Friday May 9th 2008
Only six months to go...
...the route is with the MSA, the regulations published on the web and Pudsey Bear joins the fray!
Children in Need
Yes that is right, good old Pudsey is coming out to play on the Lombard Rally in the guise of Ray Johnson – Wood who is collecting for Children in Need. You can follow Ray & Pudsey at www.teampudsey.co.uk, so go on, get pledging!
Major Controls
Over the years we have looked at many ways of keeping everyone rolling along irrespective of their misdemeanours along the way and we have been very successful at doing this. However, many of you still would like us to make life even easier to get you to the finish on this, the toughest event in Britain. So this year we are doing just that. We are to adopt a new system, successfully worked on some of our other events and employed this year on the Lombard Rally to get as many of you as possible to the finish.
Major Controls will be introduced, which have the same power as Main Controls but with one very significant difference – instead of being retired from the event if you miss a MC you will be given a hefty penalty instead, but you still keep going.
Q: ‘What happens when amendments are issued at Major Controls’?
A: The wonders of modern technology are here to assist. All competitors will be given a list of telephone numbers linked to the Rally Communications Office (RCO). If a competitor has to miss a Major Control, all he/she has to do is text the communications department of their predicament and HQ will automatically send out up to date details of any amendments published. This way, competitors can keep abreast of all eventualities as they happen from route amendments to road works etc. However, misuse of the system carries an exclusion penalty!
Some people have asked for a Trophy Rally but this does not work on long distance events successfully. So our new system will keep you running along even if you hit problems on the first day. You can still rejoin much later in the event and be classified as a finisher. See, we do listen!
On Kenny’s travels recently – no it was NOT a pub crawl – a great deal of hard work was going on to get the route fine tuned for next November. Along the way Kenny found a good way of dealing with entrants that do not behave themselves… the gaol at Inveraray!
Kenny’s easy going really…HONEST!
Route Survey Diary Notes
Wednesday April 30th
The Blues have it!
Having just returned from a hectic route survey for this year's Lombard Rally and while compiling the two weeks of notes into the draft road books I find myself thinking about the 2010 event. Where did 2009 go? Well, we have a treat for you… just watch this space over the next months!
Anyway, back to 2008. The Lombard Rally Regulations are about to be aired on the web. Release date will be the 6th May, so stay tuned to this site for the updated version. With the introduction of a Historic section to the event in 2008 a fine array of pre 1980’s cars will be on display in the forests of the UK this year. Already entered are a Lancia, a Saab 2 stroke, and a few Minis along with the reliable Escort of Stuart & Linda Cariss. There are others, but on the deposit list to date – so more on them later!
A welcome return from Frank Fennall in his Rover 200 – entry received this morning - navigated by Kevin Savage a Lombard RAC Rally stalwart of some 9 years, I am informed – welcome to you both. Also, a welcome to Giles Smith and Richard Wallis in their Peugeot 106 Rallye.
Another new and unused venue has now been secured for the rally north of Harrogate – that’s the only information you are going to get today - with interesting corners, smooth surfaces and surprises at every brow and junction to test the best of you!
Changing the subject slightly… well a lot! Great win for the Blues at the weekend and tonight they play host to Liverpool at the Bridge. So feet up later with a glass or two of the hard stuff and watch the sedate sport of soccer – ‘come on ref that wasn’t a fowwwlll’! ‘Get yer specs on’ and all that stuff will abound the streets of Llandovery this evening. Nothing changes then!
See ya next time.
Kenny
Friday 25th April 2008
Holiday Inn – Harrogate - 13:20hrs
That’s it, recce over. A few venues to tidy up in North Yorkshire and away we go. Last nights stay at Leyburn was comfortable although the restaurant closed early to be refurbished - 8pm. The Chinese restaurant across the cobbled square provided Kenny & Steve with a very good meal indeed. Highly recommended and competitively priced.
While at Leyburn, the local Motor Club visited Kenny at the Black Swan and what an enjoyable evening it was. A few Black Sheep beers were downed and the banter was great. Thanks for meeting up lads, your assistance proved fruitful.
Reading the news this morning – thank heavens that the recce is in England once more – sounds like the fuel situation is getting far worse. The queues for fuel and the price were steadily rising by the day. Panic buying the main problem here! However, Scottish hospitality was, as usual, second to none – so thank you Scotland.
Before Kenny heads south and back to Wales a few more errands have to be done. Watch this space for details… next time!
Kenny
Thursday 24th April 2008
Black Swan – Leyburn - 23:00hrs
Last night Kenny met with the local Area Organiser, Tom Wilcox and Route Liaison Officer, Bill Troughear for a crafty pint or two! Thanks for meeting up fellas, enjoyable evening. Off to Carlisle Airport this morning to arrange a Selectif, but unfortunately due to development work the venue is not available to us. However, a few moments were stolen to look at the Vulcan bomber at the museum entrance.
