Well There Goes Another One...

Well, that's another year over.  I'm sure they go faster than they used to. It was only five minutes since we were ringing in 2011, now we're 27 days into 2012! I am still alive out here. I'm also very ashamed that I haven't written anything since December the 4th!

My last entry here was written, sat in the freezing cold, waiting for the Roger Albert Clark to make it's entry at Carlisle Racecourse.

Carlisle Racecourse

It arrived, with a flurry of activity.

The Roger Albert Clark is about This year seemed quieter, there didn't seem as much activity. Though I think that was because there didn't seem to be as many spectators/people milling about in the service area.

Gwyndaf Evans and John Millington

Maybe the lack of snow had something to do with it. There was more than enough mud around to make up for it. You had to plan your journey round the service area, as to avoid the large areas of swampy mud. This year I wanted to try something different. Instead of the people, I was more interested in the machines. It was "All about the cars."

For example, below is Guy Smith and Patrick Walsh's Ford Escort MkI, being worked on by the mechanics.

Guy Smith/ Patrick Walsh

David Stokes' Escort RS 1600, after he'd just come back in to service, was a hive of activity. No wonder, them both being the British Historic Rally Champions.

David Stokes / Guy Weaver

Another always popular area at service is around the Lancia Stratos of Steve Perez.

Steve Perez / Paul Spooner

There had been a clear and cold night Sunday night, so no one was quite expecting the amount of snow that appeared in Kershope the next morning.

Bob Bean / Malcolm Smithson

Speeds were low on the whole with most crews wanting to get to the end. Though it was evident that some were still pushing hard!

Alan Hughes / Ken Bills

Gwyndaf Evans / John Millington

Some of the spectators decided to put the "spare time" to good use....



By the time all the cars had gone through and we were informed the second run through wasn't going to happen, my feet where well and truly frozen - my toe was actually frozen in position and I couldn't move it!

But I'm not really complaining. It's all part of the fun!