Welch has short drive to rally
DUKERIES EVENT AT DONINGTON PARK
DUKERIES Motor Club members will be out in force at Donington Park for the 62nd Dukeries Rally on December 5, writes Peter Scherer.
For Long Eaton’s Dave Welch, it is a fairly short drive from home to the Leicestershire race circuit, where he will be in action in his Subaru Impreza, co-driven by Connor Tolson.
Martin Hodgson and Tony Jones have been regulars in their Escort Mk2s since the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship began, and will be looking for a good finish again.
There are other Escorts out, too, including a Mk1 RS2000 for Martin Rumble, which will be co-driven by racer Andy Newall.
Tom Homan is due to navigate Tom Stockdale’s BMW IM, a car usually seen in the hands of Tom’s father, Martin.
Steve Tugnuff is navigating in Peter Robinson’s Impreza, but there is even more Dukeries representation in the lower capacity classes.
David Ostrowski/Robert Bekas and Marina Miller/Ian Davidson are in Nissan Micras and there are two Minis, in the hands of Laura/Duncan Christmas and Adam Fern/ George Clarke.
Just to add to the variety, Martyn Smith/Simon Thomas have entered their Ford Ka, Sam Gendy/Samantha Bartlett are in a Mazda MX5 and Brian Barlow/Emma Morrison have a Toyota Auris.
Two years ago, Clive Hilton managed to overturn his Fiesta ST, but hopefully this time around Phil Drabble will keep him on four wheels.
Completing the Dukeries Challenge are three Vauxhalls.
Matthew Wood/Val Thompson will be vying for class honours in an Astra, while Ian/John Dove will be in their trusty Nova and Alasdair Stables/Neil Jones in their Chevette.
The first of six stages is due to start at 9.15am and advance tickets can be purchased via the Donington Park website.
Further updates on the event will be announced in the next few weeks.