So we head south and on to Greystoke forest – thank you Malcolm. What a beautiful forest and a demanding test await the unwary! A further journey southwards and a few more venues to plan. Meeting up with some military officers while driving the route and the conversation turns to…’fancy a brew’! Well, after a few welcome cuppas in the woods, we head off on our travels once more. Thanks gents and keep up the good work, we are all indebted to you and the armed forces.
Overnight at Leyburn and a pint or two of Black Sheep are well earned! Well, what else would expect a Welsh man to drink! Baaa!
Computer working but no WiFi connection today…sorry.
Kenny
Wednesday 23rd April 2008
Premier Inn Carlisle - 23:00hrs
Earlier in the week Steve had seen a Blaenavon Pheasant, today he saw a red Squirrel for the first time. Wow was he chuffed!
On to business – The route through Ae forest district and back in to Kielder on the Saturday night leg worked very well indeed and will bring back vivid memories of Lombard RAC Rallies of the past.
Internet connection is fine today at the Premier Inn, but the computer refuses to boot up for some reason again! Will have to wait until we get back to the office to update the diary it seems.
Kenny
Tuesday 22nd April 2008
Douglas Arms Hotel – Castle Douglas - 19:20hrs
07:26 – Off to Galloway Forest District this morning recceing tried and tested venues along with something new. A chance meeting with a customer in the bar last night over a beer or two resulted in an exciting new venue being located. A few phone calls later and a rendezvous with the venue manager was arranged. If all works out an interesting route will be engineered by Kenny for this years Lombard Rally at this stunning forest.
Not a great deal to say today except Heathall at Dumfries will be used this year as a spectator venue - details later. Now to settle down with a beer and relax while watching the Champions League Semi final between Liverpool and this years eventual winners – CHELSEA!!!
Come on yer Blues!!! Oh dear, Steve has just reminded me that I have a meeting at 2100hrs – well, I am sure an occasional chant or two won’t dampen the agenda for this evening!
Kenny
Monday 21st April 2008
The Ken Bridge Hotel - Galloway - 22:20hrs
From Arrochar this morning, a call in to the see an officer at the new Cowal & Trossachs National Park’s building at Balloch, and a fine group of people. This was the opening day for this state of the art structure. Also visiting was a Scottish Minister, amongst others, so Kenny felt in good company. It is said, that if all the timber beams and struts were placed end to end, they would reach further than the length of Loch Lomond.
North of Glasgow, the recce continues down the M74 and on to the Galloway & Ae region for the third day’s route. A welcome return for the Lombard Rally as in 2006 the event visited this district where breath taking views are around every corner and the local support was second to none – a belated thank you to all.
So on to the forests where the roads have been regraded and are uncommonly smooth for any forest route. The rolling burn that is Ae water, chisels open the woodland and is saturated with wonderful wild life and the occasional human walking his dog! Here, a 15 mile Selectif through flowing corners along a network of gravel tracks awaits you in November.
The Bucclech & Queensbury Hotel at Thornhill will once again be an early morning rest halt for a quick cuppa before moving deep in to Galloway and further tests of cunning to entertain and marvel at.
Two sugars please!
Kenny
Sunday 20th April 2008
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar – West Argyll - 18:30hrs
06:00: The banks of Loch Awe – and last nights hotel - are full of ‘last minute (dot.com) holiday’ fishermen trying to bag that swimming thing with a long tail…well the one that got away that is, as Kenny continues with the Lombard recce through West Argyll.
The weather is stunningly warm again this morning and gets hotter as the day progresses. The dust rises high above the tree line as the recce car meanders its way through mile after mile of fantastic forest sections north of Lochgilphead. The first forest of the day never seemed to end, climbing higher and higher in to the sun drenched sky with demanding corners at every turn of the wheel. This must be the longest hill climb in Britain! The finish control is perched – no, not another reference to fish – right on top of the highest summit of the region with a view overlooking the confluence of numerous Lochs including Fyne & Long with a back drop of dramatic mountain ranges snow clad from the recent wintry spell.
A trip to Inveraray proves successful as a holding control is established here. The local gaol is well on hand for any competitors that decide to pay disregard to the rules! Just remember that the Clerk of the Course is renowned for dealing harshly with offenders! He’s a softy really!
A few shorter Selectifs in the next loop proved to be no-less exciting. Numerous junctions leading to dead ends making navigating difficult but achievable for an expert like Kenny. However, they come across a rambler in the forest who looks strangely familiar! Glenn Miller, complete with flying overalls and trombone. His opening words were; ‘How the **** do I get outta here’! Seriously, the woods are a maze of technical junctions and bends with negative camber jumps! Just brilliant!
