Ford's second and third in rally
Last updated 09:02, Friday, 23 May 2008
On the latest round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Rally D’Italia, the M-Sport prepared and run BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team brought yet more glory to Cockermouth as Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen were second in a Ford Focus RS WRC with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila were third in a similar car.
The performance maintained Ford's seven-point lead in the manufacturer’s title race as there were four Fords in the top ten with Gigi Galli/Giovanni Bernacchi in the Stobart Focus claiming an impressive 4th and Solber/Menkerud 7th.
Matthew Wilson with Scotby’s Scott Martin had set up woes and then brake problems which knocked Matt’s confidence until the problem was rectified and he came home 12th.
However, the World Champion, Seb Loeb, was back on form and romped home 1st in his Citroen to gnaw away at Hirvonen’s slender driver’s championship lead of three points.
For those of us who have lived through oil crises before and had our motorsport severely restricted, a note of warning to all those who are involved in organising events because it will be enthusiasts who will receive any back lash whilst the perpetrators of the frightening situation, the politicians, fling mud anywhere but at themselves.
In our county, hard-working clubs and volunteers are engaged in organising a vast array of motosports on two and four wheels which boosts Cumbria’s gross domestic product by millions to benefit the tourism and retail industry, the key to our county’s income.
What is often forgotten is that many motorsport activities are out of season and thus play an even more vital role.
Moreover, such organisations preserve our heritage, promote driving skills and play a part in road safety.
So, as the fuel situation gets worse and the government seem utterly incapable of doing anything about it by changing the unfair fuel tax system, make sure you are prepared to fight your corner and also support the transport industry which is also suffering.
As the British Touring Car Championship is now competing diesel-powered cars local organisers could perhaps encourage such vehicles but more than anything they should tell the world just how your efforts contribute to your local economy.
Attracting people from all over the UK and supporting the local economy, there are many classic car events coming up, some organised by the Wigton Car Club and others by local stately homes.
The WCC Cumbria Classic Caper and Canter on July 6 is a 110 mile run with tests in the northern Lakes for which regs are available at www.wigtonmc.co.uk <http://www.wigtonmc.co.uk/> and entries at £80 for members.
Entry includes off-road insurance, meals and coffee which sounds a good deal to me. On July 20 Hutton-in-the-Forest is again holding the Historic Vehicle Show entry for which is a mere £5 for spectators which also includes entrance to the wonderful Hutton gardens but if you want to show your classic car, tractor, motorbike of static engine, log onto www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk <http://www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk/> for details.
On the same day MG Cumbria is staging the Classic Tour of Cumbria for MG and other classic cars and will start at the Crooklands Hotel near Junction 36 of the M6.
After a scenic tour of Cumbria’s spectacular coast, it will finish at the Border Gate Hotel of Junction 42 of the M6.
Entry is only £36 and will be a great occasion, so more details and an entry form contact Graeme Forrester on 01900 825642 BUT only after 8pm each evening.
Finally, the equally famous Pennine Classic Tour takes place on Saturday August 16 starting for the Penrith Rugby Club for a tour of the Roman Wall are, Teesdale and Weardale with lunch near Hadrian's Wall.
£45 for everything sounds good value and to roun doff the weekend the next day is the Dalemain Classic Car Show.
Both events are organised by the Wigton Car Club and very popular, so if you want an entry for the Pennine Tour, ring Ron Palmer in the evening on 01228 575153 an for the Dalemain Show details, log onto www.wigtonmc.co.uk <http://www.wigtonmc.co.uk/>
