2023 rallying thread (WRC, ERC, national and historics)
Discussion
Well, that's another Mull Rally done Not sure about the new format. Just didn't seem to have the atmosphere of previous years. Tob. seemed very quiet compared to other years.
I did call at Susan Cameron's memorial, it doesn't seem like 20 years ago., that we lost her. Somewhere in my head it will always be just yesterday.
I did call at Susan Cameron's memorial, it doesn't seem like 20 years ago., that we lost her. Somewhere in my head it will always be just yesterday.
Good day out at a local club rally last weekend, always impressed by how committed some of these guys drive on a blind rally (no pace notes).
Just uploaded photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYsxx
A few highlights...
_DSC6074 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC6172 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC6327 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC6715 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC6612 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC6862 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC7017 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC7142 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC7257 by Ben, on Flickr
_DSC7298 by Ben, on Flickr
Just uploaded photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYsxx
A few highlights...
_DSC6074 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC6172 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC6327 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC6715 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC6612 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC6862 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC7017 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC7142 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC7257 by Ben, on Flickr_DSC7298 by Ben, on FlickrIt's not a rally car......
But I do like the way John Lindsay does the light trails
https://www.lindsayphotosport.co.uk
But I do like the way John Lindsay does the light trails
https://www.lindsayphotosport.co.uk
fttm said:
Top ten for this weekends Carlisle Stages looks mighty exciting , hope Meeke has in-car camera .
I think a few crews are using this weekend as a bit of a shakedown for the RAC.I am told the stages are not in to bad a condition. But we have got a forecast of bad weather for the next few days.
thepawbroon said:
I was hoping you'd elaborate on your Mull thoughts.....
I have a real mental clash about the Tour of Mull/Mull Rally. I love the event, its heritage, history and the place. However, I'm a firm believer in the approach that just because that's the way we've always done it, doesn't mean it's the right way. There's been changes of people and teams. You've been part of it, so I don't need to go over old ground.I value the way the organisers have a constant desire to improve, and this is where the clash comes in, this year, I didn't think the new format worked. Friday felt 'weak', for want of a better word. Three stages and back for a beer just after dark just didn't feel like a challenge for the competitors.
Saturday was a challenge, but realistically, more for the stage teams on the ground. They were in place for Leg 2, in good time as you'd expect. However, because of the format they needed to stay out during the break to change stage direction, so the marshals didn't get a break and had to stay out into leg 2. Folks staying in our digs that were running a stage left just after 6 and didn't get back until 2am. We took them food on our second run through.
I can't speak from a competitors perspective, but for me, running the stages in daylight made it feel like any other closed road event and took away the challenge of Mull, the extended runs in darkness etc. A few years ago, there was a conversation with the CoC at the time which focused on keeping the challenge, but retaining an eye on the welfare of the stage teams. That actually worked very well and we had a couple of years of routes/timings that really worked.
One day we can chat over a hot beverage (or even a cold one!) about the other sort of things that shouldn't be discussed on an open forum
Ranger 6 said:
One day we can chat over a hot beverage (or even a cold one!) about the other sort of things that shouldn't be discussed on an open forum
For sure!There are a lot of people emotionally invested in the Mull Rally, so any change (even for the better) becomes difficult for someone. What I observe is an increasing distance between the org team and the wider island community, so I've made some recommendations as how to bridge that.
Ranger 6 said:
Thanks - and agreed. What I didn't mention was the lack of spectators in many places, which would back up your thoughts on distance.
I'd be interested to see those suggestions, if it's a group I'm part of.
I agree there didn't seem to be as many spectators, but there could be several issues this year The cost of living, for one. The "will they, won't they" sailings we have had this year, that seem worse this year than others. The lack of information both for spectators and residents. I thought the residents pack was rather poor to be honest.I'd be interested to see those suggestions, if it's a group I'm part of.
Gassing Station | Rallying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff