With a variety of Road Rally cars taking part in the Speedfair Rally, and some of the more exotic Demonstration Cars having an opportunity to take to the track, the rally area attracted many of the spectators to the paddock at the hairpin.  With a range of cars on show from the humble Mini Cooper S to a Lancia Stratos there was certainly plenty to see.

The rally itself consisted of 10 tests over the Knockhill “stage” and the signs were that this would be hotly contested. Hot is not a word associated often with Knockhill but the weekend, especially the Saturday provided glorious weather, perhaps too hot on the Saturday.

Of the 32 cars, 26 were taking part in the rally, and by close of play on Saturday, Archie and Michael  Simmonds had taken a narrow lead.  Whilst others battled for class honours, the day proved to be a great success with great anticipation for Sunday competition.  Sunday of course had the additional distraction of racing on the adjacent circuit, and the Rally cars which did not meet the regs for the Rally had the opportunity to put in a few Demonstration runs courtesy of
Knockhill Circuit. The bark of the Stratos certainly woke up any lingering sleepy heids, as did the wonderful sight of the Broadspeed Anglia and JWRC Anglia.

With times changing places regularly between the five front runners the Sunday result would be open to question right up until the last test.  The Sunbeam of Malcolm Robertson held on to the first spot with the Chirnside Midget taking 2^nd. The Mk 1 Escort of the Ardgulaich Clan made a stunning run into 3^rd place as the Nissan Sunny of Grainger & David Robertson succumbed to an unusual, at least for them, mechanical failure.

The “Shoot Out” of the fastest 12 from Saturday soon left the final battle of the day to the skill of the crews in the Midget, Sunbeam and Escort Mk1. The final run saw just 0.6 of a second giving the Simmonds the win.

Another great day of Motorsport. Thanks to our hosts
Knockhill Racing Circuit.

Colin Wallace