Report updated 15/07/08.

Autotest on Grass at Chanlockfoot, Penpont, July 13th.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 544 penalties............................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 546 penalties.............................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 551 penalties............................11 points.

4th overall & 2nd in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 555 penalties..................................11 points.

5th overall & 3rd in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 555 penalties...................................10 points.

6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Craig Nelson, Nova, 556 penalties...............................10 points.

7th overall & 4th in class 5. Chuck Blair, Polo, 575 penalties...................................9 points.

8th overall & 4th in class 1. Andrew Pattie, Mini, 576 penalties................................9 points.

9th overall & 5th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 578 penalties.................................8 points.

10th overall & 6th in class 1. Sarah Marshall, Corsa, 582 penalties..........................7 points.

11th overall & 5th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 583 penalties.........................8 points.

12th overall & 7th in class 1. Scott MacKenzie, Corsa, 584 penalties.........................6 points.

13th overall & 8th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 587 penalties..........................5 points.

14th overall & 6th in class 5. Chris McKnight, Nova, 588 penalties............................7 points.

15th overall & 9th in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 589 penalties..........................4 points.

16th overall & 10th in class 1. Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 595 penalties...................3 points.

17th overall & 11th in class 1. David Crosbie, Corsa, 596 penalties..........................2 points.

18th overall & 12th in class 1. Ross Anderson, 205, 625 penalties...........................1 point.

19th overall & 13th in class 1. Kerry McConnell, Corsa, 644 penalties.......................1 point.

20th overall & 7th in class 5. Gary Gillespie Escort II, 665 penalties.........................6 points.

Thanks to David Dalgleish for the use of the brilliant contoured field which we sincerely hope to be back in before too long. Thanks also to Bing Crosby for the computerised results, R. Proudlock for timekeeping, Mark Simpson and Mrs Crosby for running the barby, and to Mike Hodgson and Derek Kirkpatrick for marshalling.

With lots of members now away on holiday, a small but perfectly formed troupe of 20 members had yet another great day`s autotesting on yet another stonking field that we had never before visited. This one has everything we look for in a field, - long straight bits, very VERY steep hilly bits, alpine passes and other slopes and gradients galore, meaning that there are many permutations to this field that could keep us amused for years.

Bing Crosby laid out some tricky tests that most folk managed to remember their way round !, and as things were kept moving all day, despite the aromatic attraction of the barbecue (situated near the start line), everone got in eight runs and a minimum of nine minutes of fun.

A bit of glamour was provided on this occasion by our two newest members, Sarah Marshall from Kirkconnell and Kerry McConnell from Lockerbie. These two young ladies each took part in their first autotest and acquitted themselves well, with clever tactical driving where necessary and a bit of aggressive stuff where the contours demanded a bit of welly. In fact Sarah had intended to compete all along and was sharing David Crosbie`s Corsa, the deal being that whoever was fastest on the day bought the other a Mars Bar (boy you crazy Upper Nithsdale kids know how to live). Kerry, who works at the Moffat Woolen Mill, had only come along to spectate but as she had fancied a go at previous autotests, she didn`t take much persuading when the signing on sheet was pushed under her nose.

Chris and Greg McKnight were again sharing the now `well used` Nova (a new and apparently very tidy one is currently in build as a rally car) and it began to show its age, with bits of bodywork flapping and a big hole in the gearbox requiring some attention in the latter stages, where Chris even had to contend with a front wheel puncture. Despite this, Greg went well here and a fine second overall was his reward. Greg split Warren Gillespie and Wullie Keaning but it was all very close, with just seven seconds separating the three.

Another threesome in close company were Joe Hunt, Andrew Fry and Craig Nelson, two seconds covering all three, with Joe and Andrew only separated at the end by the `fastest first` rule. Chuck Blair, Andrew Pattie and Danny Pattie were another threesome, (bit of a thread developing here) father Andrew completely bemused by Danny`s time on one test, which was seven seconds faster than him in the same Mini, although he went home with his honour intact by a slender two second gap from the ever-quickening Danny.

Sarah was clearly a girl on a mission (to win a Mars Bar) and this lassie, who commutes to Glasgow every day to work as a hairdresser in Tony & Guy, showed that she has the natural ability to show some of the lads the way. Niall Cowan Jnr and Scott MacKenzie kept close company all day, Scott finally having dumped the (frankly weird) Corsa van, for a Corsa car that is more pleasing to the eye!.

Alex and Graham McConnell now have their Fiesta working well and are beginning to put in more competitoive times, while Callum and Ross Anderson had some brotherly competition going on, Callum being faster on the day but Ross getting the prize for `most air under the car` on the big jump through the Alpine Pass. David Crosbie`s mission on the way home, having taken a `WD`, was to buy a Mars Bar while Kerry McConnell was planning to bring some more practical footwear for her next autotest. Gary Gillespie really suffered here, his RWD Escort struggling on one uphill section and requiring two runs to make it. All in all, an excellent day`s sport and those of us on the sidelines who weren`t competing, could only look on in envy. Auchenbainzie (Auchenbingy) is our next autotest on August 17th with more grassy, hilly, slippy fun. Isn`t Thornypunt a great place!

Report dated 06/07/08.

PCT at Westhill Farm on July 2nd.

Despite a heavy shower not long before this event was due to start, nine drivers braved the hills above Cargenbridge to test their skills at clutch control, on 15 tests set by veteran PCT organisers, Mark Simpson and Alan Henderson. As this event counts toward the club championship, the current top two of Wullie Keaning and Warren Gillspie were unsurprisingly present and were up against a selection of others including two first-time competitors in the shape of young Callum Bevan and another lady to get involved behind the wheel (in a motorsport sense!), Aideen Foley. Well done to all for competing. The good news is there are another two PCT`s due to take place in 2008. Check the Events Calendar page.

Results, after the `Index of Performance` has been applied:

1st overall and 1st in class 5. Andrew Fry, Astra Van, 86 penalties............................12 points.

2nd overall and 1st in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 89 penalties...........................12 points.

3rd overall and 2nd in class 1. Gary Gillespie, Mini, 99 penalties.............................11 points.

4th overall and 3rd in class 1. Greg McKnight, Civic, 113 penalties............................10 points.

5th overall and 2nd in class 5. Wullie Keaning, Astra Van, 116 penalties.......................11 points.

6th overall and 4th in class 1. Bob Sloan, Micra, 117 penalties.................................9 points.

7th overall and 3rd in class 5. Craig Nelson, Astra Van, 125 penalties.........................10 points.

8th overall and 5th in class 1. Callum Bevan, Civic, 138 penalties......(temporary member)......0 points.

9th overall and 6th in class 1. Aideen Foley, Micra, 140 penalties..............................8 points.

Thanks to Alan Henderson and Mark Simpson for organising this event and to Walter McDonald, for the use of the field.

Report updated 30/06/08.

Scottish Rally.

This was a very eventful event from many points of view, where a selection of members were out driving or co-driving, from front runners to back markers, with rolls, crashes and numerous other bad luck stories, making this appear to be generally a tougher event than it`s been for some time.

A quick visit to the EcossePix site (via the `Links` page) will at least explain what happened to Stevie Hogg & Phil Shortt and also Iain (Bert) Haining, both the Subaru and the Nova going off at the first real corner of the first stage!. To be fair though, it looks like half the field went off at this very deceptive corner and I bet there`s some class footage on a DVD, coming to a DVD player near you, very soon!.

While I`m getting all the stories from the remaining club competitors to post their story here, here`s the list of members and friends who signed on to assist the SOSCC in running the Kinharvie stage:

Clark Donaldson, Colin Marshall, Mark Johnston, Paul Johnston, Ian McDougall, Gordon Smith, Joanne Smith, Derek Kirkpatrick, Mark Paterson, Jamie Woodward, Harold Tweedie, George Tweedie, Donald Carruthers, Stuart Carruthers, Ben Anderson, John Baker, David Pinkerton, Graeme Reid, Tony Currie, Ian Nelson, Scott McMillan, Doug Taylor, Ashley Taylor & Stuart McNeill. Thanks to you all and particularly those of you above who also helped set up on Friday night, plus Mike Hodgson who wasn`t with us on the day of the rally. Roland Proudlock - Stage Commander & Alan Henderson - Deputy Stage Commander.

Thanks also to our guys who marshalled the Friday night scrutineering session at the Ice Bowl, namely: Gordon Paterson, Edward Fergusson, Mark Paterson, Jamie Woodward and David McKeown.

Report dated 29/06/08.

Truck & Bus Show.

A brief `thank you` to all who contributed to our stand at the above. While the day was basically a washout with the previous day`s wet weather continuing into Sunday, the organisers appreciated our support.

