The Full Story (2025)

07/03/2025

Hello, everyone,

It's a few days after the event, but I would like to say 'thank you' to the medical staff at Anglesey Circuit, who checked me over and made sure I was okay, when I became unwell at last weekend's Lee Holland Memorial Stages.

Due to the heavy braking and cornering forces created by the Impreza I was co-driving, and the fact that I was recovering from a head cold, I'd been feeling car-sick part-way through each stage. I didn't feel well enough to do the last test, so we - my good pal Andy Stretton and I - retired from the event. As a trained First Aider, I recognised I was suffering early signs of shock, so I went to Rally HQ, where I met Secretary of the Meeting Jade Benson. Jade was very understanding and helpful when I explained my predicament and asked to see the Medical Officer.

Within a couple of minutes, Paramedic Jenny Braithwaite arrived with a member of the Rescue Unit who, I think, was called Andrew or Alan. Their friendly, reassuring manner put me at ease straightaway. They noted that I take a blood pressure tablet so checked my blood pressure, which was high due to being unwell. They gave me water to drink and some snacks - I had not eaten during the day - and after a while, I began to feel brighter.

Even after I began to improve, Jenny's ongoing care extended to asking if I had anyone to keep an eye on me, or if there was someone I could ring if I felt unwell again. It is all thanks to everyone's care ( I even got a good old blokey-type hug from the scrutineer!), and the medical staff's professional attitude that I was able to drive back to my hotel, eat a small meal, get a good night's sleep and drive back home safely on Monday.

Two years of niggling illnesses and injuries that won't clear up before the next one hits me have created an ongoing health problem, so that the forces involved in the Impreza make it 'a car too far' for me to co-drive just now. Andy will use another co-driver at least for the moment and I will concentrate on getting fully fit and healthy again.

However, the most important thing that this incident shows me is that medical staff and Rescue Units are not just essential when a major incident occurs. Their dedicated training and knowledge is used to deal equally well when someone like me becomes unwell.
Once again, thank you so much to Jenny, Jade, Andrew (or Alan) together with the team who organised such a well-run rally and whose actions made sure I soon felt better and got home safely.

Take care, all,

Ian.

22/12/2024

ROAD RALLYIST HAND MOVES TO THE STAGES

Road rallying star Chris Richmond Hand will move into stage events in 2025 to contest the British Rally Championship National Cup. The Toyota Starlet driver is a well-established front runner in night events and says his decision was made easier following a stunning drive at this year’s Rali Ceredigion. Here, Hand and co-driver Izzie Holman stormed to 47th overall and a dominant class win. He told The Full Story news page: “I love road rallying; I began competing in 2007 and the buzz is great. However, Ceredigion opened my eyes to what I really want to have a crack at. It’s like everything that’s good about road rallying but in daylight and on pacenotes.”

Before Ceredigion, Hand spent five weeks building the bright yellow Starlet from the ground up, starting with a partly prepared shell. He is extremely grateful to his friends who chipped in and helped: “I couldn’t have done it without the lads; they put in a huge effort. One marathon session began at 7am and finally finished at 4 o’clock the following morning.”

Hand’s Toyota has already given him many successes in the lanes, including third on the 2023 Rally Cilwendeg. Now, the car is receiving further upgrades for stage rallies including wider arches, bigger wheels and brakes. Also, the engine will run on throttle bodies. “It’s strong, light and reliable, which you need for a tough season. On the gravel rounds, we’ll fit different suspension,” he explained.

Although the National Cup consists of both asphalt and gravel rounds, Hand is unfazed about loose surface rallies. He has already proved his speed on gravel, taking a four-door Ford Es**rt Mk2 to a class win at the Rally North Wales and a tremendous 16th overall and second in class at the Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages in April.

Hand’s own motorsport fabrication firm, DC-Msport, will sponsor the team’s National Cup campaign.

Writer: Ian Harden

18/12/2024

SMITH SWITCHES FROM MINI TO MG FOR A NEW CHALLENGE

One-make rallying specialist Mick Smith has announced he will compete in the MG3 Rally Challenge next year. The York-based man will drive a car currently being prepared by championship organiser, Niall Cowan Snr and plans to contest all seven rounds, co-driven by Paul Stringer.

The idea to do a new one-make series came after Smith won back to back Mini Rally Challenge titles in 2022 and 2023. After a limited 2024 season in a Nissan Micra, he contacted Cowan, who offered him a test in a Challenge car. Smith explained he had seen videos of the MG3 Challenge and, he says, “They look like a great bunch of people”. He continued: “I achieved everything I wanted to in the Mini Challenge, which is a brilliant championship; however, I fancied something new. The MG3 is great fun. You can push it really hard; if it gets out of shape you can get control again easily.”

Smith’s new car features MG ZR running gear, a 5.1 crown wheel and pinion, Safety Devices rollcage and Gaz suspension. He has ordered several individual items of choice on the 1400cc machine, including a hydraulic handbrake. He says he is very pleased with the help Cowan has given him. “He (Niall) has gone the extra mile for me. Mind you, how a Yorkshireman and a Scotsman have come to a deal involving money defeats me!”

