not forgetting his team, Pro Tec.
Now comes the big decision. Carry on with the SRC or the BRC, both of which they currently lead?. It now seems they could do both, but that would depend on them continuing to get good results.
Report dated 21/02/11.
Snowman Rally.
Congratulations to all three of our crews out competing on Saturday on the first round of the 2011 SRC. David Bogie and Kevin Rae dominated the event with the Evo 9, winning by a good margin of 30 seconds from Ewan Thorburn nd taking the lead of the championship.
James Robertson and George Myatt took 32nd and a good bag of class points in the C2 R2.
Liam Harkness took Tont Marchbank out in his newly rebuilt Mk II Escort and after such a long lay off, did well to score a solid 41st. Well done to you all.
Report dated 20/02/11.
Autotest on Tar, Heathhall, 20/02/11.
Results:
1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 335 penalties...(inc 5% for LSD)....12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 337 penalties...........................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 361 penalties..........................11 points.
4th overall & 3rd in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 368 penalties..........................10 points.
5th overall & 4th in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 369 penalties.......................9 points.
6th overall & 5th in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 378 penalties................................8 points.
7th overall & 6th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 402 penalties.................................7 points.
8th overall & 7th in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 402 penalties................................6 points.
9th overall & 8th in class 1. John McAndrew, Rover 414, 404 penalties......................5 points.
10th overall & 9th in class 1. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 409 penalties...........................4 points.
11th overall & 10th in class 1. Drew McLean, 206, 410 penalties...............................3 points.
12th overall & 11th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 416 penalties..............................2 points.
13th overall & 12th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 417 penalties.....................1 point.
14th overall & 13th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 417 penalties...................1 point.
15th overall & 14th in class 1. Eileen Horsfall, Mini, 432 penalties.............................1 point.
16th overall & 15th in class 1. David Hayton, Clio, 440 penalties..............................1 point.
17th overall & 16th in class 1. Neal Horsfall, Mini, 455 penalties...............................1 point.
18th overall & 2nd in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 462 penalties........................11 points.
19th overall & 3rd in class 5. Alan Scrimshaw, Caterham, 471 penalties....................10 points.
20th overall & 17th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 482 penalties...........................1 point.
21st overall & 4th in class 5. Stuart Scrimshaw, Caterham, 490 penalties...................9 points.
22nd overall & 18th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Clio, 492 penalties.............................1 point.
23rd overall & 1st in class 2. Paul Whyte, Rover 200, 494 penalties........................12 points.
24th overall & 19th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 515 penalties.........................1 point.
25th overall & 20th in class 1. Kelsey Gillespie, Mini, 541 penalties..........................1 point.
26th overall & 21st in class 1. Mags Pattie, Civic, 541 penalties...............................1 point.
27th overall & 22nd in class 1. Jake McAndrew, Rover 414, 591 penalties..................1 point.
28th overall & 23rd in class 1. Emma Sloan, Escort IV, 666 penalties........................1 point.
In the case of ties, the `fastest in test one` rule applies.
Thanks to Tom Telfer for arranging access to this venue and to Wullie Keaning for organising, assisted by Warren Gillespie. Thanks also to all the marshals.
Report dated 16/02/11.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy, Round Two. Quiz Night 16/02/11.
Yet another lively night, with the usual bickering and arguments, then I went out and ran a quiz!.
Five teams contested tonight`s event and it was close right up to the end, with three of the teams within 3 points of each other, going into the last of five sections.
With 90 points up for grabs, questions ranged from identifying the country that 20 F1 tracks were in, to identifying pop groups from their pictures. The last question, `how far is it by road from Lands End to John `O Groats?` produced a surprise answer from Shirley Currie who was only 2 miles off the correct answer of 874 with an answer of 872!!!. Roly P.
Here are the results:
1st overall. `Go Lego`. Mark Simpson, Gordon Clendinning & Warren Gillespie, 55.........12 points each.
2nd overall. `Mike Oxard`. Paul & Hayley Whyte and Thelma Proudlock. 52..................10 points each.