Report dated 26/06/08.

Big Parade.

Well done to Gary Gillespie, Bob Sloan, Duncan Wardrop and everyone else who contributed to our two very smart lorries in this year`s Big parade round Dumfries. Our entry won third overall in the decorated vehicle `Club` category.

Report dated 17/06/08.

Guid Nychburris Autotest, June 15th 2008.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 268 penalties..........................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 292 penalties...............................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 319 penalties..............................11 points.

4th overall & 3rd in class 1. Robert Paterson, Nova, 327 penalties..............................10 points.

5th overall & 2nd in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 329 penalties................................11 points.

6th overall & 3rd in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 345 penalties......................................10 points.

7th overall & 4th in class 5. Roland Proudlock, Mini, 346 penalties...............................9 points.

8th overall & 4th in class 1. Peter Stewart, 205, 351 penalties.....................................9 points.

9th overall & 5th in class 5. Chris McKnight, Nova, 354 penalties..................................8 points.

10th overall & 5th in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 355 penalties...............................8 points.

11th overall & 6th in class 1. Craig Nelson, Nova, 359 penalties...................................7 points.

12th overall & 7th in class 1. David Sloan Snr, Escort IV, 362 penalties.........................6 points.

13th overall & 8th in class 1. Neil MacGregor, Nova, 369 penalties................................5 points.

14th overall & 6th in class 5. Ryan Biggins, Nova, 387 penalties..................................7 points.

15th overall & 7th in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 397 penalties......................................6 points.

16th overall & 9th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 399 penalties..............................4 points.

17th overall & 10th in class 1. Scott Robson, 205, 400 penalties..................................3 points.

18th overall & 11th in class 1. Colin telfer, 205, 403 penalties.....................................2 points.

19th overall & 8th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 432 penalties..............................5 points.

20th overall & 1st in class 2. John Kerr, Fiesta, 440 penalties.....................................12 points.

21st overall & 12th in class 1. Drew McLean, Fiesta, 449 penalties.................................1 point.

22nd overall & 9th in class 5. Gary Gillespie, Escort II, 451 penalties..(inc 10% for LSD)...4 points.

23rd overall & 13th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 456 penalties....................................1 point.

24th overall & 14th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 469 penalties................................1 point.

25th overall & 15th in class 1. David Slaon Jnr, Escort IV, 473 penalties..........................1 point.

26th overall & 16th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 494 penalties......................................1 point.

27th overall & 17th in class 1. Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 526 penalties.........................1 point.

28th overall & 2nd in class 2. Ross Carson, Fiesta, 552 penalties.................................11 points.

29th overall & 18th in class 1. Norma Finlay, Fiesta, 566 penalties.................................1 point.

30th overall & 19th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Metro, 582 penalties.................................1 point.

31st overall & 10th in class 5. Mark Simpson, Frontera, 605 penalties..(inc 10% for 4WD).3 points.

Many thanks to the landowners of Heathall`s old runway and to Tom Telfer for arranging access to the venue. Thanks also to Clerk of the Course Mark Simpson, Timekeeper Ian Crosbie and to Marshals: Alan Henderson, George Bell, Colin Marshall, Doug Taylor, Mike Hodgson, Roland Proudlock, Dawn Biggins, Bob Sloan, Derek Kirkpatrick and David Crosbie.

The weather was certainly kind to us for this event, which was again part of the busy programme of Guid Nychburris events. Indeed, Scott Robson had to rush hot-foot from the `Kirkin of the Cornet` to the autotest and just made it on time for his first run. Ex Scottish Autotest Champion, Gordon Clendinning, put on a determined show and took the trophy, which was handed over by 2007 Queen of the South, Meghan McGill, but not before Gordon had taken her on the now traditional `demonstration run`, which included a number of handbrake and `J` turns!. Meghan kept her composure throughout!

Anthony Davidson paid a visit, as he was in Dumfries visiting friends on the same day that the Honda F1 team announced he had been appointed as their new test driver. A picture of him will appear in the `Miscellaneous` Gallery soon.

And of course the event was in aid of the Childrens Ward at DGRI and we are proud to announce that a grand total of £150 was raised for this worthy cause, part of this total being raised after the main competition had ended, when a sweep took place, this also being won by Gordon. Well done to all who took part and gave generously to the charity.

Report dated 06/06/08.

Gallery increased.

Over 30 great new images added to the Autotest Gallery last night, from the Ladypark autotests in April and May. Thanks to Colin Marshall.

Report updated 06/06/08.

Severn Valley Rally.

The Severn Valley Rally was last Saturday and as it was round four of the seven round `Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge` it was pressure time for David Bogie and Kevin Rae, who needed a good result to get their `Evo Challenge` back on track, after a lowly points score on the Border Counties and a costly roll on the Isle of Man. Happily they came away with maximum points and are now just one point off the Challenge lead, with three rounds to go (one on tar and two on gravel).

Report updated 29/05/08.

Jim Clark Reivers Rally 26/05/08.

It seems that the results service I was reading on Sunday night was malfunctioning as I now see that Stevie Hogg and Phil Shortt did in fact take Stevie`s latest acquisition, the ex Jock Armstrong Gp N Impreza, to a fantastic 6th overall and first in class 8. The pair were eighth overall on this event last year, in a car much more familiar to them, so sixth in their first rally in this car is still a great result. Stevie tells me that they had no dramas at all and after a couple of `settling in` stages, they started to open the deceptively smooth and quiet car up a bit more, only realising what speed they were up to when they looked at the speedo. Stevie and Phil are now going to compete on all of the remaining rounds of the Scottish Championship in preparation for a full on crack at the championship in 2009.

Other club crews results were: Billy McLelland/Helen Brown, Evo 3, 20th overall (and not 18th as the results service said on Sunday night) and 6th in class 10. I understand that they were doing better than this, until they took out a fair length of hedge and managed to remove some bodywork!. Stuart Paterson and Colin Maxwell took the Fiat Stilo to 45th overall (not 36th) and 3rd in class 6, despite the car getting stuck in gear on, I believe, the second stage. While Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie were omitted entirely from the results on Sunday night, they did in fact, finish 39th and 3rd in class 9. again with no dramas with the exception of finding they`d been missed from the results which, with a fair number of problems to resolve took hours to be sorted out on Sunday night.

Finally, David Bogie and Kevin Rae needed to go for an outright win here in the hired Toyota Corolla but the gearbox broke on stage two and even though they kept going, taking three stage wins in the process, the box gave up before the end, resulting in a very unfortunate retirement. David was reportedly well pissed off after this and quite rightly so.

Report updated 29/05/08.

Raft Race.

Today`s Dumfries Lions Raft Race was very entertaining for onlookers, if not entirely successful for our six brave lads, who manfully rowed all the way from Nunholm to the Caul on Dumfries`s Whitesands, to the reception of a large crowd who watched the brave boys manhandle the very lengthy SOSCC craft over the Caul finish line.

While the vessel was scientifically designed by the crew (and Bob Sloan whose original idea it was to participate), it seems the raft was slightly over-engineered and perhaps on reflection there may have been too much metal involved. From an onlookers point of view, those rafts that were simply made of plastic barrels and wood, seemed to bob along while the `HMS.SS.SOSCC` was six metal barrels in length, with four smaller metal barrel outriggers for stability and therefore, in total, heavy by comparison with the competition. Our team werent last though but it`s probably too early to tell whether or not there will be a comeback on next year`s event as most of the crew may still be recieving physiotherapy for a while.

The crew definitely deserve a mention and our congratulations for `having a go` and they are: Wullie Keaning, Andrew Fry, Tony Currie, Warren Gillespie, Gary Gillespie and Chris McKnight. See photo on miscellaneous page of 'Gallery'. Well done lads !. Incidentally, I omitted to `big up` Andrew Fry and Wullie Keaning, who put the very tidy craft together and Tony Currie for doung the paint job. Thanks also to Paul Whyte for the big `Ferrarri` graphics along each side.

Report updated 06/06/08.

Autotest on Grass, Ladypark Farm, May 18th.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in Class 2. Peter Stewart, Toyota, 507 penalties..........................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in Class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 508 penalties.........................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 514 penalties..........................11 points.

4th overall & 2nd in class 2. Drew McLean, Golf GTI, 527 penalties........................11 points.

5th overall & 1st in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 531 penalties..................................12 points.

6th overall & 2nd in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 537 penalties...........................11 points.

7th overall & 3rd in class 1. Paul Whyte, KA, 544 penalties...................................10 points.

8th overall & 4th in class 1. Tony Currie, KA, 544 penalties....................................9 points.

9th overall & 3rd in class 5. Roland Proudlock, Mini, 548 penalties........................10 points.

