Rallyday at Castle Combe

Wow – what a manic weekend, although I wouldn’t have it any other way!

With Castle Combe just down the road from us RallyDay seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. Having never been before (I know, crazy huh?) it was a must and it didn’t let me down.

I have never seen so many Subaru’s in one place before, just incredible. Although two in particular stuck out from the crowd. (I apologise for my atrocious picture taking, lack-of, ability…)

After a long walk (several times) around the paddock mouth agape admiring all the fantastic cars it was time for the on track action. From Fords to Saabs to Minis, everything you could ask for was pushing peddle to the metal and putting on a great show.

I hasten to add at this point that my aforementioned camera skills let me down further here so sorry!

Then it was back to the paddock for another gander at the cars. Some real classics were on display Generating ooh’s and aah’s we’re Hilman Imp’s, Renault Alpine’s and the huge display of Audi Quattro’s.

On to the current batch of cars and the Monster WRT Ford Focus and Skoda Fabia were both on display, giving all the fans a great look at these machines up close and personal.

There was also the chance to meet and great the drivers as well as interview sessions. I tell you some of the stories Jari-Matti Latvala came out with were brilliant. The story of him colliding with his fathers combine harvester at the ages of eight, while in his own Escort, was a highlight!

Had a little chat with Jar-Matti – a gent. Also grabbed a hold of Guy Wilks who was getting suited and booted off for a blast in his Fabia (complete with facelift which is looking pretty darn good.)

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Whilst talking to him he noted that the Castle Combe circuit is quite wide and really doesn’t do the car justice. As we’ve seen so often in the IRC this year, that Skoda is truly spectacular in it’s cornering ability so I’d love to get out at see that out and about.

Although it has to be said when the Ford came out driven by Jari-Matti the place went electric. Man, that guy can drive a car! I would have loved to have been in the passenger seat when he was going round. It was nice to see a driver going so far to please a crowd – the amount of doughnuts he did was astounding.

At this point I’d like to say that I do have a few shots of the cars going around however I was stood behind a barrier and for the life of me I cannot work out how to stop my camera focusing on the fence instead of the cars, so it is here that I’m stuck with only good memories and it is also here I’ll sign off. All in all a great day, approachable drivers and knowledgeable owners. A must for any rally fan.

My goodies…

Me and my car

I wanted to post this on here because I love what I have just rediscovered. When I was younger I had a little ‘car’ like this…

Yes… that is me. Anyway, my Nan realised how much I loved my car and wrote a poem about it and my Dad. You see, he used to do a bit of rallying in his day – and I guess she figured I’d follow in his motorsport loving shoes.

Jodie’s Car

I love my little car she said,
As she came driving in,
‘Dad if you’re not too busy
Would you put some Petrol in?’

I love my little car she said,
Her hands she will not soil,
‘While you’re in the garage Dad
Would you put in some oil?’

I love my little car she said,
She’s such a lovely Daughter,
‘Dad if you have a minute
Would you please check the water?’

Her little car is running smooth,
Of that I’m very glad,
I wonder  how she’d do it,
Without help from her Dad?

Isn’t that sweet? It came complete with pictures all hand written and I plan on framing it at some point – it does come with another picture too which made me chuckle!