3rd overall. `Hugh Janus`. John Carson and Simon, Gemma and Sian McLaughlin. 51.....9 points each.
4th overall. `The good, the bad and etc etc`. Shirley and Heather Currie. 42..................8 points each.
5th overall. `Getting Started`. Jono & Jake McAndrew and Connor McLaughlin. 40............7 points each.
Points to date after 2 rounds are:
Paul & Hayley Whyte, Thelma Proudlock, Mark Simpson & Warren Gillespie..........22 points each.
Shirley & Heather Currie and Simon, Gemma & Sian McLaughlin..........................17 points each
Connor Mclaughlin.........................................................................................15 points.
Gordon Clendinning.......................................................................................12 points.
Kelsey Gillespie.............................................................................................10 points.
Graham Currie & John Carson...........................................................................9 points each.
Roly P............................................................................................................8 points.
Jono and Jake McAndrew..................................................................................7 points each.
Report updated 06/02/11.
North West Stages 2011
Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie were at Blackpool this weekend. They were up to a stunning 9th overall after 20 of the 24 stages but I understand the engine let go late on, so bad luck guys!
Report dated 28/01/11.
12 Car Rally 26/01/11.
Experts:
1st overall. David Paterson & Mark Paterson. 5 Fails...........................12 points each.
2nd overall. Kris Thomson & Wullie Keaning. 7 Fails...........................11 points each.
Semi Experts:
3rd overall. David Sloan Snr & Scott Sloan. 3 Fails..............................10 points each.
4th overall. Tony Currie & Paul Whyte. 11 Fails....................................9 points each.
5th overall. Warren Gillespie & Kelsey Gillespie. 12 Fails.......................8 points each.
Novices:
6th overall. Stephen Kemp & Chris Kemp. 6 Fails.................................7 points each.
7th overall. Simon McLaughlin & Connor McLaughlin. 13 Fails.................6 points each.
The result was decided on fails, so time penalties were not required to be considered.
Many thanks to the marshals, Roland Proudlock, George Bell, Colin Marshall, Liam Patterson and family, Willie Ross and Chiara Simpson.
Mark Simpson.
Report updated 28/01/11.
Historic Monte Carlo.
Well, what a great night!. As previously stated, we had no reason to asume that even one car would turn up at the Cairndale in Dumfries last night, at the `Welcome Point` I had arranged with the organisers of this historic event. This was the 100th anniversary celebration of the `Monte` which first took place waaaaay back in 1911.
As Dumfries was the first checkpoint in the 1,200 mile journey to the principality of Monte Carlo, we couldn`t have been luckier with the weather, as it was a cool but dry, windless night. We had been advised that if any cars decided to follow the `A` road route recommended by the organisers (instead of going straight down the Motorway) and visit the `Welcome Points` which were not compulsory, they should arrive from 8.40pm onward.
However, they started arriving long before this as there was no road timing and they just kept arriving!. By 10.00pm, we had seen 38 of the 47 cars that started in Glasgow earlier in the evening. I should admit at this point that, if only the sole Alpine Renault 110 had arrived, I`d have been very happy anyway, as that was my focus for this event but the other 37 cars that did check in were a bonus. Hats off to all the competitors also, as they made time to chat with the spectators and pose for pics before being despatched toward the English border.
I`d personally like to thank the Cairndale Hotel for being very acommodating, both inside the hotel and outside, where the whole front car park was cordoned off for us. Thanks also to the marshals who signed on, Colin Marshall, Harold Tweedie, Bob Sloan, Mike Curry, and Jim Hunter. Thanks also to Norman Robertson, Bob Morland and Harold`s friend Dennis, for mucking in.
Now I wish I had known so many cars would visit us and I would have put an announcement in the local papers to let more people know what was going on. But knowing my luck, if I had done, only three cars would have arrived!.
Bob Little`s pics of just some of the immaculately prepared cars have been submitted to the local papers. I hope they print them.
Roly P.
Report dated 23/01/01.
Autotest on Tar. Brasswell. 23/01/11.