10th overall & 3rd in class 2. John Kerr, Fiesta, 548 penalties...............................10 points.

11th overall & 5th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 548 penalties...............................8 points.

12th overall & 6th in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 552 penalties.........................7 points.

13th overall & 4th in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 558 penalties.................................9 points.

14th overall & 5th in class 5. Ryan Biggins, Nova, 561 penalties..............................8 points.

15th overall & 4th in class 2. Ross Carson, Fiesta, 564 penalties.............................9 points.

16th overall & 5th in class 2. Norma Findlay, Golf GTI, 570 penalties........................8 points.

17th overall & 6th in class 5. Nicky Bardsley, Nova, 574 penalties.............................7 points.

18th overall & 7th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 575 penalties..........................6 points.

19th overall & 6th in class 2. Scott Robson, Toyota, 584 penalties...........................7 points.

20th overall & 8th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 590 penalties..................................5 points.

21st overall & 7th in class 2. Colin Telfer, Toyota, 594 penalties..............................6 points.

22nd overall & 7th in class 5. Robert Paterson, Special, 595 penalties......................6 points.

23rd overall & 9th in class 1. Scott MacKenzie, Corsa, 595 penalties.........................4 points.

24th overall & 8th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 602 penalties.........................5 points.

25th overall & 1st in class 4. Harold Tweedie, MGF, 606 penalties..........................12 points.

26th overall & 9th in class 5. Robin Bardsley, Nova, 606 penalties...........................4 points.

27th overall & 10th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Metro, 625 penalties..........................3 points.

28th overall & 11th in class 1. Jamie McConnell, Corsa, 645 penalties......................2 points.

29th overall & 12th in class 1 Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 654 penalties....................1 point.

Many thanks to Roy Kerr and Story Construction for providing us with a fantastic venue and to Doug Taylor, Derek Kirkpatrick and Mike Hodgson for marshalling. Paul Whyte, Colin Marshall & Roland Proudlock (Organisers).

I think it`s unanimous that this was one of the best autotests we have run for years, with a huge field (it will eventually be filled with houses but hopefully not too soon) at our disposal, incorporating loads of steep dips, crests and crazy cambers to keep everyone fully occupied. Nine long tests culminated with one final tricky test in the neighbouring field, where lush grass was a real test of light throttle control. Fortunately the weather was warm and dry and all 29 starters made it to the finish with more than a light covering of dust which had got into all sorts of nooks and crannies !.

Surprise of the day came from one of our more `senior` members, Harold Tweedie, - see his story on the History page - who turned up just to watch and ended up taking part in his wee MGF on ordinary road tyres and with a borrowed helmet. He said he`d forgotten how much fun autotesting was and I suspect he`s got the taste for it again.

With so many members taking part, we have speeded up our timing system and from now on, everyone should get plenty of runs for their money. Roll on the Guid Nychburris autotest !. RP

Report dated 15/05/08.

Bogie Mann !

The above headine was provided by our sole member on the Isle of Man, John Kerr. And it was indeed a bogey weekend for David, as he fell foul of some dust just off the quick line through a `6 right` and understeered into one of the many bankings that line most of the roads on the island, the Evo 9 rolling gently back onto its wheels. A front puncture didnt stop them, - well not immediately - but as two wires had been worn through by the flailing tyre, this came back to haunt them later in the day, going OTL when the car died. That`s two of the three rounds of the Evo challenge to date where David and Kevin have scored little or no points. They will drop their two worst scores in the series and lets hope they`ve already had those.

The Tour of Sperrins in Ireland is this weekend, where the pair will use the Corolla WRC and then next weekend they will first use the Evo on the 2 day Jim Clark National Rally and then on Sunday, they will use the Corolla on the Reivers. More members are competing on the Jim Clark and a preview will follow..................

Report dated 02/05/08.

AGM & Quiz, May 1st.

The AGM was quite well attended, even though some members were tempted to stay in instead and watch the big Rangers match!. As you would expect, some interesting business was discussed and some decisions made which will be put into practice in the coming months. We are also delighted that newcomer to our area and recent new member, Mike Curry, was nominated and elected onto the Board, bringing with him years of experience of competing on stage rallies in England. Welcome Mike!.

After the AGM, some of us hardened souls remained to imbibe a few `sherbets` and take part in a fun quiz, organised by Paul Whyte. This was the first round of the 2008 Scavenger Hunt Trophy Championship and the results were as follows with points out of 102 shown:-

1st. Team `LSD 10%`, Gary Gillespie & Mike Curry, 63. 12 points each.

2nd. Team `Nospmis`, Mark Simpson & Chiara Simpson, 56, 10 points each.

3rd. Team `Bad Neighbours`, Colin Marshall & Roland Proudlock, 55, 9 points each.

4th. Team `Father O`Donnell`s Banging Donkey Doo Dah Band`, Tony Currie & Bob Sloan, 50, 8 points each.

5th. Team `Locharbriggs Young Team`, Wullie Keaning & Craig Nelson, 36, 7 points each.

Report dated 30/04/08.

Autotest on Grass, Ladypark, April 27th 2008.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 293 penalties...........................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 303 penalties................................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 5. Roland Proudlock, Mini, 305 penalties........................11 points.

4th overall & 1st in class 2. Drew McLean, Golf GTI, 306 penalties.........................12 points.

5th overall & 3rd in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 309 penalties............................10 points.

6th overall & 4th in class 5. Chris McKnight, Nova, 310 penalties.............................9 points.

7th overall & 2nd in class 1. Tony Currie, Ka, 313 penalties..................................11 points.

8th overall & 5th in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 316 penalties......................8 points.

9th overall & 6th in class 5. Simon Dowden, Nova, 319 penalties.............................7 points.

10th overall & 3rd in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 321 penalties........................10 points.

11th overall & 2nd in class 2. Colin Telfer, Toyota, 321 penalties..........................11 points.

12th overall & 4th in class 1. Niall MacGregor, Nova, 322 penalties..........................9 points.

13th overall & 7th in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 323 penalties.................................6 points.

14th overall & 5th in class 1. Robert Paterson, Nova, 323 penalties.........................8 points.

15th overall & 3rd in class 2. Peter Stewart, Toyota, 324 penalties.........................10 points.

16th overall & 4th in class 2. Scott Robson, Toyota, 325 penalties...........................9 points.

17th overall & 6th in class 1. David Sloan, Escort IV, 326 penalties..........................7 points.

18th overall & 7th in class 1. David Hayton, Metro, 335 penalties............................6 points.

19th overall & 8th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 339 penalties.....................5 points.

20th overall & 9th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 340 penalties..........................4 points.

21st overall & 10th in class 1. Ryan Biggins, Nova, 350 penalties............................3 points.

22nd overall & 11th in class 1. Scott MacKenzie, Corsa, 352 penalties......................2 points.

23rd overall & 12th in class 1. Jamie McConnell, Corsa, 357 penalties......................1 point.

24th overall & 8th in class 5. Gary Gillespie, Escort II, 359 penalties.(+ 10% for LSD).5 points.

25th overall & 9th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 363 penalties..........................4 points.

26th overall & 10th in class 5. Robin Bardsley, Nova, 367 penalties..........................3 points.

27th overall & 11th in class 5. Nicky Bardsley, Nova, 367 penalties...........................2 points.

28th overall & 13th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Metro, 367 penalties...........................1 point.

29th overall & 14th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 368 penalties.................................1 point.

30th overall & 15th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 368 penalties...............................1 point.

31st overall & 16th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 372 penalties.........................1 point.

32nd overall & 12th in class 5. Warren Gillespie, Escort II, 378 pens.(+ 10% for LSD).1 point.

33rd overall & 17th in class 1. Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 465 penalties....................1 point.

Many thanks to Roy Kerr and Storey Construction for the use of the venue, to Colin Marshall and Gary Gillespie for running the event and Doug Taylor and Derek Kirkpatrick for marshalling.

Report dated 08/04/08.

Kames `Rally Time Trial`.

George Bryson of our neighbouring East Ayrshire Car Club, has asked me to publicise the above event which will take place on Sunday May 11th at Kames Complex, Muirkirk. On offer is 20 stage miles for £70 and there will also be a test day the day before, for drivers to try out the layouts etc. George says "This is 2 days of tarmac rallying for under £100 and an excellent way of setting up the car for the Jim Clark Rally, the next round of the 5 of Clubs Championship." Entries Secretary is Jacqueline Bryson on 01290 553716 or regs can be downloaded at www.eastayrshirecc.co.uk

Report dated 08/04/08.

Lookout Rally.

