Kentish Express Ashford & District
Richards still gets Monte Carlo buzz
Motorsport
Bill Richards is preparing for his 10th Monte Carlo Historic Rally later this month.
The 65-year-old claimed his best-ever finish last year as the first Mini home, third in class and 83rd overall but admits a rule change involving spotlights imposed for this year’s event may affect his chances of doing as well this time.
He said: “The cars in the World Rally Championship which takes place two weeks before are moved to the next stage by transporter but we drive through the night.
“However, the French police have had so many complaints about the use of spotlights that they have now been made illegal and we have to use old fashioned lights used in the 60s and 70s. One of our strengths is driving over the Col de Turini mountain pass in the French Alps, where we can make up 50 or 60 places but now you might as well use candles.
“I am concerned because it’s dangerous and takes no prisoners.”
Despite that, Richards, who lives on Romney Marsh, and is based on the Ellingham Industrial Estate in Ashford, has lost none of his enthusiasm for racing and rallying.
He said: “I am an evergreen and no spring chicken, driving as fast now as I was when I was 18 but just a bit wiser.
“I will continue as long as I am able to do so, mentally and physically.
“I still get a great buzz out of it and am more enthusiastic now than I have ever been.”
He is continuing to be supported by Mini Spares – his association with the Potters Bar-based company now in its 25th year, while Millers Oil are other long-term supporters.
He is backed by crew manager John Griffin, assistant Paul Upston with navigator Graham Carter at his side again – they teamed up together for the first time last year.
The rally gets under way on Wednesday, January 25, and finishes a week later on February 1.
Alongside racing and rallying, Richards is also a great supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, raising thousands of pounds for the organisation.
He added: “We are allowed to carry a minimum of advertising on the side of cars but will be carrying graphics featuring the RNLI and its French and Italian equivalent – the difference being those two governments put a large chunk of money in, while our organisation relies on fundraising and donations.”