MAIN PAGE 2005
 (ARCHIVE)

 

Dakar Rally 31st December to 15th January. For the first time, the rally has started from Portugal, with 508 teams in the race.  Checkout the website for more info.

 

Keith Duckworth has died aged 72.  Duckworth, who along with friend Mike Costin founded the Cosworth Engineering company in 1958, designed the legendary Cosworth DFV V8 Formula One engine which took 155 race victories making it the most successful engine ever used in the sport.  Cosworth have released an obituary on this remarkable man (051219).

 

Centenary Rockingham Stages 10th/11th December. With results now declared final, Steve Simpson and Mark Booth have won the 2005 Rockingham Stages in their Hyundai Accent WRC.  The winners of this years Oakington Stages were followed home by 2004 winners John Stone and Lee Carter in their MG Metro 6R4 with Tom Morris and Neil Chambers third in another 6R4.  Full results are available at the official event website  www.rockinghamstages.co.uk.

 

Grizedale Stages 4th December:  Congratulations go to Guy Anderson and Dave Taylor who finished 15th overall on this event.

 

Alexander Forbes MSA Club of the Year: Having been nominated by the London Counties Association of Motor Clubs, MCAC has been placed third overall over the whole of the UK.  The MSA's letter specifically notes the level of competitive activity, range of events organised, the Club's charitable work, liaison with the local community and our junior membership programme as being particular strengths.  A PDF of the letter will be uploaded shortly.

 

Richard Burns, world rally champion in 2001, has died at the age of 34.  Surgery back in April had alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and, for a time, enabled him to remain active.  However, in recent days he had lapsed into coma and passed away Friday evening just four years after winning his title.   Our thoughts are with his partner and family. (251105)

 

Roger Albert Clark Rally 2005 Escorts all the way!  Mark Higgins/Peter Martin have won this years event in a Mk1 1600, whilst Stig  Blomqvist/Ana Goni were second in a MkII RS and Jeremy Easson/Alun Cook were third in an RS2000 16V.  MCAC's Graham Samuel and Tony Phillips retired after a roll on stage 16 - in a RS2000 (pictured).  Pictures from Rob Brook. (221105)

 

Rally of Australia:  Francois Duval has won his first WRC event with Harri Rovanpera second and Manfred Stohl third.  Colin McCrae withdrew with clutch problems three stages from the end whilst running in third position.  Sebastien Loeb, Marcus Gronholm and Petter Solberg had all previously retired from the rally. 

 

The South of England Tempest Rally 4th/5th November With a stunning charge in the afternoon, Will Nicholls and co-driver Nick Broom won the Tempest from Rory Galligan/Greg Shinnors and Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop, the most exciting finish to a BRC round for the second consecutive year.  MCAC's Phill Morgan and Martin Douglas won the Clubman's Rally (provisional results from  www.tempestrally.com).  This was the final round of the British Rally Championship organised by Hart/MCAC/Sutton & Cheam.   Left to right, Holly Bailey/Aggie Foster, Polly Patti/Dave Gamblin, Phil Morgan/Martin Douglas, Grameme Williams/Jenny Williams, Simon Rees/Dan Mayo

 

Rally of Spain (Catalunya):  With Sebastian Loeb first and team-mate François Duval second, Citroen's manufacturers title has finally been confirmed.  Privateer Mikko Hirvonen claimed the final podium position.

 

Rally of France (Corsica): It's twelve stage wins from twelve stages for Sebastien Loeb as he celebrates his World Championship with the first ever clean sweep on the way to victory on the Rally of France.  It was also his first win on home soil.   Toni Gardemeister was second and Petter Solberg third.

 

Centenary Hunters Night Trial 15th/16th October.  Our Autumn scatter around Buckinghamshire was won by Paul Brown/Andy Greenland with Karen Vince/Tony Phillips and Andrew Stacey/Rob Brook third - all class winners! Results now available.  The event was organised by Pete, Malc and Kirstin Farmer.

