Well done to Tim Ball and Jo Simmons for holding onto the Carfax Trophy after a pretty well fault free run (travel sickness for Jo aside!) on the first proper winter day of 2003. Congratulations also to all the award winners.
Of course our day was made slightly concerning by the accidents that interrupted both stages 1 and 10, but we are pleased to report that the crews concerned appear to be slightly battered, but definitely unbowed. Events like this bring home how grateful we are to the volunteer emergency services that are on hand at events such as ours - Ladies and Gentlemen, we owe you our thanks. Other than this, we were pleased to be able to offer you a pretty problem free event. We were pleased to see no problems with the timing introduced for this year – no more waiting going into service, and would like to thank all our marshals for staying on post on what turned out to be a cold day and for their help in turning round the stages so promptly. Thank you also for leaving us with a substantially clean and tidy service area – much appreciated by our hard working club members as they cleared up the venue in the cold and dark.
We have already put measures in place to ensure that emergency services vehicles cannot get near a live stage again and will look into how we can reduce the queue at the burger van – though you have to admit, once you get to the front Bigger Bites’ catering is absolutely second to none! We had to withdraw three cars that had missed controls / stages (in line with rule K31[a]). We can understand the frustration that was expressed by two of the crews but we have to remain within the prescriptions of the MSA rules (if we are to avoid problems with insurance cover).
If anyone has any points to raise about the Carfax Special Stage Rally, please could you send them to David Smith (Secretary of the Meeting) 20, Chedworth Drive, Witney. Oxfordshire. OX28 5FS. We can then look at these comments as part of our planning for 2004 and beyond.
Thank you for your contribution, and company last Sunday. We, at Oxford Motor Club, would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone involved a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you again in twelve months’ time.
The Organising Committee, Oxford Motor Club