Hurrah! It’s back to normal again –I’ve got my life back from the Kent! Don’t get the impression that running a road rally is hard work – it’s not an impression, it’s real! Nonetheless the effort was worth it, we had a reasonable entry which closed on time and the navigation all worked without being tricky. We had a proper result with the top crews separated by one or two minutes and only one car failed to finish. Apart from one hiccup and one violent resident (I’ve spoken to the Police) it all went well – thanks to all of you who helped. We also had success from our competitors with Alan Sayers coming a very creditable second dropping only two minutes and Mick and Chris Rose coming sixth overall and winning the novice class on 0 fails and 43 minutes. Jason Mortlock and Bill Smith also finished and found the photographer on route for the first time recently – well done you all.
We could have done with more help on the night as we couldn’t man six TCs, we could have had more volunteers but we needed people who could stay out late, I suppose it’s a sign we’re getting older. The workload before the event is too much for me so next year I’ll be looking for more serious help, so beware if you get a phone call from me. Every year, on the Friday before the event, I say ‘never again’, but by the Sunday night it’s usually changed to ‘well, maybe’ – this time I must learn.
The following weekend saw nine 7Oaks members helping out on the Sunseeker Rally by running three passage controls. The usual bunch from this end, Colin Billings, me, Chris Scudder, Dawsons younger and elder, Daren Hall and Sarah with the welcome assistance of Gordon Franks and from deepest Dorset Keith Lay. Despite the threat of snow etc. we didn’t fare too badly (well I didn’t, I spent most of the time in the car phoning in times) with a few heavy showers and one brief but heavy hailstorm. It was a long day with breakfast at 8.00am in the New Forest finally setting off for home at about 7.00pm, but a good group of people on an enjoyable event.
My season is about to start with the Barum in Devon in mid March. Andy Coshan is doing it with his local driver, Phil Kendall, as they want a stab at the Rally 2002 Road Rally Championship, although I’ve got Andy for the Powerush at least. So I’ve found a navigator from the organising club (North Devon MC) so we’ll see how we get on. This is the first road round of our Rally Championship so, if you want to challenge me, come with me and see Devon without an ice cream and a knotted hanky on your head.
Despite all their hard work on the Kent, two of our manic number are about to entertain you all with a 12-Car on the 8th March starting from Westerham Garage (as did the Kent) and using 187 for a bit of variety – thanks to Chris Scudder. Then on the 13th March Colin Rodger has arranged a Scatter to run from the Bell, Kemsing on map 188. Both will be fun and I’ll be out in one capacity or another on both evenings.  Please join me.
I just love motor cars (or not!) – as I returned from Hertford last Sunday taking back the clocks we’d used, the trusty(?) Astra turned 171,000 miles and promptly expired on the M25/M20 slip road with a busted timing belt (at 80mph so I’ll be lucky to get away with that) so the equally trusty Blue Manta is back in service on a day to day basis. It hadn’t turned a wheel (or received any attention) since it’s sterling performance on the Nightwatchman last November but it seems to be going well – lucky me.

Kent Rally Results:
 

1st	Mike Biss/Cath Woodman	Astra Estate	0F	0M
2nd	Alan Sayers/Bob Stokoe	Fiesta XR2	0F	2M
3rd	Paul Wright/Graham Coker	Escort II	0F	4M
4th	Martin Smith/PRAR	Corolla	0F	6M
5th	Ian Rumbold/Neil Ayling	Rover 25	0F	7M
6th	Mick Rose/Chris Rose	Mini	0F	43M

Clubman
 

1st	Maria McKenzie/Roger McKenzie	Escort	1F	16M
5th	Sam Colins/Oliver North	Golf II	22F	38M
6th	Jason Mortlock/Bill Smith	Escort II	49F	46M

We hoped to man 55 TCs but managed 49 with a total of 48 officials of which 32 were 7oaks members.
The total mileage was 169.1 with two Neutral Sections and one fuel halt. There was about 1.2 miles of white road but the whole route was sealed surface with no need for a sumpguard. 31 crews started and 30 finished.

Well that’s it for another month – don’t forget Rally School 27th March – the Bell, Kemsing – all welcome.

See you in the dark.

Chin