The second guy to drive the Palmerston Evo 8 in as many weeks, Chuck Blair took the car down into Yorkshire on Sunday for the Lookout Stages run by the Trackrod Motor Club at Melbourne Airfield. Apart from a day`s forest testing at Dalry a few weeks ago, this was Chuck`s first experience of 4WD and he acquitted himself well, being up against a strong field of other 4WD cars, most being driven by guys who`d been at the venue before. At least Chuck got himself a co-driver who knew the venue well and to cut a long story short, what might have been a 4th place overall, ended as 7th, Chuck first losing 15 seconds after going into a chicane too fast and stalling and then getting stuck behind an Escort for 2 miles, losing 20 more seconds.

With a handful of seconds covering five cars, all of whom could have nicked 4th overall, Chuck went into the last stage and was on a flyer when he arrived on a long straight flat in 5th only to find a crashed Subaru blocking the road. He had no choice but to yank the brakes on hard to avoid getting involved in the crash hinmself, spinning round twice in the process. The car then stalled and once he got it going again and eventually crossed the line, he`d taken 7th overall. Chuck`s next drive in the car is on the Scottish. Naturally, he cant wait.....

Report updated 06/04/08.

Border Counties Rally.

Looks like David Bogie and Kevin Rae have had a day to forget. As I understand it, they had a big off on the first stage which cost them around seven and a half minutes, when they arrived at a crest to find that the corner shown on the notes as being after it, was actually on it !. Nuff said, but anyway the car suffered quite a bit of body damage but not enough to stop them going on to finish, however with the long first stage time and a lump of road penalties, 24th overall on the National part of the rally wont help either their Evo Challenge or Scottish Championship aspirations. Luckily, scores can be dropped.

Bert Haining tells me that he and Phil Shortt finished first overall on the 15 mile `Mini Rally` by 1 minute 2 seconds but not before they had caught and passed a 205 in stage one, the stones from which broke the windscreen and headlights that he had only just replaced this week, after the Charterhall event last Saturday. They also caught and passed a Nova in the second and last stage. While the organisers had hoped for a maximum of ten crews, preferrably made up of folk who fancied a go at forest rallying but didn`t want to commit to a full event, only six cars started this event, at least three of the drivers already being experienced on gravel. It was after all, an experiment and only the organisers will decide whether it was a success or not. Lets see if it runs again next year.

Report dated 04/04/08.

Young Guns.

Greg McKnight and Callum Anderson, currently our top two performing junior members, are making plans for their rallying careers once they come of age, both having bought rally cars over recent weeks.

Greg has a Nova which he is stripping back to nothing, with the intention of preparing the car properly, even selling off the bits already fitted to it in preference for fitting brand new bits (see Sales and Wants). Callum, on the other hand, has purchased a 205 rally car which, as it also needs a bit of work, could either be fixed up, or alternatively the good bits could be taken off it and fitted to his current 205 autotest car, which has a solid shell. Either way, both are great prospects for the next generation of SOSCC rally stars.

Report dated 04/04/08.

April 5th/6th.

A bunch of our members are out in action again this weekend, competing on various events. David Bogie and Kevin Rae (yes Kevin is a member) will be out on Saturday 5th on the Border Counties in the Evo 9, trying to gain points for both the Evo Challenge, (which David Currently leads after his charging run on the recent Rallye Sunseeker) and the Scottish Championship, where he is most definitely still in the hunt, despite his puncture affected run on February`s `Snowman`. The decision to use the Evo and not the Corolla WRC on this event was obvious but with a strong field out on Saturday`s event, he`ll be up against it to be in the top three. It might even snow though and wouldn`t that be interesting?.

Right back at the other end of the field on the same event, about 150th on the road, will be Bert Haining with Phil Shortt in the 1.6 Nova. After their fun run on last week`s Charterhall event, Phil persuaded Bert to do the `Mini Rally` which runs at the very back of the Border Counties field. There are only eight entries for this wee rally which takes in only two stages, totalling 15 miles for an entry fee of £99. That reminds me of the Rhins Rally in 1986, where if you had to travel from Dumfries to Stranraer to compete, you did a round trip of about 150 miles and over the 13 stages the total competitive distance was only 14.97 miles, one of the stages being only 0.6 of a mile long. Mind you the entry fee was probably only about £15!

On Sunday, Chuck Blair will be the second driver to take the wheel of the Palmerston Evo 8, which Stuart Paterson took to 4th overall last week at Charterhall. The event is the `Lookout Stages`, an airfield rally similar to Charterhall but it`s in Yorkshire. When I spoke to Chuck on Thursday, he wasnt sure who was co-driving and there was a chance he`d either be running at 13 or as high as number 3!. No pressure then Chuck!. I understand that Chuck will do four of five rallies in the car this year but it wont be available for the Jim Clark, as David Hughes intends to have it in Barbados with him. Iain (Bert) Haining should also get a run in the car, later in the year.

Report dated 04/04/08.

Pirelli Rally Marshalling Appeal.

What are you doing on either the evening of Friday 18th April, or mid-day/early afternoon, on Saturday 19th April ?. If you are free, Karen Spencer would desperately like to hear from you. Karen is stage commander (I dont know which club she`s from) on the `The Valley` stage, just South East of Newcastleton on the Scottish Border and finds herself considerably short-staffed. This stage used to be known as `South Kershope` and is situated just off the B6357. The entry for the stage is Map Reference 79/ 502 834 and the start line reference is 79/ 501835.

The first car on the Friday stage is due at 19.09 pm and the first car on the Saturday is due at 12.39 pm but of course you`ll need to be on duty well in advance of these times. For more information and to make arrangements to assist Karen, please contact her direct on 01422 345887 or 07714 122194. Or e.mail her on: martinp.karens@sky.com

Report dated 01/04/08.

Movie Magic.

It`s just been announced that the Scottish Short Screen Commission has provided most of the funding for a `short film` re-make of the `Italian Job`, a classic film which most club members will recall starred Michael Caine. One of the most exciting parts of this announcement is that it is to be filmed during July and August 2008 in and around Dumfries, mostly thanks to some ideal locations for the action shots being identified right here, on our doorstep.

If you`ve seen the original Italian Job you`ll be familiar with some of the scenes where Classic Mini Coopers were put through their paces in the chase scenes around Turin and it is believed that the producer, Faril Pool, an experienced Italian film-maker now based in Edinburgh, has already identified a short list of locations he`d like to use.

Mr Pool said on Monday, "The indoor shopping mall at the Loreburne Centre could certainly fit in and I can envisage the cars sliding their way around there. The indoor prison scenes could easily be filmed in Dumfries prison and while the steps down from St Michaels Church may be a bit narrow, with some clever camera angles and the right lighting, we can imagine the Minis coming down the steps, interrupting a wedding party, as they did in the original movie.

We have also evaluated one of the Hangars out at the old airfield at Heathhall and are satisfied that the roof is strong enough to support three Minis and a police car in one of the more daring chase scenes. The roads of the Devil`s Beef Tub above Moffat already look like an Italian mountain pass, and the Whitesands and Greensands in Dumfries town are ideal for the faster chase sections.

The part of the film where traffic is totally gridlocked will be simple to portray and indeed we have already done some filming for this recently, when a big football match took place in Dumfries and absolutely nothing was moving.

But the most impressive location, which frankly swung the whole project in favour of Dumfries, is something which I believe you have named the Caul, in the town centre. With some construction of wooden ramps at either end, the cars will easily be able to make their way down onto the Caul, drive across the watery slope pursued by police cars and drive up the slope at the other end. We are currently looking to source both the Minis and their drivers locally and will soon be making approaches to members of the local car club, to see if they are willing to participate."

It`s understood that Ewan McGregor may have been approached to play the part of Charley Croker, originally played by Michael Caine, although getting his cockney accent just right for the immortal line "you`re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off " might be tricky. Also, if he was available, Robbie Coletrane would be the ideal `mister big` who controls the robbery in Turin of a bullion van loaded with gold, from his cell in the prison, the part of `Mr Bridger` having originally been played by Noel Coward.

If you are approached to participate in the film or are interested in hearing more about what`s involved, please phone or text me on 07824 847383. R. Proudlock.

April 2nd 2008. Ok, so far we`ve got 2 Minis plus drivers a `Big William`, a `Camp Freddie` (both characters from the original Italian Job, in case you didnt know) and an old shool bus lined up with a brave driver who is prepared to scream up and down the Dalveen Pass in it. Any more volunteers for this epic?. Text me.

Report dated 26/03/08.

Long Distance Rallying.

New member, Mike Curry, who recently moved into our area to live in what he calls `Snowy Boreland`, near Lockerbie, was off on his travels again last Saturday, co-driving for Andy Davison on the Phoenix Stages at Manby in Lincolnshire. This was the first round of the Yokohama Rear Wheel Drive BMW and 205 Championships and took place in appalling sleety and snowy conditions all day and despite the 325i rolling on the last stage which only cost them a minute, they finshed second in class behind Toni Carrante. However they were happy with the result, which sets them up nicely to continue their challenge for the rest of the year.