As the recce car heads back to Rest & Be Thankful for another check the clouds begin to gather and Kenny believes it is time to call it a day before the rain dampens the enthusiasm. Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is a perfect refuge to wait out this spell of precipitation and pen another tale or two. However, the damp spell peters out within seconds and another break in the clouds produces a bright and warm spring evening on the banks of the Fyne. ‘We are deep rooted now and a fish dish sounds just right after a hard day in the woods.'
Yeah yeah, another fishy tale!
Kenny
Saturday 18th April 2008
The Horseshoe Inn – Kilmichael, Nr Lochgilphead - 20:30hrs
The Hunter's Quay ferry on the Clyde
Weather is holding and the sun always shines on the righteous – well a Welsh man in Scotland anyway! The local support is fantastic with everyone we speak with enthusiastic about the event.
The recce moved even deeper in to Argyll today with the Selectifs getting more spectacular forest by forest and value by the mile. The Glanbranter forest district has some real challenging routes with blind brows into fast corners, sweeping bends with fantastic views greeting competitors at every turn. If the forestry Commission sold off building plots they would make a fortune!
On route from Dunoon today – where competitors will pay a brief but very welcome visit – Kenny & Steve noticed an artist at work with his chain saw! No, nothing to do with Texas, but a sculptor - Andy - well at work carving intricate pieces of art skilfully, with his Skil Saw. Steve bought one work of art for his garden carved from Cedar wood. On enquiring how he – the sculptor - learned the skill, he stated ‘don’t ask me, it just happens’! OK! So, when in Argyll, check Andy out!
Back to Loch Fyne today to arrange car parking detail before moving on to Loch Awe and the forests that surround the lake.
See ya tomorrow.
Kenny
Friday 18th April 2008
Coylet Inn – Loch Eck - 20:30hrs
Well a slow start to the day with meetings taking longer than expected. Rest and Be Thankful will be a stunning Selectif – ‘The views are spectacular to say the least’- Kenny stated earlier today. Steve spotted a Golden Eagle this morning over Arrochar but it turned out to be a ‘Blaenavon Pheasant’ – a Crow! Kenny also not getting to grips with things, trying to open a locked gate secured by a rusty lock, only to find that the gate opened the other way!!!
The sun has been shining most of the day making the recce a much more pleasant experience. Lochs Lomond, Long, Eck and Fyne were all seen in their splendour. Tourists fill the Glens with the Easter Holidays still in progress in Scotland but coming to an end on Monday. Hells Glen has never been so busy.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar has now been confirmed and a pleasant welcome awaits us in November. Today’s Kippers were very tasty and Kenny & Steve now await their evening meal at a very hectic Friday evening at the Coylet Inn near Dunoon. The beers good too!
A long way still to go but progress is very good and a route to die for.
See you tomorrow.
Kenny
Thursday 17th April 2008
Village Inn Arrochar – Loch Lomond - 19:00hrs
A 0500 hrs start this morning and back into the Craik forest district to complete the Selectifs before moving even further north and in to Argyll. Castle O’er is like a billiard table and beautifully flowing while Twiglees is more undulating and quick making it harder to achieve the average, but what a classic test.
NCP to support the Lombard
Moffat Car Club has really been hard at work and a warm Scottish fialte awaits you in November. Eammon Long – Area Organiser - has designed some fantastic lunch venues during your visit and the whole town are excited at the prospect of the Lombard Rally coming to the Annadale region.
We also have support this year from National Car Parks who are supporting us by allocating secured car parking during the event. Thank you to NCP for their gracious support.
Tonight the route heads in to Arrochar and the Village Inn for a well earned siesta before tomorrow mornings assault on Rest & Be Thankful and the West Argyll forests.
Great things await!
Kenny
Wednesday 16th April 2008
Annadale Arms Moffat - 23:06hrs
Tuesday evening: Well, what a fantastic evening at West Auckland. Fred Henderson came along to say hello and told retrospective tales of RAC rallies, while Peter Elliot kept us amused and stayed sober for once – only joking Peter and nice to see you both.
Kenny meets the Tartan Army!
Into Kielder forest district today and what a test of driving skill we have for you. A 14 miler waits, and on day one as well! This will be followed with a sortie through Kershope and Castle O’er before a long rest break at Moffat – great motoring.
Tonight Kenny was invited to address the Moffat Car Club who are supporting the event in strength this year. Kenny stated; what a breath of fresh air to see a well supported motor club with emphasis on younger members.
Tomorrow’s recce heads in to the Cowal & Trossachs National Park and West Argyll regions. Tomorrow’s lunch will be at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar if time allows! Yummm, those Kippers smell nice even from Moffat!
Ah well, it seems that Kenny and Steve and settling down for a wee dram at the Annadale Arms as the telephone contact has broken – deliberately I guess!
