16 replies to this topic

[Jim_Jam]

The Northumberland Borders Rally takes place on the 20th of March.

Its a navigation rally (consisting exclusively of classic minis) with amateur and experienced classes. With a bit of luck this will be my first year participating in the amateur class.
I'm just spreading the word to see if anyone would be interested as some places could be in jeopardy if there are not enough entrants.

Here's a link to the site. It looks great fun!

Think about it peeps!

-Jamie

[Jim_Jam]

bump

[Jordie]

Sounds good but I havent got a car on the road at the moment.

ps. did i see you coming out of the shell garage at blaydon around half past 3 one afternoon this week?

Jordie

[Jim_Jam]

Very likely! Thats pretty much the only place I go for fuel unless I'm on a trip.

[Jordie]

I was going to post the other night but forgot as usual.

Jordie

[The-Womble]

I'd really fancy doing something like this! Got a couple of questions though (if you know the answers to them!);

Can anyone apply for it or is it restricted to a particular club?
Can I drive the car even though I'll still be on a provisional at the time (as long as theres a 3+ year license holder in the car obviously)?
and, What happens if you break down!?.....not that this is likely...

Id need to find a co-driver too!

Cheers, Chris

[Jim_Jam]

You need to be a member of a club affiliated with the british motorsport association.

I'm in a mini club but I was told the only mini club which fits the bill is the mini cooper register. I joined a local 'motorsport' club to make me eligeable, you would need to do the same, don't worry though, theres very little formality involved and it makes all sorts of rallys/event accesible to you.

I'm not sure about you being on a provisional! Give 'Dave Ross' a ring (his details are all on the site I refrenced in my first post), he is one of the people organising it, hes a nice bloke, easy to talk to. I think the main thing that this would affect would be the rally insurance. Each participant pays a little (about £30) to sign up for the rally and this includes blanket rally insurance (tpft). You would need to check with Dave that it would be valid withought you having a full liscence.

With you having not done it before you would be entering the amateur 12 car class, for which an MOT certificate is required, but your car will not undergoe any tests as it would with more experienced classes. If your car broke down you would be in the same boat as you would any other time. It would be up to you to fix/recover your vehicle. I'd imagine unless it's a quick fix it would pretty much put you out of the runnings. The organisers may be willing to lend a hand when not busy/after the rally has finished though I can't confirm this as this will be my first rally! Again, something to ask Dave if it is of concern.

Hope this was of help- Jamie

[The-Womble]

Thanks a lot mate, I'll make sure to get in contact!

You couldn't tell me which club you joined could you?

Thanks for your help!
Chris

edit: also, it's not 'closed road' is it?

Edited by The-Womble, 06 March 2010 - 06:07 PM.

[Jim_Jam]

No it itsn't, it takes place on the public highway, (though alot will be on out of the way country roads) its not a race per-say, its about making check points on time and most importantly navigating effectivley in the dark withought loosing time. your normal insurance will still be invalid though I think which is why cover is provided.

I havn't joined yet but I will be joining either Hexham or Whickham motorsport club.

-Jamie

[The-Womble]

Ok cool, thanks for clearing that up I've dropped Dave Ross an email so I'll let you know of the reply.

Chris

[The-Womble]

Ah....Just read the rules and regulations. Seems to me like I can apply, but will need to sign a declaration of some description (page 6). OOooooh I'm a bit excited now

[Jim_Jam]

haha, hope to see you there buddy!

[The-Womble]

Good news

Wasn't going to be allowed to participate under a provisional license, and with my practical not until April sometime I wasn't going to be able to apply, so I phoned the DSA and turns out they have a cancellation slot this thursday which I accepted
so, if all goes to plan, I should be attending!!

HOORAH

[Jim_Jam]

haha what a belta!!!!



just make sure you pass bro. Remeber, examiners are impressed by

A) Innapropriate Jokes

B)Successfull Handbrake turns

C)Grooming (irrespective of gender)

Good Luck man!

[The-Womble]

haha. well i'll be fine then!

Actually, admittedly I've probably slightly ruined my chances already if I get the same examiner as the one I saw today....

Driving out of the DSA Test Centre in the Mini, in front someone out on test, and jokingly my Dad said 'You should give it a full smoking start...show them how it's done'....so I did gave it a boot full....woops! (I'm not a dirty charv...promise! )

Anyway, hope to see you there!