Roger Albert Clark Rally 2017

[Rob Gaskin]

Hi folks, the R.A.C. takes place this weekend starting with 2 stages early Friday at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb near Worcester. There is a 240Z entered:

Car no 87
Driver Pete Johnston
Raceworks Motorsport
Royston Herts
Co Driver Charles Johnston
Egham Surrey
Datsun 240Z
2400
Class H2

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Went today - great!

Pics and story of Z to follow later.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I had a fun morning at the rally today.

Weather bright and dry, scenery fantastic and a good array of cars. Cost £5 - worth every penny, to go to the NEC this weekend to see static exhibits will be £42 (incl. parking).

Most cars were Escorts but there were a few 'strays' including this 240Z (and Steve Perez's Stratos).

That Datsun was ok but horrible wheels (and yes the indicators were the wrong way around but I wasn't going to be so trivial on an event like this).

Unfortunately the son (driver) 'lost it' in the chicane (downhill slippery tarmac) and clouted the bank. It was a good 'clout' but these cars are strong and the headlight 'sits' back from the front (unlike an Escort for example). However the headlight was well out of alignment.

So the car was damaged after only 1 mile - easily done.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Some more:

 

[Rob Gaskin]

And more:

 

[Mr Ex Jnr]

Well worth it

nice place to go shelsely walsh

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Well worth it

nice place to go shelsely walsh

Hi Kristian, I first went there with my Dad to watch a Vintage meeting. I must have been about 12/13 so 52 years ago! AND I can remember the ERAs screaming up the hill - in fact I have a book left over from Dad's house clearance.

 

[zedboy]

The 240Z passed me in Meltham West Yorkshire today!!! Only the second timeI have seen a 240Z on the road without being in my way to a car show!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

The 240Z passed me in Meltham West Yorkshire today!!! Only the second timeI have seen a 240Z on the road without being in my way to a car show!

Are you sure it was the same one? They were in Wales all day and then most would be transported on a trailer up the M6 to Carlisle this evening.

 

[zedboy]

Put 2 and 2 together and got 7. The 240 That passed me was taking part in the RAC Chester to Harrogate!!!

 

[Bobafett]

Pic shamelessly from a FB feed, somebody happened to tag me in this morning.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Good picture - considering the impact (I saw it and heard it) that is minimal damage. These are strong cars as long as they are rust-free. The Safari Rally history is testament to this.

Unfortunately the Datsun is struggling and currently last as far as I can see. Still a long long way to go - it finishes on Monday.

I've pointed this out on previous years but Bob Bean (who was a well known driver when I did a few rallies in the 70s) is in about 35th place (out of 90) in a low powered Lotus Cortina. How old is he -- 80!!!

Jimmy McRae (Colin's dad) in a V8 powered Vauxhall Firenza is about 18th, he is 74.

This is not a rally just for old men by the way - there are lots of good younger guys doing well.

 

[STEVE BURNS]

Just seen this on Facebook
another smash

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Thanks Steve.

Oooops!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I see Bob Bean is now 25th.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

The Datsun is still going though Steve and it's finished the day.

Just one day to go.

 

[Tahr]

Was that you guys in South West Scotland yesterday, I saw a Rally Prep' 240Z on the A701 Moffat to Dumfries road about 11:30am, I give you a wave while I was out with my local athletics club cycling group.

ATB

Kev

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Was that you guys in South West Scotland yesterday, I saw a Rally Prep' 240Z on the A701 Moffat to Dumfries road about 11:30am, I give you a wave while I was out with my local athletics club cycling group.

ATB

Kev

Hi Kev, I assume you saw the car mentioned above - not members of this Club.

The car has finished the rally, which is an achievement in itself despite 2 crashes. However it was well down and only beat one car.

These cars are certainly a welcome break from the hoards of Escorts. The first non-Escort was Jimmy McRae in 13th.

The event has been a huge success and reminds us 'old timers' of the event we used to follow each November.

 

[JK240]

These cars are certainly a welcome break from the hoards of Escorts.

There will be one less escort next year Rob

 

[STEVE BURNS]

well done to the pair of them for finishing the rally
a bit battered and bruised but scars worn with pride