Somerset Stages

[Allyc85]

Tis the somerset stages this weekend, has anyone heard any news or gossip about it? the only thing ive been told is that Andy Burton wont be competing :(

[POO505R]

His name is on the offical entrance list....but no car has yet to be announced, I believe there has been a few problems lately with the pug/cossie so who knows?....mind you it would be great to see him win as always in something a little more "normal" like a mk2, lets see him fight for his unbeaten record this century!

[Allyc85]

is it, I must of missed it because I was looking for the car before driver name lol. And I agree it would be great for im to level the competition out a bit!

[POO505R]

He's in car number 1 if that helps you find it lol. Dont know if you been to it before or not, but they let the front wheel drive guys go 1st (about 35 this year i think) then the big cars, after Burton there is a few couple Hyundai Accent WRC's a few Focus WRC then the usual gaggle of Scoobies, Mitsis & Escort etc. Seems like they have had to pull out all the stops to get people to enter this year for some reason, but if you live in the south west its the only thing close to go and see so I will be there.... Porlock then Chargot.

[Allyc85]

lol *embarased*

How do you get to the Porlock stage as I know they are always trying to keep people away from there.

and the site for anyone whos interested http://www.somersetstagesrally.com/

[POO505R]

Take the A39 west from Minehead to Porlock, when your going through Porlock head left staying on the A39 towards Lynmouth, as you head left you will see the start of the toll road on your right hand side, however its a bit hectic around there, hence they don't advertise this stage.....Safest bet is to keep on going towards Lynmouth up the hill for a mile or so. Then you will come across a few car parks marked out for spectators, just look about till you see the marshalls and you realise where the stage ends. A 2 min walk on the grass back down from the end of the stage gives you some good viewing spots.
The cars wont be getting to Chargot til 12.30 this year & they leave the start in Minehead around 8 so I'm geussing there will be 2 runs up Porlock as usual in the morning, although I'm not sure of the actual start times.
A handy thing to know is the way from Porlock to Chargot woods.... head ½ way back towards Minhead on the A39 then turn right down some lanes head for Tivington, Wootton Courtenay & Timberscombe, once your on the A396 going south you simply turn left at Wheddon Cross and the Chargot stage is 5 mins up the road on the left (maybe worth a glance in the old atlas before hand to get your bearings). Going this way cuts out Minehead, service park & lots of traffic & saves 10-15 mins so you get to Chargot in plenty of time.....just remember to be a good boy driving throught those little villages!!

By the way its been confirmed that Burton will be in his Peugeot/ Cosworth.

[306 Cosworth]

I will be there once again, and it looks to be the best entry for this rally EVER! I will have video camera in hand, and I can't wait for Saturday. Will be in Croydon all day, so hopefully I will get some good video footage, although it might be a little bit dusty with the current weather, 2004 was just as bad for dust! Can't wait for Saturday should be an excellent day out :D

[Allyc85]

Great stuff :D

Cheers for the information, il have to see how adventerous I feel (and what time I drag myself out of bed!).

N im always a good driver ;)

[MrJan]

Anyone got a rough idea of other stage times? I think I can remember how to get to them but the organisers tend to be very quiet on when things are happening except for chargot.

[Allyc85]

That was brilliant yesterday, scorching weather (ive got bad sunburn lol) and some beautiful looking and sounding cars. Il upload my pictures later :)

[Allyc85]

Heres my pictures, hope you like them :)

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/allyc85/Somerset%20Stages%2007/

[Elgin Man]

Heres my pictures, hope you like them :)

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/allyc85/Somerset%20Stages%2007/

You have some gd photos there :)

[MrJan]

Ended up going to Porlock on the off chance of getting the right time and managed to turn up about an hour before first car. MK2 Escorts were really on form, I don't think one of them was dull, all sideways stuff. Burton was impressive with the powersliding but thought Cole looked quicker.

Also managed to get to Knowle as well which was alright even though many cars had fallen by the wayside. All in all a good day out.

On another note, how impressive is that Fiesta Cosworth, that thing has got some serious grunt even if it looks a bit twitchy. It's like a 6R4 for the 21st Century. Also that Avenger is obviously packing some power, it's got some serious go :D

[Allyc85]

Yea I loved that Fiesta Cosworth, it sounded great and went some, is it 4wd as the commentator wasnt sure?

[MadCat]

I believe that Avenger has a 2 litre Millington engine :D

[MadCat]

Yes the Fester is 4WD

[Allyc85]

cool :D

[MrJan]

I believe that Avenger has a 2 litre Millington engine :D

Thought it must be something like that. I saw it on the Wyedean as well but with the snow the playing field was levelled a bit. Will certainly watch out for it in the future as it's a great thing to watch :D

[GazB]

Incar video of Julian Wilkes on his way to 2nd 1400, 2nd 2WD and 16th overall.

SS5 Porlock
http://www.rallymoments.com/play/387

SS3 Knowle
http://www.rallymoments.com/play/388

SS9 Timberscombe
http://www.rallymoments.com/play/389

[306 Cosworth]

I shall hopefully have video of the Somerset Stages that I took online later tonight.