See you tomorrow.
Kenny
Tuesday 15th April 2008
Manor Hotel West Auckland - 19:45hrs
At 05:30 a beautiful crisp & frosty sunny morning greets us at Thirsk, as we head off in to the moors once again. A new venue is found, never used before on any rally and a delight to drive. So some new and exciting experiences on the horizon for you, the competitor! However, the dark clouds are gathering over the hills and snow beckons although this doesn’t amount to much until we get to our evening halt in Auckland.
Across the Rio Grande
The sun still shone over us as we trekked even further northwards and as long as the weather holds and the stepping stones aren’t covered with the mixing stuff we should be able to cross the Rio Grande of the North which is better known as Stanhope ford. The council informed us, that the ford – now closed over the winter months because the level of the water is usually unpredictable and deep, catching out the unwary that get stuck in the flow – opened once more on April 1st, for the public to drive through. Within minutes of the barriers being raised, the first casualty was recorded, so the barriers have been locked again! Any way it looks likely that we will get access and be able to sample this wonder of County Durham.
Anyway, off to Killer Kielder tomorrow to design the route that will instil fear in to the hearts of those that have encountered the forests before and for those who have not, wonderment as to what is to come!
See ya with some more telling tales tomorrow.
Kenny
Monday 14th April 2008
Golden Fleece Hotel – Thirsk, North Yorkshire - Time: 19:58hrs
Heading north the Lombard Rally recce continues. With successful meetings this morning at Harrogate the first section of the road book is now complete. Starting from Crescent Gardens opposite the Royal Hall - recently opened by Prince Charles - in the heart of Harrogate, the rally winds its way through the Victorianate town for the first test at the Yorkshire Event Centre - Thursday morning - returning to the venue the following Sunday for the final test – here a special treat is planned for spectators…so watch this space! A visit to the North Yorkshire forests later in the day found the Selectifs in excellent condition with fast and flowing sections. These will be a fantastic opener to the event before heading further north and on to the demanding Kielder forests. That’s tomorrow’s recce.
Thirsk’s main time keeper
Panic alert!
A frantic call for Kenny from Rally HQ at Llandovery this afternoon, as all the computers went down. A hurriedly technical exercise via the telephone from deep in Boltby forest remedied the problem and the office was back on line. Now no matter where Kenny gets to over the next few weeks, HQ – Andrea that is – will never be far away!
Also at Harrogate on Wednesday this week, the HIC will be playing host to the H&H car auctions. Kenny had a sneak preview of the fantastic array of exotic machinery with the star of the show being an special edition Aston Martin - circa 1966. Wonderful! Kenny cannot remember the model though – that’s unusual!
Weather forecast: Snow for north England and Scotland.
Kenny
Lancia's, SAAB's and EVO 8's!
11th April
Well, busy it is at Llandovery with a recce looming new entries being taken with some interesting machinery now that we have opened the Historic category - the interest never stops. We recently welcomed Jack Curran & David Bardwell who are bringing their immaculate Lancia Fulvia Coupe Rallye 1.3 to the fray and today the father and son partnership of Chris & Ben Parkes in their superb SAAB 850 sport (2 stroke), you are all most welcome and now part of the Lombard Rally family.
Over the weekend Kenny was out competing on the Red Dragon rally in the Neath valleys. Not a successful weekend as the Mitzi EVO 8 lost all drive after SS3, although an enjoyable day. Never mind the closet pub beckoned to drown his sorrows!
Kenny
Taking the High Road again…
7th April
Kenny is again off on his travels designing the route for the 2008 Lombard Rally. All the venues are now on line and need linking together to form the best Lombard Rally ever.
The recce will start next Sunday 13th April and regular ‘Diary Updates’ will be posted here on the Lombard Rally web site. So tune in for a sneak preview of what can be expected including a few red herrings or should that be Loch Fyne Oysters which is more to the point!
Recent news; Friends of the Rest & Be Thankful group has recently been formed to re-instate the old hill climb course as a motor sport heritage site to enable its continued use at club level by classic car enthusiasts. Maybe you wish to support them by becoming a member. So why not e-mail Douglas Anderson at dglanderson1@yahoo.co.uk and pledge your support for this worth while cause?
The Lombard Rally will be using the Rest & Be Thankful twice on Friday 7th November and many spectators are expected to view this prestigious event at this historic location. With an array of retro cars on this year’s event, you could be forgiven for actually thinking that the clock has well and truly been turned back 40+ years.
Lombard Rally Goes Historic
30th March 2008
After a successful International Motorsports Show at Stoneleigh and in consultation with the MSA, the Lombard Rally is introducing a Historic Road Rally to run alongside the main event that will include such cars as the Lancia Fulvia Sport and Renault Alpine.