1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 336 penalties..inc 5% for LSD ..12 points.
2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 377 penalties..............................12 points.
3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Stephen Kemp, Proton, 379 penalties.............................11 points.
4th overall & 3rd in class 1. Simon McLaughlin, Proton, 387 penalties.........................10 points.
5th overall & 4th in class 1. Chris Kemp, Proton, 390 penalties....................................9 points.
6th overall & 1st in class 2. Graham Currie, Fiesta, 401 penalties...............................12 points.
7th overall & 5th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Civic, 401 penalties.....................................8 points.
8th overall & 6th in class 1. Connor McLaughlin, Proton, 406 penalties..........................7 points.
9th overall & 7th in class 1. David Hayton, Clio, 410 penalties.....................................6 points.
10th overall & 2nd in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 420 penalties...........................11 points.
11th overall & 8th in class 1. Ronnie Clark, Micra, 421 penalties..................................5 points.
12th overall & 9th in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 428 penalties................................4 points.
13th overall & 2nd in class 2. Shirley Currie, Fiesta, 455 penalties..............................11 points.
14th overall & 10th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 459 penalties........................3 points.
15th overall & 11h in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 463 penalties...............................2 points.
16th overall & 12th in class 1. Kelsey Gillespie, Mini, 465 penalties..............................1 point.
17th overall & 1st in class 4. Drew McLean, MGF, 468 penalties..................................12 points.
18th overall & 13th in class 1. Heather Currie, Fiesta, 505 penalties.............................1 point.
19th overall & 14th in class 1. James Clark, Micra, 513 penalties.................................1 point.
20th overall & 15th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Clio, 523 penalties.................................1 point.
21st overall & 16th in class 1. Ally Todd, Civic, 560 penalties......................................1 point.
22nd overall & 17th in class 1. Emma Sloan, Escort IV, 577 penalties...........................1 point.
23rd overall & 18th in class 1. Mags Pattie, Civic, 584 penalties...................................1 point.
24th overall & DNF in class 4. Karina McLean, MGF......................................................1 point.
Thanks again to John Bogie for providing access to the Oakbank Yard and to Andy McNish for clearing it of HGV Trucks and Trailers. Thanks also to Colin Marshall, George Bell and Derek Kirkpatrick for marshalling. RP.
Report dated 19/01/11.
Scavenger Hunt Trophy Round One. Quiz Night 19/01/11.
Bob Sloan`s quiz tonight was, as you might have expected - testing - but there was no sting in the tail - it was in the first ten questions!!!!. Anyhoo, here are the results: Some of the team names are comical if said fast.
1st overall. `Mike Oxlong`, Paul & Hayley Whyte and Thelma Proudlock. 47.............12 points each.
2nd overall. `Wear the Fox Hat`, Mark Simpson and Warren & Kelsey Gillespie. 46...10 points each.
3rd overall. `Heather`s Halfwits`, Graham, Shirley and heather Currie. 30.................9 points each.
4th equal. `Mad Macs`, Simon, Connor, Gemma and Sian McLaughlin. 23.................8 points each.
4th equal. `Warrick Hunt`, Roly P. 23...................................................................8 points.
There will be at least five other events in this championship in 2011, so even if you missed tonight`s quiz, you still have plenty time to join in.
Report updated 16/01/11.
Jack Frost Stages Sunday 16/01/11.
Eventually only two of the three SOSCC crews entered headed for Croft near Darlington today and thankfully they had no snow to deal with.
At 27 Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie`s Impreza developed a misfire during stages 4 & 5 and they had to call a halt. Andy Fry and Michael Hunter non-started in the MG ZR but James Robertson and George Myatt took the C2 R2 to 48th overall.
Report dated 09/01/11.
Knockhill stages.
Latest news from our pair at Knockhill is that they have packed up and are on their way home. As they were on wets and not chunkies, Bing tells me they were never really on the actual track where the stage went up through the car park section. As they were in real danger of badly damaging the car and have an entry in for next week`s Jack Frost Stages at Croft, they decided to pack up and preserve the car.
