Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally – 2nd Jan 2012

Photos/words by Tony Todd

After the enforced, last minute changes, Northallerton Automobile Club did an excellent job of getting their event off the ground. The weather was kind to begin with,

although some showers and cold wind later in the afternoon, tested all but the most hardy.

Slippery conditions, especially early in the event,

made contact with the stage furniture quite common,

along with some near misses.

There were cars in almost circuit racing proximity

as the competition heated up. Here, Chris Anderson / Chris Thirling who moved into second place on the last stage are pressed by the leaders.

There were some beautifully prepared cars,

of varying ages and types.

Sports cars

even open topped ones.

Some people gave their pets a ride around in the bracing air

while others preferred to escort more inanimate objects around the track.

Andy Fawcett showedthat  his skill on the organising team carries over to driving by taking eigth overall and a fine class win with Chris Purvis.

After being second until the last stage, Paul Swift with saloon racer Dave Cox settled for a hard fought and entertainingly spectacular third place.

Winners by just under two minutes were Kevin Procter and Dave Bellerby

At the prize presentation,

Procter (right) shown here with event sponsor Dave Stockton and co-driver Bellerby, was fulsome in his praise of the 2 wheel drive teams who pressured him throughout the event. In the end though there was likely to be only one outcome, with multiple winners Procter/Bellerby being successful once again.

Here’s to the next one.