Throckmorton Challenge. Classic rally with added shite.

[worldofceri]

Hey you lot.

 

I know 'proper' classic rallies aren't really on our radar, but I thought you might be interested in a few shots from the 'Throckmorton Challenge' this year. Organised by the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO), it's a one-day event for pre-83 cars featuring loads of autotests and a couple of regularity sections.

 

It's held at the former RAF Pershore, now owned by Qinetiq; although largely disused, they obviously do something there that involves wrecking (or pre-wrecked) motors, as you'll see.

 

The entry to the event is always a varied one, ranging from wealthy types in Austin Healeys and Astons and so on, to MGBs and mkI Escorts as you might expect, to some more interesting vehicles... My favourite this year was the Dutch Landcrab. I was there to help marshal the event, not as a competitor!

 

Sunrise over the airfield. I couldn't resist this shite holiday shot.

 

Austin Healey 'Lenham' Sprite. Belongs to an old uni friend, this one.

 

 

 

 

This was a new one on me: Tornado Talisman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love how shabby this Alpine is.

 

Aforementioned Dutch Morris 1800.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Car #1 lines up at the start. Lancia Aurelia.

 

Tried a few action shots from the first test. My camera and photography skillz aren't really up to it, but here's a few so you get the idea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ayrshirelad]

Looks like a interesting event both to compete in and marshall. Somethaing a wee bit different and left field. Nice pics also btw. Least you had good dry weather which is note worthy this year!

[shedvan]

Love that FIAT 127!

[Spiny Norman]

 

My 2 favourites right there. Looks like it was a great event with a really interesting selection of cars.

[skattrd]

Looks good, definitely more interesting than the usual classic show.

[worldofceri]

The last test of the day was a 'regularity' stage around the airfield. The crews have to follow a specific route, timing their arrival at a series of checkpoints to within a few seconds. My job was to man the stopwatch at one of these.

 

 

Someone's obviously been having fun smashing cars up. I have no idea what the story is with these; I just thought I'd take a few shots while I waited for the first competitors to arrive. I think my Volvo blends in a little too well...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[michiel]

Wonderful stuff! Here's a shot of the crab way back in the 1970s I think:

 

Morris 1800 - Still alive today! (61-69-NE) by Michiel V, on Flickr

[worldofceri]

Brilliant!