Motorsport
ON Sunday, November 27, rallying returned to Croft circuit for the Swift Signs & Shirts Winter Stages.
After the 2020 Jack Frost Stages, rallying has been absent from the local circuit’s calendar and a return appeared unlikely.
Through the efforts of officials of Northallerton and Darlington motor clubs and Croft circuit itself, it saw a return with huge crowds.
The event attracted 85 competitors tackling eight stages all within Croft circuit, with a good turnout from Teesdale.
Edward Todd and co-driver Andy Brown pushed hard all day in their Darrian T9.
The greasy circuit forced them sideways at times, but they were quickest on seven of the eight stages in their class finishing 12th overall and first in their class.
Also battling for honours in class 3 honours were Alistair Hutchinson and St John Dykes, in their Mickleton Service Station Renault Clio.
They set the same time as their Darrian opposition on two of the day’s stages with just only one second between them after three stages. However, they lost time in the afternoon with a spin putting them out of reach in the final stages and they finished 15th overall and third in class.
David Coatsworth and Chris Pattison enjoyed a good event in their MG ZR S1600.
The distinctive sound of the MG could be clearly heard around the circuit like a swarm of bees. They finished 31st overall and fourth in class 2.
Tim Metcalfe and co-driver Paul Turner drove their Ford Escort RS 1800 MKII off the back of a great year when Tim became Tour European Rally Historic champion.
They finished the Winter Stages Rally 56th overall.
Sadly it was a less ideal event for Andrew and Joe Hutchinson in a Renault Clio. They faced car issues throughout the day but set competitive times in class showing the promise in the car. Colin Butler and Jordan English had a rare retirement from the event with a brake issue. The event was won by David Henderson and wife Katie, from Willington, in a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