Report dated 26/03/08.

Charterhall.

Its Charterhall time again this Saturday and a few club drivers will make the trip across country with their rally cars to sample the delights of this big open, widswept, space near Duns. If our crews help out and contact me, I`ll put a report here after the event. Good luck to all our members who are participating.

Report updated 31/03/08.

Easter Autotest on Tar at Heathhall 23/03/08.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 243 penalties................................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 246 penalties........................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 5. Nicky Bardsley, Nova, 266 penalties................................11 points.

4th overall & 2nd in class 1. Craig Nelson, Nova, 269 penalties..................................11 points.

5th overall & 3rd in class 5. Chris McKnight, Nova, 270 penalties*..............................10 points.

6th overall & 4th in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 270 penalties..................................9 points.

7th overall & 3rd in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 276 penalties..............................10 points.

8th overall & 1st in class 2. John Kerr, Fiesta, 277 penalties......................................12 points.

9th overall & 4th in class 1. David Sloan Snr, Escort IV, 279 penalties...........................9 points.

10th overall & 5th in class 1. Colin Telfer, 205, 283 penalties......................................8 points.

11th overall & 5th in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 284 penalties*....................................8 points.

12th overall & 6th in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 284 penalties......................................7 points.

13th overall & 6th in class 1. Peter Stewart, 205, 285 penalties...................................7 points.

14th overall & 7th in class 5. Simon Dowden, Nova, 300 penalties...............................6 points.

15th overall & 7th in class 1. Neil MacGregor, Fiesta, 307 penalties..............................6 points.

16th overall & 8th in class 1. Andrew MacGregor, Fiesta, 308 penalties.........................5 points.

17th overall & 8th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 312 penalties.............................5 points.

18th overall & 9th in class 5. Gary Gillespie, Escort II, 315 penalties..(inc 10% for LSD)..4 points.

19th overall & 9th in class 1. Ryan Biggins, Ibiza, 319 penalties..................................4 points.

20th overall & 10th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 321 penalties..................................3 points.

21st overall & 11th in class 1. Ross Anderson, 205, 329 penalties................................2 points.

22nd overall & 12th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 330 penalties............................1 points.

23rd overall & 10th in class 5. Warren Gillespie, Escort II, 331 pen`s*.(inc 10% for LSD).3 points.

24th overall & 13th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 331 penalties.....................................1 point.

25th overall & 14th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 341 penalties..............................1 point.

26th overall & 15th in class 1. Scott Robson, 205, 345 penalties..................................1 point.

27th overall & 2nd in class 2. Ross Carson, Fiesta, 349 penalties...............................11 points.

28th overall & 3rd in class 2. Drew McLean, Fiesta, 357 penalties...............................10 points.

29th overall & 16th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 357 penalties........................1 point.

30th overall & 17th in class 1. Scott MacKenzie, Corsa, 373 penalties...........................1 point.

31st overall & 4th in class 2. Norma Finlay, Fiesta, 374 penalties.................................9 points.

32nd overall & 18th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Metro, 376 penalties*............................1 point.

33rd overall & 5th in class 2. Alan Henderson, 205, 376 penalties................................8 points.

34th overall & 6th in class 2. Derek Kirkpatrick, 205, 377 penalties..............................7 points.

35th overall & 19th in class 1. Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 385 penalties.......................1 point.

36th overall & 20th in class 1. Jamie McConnell, Corsa, 442 penalties..........................1 point.

* = this driver was faster on the first test than the following driver who was equal on overall times.

You could have been forgiven that picking Easter Sunday for an autotest, of all dates, was a big mistake, as I assumed most people would be spending the day with their families. Instead, when we turned up at 10.30am to open the gates onto the old runway, competitors were already queueing up and they just kept coming until we had thirty-six drivers all signed on and ready to go by 12.00 noon. In fact the signing-on sheets were crammed and the result sheets I had produced at no great expense, as I had no laptop to use, had to be extended to accomodate everyone.

Despite all the extra paperwork (including a rake of new membership forms) needed for an entry that would do justice to a small club stage rally, the first test still started only slightly late at 12.10 pm and I think it`s fair to say the action didn`t stop until just after 5.00pm, when the last driver completed the seventh and final test.

As it was down to me to design the tests, while being assisted on this occasion by fellow committee members Wullie Keaning and Colin Marshall, there was some reversing involved, as I love to see a good `J Turn` or what I prefer to call a `reverse flick` and I wasn`t dissapointed, some of the drivers doing a good job, although it has to be said that Gordon Clendinning put on a `masterclass` here, showing us all what to do. Nice to see Norma Finlay competing, the only lady brave enough to join the fray, overcoming her start line nerves to complete all the tests under the critical eye of her male countererparts.

Colin Telfer, Scott Robson and Peter Stewart arrived with a standard 205 which suffered early on from fuel starvation, until Colin cured it with what I think he said was a valve cap?. It also seemed to the casual onlloooker to be suffering from hideous amounts of valve-bounce. Peter had to leave early, but somehow he managed to talk his way into getting back in time to complete all his runs and be classed as a finisher. Gary Gillespie allowed cousin Warren to use his Escort Mk II on this event, as Warrens Mini`s total refurbishment still hadnt been completed. There was a gasp from the onlookers as Warren got a bit intimate with a grass banking on an early run and he spent the rest of the afternoon trying to get to grips with the power going through the wrong wheels and a Limited Slip Diff which obviously takes a bit of getting used to.

Robin Bardsley (father of Nicky) was a godsend for one particularly cold official, as he kept me going with coffee and biscuits throughout the afternoon, and then loaned me a pair of gloves when frostbite set in (I`ll return them, next time I see you). Wullie Keaning arrived with his Nova sporting what can only be described as a pair of `Carlos Fandago` wheels on the front. They stuck out for miles at either side but they seemed to be extra sticky, as Wullie took first overall from Gordon Clendinning, but only just.

Juniors, Greg McKnight and Callum Anderson, had a ding-dong with Greg having a six second advantage by end of play, also being on equal times with his Dad who was faster than him on the first test and was classified in front of him. Its funny how family members seem to set similar times, note Neil and Andrew MacGregor who were only separated by one second.

I couldn`t resist giving the competitors a shot at designing their own test and late in the afternoon, they were asked to enter and leave a large square box, (marked by four cones about 15 feet apart), in four different directions!. There was a lot of head scratching but after a while, the more wily competitors sussed it out and set some quick times while others fuddled about, even needing to reverse when no reversing was asked for.

Many thanks to Tom Telfer for arranging access to the venue. He hadn`t seen an autotest before and was well impressed with the skill shown, particularly by the juniors. We can now look forward to holding the Guid Nychburris autotest here on June 15th and I suspect that with all the space available, we will have two tests running at the same time, to keep things moving. Thanks also to George Bell and Colin Marshall for officiating on this decidedly cool March afternoon.

Many thanks also to all the competitors, who donated a total of £85 which will go toward the Childrens Ward at DGRI.

RP.

Report dated 17/03/08.

Trailer Thefts.

I hear from Graeme Forrester of the Wigton Motor Club (and also as Secretary of the Cumbria Motor Sport Group) that there have been a number of car transporter trailer thefts in recent weeks just over the border, at least two of which have been from members of the motor sport fraternity. These thefts would appear to have been well organised and planned.

In one case, a padlocked barn was broken into, the hitch lock and wheel clamp sawn off and the complete tyre rack and wheels were later found in a ditch, having been cut off.

The message is clear - check your security and you are advised to store your trailer where it cannot be seen by passers by. Anyone with any knowledge or information of trailers appearing in unusual locations or being offered for sale, is asked to inform the police immediately.

Report dated 14/03/08.

Solway CC 12 Car Rally 12/03/08.

SOSCC members` results:

Experts:

Iain Haining / Isobel Riddick, 27 penalties...................12 points to Iain.

Wullie Ross / Mark Simpson, 114 penalties..................11 points to Wullie & 12 to Mark.

Semi Experts:

Liam Patterson / John Warrick, 26 penalties.................10 points to Liam & 11 to John.

Novices:

Gary Gillespie / Warren Gillespie, 36 penalties................9 points to Gary & 10 to Warren.

David Bogie / Mark Proudlock, 50 penalties....................8 points to David & 9 to Mark.

Norma Finlay / Drew McLean, 97 penaties.......................7 points to Norma & 8 to Drew.

Report dated 10/03/08.

Memberships are due.

