Hamilton Classic 2007 Longmoor Loco Stages
Event date: Sunday 30th December 2007
Page updated 2nd January 2008
 
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Introduction

This is the only stage rally to be held at Longmoor Army Camp and so it presents a unique opportunity to drive the fantastic complex of roads.


The Longmoor Loco is designed as both a season-closer and opener as it alternates either side of New Year’s Day. Because of its compact and intricate nature, we decided once again to restrict the entry to 2-wheel drive vehicles only.

Since its inception 5 years ago, the event has always been well subscribed and this year was no exception with the entry being filled within 6 days of the regulations being posted.

Report:

Former British rally champion Ian Roberton, co driven by Mark Withers, rolled back the years to win this years Hamilton Classics Longmoor Loco rally in their venerable Nissan 240 RS.

Showing all of his old speed and style, Roberton guided the big Nissan around the tight and tricky Longmoor Barracks to take a hard earned win by just 8 seconds from second placed Geoff Bennett and Richard Bailey driving a Mk2 Escort after a thrilling battle.
Third place went to rising star Dan Corner with James Greenwood alongside in their Peugeot 205 1.6 after a neat drive avoiding the many Longmoor obstacles.

Proving that this is not a power venue, Aron Rayner and Scott Rayner took fourth in their little Citroen AX just seven seconds behind Corner.

Next up and ruing a 2 minute time penalty after oil pressure problems caused them a extended service were last years winners and the ever spectacular pairing of Michael Holland and Shaun Gratton in an immaculate Escort RS1600.

Rounding off the top six with a fine drive were Bryan Whale and Fiona Scarrett in a Vauxhall Astra.

This was the seventh running of the Longmoor loco Stages which is only for 2 wheel drive cars and always produces some fierce competition. This year was no exception with unusually fine dry weather adding to the spectacle and speed.


This also no doubt attributed to some of the retirements which included previous winner Andy Corner/ Ade Camp whose Peugeot went no further than SS3. Other retirees included the Escort of Les Skeet/Theresa Fossey with gearbox woes which also claimed the rapid Haydn Morgan/Lee Hardings Nova on SS2.
The competitors clearly enjoyed a great days sport but the biggest smile of the day belonged to the winners, this being Roberton’s first win since The Quinton Rally in 1991!


Overall Results
1 Ian Roberton/Mark Withers
2 Geoff Bennett/Richard Bailey
3 Dan Corner/James Greenwood
4 Aron Rayner/Scot Rayner
5 Michael Holland/Shaun Gratton
6 Bryan Whale/Fiona Scarrett
7 Kevin Barnes/Dave Thornhill
8 Dave Edmunds/Dom Jeans
9 Martin Page/Hugh Holloway
10 Russell Phipps/Toby Phipps


Class Results
A Aron Rayner/Scott Rayner
B Kevin Barnes/Dave Thornhill
C Michael Holland/Shaun Gratton
D Gary Johnson/Zenya Heap

Click on the link to the left for full results
Report: Thanks to Mark Welch
Pictures: Thanks to Mark Simms 01926 430299 on www.rallygallery.com for for permission to use some of his excellent pictures.