 

We are pleased to announce that, in celebration of the Club's centenary year, we have acquired a silver cup which will be known as the 'Centenary Trophy'.   Although only six inches in diameter, this silverware had no previous engravings and was actually hallmarked in 1905 - the same year that the Club was founded. (111005)

 

Marcus Gronholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen have signed two-year deals with Ford and will make their debut in January in Ford's new Focus RS.

 

Rally of Japan: Sebastian Loeb has won his second WRC title after finishing second in Japan,  Long term leader Petter Solberg hit a rock on the penultimate stage leaving Marcus Gronholm the clear victor with Loeb in second place and Chris Atkinson third. Sebastian Loeb is the fourth man to retain the title after Juha Kankkunen (1986-1987), Tommi Makinen (1996-1999) and Massimo Biasion (1988-1989).

 

 

MSA Release MSA05-041: 29 September 2005: MSA BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP TAKES ITS PLACE IN REVISED UK RALLY STRUCTURE. The Motor Sports Association's Rally Championship Control Panel met this week to award the sport's championship permits for the 2006 season. The MSA's new structure now features a recognisable pyramid of activity culminating in the completely revised British Rally Championship. "It may not look radical on paper," admits Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, "but UK rallying is now in a much better position to move forward. We have established a proper structure throughout the sport and if we can deliver a strong and thriving British Rally Championship at the top end, attracting the best drivers, co-drivers and teams, it will have positive repercussions all the way down to the grassroots."  Contrary to recent speculation, the format of the new British Rally Championship that had been proposed by UK Rally Limited was only determined and approved at this week's Championship Control Panel. In 2006 the emphasis will be on providing competitors with attractive and affordable events. The BRC will feature six rounds, all of international status, offering a combination of gravel and asphalt events and finishing with the prestigious Wales Rally GB in November (subject to FIA World Council ratification of the date of the UK's WRC round). Drivers will count their best five results from the year.  As has been widely reported, entry to the BRC from 2006 will be limited to Group N production and Super 1600 cars only. A proposed six round 'Rallymasters' championship will provide a mix of value for money asphalt and gravel events for World Rally Cars and non-homologated vehicles. The 'Rallymasters' will run alongside the BRC on all events except the Wales Rally GB and the Manx Rally and will augment its calendar with the inclusion of the Rally of Wales and the Tempest Rally.  "There has been much discussion about the merits or otherwise of WRC cars in the BRC," says Colin Hilton. "Having evaluated the proposals very carefully, we feel that the interests of the championship and the competitors will be best served by the adoption of Group N and Super 1600 cars. We believe that providing a level playing field will enable the best talent to rise to the top and assist us in identifying those with most promising ability. "Of course there will still be people who want to watch and compete in WRC machinery and the Masters series will cater for their needs. But the new BRC is designed to develop talent and provide a credible stepping stone for future success on the international stage."  The MSA's revised structure for UK rallying is now complete. At National A level, the MSA Asphalt, MSA Gravel and MSA British Historic Rally Championships will continue to organised by BTRDA, ANCRO and the HRCR respectively.  Below this, at National B level, the English (BTRDA), Scottish (MACHARS), Welsh (WAMC) and Northern Ireland (ANICC) Rally Championships will ensure that excellent opportunities for competitive participation are available across the country.  A chart outlining the new structure is available from MPA Media.

 

Centenary 12-Car Rally 23rd September. Our autumn navigational visit to the Chilterns was won by Ian Young/Rob Searby.  Full results now available.  Thanks go to Andy Greenland and Rob Brook for organising the event.

 

Wales Rally GB: With the rally being curtailed after the tragic accident that took the life of Markko Martin's co-driver Michael Park on Stage 15, the withdrawal of the Peugeot team placed rally leader Sebastien Loeb in a WRC title winning position.  However, the Frenchman declined to take the title under such circumstances and deliberately incurred a two minute time penalty thus demoting himself to third position behind Petter Solberg and François Duval.   