The buzz at Stoneleigh showed that the interest was most definitely there for this category of true classics. The RAC Rally of Great Britain in 1971 – ‘From Harrogate it started’, was led away by the previous year’s winner Harry Kallstrom with Gunnar Haggborn in his Lancia Fulvia Sport HFS.
It is hoped to re-enact this start from Harrogate’s International Centre on the 6th November. Already interest from a brace of Renault Alpines and Lancia Fulvia’s has been shown along with an Austin A40 as well as a number of Mini’s and Escorts.
The Historic Rally will run cars complying with category 1, 2 & 3 of the Historic Road Rally Car regulations but with a limit of 1600cc.
Further details will appear on this web site shortly. For further information, please contact the rally office on 01550 721919.
Exciting New route for the 2008 Lombard Rally
25th March 2008
From Harrogate it Started... and so it does again at 10am on Thursday 6th November 2008.
Great names from the history books of the Lombard RAC Rally come alive once more with the likes of Boltby, Stang, Hamsterley, Slaley, Kielder on the opening leg, plus several more... and that's just on the way up to Scotland.
Click the map to open a larger version in a new window
Leg One: will see the cars start from the Royal Hall in Harrogate before making their way to the first of the Selectifs at the Yorkshire Event Centre. From here we go a short distance to the historic Rudding Park where it is rumored the famous water splash will be re-built. The rally heads north taking in the North Yorkshire Moors and on to Kielder for some good old fashioned style motoring before an overnight halt at Glasgow.
Leg Two: heads further north in to Scotland taking in the breath taking scenery of West Argyll with the route meandering its way through the mountains and lakes. Such venues as Dunoon and Lochgilphead will be visited with a central rest halt at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. This section takes in the famous Rest and Be Thankful hill climb before decending once more to the overnight halt at Glasgow.
Leg Three: heads in to Galloway and Ae forests with stop overs at Castle Douglas and Moffat before an arduous last few evening tests through Craik and Castle O'er. Carlisle is our overnight halt at the end of Leg Three.
The Final Leg: sees the Lombard head south once more via Greystoke and Stang, amongst many, ending at Rudding Park for the finale.
Marshalling the Lombard
21st March 2008
The challenging job of recuiting Marshals for the 2008 Lombard Rally has begun. Ian Butcher has once again stepped up to the plate to take on the task and wants to hear from everyone that may be able to help.
The Lombard Rally Marshals page is >> HERE
Entry List Update
18th March
The updated list of fully paid up entries is now on the separate Entry List page.
Race Retro Day Three - Final show report.
Sunday 16th March
12:05hrs It's all happening today... Kenny has been driven around the Race Retro circuit in the course car and awaits a spin with Marku Alen in the Lancia later. Andrea has driven both Colin McRae's Safari Ford Focus rally car and Hirvonen's latest version of the WRC - lucky girl! The best supported stand at the show continues throughout the day to sell the Lombard Rally to a very upbeat crowd.
16:25hrs The show is coming to a close - just waiting to take down the stand. A very successful weekend.
Lombard Rally 'T' Shirt winner
Tanya Breach is the winner of the 'T' shirt raffle that took place at the show.
TreeHouse Collection
£50.69 was collected at the show for our charity, TreeHouse. Thankyou to all those who contributed.
Race Retro Day Two - Live from Hall 1 Stand F46
Saturday 15th March
What a busy day again! Another 4 entries received today and another two boxes of brochures emptied. Amongst entries received so far at the show are; Phil & Dean Wood, Escort Mk1 1300; Josh Rafter & Chris Cavill; Jeremy & James Crook; Peugeot 106; Jeremy & John Pritchard, Mini 998; Malcolm & Elaine Oxborrow, Peugeot 106 Rallye. We are the busiest stand at the show by a long way. Andrea has been getting more famous names to sign our brochures for the auction which will be on the web site later this week for you to take part in. All proceeds to our charity, TreeHouse.
Race Retro Day One - Live from Hall 1 Stand F46
Friday 14th March
What a successful days work at Stoneleigh. Loads of interest from the historic scene and three new entries. Marku Alen, Malcolm Wilson Pentti Arikkala & Nicky Grist all visiting the stand today. Andrea has been busy getting autographs to auction in aid of TreeHouse. Watch the web site next week for the Auction.
Lombard Rally remains Clubman based
12th March
Contrary to letters on the forums neither Lombard nor Kenny has EVER stated that the Lombard Rally will be run as a National B event! Endurance rallying SHOULD remain clubman based as originally intended. Also, there has never been any written consent from the Lombard Rally to be part of any championship!
Lombard – A New Deal a New Era
21st February 2008
Recent talks with Lombard have proved successful with another long term plan in the mix. ‘The future looks brighter than ever for the Lombard Rally’, said Kenny Owen at a press conference last weekend in Kew. New ideas, venues and even better support than in the past. Thank you Lombard.