Cowan is equally upbeat about Smith doing the MG3 Challenge. “Mick’s enthusiasm showed through the first time he tested our MG. He wants a car that is reliable and will finish rallies with minimum fuss. We hope he will finish every rally and the season with a huge smile on his face.”

Writer: Ian Harden

23/11/2024

ROSS RETURNS TO HIS SUBA-ROOTS FOR SEASON’S END RALLY AT DONINGTON

Rally School owner and clubman competitor Ian Ross is returning to a much-loved Subaru Impreza that he has not used since 2019 to contest the Tegiwa Stages at Donington Park on December 1st.

The Worcestershire-based driver has fitted a new engine to the 4WD car and has sold his 2.5 litre Ford Es**rt Mk2 (also pictured) that he took to a superb eighth overall on debut at the Smeatharpe Wildlife Stages in June. Ross explained “The Es**rt was awesome; the KGP engine was stunningly powerful and it handled superbly. However, I’ve sold it because I feel it’s too valuable for me to risk. My Subaru owes me less money but it’s still a terrific bit of kit.”

Ross has had numerous successes in the Impreza, winning the Get It Sideways Stages at Down Ampney in 2018 together with several top five placings at the same venue. Ross’s wife, Sally, made her driving debut in the car, winning an award at the Abingdon Car-nival Rally.

To prepare for Donington, Ross tested the engine upgrade at Gwynnespeed in Wiltshire recently. “The engine feels strong and there’s plenty of torque. It took a few runs to swap driving styles from rear-wheel drive back to 4WD, but I think we’ve about got there.”

Due to his rally school work commitments Ross picks and chooses his competitive outings. He will be co-driven at Donington by the experienced Heather Phelps.

Writer: Ian Harden

17/11/2024

ASPHALT SPECIALIST BUTCHER SWITCHES TO GRAVEL WITH BTRDA IN 2025

Asphalt specialist Chris Butcher has announced that he will contest the BTRDA and Pirelli Welsh National Championships in 2025, following a successful gravel debut at the Wyedean Rally on Saturday. The Newport, Gwent-based driver will use a 1600cc Vauxhall Corsa that he drove to 24th overall and first in Class W10. Having only driven the car to get its MoT beforehand, Butcher and co-driver Jon Hawkins set a strong pace all day, leading their class from SS1they won by 23 seconds from BTRDA regulars Robert Smith / Frankie Hillman (Ford Es**rt Mk2). At the finish, a delighted Butcher stated “Wow – what a brilliant day! We got the Corsa very sideways at times, but it took the abuse. We can’t wait to get out there again.”

Butcher is best known for his determined driving style in a Nissan Sunny F2. He contested early rounds of this year’s Protyre National Asphalt Championship but retired from May’s Jim Clark Rally with serious engine problems, ending his challenge for 2-litre class honours. Butcher explained wryly: “The Nissan is wonderful to drive but it’s very expensive when it goes wrong. And, currently, it’s gone very wrong.”

The layoff prompted him to buy a forest spec. car. Butcher says the Corsa is in clubman spec. with a 150 bhp engine and a five-speed, ‘H’ pattern gearbox. “It’s built for reliability, and it handles superbly. It’s nimble, and predictable if the back end breaks away. “

Despite not having competed on loose surface events before, Butcher is excited about taking on two major forest championships. “I’ve been instructing at the Cotswold Rally School for several years, and I’m confident we can be competitive. Jon (Hawkins) will continue to co-drive and we have a sensible budget to work with, thanks to (sponsor) Severside Defibs. We are looking forward to learning as well as having loads of fun.”

Writer: Ian Harden

02/10/2024

MEADOWS MAKES A GRASS ROOTS RETURN TO RALLYING AT HARLECH STAGES

World Rally Championship PR Manager Tommi Meadows will return to his clubman roots at the Harlech Stages on 13th October when he drives a BMW Mini Cooper in a round of the popular Mini Rally Challenge one-make series. In a deal brokered by MRC organiser Guy Butler, Meadows will use an R50 (non-supercharged) car owned by Butler and used this year by Junior 1000 Championship graduate Julian Fouquet.

Meadows, a former BTRDA Gold Star championship regular, was persuaded to drive after meeting Butler and his daughter, Florence, at this year’s Rally Finland. He explained “Guy and Flo were dodging a downpour of rain so we invited them into our motorhome. I know Guy from when we both competed in the BTRDA championship. He’s a big supporter of grassroots motorsport; he and Florence both compete in the Mini Challenge. We got talking about how good the championship is and Guy offered me his own R50 to use.”
Although Meadows has not driven competitively for 12 months due to work commitments and buying a house, he is keen to experience the Mini Challenge first-hand. “From what I’ve seen, it’s a series that is going places and designed to make rallying more accessible, especially for clubmen.”

At Harlech, Meadows will be co-driven by the experienced Laura Cooledge.

Writer: Ian Harden

23/09/2024

MICK’S MICRA GETS THE MENFULNESS MAKEOVER

Nissan Micra driver Mick Smith will be raising awareness and funds for a York-based men’s mental health charity when he contests several local rallies starting with the Trackrod Rally this weekend.

