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The spirit of yesteryear is set to be recreated once again when the Roger Albert Clark (R.A.C.) Rally makes not one, but two visits to Croft Circuit near Darlington next weekend.
In a throwback to the halcyon days of seventies and eighties rallying whereby crews were expected to compete in all weathers both day and night, the previous two year's events have been a resounding success and once again the organisers are aiming to recapture the spirit of the era whereby modern, historic, post-historic and classic two wheel drive cars will retrace the wheel-tracks of the legendary routes of the old Lombard RAC Rallies of the past.
Once again the event has attracted a big entry and some of the stars of the past, including ex British Champion Jimmy McRae as a late entry in a Ford Escort. Former British Historic and 2004 National Champion Steve Perez will evoke the memories in his unique Lancia Stratos whilst ex World Sportscar Champion Ray Bellm comes back for more in his Ford Escort.
Local interest in centred around Morton on Swale driver Charlie Taylor in his immaculate Ford Escort BDA - complete with an authentic 1979 ‘Total' colour scheme - whilst Leeming's Glen Workman (Talbot Sunbeam), Darren Grimston from Northallerton and fellow Ford Escort driver Gary Beckwith from Ripon will all be hoping to impress on home ground.
Following on from the Harrogate start on Saturday (18th), Croft will host a service area (15.30) followed by two stages (16.00 and 16.10) after the rigours of a day in the Yorkshire forests. The crews then head off towards the Lake District, Southern Scotland and Keilder Forest before returning to Croft on Monday afternoon (20th) for the final service area (14.40) of the three-day rally prior to the last two stages (15.10 and 15.26) prior to the Harrogate finish.
Catering and toilets will be available at Croft throughout the two visits and admission will cost £10.00 per car on both days. Further information can be obtained from Claire Jones at Croft Circuit on 01325 721815.
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