TreeHouse – Our friendly charity
Last year the Lombard Rally raised over £50k for TreeHouse – the national charity for autism education – and we hope to give this worth while cause even bigger support in 2008. For further information, just click on the TreeHouse link found on our home page. Go on, do it now!
Taster: Where is this?
Entrants on the Lombard Rally will dine here at this famous Scottish loch restaurant during the event. This world renowned loch supplies five star hotels all over the world with its Oysters and other sea fare. I can just taste those delights now!
Race Retro – International Historic Motorsport Show
The Lombard Rally will have a stand at Stoneleigh over the weekend of the 14th – 16th March. So why not come and see us for a chat. You will be most welcome.
Kenny
Entries are now arriving for the next Lombard with its all-new route, recapturing the atmosphere of the traditional starts from Harrogate and the best of Scottish forests providing a real challenge.
Recent entries include Simon Mellings and Karl Ellis in a Nissan Cherry, Ann and Brian Weir in their Skoda Fabia, Philip Boothroyd and Martyn Dransfield in a Vauxhall Corsa, Big Dave Maryon with his Pug 206, Nigel Bramall and Roger Close with their Corsa that gave them 22nd last time - and new entrant to the Lombard scene Mark Wilson and Andrew Harper in a Suzuki Swift.
Waving the Historic Category flag comes an entry from Peter Barker of Mini Cooper fame, with the venerable Willy Cave, who was winning his class in the works Standard team alongside the likes of Paddy Hopkirk as far back as 1955... they don't come more historic than that.
Phil and Oliver Swain, the father and son team in a Suzuki Swift have entered the last four Lombards…and close on his heels came the entry from Peter Goodwin and Robin Hernaman, former Lombard competitors back with an MG ZR and Stephen Sawlely and Rob Johnson, also in an MG ZR. Keith Butler and Ken Matier are in the third MG to enter so far, and we have now received an entry from Karl and Frank O’Donoghue from Ireland, in a Rover 200 – they have tackled the past three Lombards. Mike and Alex Thornton are in a Volkswagen Polo, they drove the London-Dakar World Cup Rally, and Geraint Mayes and John Milner are entered in a Rover 200. Richard and Jon Sandilands are a father and son team who are out regularly in historic-rallies but have competed on all previous revivals of the Lombard in a Nissan Micra, and Neil Wilson, winner of the 1986 Lombard Rally alongside Henri Toivonen in a works Lancia returns in his Ford Puma, having competed on all previous Lombards this veteran of the British forests almost part of our event’s furniture.
Calls to the Rally Office in Llandovery (tel 01550 721919) are coming in daily requesting information-packs…we have just taken a call from seven-times American Rally Champion John Buffum saying he is looking forward to “freezing our nuts off” in the darkest Scotland. A message from John is reproduced below...
A message from seven-times American Rally-Champion John Buffum:
12th February 2008
“Always run in November, “The Lombard” was all about harsh, British weather conditions, a true test of man-and-cars against the elements, and it went on and on, forever. The pressure from clocks hidden behind trees was relentless.”
“There were lots of Mickey-Mouse tests with straw bales and the like… (oh, that’s the same now its revived), and you had to drive day and night, (oh, that’s the same now), and you were up against lots of young hot shots who were all out to show us furriners how to drive (oh, that’s still the same now), but, we showed ‘em… 'cos we had no pace notes (oh, that’s the same now), and could stay awake much longer (ah, rallying into the night, that’s good to see, what a rarity these days), and we had sod-all in servicing (oh, that’s the same now), and we swopped yarns at the road-side burger-vans, and grabbed a chip-butty in Yorkshire (ah, now we can do that also), and nobody had any idea over the next man where to go, because nobody had been out to recce the route (thank goodness that thinking is back also), and we plastered our doors with big lettering saying Lombard. There was nothing quite like it, so I’m looking for a cheap air-ticket to cross the Atlantic to drive it one more time.”
“For those who like their rallying from 8.0am to five, and then go home, this is not for them. For those who want to see a service van every half hour and fresh tyres every other forest, this is not for them, and for those who think rallying doesn’t go from one place and finish in another with hundreds of marshals in between, then this is not for them. Speed is a relative thing, ok, its slower than my memory says, but, nobody has more power than the next man, and I can’t recall rallying where the whole bloody field can’t possibly arrive with umpteen more horsepower than the next guy. That’s different.”
“Nothing lasts forever. A chance to step back and do it all again like it used to be, even if it’s a bit slower, is simply great. Those who wish they were born 20 years ago should grab this while it lasts… don’t join those who look back and say I wish I could have been there. Now’s your chance!”
