In brief, October 2009
The 2010 New Zealand Silver Fern Rally will run from November 14-20, starting in Christchurch and covering 650 stage miles. The later date is designed to fit in with historic race meetings, while to encourage more European entries the rally will feature historic classes as well as categories for modern two-wheel-drive cars.
The Classic Rally Association has unveiled a full calendar for 2010, topped by the Classic Marathon (June 19-25) and the Rally of the Tests (November 1-6). The season starts with the 20th Winter Challenge on January 31, which returns after a two-year break. New events include a rally on the Isle of Man in March and September’s Mountain Challenge.
Amanda Hadfield, wife of historic racer Simon, made her race debut in the Historic Formula Ford 1600 event at Mallory Park in August. Amanda drove a Merlyn Mk20 from Simon’s stable, but was denied a result when the race was abandoned due to accidents (see p104). “I’ve always fancied having a go and I might do a few more races,” she said.
The Ford Sierra RS500 driven by Manuel Reuter to second in the 1987 German Touring Car Championship returned to the track for the first time in two decades when Ted Williams raced it in the David Leslie Memorial event at the Silverstone Classic. Williams has owned the car for 15 years.
Bobby Rahal raced his new Chevron B16 continuation car to fifth place in the World Sportscar Masters race at the Silverstone Classic. The car, from Kelvin Jones at Chevron Cars Ltd, was finished two days before the event.
The Kop Hill Climb on September 26/27 has confirmed an entry of 200 historic cars, including a 1921 A3 Aston Martin and a 1922 Cubitt. Paddy Hopkirk will open the hill at 10am and entry is £5. For details go to www.kophillclimb.org.uk
The Caravelle Mk2 Formula Junior had its first race since 1961 when Callum Macleod drove it at Rockingham in July. Car owner Roger Utley was hurt in a crash at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday ’61, and the car hadn’t raced since. It was rebuilt by Mike O’Brien’s Speedsport team.