 

Centenary Bomb-Along Stages 11th September. Gerard Moroney and Charlie McEnery have taken victory in their Subaru Impreza WRC.  Rob and Paula Alderman were second in their Ford Escort Mk II with Andy Corner and James Greenwood third in their Peugeot 205GTi.  Final Results and photos now available on the event webpage. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all the marshals, officials and competitors for making this another great Oakington event. Pictured: Gerard Moroney and Charlie McEnery on the Bomb Along.

 

MSA : Inter-active website: Derek Machin of www.silkrallyradio.com advises that the MSA are beginning to develop a 'members area' for all License Holders/Registered Marshals. If you hold a current MSA Membership as a Competitor, Official or Marshal please sign-up as a Member using your current ID number as show on your Licence/Registration Card. This will additionally give you access to The Members' site which is split into sections, Member Services, Member Publications and Officials. 

Member Services : Within Member Services you are able to view and update your Profile, change your password and view your Licence Application Status (both Competitors and Officials)

Member Publications : includes the MSA Yearbooks, for download in a .pdf format.

Officials : includes the listings of Clerks of the Course, Scrutineers and Timekeepers

If you are interested, please visit www.msauk.org.  On the left hand side, below the MSA & FIA logo's you'll see "login" and "Password".  Obviously you probably won't have these, however below you'll need to click "Forgot Password".  This opens another screen where you'll need to input your date of birth and email address, before submitting. If the MSA already have your details 'on file' you'll then get an acknowledgement email confirming your details, MSA number and password.  You might also be interested in visiting http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentViewArticle.asp?article=2385, though this will no doubt be expanded in due course.

 

Rally of Germany: Sebastien Loeb is within reach of his second WRC title after dominating in Germany.  Citroen team-mate François Duval took second spot with Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm third. 

 

Centenary Foto JenIC Fun Run and BBQ 14th August. Despite packing the aqualungs, the showers ceased just as the BBQ was being lit.  A healthy field started the event which was won by Rob Brook/Tom Ryan with Pete/Kirstin Farmer second and Mike/Lara Cawthra third.  Full results now available.  Thanks go to Max for the organising the event.

 

Rally of Finland: Marcus Gronholm has broken Sebastien Loeb's run of consecutive victories with a decisive win in Finland.   Loeb was second with Markko Martin third.

 

Conister Trust Manx Historic Rally: Graham Samuel and Tony Phillips achieved a very creditable second in class in their Ford Escort RS. Follow the link for their report and a selection of photos by Mike Hally.

 

 

 

Centenary Uxbridge Autoshow Autotest.  Michael Weeks (National B) and Jamie Yapp  (PCA) took the honours in this year's event which was shortened after large dust clouds were created in the dry conditions.  Our apologies to anyone who was affected.   Pictures on the event webpage and results now available.

 

Rally of Argentina: Sebastien Loeb has extended his record winning sequence to six events by taking victory in Argentina by 26.1 seconds.  Marcus Gronholm came in second with Petter Solberg third.  For those with an understanding of Spanish, we are told that the Argentinean website www.revelados.com.ar is worth a look.

 

US Grand Prix: The seven teams that failed to start the recent US Grand Prix have been found guilty on two of the five charges that they faced at a hearing in Paris.  The teams were found guilty of failing to ensure they had suitable tyres and wrongfully refusing to start the race. It seems to me that if the FIA have found the teams guilty of failing to ensure that they had suitable tyres for the US Grand Prix then it follows that the FIA have acknowledged that the teams were unable to take the start of the race for the same reason. Surely the first offence clears them of the second!

 

Acropolis Rally:  The final leader board after all 19 events shows that Sebastien Loeb has secured his fifth successive victory ahead of Toni Gardemeister and Carlos Sainz. 

 

Rally of Turkey: Sebastien Loeb has taken victory in the event with a margin of 59.6 seconds over Petter Solberg.  Marcus Gronholm was third a further 15.7 seconds back.  