Lombard Rally 2008 - Recce Diary Notes
January / February 2008
Saturday 26th January
Final preparations completed for two week recce in Northern UK. Recce car loaded and equipped ready for the journey. Weather forecast is not looking promising! SNOW & GALES!
Sunday 27th January
Arrive Harrogate – Holiday Inn - early evening.
Although quite chilly outdoors a warm welcome waits. The hotel manager has arranged for a complimentary bottle of Borolo and fresh fruit. Yum!
Monday 28th January
Numerous meetings taking place today to secure venues and routes through Harrogate. Due to the sad helicopter accident two days earlier, near Harrogate, some roads are closed off. BBC Radio North Yorkshire invites us for a live interview to discuss the event starting from the market town. This interview is repeated the following Wednesday and is blogged on the BBC Radio North Yorkshire web site. Many of the old venues are now not available to us since many have been built on or developed as Golf Courses.
Stay overnight at Hexham
Tuesday 29th January
Kielder awaits. The weather is cold and occasionally wet. Timber operations hold up our advance but clear after a patient wait. Numerous route options planned in this district and we aim for Option 1 and hope our request is accepted. We cross the border in to Bonnie Scotland… ah a wee dram awaits!
Overnight stay at Selkirk
Wednesday 30th January
Forestry meeting: Great deal on offer and we set off on our reconnaissance to pick and choose. Cracking stuff in this region. Guess all those competitors are wondering what is going to be utilised on event… shhhh!
We are escorted by the districts roads engineer ‘Will’ who shows us routes that have never been utilised before. His dog and companion is allowed to run in front of our vehicle enjoying the exercise. Trouble is, when the animal called back to the vehicle, like a reluctant child, it takes ages for the pooch to obey! All good fun!
Overnight stay at Moffat
Thursday 31st January
An early start to meet with another forest district well north of the border. Road works and blizzard conditions hamper our journey and a wrong slot off the M74 is realised too late, but assists by easing our way, by chance, to get to the meeting only nine minutes late. Drive south to meet with the RSAC at Glasgow before heading off to catch our ferry crossing to Dunoon. The weather has deteriorated considerably and the ferry crossing has been cancelled due to a force five gale! A long drive around the headland awaits…good fun though! Arrive at a very wet and breezy Dunoon and settle down with a pint of Guinness to catch up on today’s recce notes in front of a roaring open log fire to dry out.
Friday 1st February
Set off to meet our chaperon for the day, Frazer. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Forests in idyllic settings rival any scene from the Alpine region. The snow has settled and driving through forests at low speeds can be tricky to say the least! Our 4x4 manages though and some fantastic routes are achieved. What we have in store for you this year is very special indeed.
Saturday 2nd February
The weather changes again. The wind has dropped but a deluge of fresh snow has arrived making driving even trickier over sleeted-on icy conditions. No meetings today planned but a good day to recce the public highway sections. A foot of snow all around is most exciting especially when driving through drifts on the highest elevations. Tyre marks of previous vehicles are a joy to see and cause quite a humorous moment with their unwieldy course. It is a wonder that none of these vehicles are left abandoned covered in serious body impairments! We arrive at ‘Rest & Be Thankful’ and secure this as part of the route. A small land slip has blocked the road and a foot of snow covers the top of this famous Hill Climb. Today, this section could be used as a Bobsleigh run! Now to a lovely warm open firm at the Stag Hotel in Lochgilphead.
What a result! Wales beat England, the Scots are very supportive! A celebratory wee dram is called for!
Sunday 3rd February
More public road sections to look at.
Monday 4th February
Early meeting at Lochgilphead forestry office. Snow has eased but wind and rain return. Again the scenery is stunning with Selectifs that sweep down to the lakes and back up in to the mountains. Spectacular to say the least. A bowl of welcome soup at lunch time is consumed. The first real lunch break of the recce so far. Each day seems to get longer on the road with no day less that 14 hours workload. Today, a 16 hour treck. Where’s that hotel. Long road section to Lanark.
Tuesday 5th February
This southern belt of Scotland is sparse of available venues. Not much to report today. Many of the public highway sections are frost damaged with huge pot holes which are unavoidable! A van in front of us obviously knows the route we are following as this vehicle weaves in and out like a competitor on a slalom.
Overnight stay at Newton Stewart
Wednesday 6th February
Some new forests to look in Galloway with exciting results. What a cracking area to rally. The wild life here is fascinating and brings a warm feeling to the heart of how life should be, taking us away from regular news items of war and destruction, murder and assault the adorn the square box that welcomes me every morning before breakfast.
Overnight halt at Thornhill.
Thursday 7th February
Meeting at Ae forest district. Again new mileage is secured and we set off on our reconnaissance mission. Looking forward to getting back to the office to catch up on the past two weeks. Cross over the border back in to England.
Overnight halt Carlisle.