Have you paid your 2008 membership subscription yet???? The next newsletter is out soon and if you havent paid, you wont get one!!!!!!.

Report updated 01/03/08.

Back in the Woods.

David Bogie`s back in the woods on Saturday March 1st, in the Corolla WRC he`s hired to contest the Scottish Championship in 2008. While the Malcolm Wilson Rally isn`t in any of the championships he will go for this year, he likes the Cumbrian stages and with no pressure, this drive will give him more time to become accustomed to the Corolla with which he professes he is happier, after every extra mile he does.

You may remember on this rally last year, he was seeded 44th and ended up fourth overall in a Gp `N` Evo. So now, what you must ask yourself is, `why is he seeded fifth this year in a WRC ?`.

Last week`s opening round of the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge, the Rallye Sunseeker at Bournemouth was profitable for David, as he beat all of his fellow EVO drivers, taking maximum points. Not only that, he was sixth overall, behind five WRC cars and was even lying second overall after the first two stages, two 1.6 mile blasts along Bournemouth Prom.

To top all that, he was second novice driver on Wednesday night`s 12 car with Mark Proudlock alongside !. I notice they didn`t drop many minutes in David`s road going Evo. Surprise surprise!!.

4.10pm - March 1st.

David Bogie and Kevin Rae have just taken an emphatic 35 second win over number one seeded Paul Bird, on the Malcolm Wilson Rally. Thats another rally win ticked off David`s `to do` list!

Report updated 28/02/08.

12 Car Rally 27/02/08.

A healthy entry of eleven cars started Gordon Paterson`s event from a lay-by just outside Dumfries and on a clear, dry, cold night, everyone had a fair old run around the countryside, before supper in Lockerbie. Results:

Experts:

Andy Sinclar / Roger Alcorn, 3 Fails 18 minutes.

Wullie Ross / Mark Simpson, 6 Fails 16 minutes..........12 points to Wullie & 12 to Mark.

Iain Haining / Isobel Riddick, 9 Fails 16 minutes.........11 points to Iain.

George Myatt / David Sloan, 13 Fails 60 minutes.

Non-Experts:

Kirsty Riddick / Keith Riddick, 0 Fails 9 minutes.

Liam Patterson / John Warrick, 5 Fails 18 minutes.......10 points to Liam & 11 to John.

Richard Dickson / Nancy Dickson, 9 Fails 21 minutes.

Novices:

Gary Gillespie / Warren Gillespie, 4 Fails 20 minutes.....9 points to Gary & 10 to Warren.

David Bogie / Mark Proudlock, 8 Fails 5 minutes...........8 points to David & 9 to Mark.

Norma Finlay / Drew McLean, 10 Fails 22 minutes..........7 points to Norma & 8 to Drew.

Chris McKnight / Greg McKnight, 17 Fails 4 minutes.......6 points to Chris & 7 to Greg.

Points only awarded to SOSCC members.

Thanks to GP (Gordon Paterson) for putting the rally together and to David McKeown for assisting him. Thanks also to the marshals - Alan Henderson, Roland Proudlock, Colin Marshall, Tony Currie, David Paterson, Mark Paterson, Anna McKeown, Edward Fergusson & Gordon Hood.

Report updated 25/02/08.

Autotest on Tar 24/02/08.

Results:

1st overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 373 penalties.......................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 1. Wulie Keaning, Nova, 382 penalties..............................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 5. Joe Hunt MG ZR, 398 penalties....................................11 points.

4th overall & 2nd in class 1. David Sloan Snr, Escort IV, 417 penalties......................11 points.

5th overall & 3rd in class 5. Simon Dowden, Nova, 418 penalties..............................10 points.

6th overall & 3rd in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 422 penalties............................10 points.

7th overall & 1st in class 2. Ross Carson, Fiesta, 429 penalties...............................12 points.

8th overall & 4th in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 431 penalties................................9 points.

9th overall & 5th in class 5. Andrew Fry, Polo, 444 penalties......................................8 points.

10th overall & 4th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 444 penalties..................................9 points.

11th overall & 5th in class 1. Craig Nelson, Nova, 447 penalties.................................8 points.

12th overall & 6th in class 5. Nicky Bardsley, Nova, 454 penalties...............................7 points.

13th overall & 6th in class 1. Ross Anderson, 205, 456 penalties...............................7 points.

14th overall & 7th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 468 penalties...........................6 points.

15th overall & 2nd in class 2. Alan Henderson, 205 1.9, 481 penalties......................11 points.

16th overall & 7th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort IV, 502 penalties..............................6 points.

17th overall & 8th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort IV, 502 penalties........................5 points.

18th overall & 6th in class 5. Gary Gillespie, Escort II, 511 penalties.(inc 10% for LSD)..5 points.

19th overall & 9th in class 1. Ryan Biggins, Ibiza, 512 penalties.................................4 points.

20th overall & 10th in class 1. Alex McConnell, Fiesta, 531 penalties...........................3 points.

21st overall & 11th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 532 penalties...................................2 points.

22nd overall & 3rd in class 2. Shaun McKinnon, Fiesta, 547 penalties........................10 points.

23rd overall & 12th in class 1. Graham McConnell, Fiesta, 592 penalties......................1 point.

Where two drivers` overall times are identical, `Fastest First ` rule applies.

With the bright weather enjoyed for this event, we hope its a good omen for the rest of the year, as while it was a bit cool, no rain fell all day. This was more than lucky, as while I type this a day later, it`s dull, overcast and totally hissing down. A healthy twenty-three entries took part, some of them newcomers and while the four distinctly different tests stretched their memories, it was noticeable that some of the cars with passengers (navigators) were the most guilty for taking wrong direction penalties!!!. Warren Gillespie`s Mini (currently going through a total revamp) wasn`t available, so he went shotgun for junior driver Ross Carson who seemed to benefit from the club champ`s influence by taking a fine seventh overall.

It was therefore left to Wullie Keaning and Gordon Clendinning to battle it out at the the front, only nine seconds separating them after over six minutes of driving. Joe Hunt took the MG ZR by the horns and on a surface that suits the MG, drove tidily for third. David Sloan Senior has made a full comeback to a sport he left a long time ago and has lost none of his enthusiasm, flinging the Mk 4 Escort around, only one second ahead of a speedy Simon Dowden, who was sharing the Clendinning Nova.

Callum Anderson was top junior on the day, the slowly disintegrating 205 taking him round just seven seconds ahead of Ross Carson and nine seconds ahead of the third junior overall, 8th placed Greg McKnight in the McKnight Motorsport Nova. Andrew Fry was three wheeling his lightweight rally Polo around the tight gates for 9th while Danny Pattie continued his quickening progress in the Pattie family Mini for 10th, while brother Drew paid the penalty on more than one occasion of not learning the course before he set off, taking 21st as a result.

Craig Nelson was careful not to be given `team orders` from cousin Wullie in the shared Nova, finishing well behind Wullie in 11th place. Nicky Bardsley was only one of a good few who `WD`d, spoiling an otherwise impressive second ever autotest for him, Ross Anderson next up in 13th, getting quicker and ever closer to the day when wee brother Callum bans him from taking part in his 205. Niall Cowan Jnr enjoyed the tail happy antics of his MG ZR , taking 14th followed by Alan Henderson who made one of his very rare appearances inside a competing car, taking 15th and quite a bit of slagging from his fellow committee members. Twins Scott and David Sloan Junior did what you`d expect and finished on exactly the same second, the pair only separated by a faster time set early on by Scott.

Gary Gillespie has the disadvantage of being penalised for having a Limited Slip Diff but is nonetheless the most admired driver at autotests, as he slides the Mk II`s back end out on every turn, much to the entertainment of the crowd, taking 18th this time out. Ryan Biggins` Ibiza seemed to have an intermittent misfire which reduced it to a crawl in places, although we all spotted that the handbrake now works - bonus!.

Alex McConnell & son Graham deserved the `Spirit of the Autotest` award (if we had one) as Alex managed to connect quite solidly with the notoriuos `big green box` early on, breaking a front wishbone on the Fiesta. Most folk would have gone home at this point but not the Wamphray Posse, they shot across town, bought a new wishbone, fitted it and carried on to finish, even though they were well down the order.

Shaun McKinnon, the tenth junior on this event, was out on only his second autotest, thanks mostly to Roy Kerr who transported the Fiesta that Shaun shared with Ross Carson, to the venue, Shaun getting 10 points for his efforts.

Thanks to James Jones & Sons for the use of the yard, the Forestry Commission for use of the access road, to Colin Marshall, Doug Taylor, Derek Kirkpatrick, Mike Hodgson, and David Crosbie for marshalling and also to Ian Crosbie for results and Alan Henderson for help in `setting up`. Roland Proudlock.

Report dated 21/02/08.

How Old ?.

GP is 50 today. Happy Birthday Gordon !!!!

Report dated 19/02/08.

Snowman & North West Stages.

Two club crews were out in the stages last Saturday, with both the Snowman in Inverness and the North West Stages in Blackpool attracting big entries and managing to freeze the chukkies off most marshals, as it was frankly - Baltic - the length and breadth of Britain.

Even though it`s called the Snowman Rally, this first event of the Scottish Championship rarely sees enough white stuff to live up to its once fearsome reputation as a slippery affair where just getting into the stages used to be a bonus. David Bogie and Kevin Rae were at number two, David feeling quietly confident, following his test session in the Oakbank Services sponsored Corolla WRC the week before. He himself was tested immediately though, a puncture early in the first stage costing him the best part of a minute, meaning he was playing catch-up for the rest of the day. A handful of fastest stage times followed, showing his real potential in this car and an ominous sign for all the other hopefuls this year who, if they are honest, see David as the one to beat.

The pair hoped to grab some time back on the last stage to take third, caning the Corolla and everyone else but an overly generous bogey time meant that he and a handful of other drivers were all given the same time even though he was a country mile faster than anyone else. (Oh for a couple of chicanes!) David and Kevin took fourth and having opened their account, will be hoping that this result is one to be dropped at the end of the year as not all scores count in this championship.

There`s still no announcement about David`s other championship aspirations for 2008, as despite having plenty of permutations and a handful of cars available to him, he and Dad John are weighing up the best options. More later.

Duncan Wardrop and Ian Crosbie took the DW Construction Evo 3 to Blackpool for the Legend Fires NW Stages. This was more of a testing mission than a serious event for them, as they plan to do the Beatsons Border Tarmac Championship in 2008, the first round being Charterhall in a few weeks time. Dunc had just had a new Dog Box fitted to the car, not to mention the new paint job, so they were looking forward to big improvements - and got them!.

They immediately found that the car was changing gear quicker and this meant that their progress through the stages was much more to their liking. This is a tough event, with 80 stage miles over 26 stages and 120 road miles, stretching the day beyond the normal limits and this was to work against the pair in a most unexpected way.

They had a small `indiscretion` in one stage, where they went the wrong way on a stage split, the penalty dropping them from 18th to 23rd and this was how they thought they had finished when they set off for home at around 9.00pm having first checked the provisional results. On arriving home at midnight, Bing checked the results before going to bed, only to find that they had been dropped to 37th!!!!!. On his telephone call to the Clerk of the Course on Sunday morning, Bing discovered that they had been awarded a `wrong direction` penalty on a late stage along Blackpool Prom (difficult to achieve really, since the prom is straight!).

The COC went off to check why they had been given the penalty, only to discover that this was a mistake by the results team but since the results had been declared final at 11.45 pm the night before, there was "nothing he could do". (Here`s a suggestion - get a new results team for next year.)

Anyhoo, its off to Duns in a few weeks time, with a very encouraging test session under the guys` belts.

Report dated 18/02/08.

Solway Car Club 12 Car, 14/02/08.

SOSCC Results only:

Experts:

Iain Haining / Isobel Riddick, 68 penalties..................12 points to Iain.

Wullie Ross / Mark Simpson, 356 penalties.................11 points to Wullie & 12 to Mark.

Novices:

Gary Gillespie / Warren Gillespie, 66 penalties.............10 points to Gary & 11 to Warren.

Liam Harkness / Wullie Keaning, 78 penalties...............10 points to Wullie.

Anna McKeown / David McKeown, 155 penalties..............9 points to Anna & 9 to David.

Mark Paterson / Derek McCrae, 354 penalties................8 points to Mark & 8 to Derek.

Points only awarded to SOSCC members.

Report dated 12/02/08.

12 Car Navigational Training.

In response to requests, two days before our 12 Car Rally scheduled to take place on February 27th is an evening`s navigational training, organised by Mark Simpson. All interested parties should turn up for start time of 7.30. See `Events Calendar` page for the details.

Report dated 07/02/08.

Colin McRae Tribute Evening, 04/02/08.

A brilliant response to this charity event saw 49 kindred spirits, made up of members, friends and guests, assemble at the Robert Burns Centre on Monday evening for 2 hours of nostalgia and top quality sound, (particularly with the in-car footage of Colin McRae in his 6R4 in Ireland, during which no-one slept !). The best news is that just under £300 was raised for the three charities supported by the Jerviswood Trust and as this was purely a charity event, this will be forwarded to them in full. Thanks to all who turned up and were generous with their donations put in the collection box on the night. Thanks also to Paul Whyte for the use of his CDs but particular thanks to Bob Sloan, who devised and ran the event.

Report dated 03/02/08.

Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation of Awards, 02/02/08.

Yet again, another annual Dinner Dance is over and I believe the general consensus is it was a great night and very entertaining for the 90 plus members, friends and guests in attandance. There is no doubt about it, if the meal is good, the rest of the night goes well and the Woodland House Hotel and its staff did us proud, everyone enjoying the tasty courses prepared for us.

Some folk deserve special thanks, so here goes:-

Thanks to Bob Sloan who yet again ensured that tickets for the `do` were well distributed, then collected all the cash, (most of it on the night, wen he was trying to enjoy himself) and then worked out the seating plan, which is always very difficult when so many are attending and most have strong preferences who they wish to sit with.

Paul Whyte did his usual sterling job of rounding up all the big shiny trophies and shields and getting them engraved on time, plus getting all the glass awards prepared for the 12 car and autotest class winners. He also has the difficult job of ensuring all of these are handed out in the correct order to the right folk, with an eager and attentive audience looking on. Ian (Bing) Crosbie also deserves a mention for his efforts in arranging the PA system and lights and also coming up with and organising the innovative novelty of having rally DVD projection on the function room wall, as guests were arriving. Tony Currie and Colin Marshall also deserve thanks for assisting me on the day to prepare and decorate the function room.

Guest speaker, Barbara Armstrong, regaled us with the story of her career so far, having driven for manufacturers including VW, Porsche, and Seat to name but a few, with some amusing and sometimes shocking anecdotes that you wouldn`t expect too many after dinner speakers to come out with!. Barbara also presented the awards and drew the raffle, so many thanks to Babs for her participation.

Not every one gets a prize, even though the list below seems exhaustive, so when after the awards were presented Tam Haining posed the tongue in cheek question to me as we stood at the bar "what do you get for winning f*** all for three years ? " the equally lighthearted answer was easy - "f*** all !".

Special mentions were made of the Late Duke of Buccleuch for his support to the club right up to his death last September, Julie Currie our brilliant treasurer who, while she wasn`t able to be present, received a warm round of applause for her efforts in a busy year where baby Molly has added to her busy routine. Oakbank Services, Buccleuch Estates, Ciceley Commercials and DW Construction were all thanked for their support on the Autumn Stages Rally, particularly John Bogie, without whose support in having his team prepare and repair the stages, the rally would struggle financially.

Extra awards other than those listed below were presented on the night, including the Forestry Commission`s `Woodchopper with the biggest chopper` award (an axe), which went to Chris McKnight, the Dumfries Builders Federation`s cowboy outfit award (a cowboy hat and a bandana) which went to Duncan Wardrop. The Dumfries Constabulary `Top Gun` award, (a cap gun), went to (firearms instructor) Paul Whyte and the `Chief CoC` award (a chicken hat) went to Ian (Bing) Crosbie for qualifying as a Clerk of the Course. Hopefully all of these awards will be treasured for years to come!

If I think of anything or anyone that should be added to this report I`ll add it later. Meantime , thanks to all who attended. Roland Proudlock.

Here`s the List of Award Winners, all of whom had a Trophy to collect.

(check `The Rules` page for definitions):-

Autotest Class winners:

Class 1. 1st, Warren Gillespie, 2nd, Wullie Keaning, 3rd, Craig Nelson.

Class 2. 1st, John Kerr, 2nd, Callum Anderson, 3rd, Chris McKnight.

Class 5. 1st, Joe Hunt, 2nd, Gary Gillespie, 3rd Niall Cowan Junior.

12 Car Novice Drivers. Ist, Liam Paterson, 2nd, David Bogie, 3rd, Liam Harkness.

12 Car Novice Navigators. 1st, John Warrick, 2nd, Mark Proudlock, 3rd, Wullie Keaning.

12 Car Non-Expert Driver. 1st, Warren Gillespie.

12 Car Non-Expert Navigator. 1st, Gary Gillespie.

12 Car Expert Driver. 1st, Iain Haining, 2nd, David Paterson, 3rd, Gordon Paterson.

12 Car Expert Navigator. 1st, Mark paterson, 2nd, Anna Mckeown, 3rd, Gordon Paterson.

Vauxhall Trophy - Wullie Keaning.