 

Barbados Rally 2005 22nd to 29th May Robin Bradford's report giving winner's details has now been posted to accompany Rob Brook's scribe.  Rob and father John picked up a couple of trophies each in Barbados.  Official site is Barbados Rally Carnival

 

Centenary Nurburgring Trip 13th/16th May: Read Andrew Stacey's report on his visit to the Nurburgring together with a selection of photographs showing some of the machinery and atmosphere around the place.

 

Rally of Cyprus: Having achieved fastest times in 14 of the 18 stages, Sebastien Loeb took overall victory in the event with the privately-run Citroen of Manfred Stohl second and Peugeot's Markko Martin third. 

 

DEFRA NEWS RELEASE SINGLE PAYMENT - UPDATED GUIDANCE ON NON-AGRICULTURAL LAND USE 13 May 2005: Announcing a revision today to the rules governing the use of agricultural land for motor sports during the 10-month qualifying period under the Single Payment Scheme, Lord Bach, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, said: "Defra received a number of representations from motor sport interests following the issue of new guidance on 29 March. Having considered these, I am happy to announce the publication of updated guidance which now provides for motor sports to take place on up to 28 days during farmers' 10-month eligibility period on land used in support of 2005 Single Payment claims. Guidance for 2006 and beyond will be reviewed in the light of experience of this first year of the Single Payment Scheme. " http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/050513a.htm

 

At the meeting on 9th May, the Council were informed that Tom Ryan had decided not to accept the nomination of Chairman due to his increasing business commitments. The Council elected Kathleen Dawson to the Chair who then paid tribute to the outstanding work that Tom had done for the Club in the 13 years he has spent as Chairman. This was endorsed by everyone present who were also delighted to know that Tom was still going to be a member of the Council, and play as active a role in the running of the Club as his commitments permit.

 

Centenary 'May Bee' 12-Car Rally 6th May. Rob Brook's latest 12-Car Navigational Rally was won by Nat West's Ray Johnson-Wood and Tony Brooks from a 7 car entry.     Full results now available.

 

Rally of Italy: Sebastien Loeb has taken both victory in the event and with it the overall lead in the world championship.  Petter Solberg was second with Marcus Gronholm third after rolling his car on Friday.

 

Centenary Middlesex Autocross 17th April. Pete Johson won the Oakington event in his Peugeot 205 with Polli Patti second and Richard Warne third, both in Escorts.  Full results now available.

 

MSA PRESS RELEASE: MSA tackles DEFRA threat to UK motor sport. The Motor Sports Association has vowed to fight all the way to Brussels to safeguard the future of nearly 50 percent of its sanctioned motor sport events after the government decided to stop subsidies to farmers who allow part of their land to be used, even temporarily, for any form of motor sport. The MSA has joined forces with the governing body of motor cycle racing (ACU) and other affected parties to challenge the Government's decision, channelling its efforts through the Land Access & Recreation Association (LARA) of which the MSA is a founding member and major funder.  The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) replaces the Common Agricultural Policy and now pays farmers for the land they own, not what they produce. The European Directive on agricultural subsidies does not prohibit motor sports on land eligible for SPS. However, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has taken the decision, without consultation, to stop these payments to UK landowners if agricultural land is used, even temporarily, for motor sport.  Activities that will be particularly impacted are autograss, autocross, sporting trials, production car trials, 4x4 events and some rallies.  "We believe the current guidance from DEFRA to landowners is incorrect, is inconsistent with EU policy and fundamentally threatens the future of motor sport in this country. The MSA is a founding member and substantial funder of LARA and it is entirely appropriate that the concerted response of all interested parties to this threat is channelled through LARA. We hope to have a successful conclusion to our urgent dialogue with DEFRA, but should the need arise we are prepared to pursue this issue further," said Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association. Release MSA05-025: 20 April 2005.