Of the 26 starters only 22 are still running, with Reay McKay`s Metro 6R4 (seeded number one) having retired due to electrical trouble.
Report dated 09/01/11. 10.53 am.
Knockhill Stages.
Against massive odds, the stage rally at Knockhill today has gone ahead. The first problem was a lack of entries and despite only attracting around 40, when they could have used a lot more to make the event financially viable, the Border Ecosse Car Club went ahead and ran it. Then the weather closed in but with great determination, the organisers swept the fresh snow off stages back to tar yesterday, only to have four inches of snow fall overnight which has not been removed.
The start was however delayed by 1 hour. Not all crews have made it to the venue but those who are can be seen on the Knockhill Webcam (Google it) although with frames only being taken every 3 seconds, it`s not possible to get a feel of the speed of the cars.
Our only crew on this event, Duncan Wardrop and Ian (Bing) Crosbie didn`t have their own problems to seek. Having loaded the Impreza onto the trailer behind the smart DW Construction Service Truck, they set off and while passing through Georgetown the truck decided to `sit doon` as we used to say, coming to a halt on the wee single track railway bridge on Georgetown Road that has traffic lights on it. They did manage to get it going again but only got a couple of hundred metres, stopping again on the main road close to the Aldi store, causing a new chicane for all the shopping traffic.
Report updated 14/02/11.
Annual Awards Party 05/02/11.
Here are the 2010 Trophy Winners, who received their awards at the Annual Awards Party:..........
Autotest/PCT Class 1: 1st Warren Gillespie, 2nd Wullie Keaning, 3rd Danny Pattie
Autotest/PCT Class 2: 1st Graham Currie, 2nd Shirley Currie, 3rd Chris Kemp
Autotest/PCT Class 3: 1st Drew McLean
Autotest/PCT Class 4: 1st Drew Mclean, 2nd Shirley Currie, 3rd Karina McLean
Autotest/PCT Class 5: 1st Niall Cowan Jnr, 2nd Roland Proudlock, 3rd Ian Biagi
12 Car Rally Novice Drivers: 1st David Sloan, 2nd Warren Gillespie, 3rd Chris Kemp
12 Car Rally Novice Navigators: 1st Scott Sloan, 2nd Stephen Kemp, 3rd Kelsey Gillespie
12 Car Rally Semi Expert Drivers: 1st Kris Thomson, 2nd Tony Currie
12 Car Rally Semi Expert Navigators: 1st Wullie Keaning, 2nd Paul Whyte
12 Car Rally Expert Drivers: 1st Wullie Ross, 2nd Liam Paterson
12 Car rally Expert Navigators: 1st Mark Simpson, 2nd John Warrick
Good Companions Trophy...............................Bob Little
Marshals Trophy............................................Donald Carruthers
Wreckers Trophy............................................Ian Paterson
Scavenger Hunt Trophy...................................Paul Whyte
Jim Clark Trophy............................................Stuart Paterson & Colin Maxwell
Ace of Clubs Trophy.......................................Stuart Paterson & Colin Maxwell
Southern Garage Trophy.................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
Vauxhall Trophy............................................Wullie Keaning
British Leyland Trophy....................................Warren Gillespie
Ford Trophy..................................................Graham Currie
Denham Cookes Trophy.................................Wullie Ross
Chrissie Neill Trophy.......................................Mark Simpson
Nicholson Trophy...........................................Wullie Keaning
Francis Dundas Trophy...................................Ronnie Clark
Buccleuch Trophy...........................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
A K Stevenson Trophy....................................David Bogie & Kevin Rae
Top Gear Trophy...........................................David Bogie
John Bogie Trophy.........................................Kevin Rae
Guid Nychburris Trophy...................................Wullie Keaning
Embassy Trophy............................................Stuart Paterson & Colin Maxwell
Junior male Champion...................................Niall Cowan Jnr
George Myatt Trophy (Junior Champion)...........Kelsey Gillespie
Ladies Champion...........................................Shirley Currie
Queensberry Trophy (Club Overall Champion)...Wullie Keaning