British Leyland Trophy - Warren Gillespie.

Ford Trophy - John Kerr.

Scavenger Hunt Trophy - Garde Murray.

Autumn Stages 4WD winner - Billy McLelland.

Ace of Clubs Trophy - Duncan Wardrop & Ian Crosbie.

Fun Karting Challenge Trophy - Gary Gillespie.

Top Gear Trophy - David Bogie.

John Bogie Trophy - David Paterson.

Southern Garage, Buccleuch, and AK Stephenson Trophies - David Bogie & David Paterson.

Embassy Trophy - Steven Hogg & Phil Shortt.

Good Companion Trophy - James (Peem) Stenton.

Wreckers Trophy - Billy McLelland.

Marshals Trophy - Douglas Taylor, Mike Hodgson & Derek Kirkpatrick.

Jim Clark Trophy - David Hughes and Chuck Blair.

Francis Dundas Trophy - Callum Anderson.

Ladies Champion - Anna McKeown.

George Myatt Junior Trophy - Greg McKnight.

Queensberry Trophy (Club Champion) - Warren Gillespie.

If you have a silver trophy or plaque that you collected last year, please return it to Paul Whyte now for engraving.

Report updated 30/01/08.

Tar Autotest. Oakbank. 20/01/08.

Results:-

1st overall & 1st in class 1. Warren Gillespie, Mini, 426 penalties......................................12 points.

2nd overall & 1st in class 5. Gordon Clendinning, Nova, 464 penalties...............................12 points.

3rd overall & 2nd in class 1. Wullie Keaning, Nova, 473 penalties......................................11 points.

4th overall & 2nd in class 5. Chris McKnight, Nova, 489 penalties......................................11 points.

5th overall & 3rd in class 5. Roland Proudlock, Mini, 496 penalties....................................10 points.

6th overall & 4th in class 5. Greg McKnight, Nova, 503 penalties.........................................9 points.

7th overall & 3rd in class 1. Craig Nelson, Nova, 506 penalties..........................................10 points.

8th overall & 5th in class 5. Joe Hunt, MG ZR, 515 penalties..............................................8 points.

9th overall & 4th in class 1. Callum Anderson, 205, 520 penalties......................................9 points.

10th overall & 5th in class 1. Drew Pattie, Mini, 521 penalties............................................8 points.

11th overall & 6th in class 5. Nicky Bardsley, Nova, 538 penalties.......................................7 points.

12th overall & 6th in class 1. David Sloan Snr, Escort, 547 penalties...................................7 points.

13th overall & 7th in class 5. Ian Wright, Civic, 559 penalties............................................6 points.

14th overall & 8th in class 5. Gary Gillespie, Escort II, 569 penalties...(inc 10% for LSD).......5 points.

15th overall & 9th in class 5. Niall Cowan Jnr, MG ZR, 580 penalties...................................4 points.

16th overall & 7th in class 1. Danny Pattie, Mini, 611 penalties..........................................6 points.

17th overall & 8th in class 1. Ryan Biggins, Ibiza, 655 penalties........................................5 points.

18th overall & 9th in class 1. David Sloan Jnr, Escort III, 738 penalties...............................4 points.

19th overall & 10th in class 1. Stuart Hayton, Metro, 768 penalties.....................................3 points.

20th overall & 11th in class 1. Scott Sloan, Escort III, 814 penalties...................................2 points.

21st overall & DNF in class 1. Ross Anderson, 205............................................................1 point.

Juniors:-

1st = Greg McKnight, 9 points.

1st = Callum Anderson, 9 points.

3rd Drew Pattie, 8 points.

4th Danny Pattie, 7 points.

5th Ryan Biggins, 6 points.

6th David Sloan Jnr, 5 points.

7th = Niall Cowan Jnr, 4 points.

7th = Stuart Hayton, 3 points.

9th Scott Sloan, 2 points.

Despite the cold, everyone was grateful that the promised rain held off, allowing Clerk of the Course Bob Sloan to make full use of both the main yard at Oakbank and the newly completed part of the new trailer park atop the hill. As is now a tradition in the SOSCC, the first autotest of the year is preceeded by a training session for novices, juniors and anyone else that feels they need a refresher and this was well attended, all the juniors getting some tuition prior to the main event of the day, although a couple of unintentional attempts by one junior to run over a senior official of the club while attempting a `J` turn, caused great amusement among the watching crowd !. No names mentioned.

Before the start, while demonstrating handbrake tuns, I lost my gears due to a broken pin in the gear selection mechanism and it was only due to the generosity and ingenuity of Warren Gillespie who made running repairs, that I was able to take part. Thanks Warren!

Two newcomers were in attendance at this event. Nicky Bardsley had laid his hands on a Nova with a 2 Litre engine shoe-horned into the engine bay and was certainly threatening to get near to the pace, only lacking in experience on some of the tricks of the trade which will surely follow. Just turned fourteen was yet another new junior member, Stuart Hayton who, egged on by Dad David (known to most of us as `Peggy`) managed to get plenty of wheelspin on the turns and while he was lower down the results, I cant see that lasting for long, once he gets the grasp of memorising the tests to keep the fluency going.

Among the juniors, Greg McKnight and Callum Anderson were only 17 seconds apart which after around eight and a half minutes of competing over a splendid thirteen tests squeezed in before darkness, would suggest that the Junior title will again be hard fought for in 2008. Talking about keeping battles running, that well known double act, Warren and Wullie kicked off 2008 as they ended 2007, Wullie suffering a bit from a few penalties on `stop astrides` and a cone or two. Gordon Clendinning made his presence felt, splitting this two with some neat driving in his Nova, even though he was feeling the effects of his efforts toward the end of the day.

Chris McKnight was as usual sharing the McKnight Motorsport Nova with Greg and hovering close to the top three positions throughout. One thing that we all wondered was whether or not the Nova had had its promised engine repair over the Christmas period, as it still sounded a litle rattly as it made its way around the tests. Just behind Chris, I was enjoying left-handers where the handbrake worked, while right handers were another matter. I was also dissappointed to find out that what I thought was massive wheelspin was a slipping clutch, - yet another part needing attention on the Min-bin !.

Craig Nelson, is a quiet big guy who just gets on with his Sunday afternoon`s business but behind the quiet exterior is a bloke who`s gradually getting quicker. As he shares Wullie Keaning`s Nova, Wullie jokingly suggested that `team orders` might come into play if he doesnt behave himself!. (Was he joking?) The Kirkton Sloans were again out in force with Dad David, David Junior and twin brother Scott all sharing the Escort. Having missed out on his autotesting for some years, Father David again seemed to be enjoying the sport, while also having to coach his boys in a car that will surely always need to be kept in good condition as on this event alone, it completed just short of 23 mninutes of tests between the three of them!.

Like many modern cars, Ryan Biggins` big Seat doesnt have a good handbrake and despite blowing the rear tyres up to over 65 pounds to encourage slides, it really doesnt want to. Despite this, Ryan plugged away and I suspect that he will enjoy the more open spaces like Jones` Yard and the grass tests run during the summer. Ian Wright seems to have an endless supply of Civics and this latest one certainly had the grunt but perhaps not the handbrake to seriously challenge for the front places. Just behind him in the results due to the 10% penalty for his Escort`s Limited Slip Diff, was Gary Gillespie, who first put a smile on his own face and then later on the onlookers, tail sliding it all over the place now that he`s getting used to the handling. I suspect the LSD will really come into its own on the grass tests now that he`s got the tail hanging out but the debate about whether or not a 10% penalty is too harsh, rumbles on and surely needs to be resolved at the earliest opportunity.

Joe Hunt and Niall Cowan Jnr were as usual sharing the MG ZR which doesn`t revel at this venue as much as it does at other sites. However Joe was only 15 seconds off the top five while Niall opened his 2008 account, with some handy points for the Junior Championship. Drew and Danny Pattie were again having a private battle in the family Mini which, each time it appears, seems to be getting better prepared and hopefully they and all the other newer juniors, will be encouraged that they are gaining speed, the more events they do. Mysteriously Ross Anderson, Callum`s big brother, retired before the end having gone quite well in the shared 205 athough Callum continued, Ross still getting a point just for competing.

Many thanks again to John Bogie for providing access to both sites, which we appreciate involves moving an awful lot of machinery out of the way. Also thanks to Bob Sloan for running the show, while also assisting were Paul Whyte, Colin Marshall, David Pinkerton, Mark Simpson and Gary Gillespie.

Roly P.

Webmaster : Roland (Roly P) Proudlock. E.mail roland.proudlock@btconnect.com