LUDLOW Castle Motor Club members contested two rallies at the weekend, travelling to the Lake District and Staffordshire to do so.

On only his third rally in the forests, Neil Weaver and Andrew Sakey completed the eight special stages of the Malcolm Wilson Rally in the Lake District, second overall in the Silkolene Formula 1400cc championship a BTRDA qualifier. His result was made more remarkable as he was making his debut in a front-wheel drive Vauxhall Nova, having switched from his Ford Anglia, which he campaigned last year.

Sankey described Weaver' speed and car control as "excellent" as they won through way to 32nd overall and second in class.

Robert Gough/Phil Clarke finished the Grizedale stages rally in December fourth overall, much of the same stages comprising this rally. That was exactly what they were doing on the Malcolm Wilson Rally. Fourth overall after the first three stages, Gough went into the first of two Grizedale tests, to put the Mitsubishi Lancer off the road, ending up stuck in a bog to end his rally.

James Wozencroft/Mark Ammonds lay 73rd overall after stage four, but the gear lever on their Vauxhall nova broke off to stop their run.

Meanwhile over at RAF Hixon, between Cannock and Stafford, crews were contesting a newly formed event, the Cannock Electrical Installations Rally. With varying fortunes, Carl Thomas/Chris Ridge won their class in 15th place overall in a Ford Escort MkII, four places behind came Simon Ridge/Richard Weaver in a similar car who took second in the same class.

Simon Atkinson retired his Alfasud when the engine blew on the opening stage, while Dave James/John Howell were likened to a "spinning top" as they found the slippery conditions and too much power a bad mix, going round in circles more than they would have liked. They retired when the Ford Escort developed restarting problems.

Approved Car Finance Heart of England Rally Championship

This coming Sunday the opening round of the Approved Car Finance Heart of England Rally Championship takes place at Weston Park, near Telford. Owen Motoring Club are unable to welcome any spectators at the AGBO Rally, but will welcome people who are willing to assist with officiating the venue. Several Ludlow crews take part.