Final historic rally race on Sunday

More fun than F1? More mud, certainly

Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship

BHRC preview, round nine: Bulldog Historic Rally

The ninth and final round of the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship will take a cracking entry into the classic Welsh forests for the Bulldog Historic Rally on Saturday 23 October.

Although Dessie Nutt/Geraldine McBride (overall) and Steve Smith/John Nichols (post-historic) cannot be caught in championship terms there are still several class contests to be resolved.

Historic (category 1)

With a perfect eight wins from eight events, Nutt/McBride (Porsche 911) have enjoyed a fantastic season to date. Now, they will head to the Bulldog aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and few would bet against a ninth victory for the Northern Ireland crew.

Once again leading the chase of Nutt/McBride will be Francis Tuthill in his Porsche 911, suitably refettled after a panel damaging off on the Trackrod recently. It is on gravel that Tuthill presents the biggest threat to Nutt and even though his team prepares Nutt's car, Tuthill will be determined to beat the Irish ace in Wales.

Starting third on the road in the historics will be Chris and Hilary Green (Lotus Cortina), and they face a strong challenge from the similar car of Neil Calvert/Arlene Cookson in the class B4 battle. Meanwhile, the Cortina GTs will battle over class B3 with Jonathan Gale/Graham Gale lining up against Ronnie Roughead/Ian Canavan.

A gaggle of four Mini Coopers will fight over class B2, headed by 2004 class champions Mike Barratt/Michelle Calvert. However, the car they will all have to beat is the MG Midget of James Stait/Marcus Cartwright. The former BHRC champion is only doing selected events in 2004, but will set a searing pace on the Bulldog and could even be chasing the pace-setting Porsches. Finally, the wonderful Saab 96 of John Parker/Robert Harrison tops class B1.

Post-historic (category 2)

A fabulous entry will contest the post-historic category, led away by 2003 Bulldog winner Richard Tuthill. Running a Porsche 911 from the family team, Tuthill will be partnered by Nick Kennedy in a bid to take back-to-back Bulldog victories. There is even a chance of a Tuthill double if things go really well for the Porsche squad!

However, a whole host of very quick drivers will be aiming to topple Tuthill. Ray Bellm/Marc Jones lead the Escort Mk1 pack away and Bellm reckons he is due a good run after a catalogue of problems through the second half of the season. Having won the opening three events, Bellm has finished only one of the last four rallies. If it all goes to plan, he certainly has the pace to win again.

Right behind Bellm will be David Stokes/Den Golding and their battle will resolve second in class C5 to Richard Gower. Although Gower will miss the Bulldog, the competition will be very tough as Chris Browne/Liz Jordan are also well in contention with Bellm and Stokes for second in class.

The class C4 battle is even closer as Dominic Frattaroli (Datsun 240Z) leads Stuart Rolt (Porsche 911) by just two points heading to the start of the Bulldog. It will be a straight fight for the class title, and Frattaroli/Wyn Thomas in particular have the pace to win the overall event as well. Aiming to continue his excellent recent progress in C4 is Peter Lythell, who again has Gill Cotton alongside in his Porsche 911.

With the post-historic title secure, Smith/Nichols will be chasing another class C3 victory but know that they face a tough challenge from James and David Young in their Escort RS2000. The Young brothers have yet to beat Smith, but they are getting closer and closer and the Bulldog should suit the Youngs well.

Class C2 is set for another close battle having been decided by just five seconds on the Trackrod. In championship terms, Ken Forster/John Stanger-Leathes have an 11-point lead over Dave Dyer/Graham Wride, but John Worthing/John Cadwallader also have class-winning pace in the battle of the 1600cc Escorts!

Whatever the outcome, the Bulldog Historic Rally will be a fitting end to a superb season for the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship. More details about the event, which is organised by the Wolverhampton and South Staffs Car Club, are available at www.thebulldogrally.freeserve.co.uk.