Friday 8th February
Successful meetings today at Carlisle. Heading south down the M6 and home to Wales.
Overnight stay at Home... ah my own bed!
Kenny Owen
Selecting the Silverstone
February 2008
The Lombard Rally pioneered a control tyre from the outset. This kept costs down, did away with service cars providing individual tyre support and, come rain or shine, mud, snow or tarmac, the one-tyre-suits-all philosophy provides a great driving challenge. Nobody could say “so and so” is doing better than me ‘cos he’s on trick rubber!
The Colway Road Plus was highly cost-effective but now that Colway are no more Lombard Organiser Kenny Owen, with the help of ex-Colway motor-sport chief Fred Henderson, has brought in Silverstone to come up with an “all round” tyre that will withstand days of forest pounding, and also suit cold tarmac. The edges of the tyres are bevelled specially, by hand, to be non-damaging on the forest-surfaces. The lack of damage to forests has been one of the biggest surprises of the Endurance-rally initiative, and if we are to continue to enjoy reasonable rates to access Forest Commission land, leaving behind undamaged tracks is key to the future of rallying.
The Silverstone tyre deal is a good one, according to Fred Henderson. He reckons the tyre will prove to be better than the Colway, and, last twice as long – giving good value in the long run.
What are the alternatives? The List 1a in the MSA Blue Book is an old list of production “off-the-shelf” street tyres, drawn up only for Production CIRCUIT Racing, and the Blue Book states that this list is for circuit-racing in the heading of the list. They were never thought up with production-car rallying in mind. They are unlikely to last five minutes in a rough Scottish forest. Some of the tyres are great for track-days, and might be ideal over Epynt (but once an organiser sees the tyres are increasing speeds and cars are cleaning Selectifs, the advantage gained by drivers will be rebounding in no time on the shoulders of organisers, and the MSA).
Is a van tyre the answer? Van tyres are often reinforced with four, five or even more plies in the tread area. Some van tyres have a kerbing-ring in the sidewall, but the sidewalls often remain similar to car tyres with maybe only a single ply, and, the rubber is harder. Van tyres have done well for 1400cc cars in hot long-distance rallies like the London-Dakar, London-Athens, and World Cup Rallies around Tunisia, and Morocco. On hard baked clay a van tyre will do well. In a British forest, with slimey wet-leaves or on tarmac such as Scarborough’s Oliver’s Mount a van tyre would be lethal. A good driver of the Owen Turner grade could come in the top three on a rally using bald tyres, so if someone tells you they have done well with a van tyre, check out who was behind the wheel. Longer braking distances by far usually results from van rubber.
There is only one solution – a tyre designed for the job. With tyres, you usually get what you pay for, which begs the question, if you were running the Lombard, what solution would you adopt? Now that a solution has been found, the time has come to accept that nothing in life is ideal – and move on.
Tyre Test Report
Control Tyre for the Lombard Rally – Silverstone S505
8th January 2008
After rigorous testing before and during the Christmas period we have decided on a product that will become the control tyre for the Lombard Rally. The Silverstone S505 far out weighed all others giving durability, grip, and value for money. Although more expensive than the Colway, the S505’s durability, strength and grip outshone its predecessor giving mile by mile far better value. Although a forest tyre, the side walls are rounded taking away the abrasive nature without losing handling ability. The testing took place on both un-sealed and sealed surfaces with outstanding results. The test was observed by the Motor Sports Association and in consultation with the Forestry Commission.
Tyre supplies can be ordered from
Silverstone Competition Tyres:
c/o Service & Sport Ltd, Worksop
Tele: 01704 898940
Jerry - 07789 392080 - jfreeman@serviceandsport.com
James - 07789 392236 - james@serviceandsport.com
Tyre Testing Update
17th December
Santa's sledge hijacked for a few 'sliding sideways' hours in deepest, frostiest Wales!
Since the end of the Lombard Rally 2007 Kenny has been working 'tirelessly' (ok done this pun to death) to find a tyre in readiness for the Lombard Rally 2008 and also in readiness for the Championship. Numerous tyres have been looked at with a small number selected for testing purposes. The second of these testing sessions takes place this week. In attendance will be the MSA and the Forestry Commission who have to rubber stamp the final choice before we unleash this on forest roads or the public highway. These tyres will also be tested on sealed surfaces to make sure they are safe and user friendly. The main aim is to find a suitable tyre which is cost effective but satisfies the land owner and the MSA. Kenny hopes to have final decision by end of January.
Seasons greetings
Mrs Santa - 'Where-av-u-bin-all-nite' - Claus
Lombard Rally - Payment Scheme 2008
17th December
The Entry fee for 2008 is frozen for the third year in succession and we have introduced two separate payment schemes to make life easier for you.
Download the >> Lombard 2008 Payment Scheme
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