Report by Jamie Russell
So the weather men got it right and we had another snowy weekend. What better way to spend it than out in the forests watching motorsport.
The Riponian Rally is organized by Ripon Motor Sports Club and has being running many years now.
The rally is based at the Thirsk Rural Business centre and features 12 stages run in six of the forests on the western edge of the North Yorkshire National Park.
The event is also a round of most of the championships of the Northern club associations together with the Motoscope Northern Historic Championship. The event is also the final round of the Just Ferries Winter Challenge.
The day ran smoothly and efficiently even after a few ‘mishaps’ were had and the odd mechanical problem but that didn’t stop competitors, service crews and spectators having a fun filled day.
The number of entries for the rally was one of the highest in the history of the Riponian Rally, this meant there was plenty of competition and lots of old and new faces.
Charlie Payne & Craig Thorley ran Car No 1 in there Ford Focus WRC 2006 and after missing out on the top spot for stage 1 by 1 second soon picked up the pace and won the remaining 11 stages of the day and ultimately won the rally with a impressive time of 41minutes 47 seconds. 1minute 44 seconds in front of 2nd place
In the Historic category Tim Pearcey & Neil Shanks in there Willow Green Home sponsored Ford Escort Mk II put in a impressive drive to take home the win for there class.
Overall a good day was had by all and hope to see some of you there next year for what promises to be just as good, if not better than last year!!
Full results here http://www.rallies.info/res.php?e=93
Further images also here http://www.timothycook.co.uk/wp/2011/02/riponian-stages-rally/