Smith has stickered his Micra to represent the Menfulness charity and hopes to raise over £900 to pay initially for five men to undergo counselling, which Menfulness offers through a local specialist service. He also hopes to shed light on issues affecting men’s mental health. Smith explained: “I want to raise enough money to put some blokes through the Menfulness counselling if I can, but most of all I want to let people know it's alright if you're struggling right now. This is somewhere you can talk and get help. Or, if you could spare a few quid, we'd be really grateful.”

Menfulness began six years ago as a men’s social group and achieved charitable status in 2022. Nowadays it runs monthly talking sessions, Walk and Talk outings, an allotments group and a tennis group. Smith’s son, Sam Watling is one of six people who started Menfulness. He says: “It’s fantastic to have my dad supporting us. The Micra looks great, and it highlights that we are an organisation where men can open up about their struggles without being stigmatised.”

Smith will continue to promote Menfulness on the Malton Rally in November and at next year’s East Riding Stages.

Writer: Ian Harden

13/09/2024

MORGANS MAINTAINS PROTYRE CLASS CHALLENGE WITH THIRD DIFFERENT CAR

Protyre MSUK Asphalt Rally Championship contender Aled Wyn Morgans will drive the third different car in as many rallies this weekend as he bids for a class B13 podium place at the Hills Ford Three Shires Stages.

Morgans was forced to swap cars after crashing his Aberystwyth Motorsport-prepared Ford Es**rt Mk2 at the Gareth Hall Memorial Stages, the severe damage putting his Rali Ceredigion entry in jeopardy. Fortunately, Ford Es**rt G3 driver Lee Edwards stepped in and offered to loan his car. Despite having never driven the V6 machine before, Morgans and co-driver Ian Taylor stormed the rain-affected stages, finishing 17th overall and fifth in class.

Morgans says he could not have maintained his championship challenge without Edwards’s sporting gesture. “I really thought our season was done and dusted. Lee’s kindness kept us in the fight for Protyre points and we wanted to repay him with a good result. We had a fair few big slides in the wet but we kept it on the island and we’re going to the final round in a strong position.”

For this weekend’s Protyre championship finale, Morgans has hired a 2.5 litre Es**rt Mk2 from Dylan Davies. He is upbeat about his chances. ’We are hoping to score good points and hopefully get on the podium. However it’s a big ask with Darren Atkinson, Huw James and Gordon Morrison absolutely flying all year. To make things even more interesting, Brad Cole is back after his nasty accident at the Manx; I’m sure will be on the pace immediately.”

Writer: Ian Harden

27/08/2024

Hello, everyone,

One of the best things about Pilates, which I have done for the past nine years under the tutelage of my good pal, Caroline Cooper, is that you never stop learning. As you get better, you pick up nuances about individual exercises that work (or, sometimes, not) for you as an individual. Active practitioners of the regime will know that some standing exercises involve bending gently forwards and downwards. So, in the spirit of mutual enlightenment I would like to share a significant discovery I made yesterday: never fart during the bending over phase.

There are various reasons, the main one being that you breathe out as you flex downwards, which empties your lungs and 'braces' your core muscles. Once you are fully bent over and, in this case, wallowing in a boiling sea of recently unleashed effluent, you then have to breathe in very deeply to come up again. I have no idea what the cloud of gas I released on an unsuspecting world contained, but I am firmly convinced that the UK government's former germ warfare centre at Porton Down wasted millions of taxpayers' dosh failing to produce what I came up with, absolutely free of charge.

The results of entering the gas abyss are impressive. My nasal hairs have dissolved, along with completely losing my sense of smell. However, there is a beneficial side-effect; I was laughing so much by the time I was upright again, that my diaphragm and core muscles got a really strong workout.

With exercise regimes such as Hot Yoga very much in vogue, I am confident that there is a case for 'Pilfartes' classes. With winter coming and the expected energy price rises, I'm sure there would be a way of capturing the accumulated methane gas and using it as a heating source. Pensioners would be welcome at a reduced rate and could also use the classes as a day centre.

Take care, all,

Ian.

16/07/2024

Hello, everyone,

I have been contacted by Paul Turton, who is looking for some high resolution photos of Andy 'Farmer' Watson, to use in the Order of Service for Andy's funeral. If any photographers on FB have good quality shots of Andy, particularly on the recent Kielder Stages, would you please send them either to me or Paul. If FB Messenger is a non-goer, please email me at [email protected].

Let's give Paul and Andy's family a choice of some great pictures that will do credit to Andy and the joy he brought to rallying.

Thanks, everyone, for your help.

Ian.

11/07/2024

Hello, everyone,

I have a favour to ask of anyone who lives anywhere in reasonable distance of Twickenham, and who will be at the Nicky Grist Stages. Would you be able to bring two wheels and tyres for a BMW Mini Cooper back with you so that I can collect them next week? If it's a goer, John Goff will find you in the Service area and will drop them off to you.

Many thanks and best wishes to everyone competing at the NGS.

Ian.

07/07/2024

Hello, everyone, An important apology for a mistake on my previous post. Andy Watson's co-driver was Kevin Watkins, not Keith. Ian.

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