 

Rally of New Zealand: Sebastien Loeb has taken victory in the event by 49.8 secs from Marcus Gronholm with Petter Solberg completing the podium.

 

Centenary Brakefast Autotest 20th March.   Mike Biss won the Centenary Brakefast Autotests in his Nova special.  Report and Results  available on the Autotest event page.

 

Rally of Mexico:  Petter Solberg has won the rally with Marcus Gronholm second and Markko Martin third. 

 

Centenary March Madness 12-Car Rally 4th March was won by John Roseblade/Tom Ryan.  Results now available.

 

Centenary Valentine Scatter 19th/20th February:  Ian Young and Rob Searby have won this years event from a field of 10 entries.  Results now available for download.

 

Rally of Sweden: Petter Solberg has taken victory in this years event after his main rivals, Marcus Gronholm (accident) and Sebastien Loeb (engine), both retired.  Markko Martin took second with Toni Gardemeister third. 

 

Centenary Oakington Stages 6th February: Steve Simpson/Mark Booth, in a Hyundai Accent WRC, have won the first of our Centenary events held at Oakington with a time of 1:07:22.  Second was Guy Wigley/Mark Burton (Peugeot 306 Maxi Evo II - 1:09:55) and third was Dennis Marshall/Mark James (MG metro - 1:10:17).  See vent page for results and photos. The organisers would like to congratulate the winners and thank all competitors, marshals and officials for their help in running the event. Pictured: Steve Simpson and Mark Booth at Oakington.

 

 

The Club's Centenary Dinner and Awards Evening, with guest speaker Stuart turner, took place on the evening of Saturday 29th January at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall (pictured). Photos are now available on the Awards 2005 page.   For the record, Best Newcomer award went to Jon Senior, the Poxon Award to Rob Brook, the Bengt Armco Award to John Gibson and the President's Award to a most deserving Christine Poxon.  Congratulations go to these and all other award winners together with Kathleen Dawson and everyone involved in the organisation of the evening.

 

 

Monte Carlo Rally: Sebastien Loeb has taken a third successive victory after maintaining his advantage throughout the final day.  With Marcus Gronholm losing a wheel, Toni Gardemeister and Gilles Panizzi secured second and third places. 

 

At Friday's British Rally Championship Awards in Birmingham, The South of England Tempest Rally was nominated as one of the Top 3 BRC events of the year alongside The Manx International (the eventual winner) and The Scottish International. Congratulations go to everyone involved with the rally.

 

Dakar Rally: Stephane Peterhansel has retained his Dakar Rally crown after finishing over 27 minutes ahead of compatriot Luc Alphand.  Jutta Kleinschmidt was third position overall, Giniel de Villiers fourth and Bruno Saby, who won the final stage, fifth. 

 

Our friends at Digital Motor Sport have sent through a selection of photos from December's Rockingham event.

 

Welcome to the Club's Centenary Year.  The Centenary Committee,  Kathleen Dawson, Kevin Dawson, Mike Hurst, Adrian L'Estrange and Tom Ryan have spent many an hour researching and planning for the Centenary.   Without doubt the initial emphasis of the Club's Celebrations will be centred around the Centenary Dinner/Awards Evening which is being held on Saturday January 29th at The RAC Club in Pall Mall.  This will be a prestigious event in the buildings where the Club's monthly Council meetings were once held - that was until a lady member was elected to Council and the then strict rules of a 'gentleman's club' meant that an alternative venue was required.  Stuart Turner will be Guest Speaker and there will be a display of MCAC memorabilia so attendees can be assured of an event to remember.  We hope to bring you photographs of the event shortly afterwards on the Club's Centenary web page which has now been published.  Although the site will be under development throughout the year, there are a number of interesting items to peruse including an enhanced version of the 1970 RAC Rally report published last year in the Middlesex Magazine.  A similar report on the 1971 RAC Rally will shortly appear here both here on the website and in the magazine.  

 

 

(ARCHIVE)