Three Castles Motor Club - supported by RDMC. The Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial 2007.

Sandra/Iain Photos
Duncan Littlers' Photos

Rally Report

Rhyl Motor Club gave great support to the event again this year with several club members out for the full 4 days. Keith, Linda, Iain and Sandra all marshalled; Arthur and Ros drove / navigated the closing car; Rick and Kerry were event medical officers and Chris looked after the equipment vehicles; John Vaughn and Mark (who marshal for RDMC on several events throughout the year) also joined us all for the 4 days, as did DVT and Colin Jones from NWCC.

We started on Wednesday down at Dolgarrog where a practise test was on offer to competitors around the aluminium works. The skies clouded over and the first few cars found a wet and slippery surface. The tests were interrupted numerous times as the main road in and out of the aluminium works crossed the test. However, both the employees from the works and the competitors took this in their stride and the test was a great success. The test was due to close at 3.30pm but due to demand from competitors we actually closed nearly an hour late.

After this we all headed back to Llandudno for the important stuff – picking up our t shirts and badges! This was slightly interrupted by a lengthy marshal meeting to explain why we all needed 2 alarm clocks and a bit of a debate as to what is a “Wrong Test”. That out of the way we headed for the bar at the Venue Cymru and had a well earned drink followed by a welcome meal attended by all the competitors, officials and marshals.

Thursday morning – the reason for 2 alarm clocks becomes clear. Up and out by 6am – Eiras park test is the first test of the day. Keith, Linda and Colin man the arrival – Iain and I on the test start. Within 10 minutes of the Course Car it become very apparent that whilst the council have given permission – they haven’t actually told the Leisure Centre or the Tennis Centre that roads are closed. Add to this that many mums need to deliver their children to the door of the tennis centre and chaos rules. Can it get worse – oh yes the Harbour Master hasn’t told his staff that we are using the car park on the prom for arrival – Keith and Linda sort that one out. After several threats to see Iain and I “in court” we get things moving again on the start too and the rest of the test runs without problems.

Thursday afternoon – Bodelwyddan test. A cracker – the bottom Castle car park and DVT in charge and has more marshals than you need to run the RAC. Several of the officials had a crack at the course – sadly all of whom completed “wrong tests” or were they “cone errors”? I never did understand that bit! Brilliant test – enjoyed by competitors, marshals and spectators.

Friday morning – early start again. This time Iain and I are on a regulatory start above Deganwy. Iain has the fabulous idea to dress as Leprechauns. As I can’t see a reason why not – we do! -several locals and most competitors look fairly surprised. All runs smoothly – until we hear a competitor has a small accident just up the road – no one hurt though so onwards we go.

Friday afternoon – Lake Vyrnwy for us – The Road Book shows look for “Santa”. Well there is another excuse to dress up. We borrow a 5ft Santa, decorate a Xmas tree and Iain and I dress up as elves. The locals appear concerned to see us parked up with our little Christmas scene. Fabulous weather makes it a cracking afternoon of the edge of the forest -seeing competitors try to focus on stopping astride the line at the right time – whilst not being distracted by the elves.

Saturday – Anglesey Race Circuit for a test. The new track looks amazing and we have the added bonus of a race day taking place on the other track. The “Tourers” put in an appearance and test out the track. Then we have rest of the competitors joining the track for 4 timed regulatory laps. Fabulous spectacle to see up to 10 historics on the track at any one time. Paddy Hopkirk arrives – goes on to the track …..Everyone holds their breath – and he stops 200 yards later to chat to the timing officials!!! Oh well it was a regulatory and maybe we shouldn’t have expected to see him do too much.

It’s a great 4 days – wonderful cars – amazing scenery and above all nearly 300 like minded people (competitors, officials and marshals) who want to have some fun. If you are free next year think about coming along – it might not be a rally like you have experienced before but 100% you can say its tremendous fun.

Sandra

p.s. if you haven’t already seen them – have a look at our photo gallery

p.p.s. Duncan Littler was out and about on the event too - HIS photos can be found on this photo gallery

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Thanks to Ros for these two classics...... do we recognise the backsides? - 5 points for each correct spotting!
Will someone PLEASE tell him that"Cilly Season" is over and it'll take more than aWrigleys to fix THAT mess!
Mr Jones - One hundred lines please, by June 4th 2008 -
"If I MUST do it, I must NOT do it in front of club members next time"