… McDonald & Munro Speyside Stages, Sat 22 April …
Crikey what an entry. Saturday’s McDonald & Munro Speyside Stages has attracted quality and quantity to the third round of the ARR Craib Scottish Championship.
There’s more R5s than fingers in a car dealer’s handshake at this event with David Bogie heading the running order in a Skoda, Euan Thorburn at 3 in a Fiesta, Northern Ireland’s Desi Henry at 4 in another Skoda, Donnie MacDonald runs his Fiesta at number 10 and Dale Robertson will take to the stages in a Fiesta R5 for the first time at 12.
Elsewhere, Jock Armstrong is the Subaru meat in an R5 sandwich running between Bogie and Thorburn with yet another visitor from the far west, Mark Donnelly at 5 in a Fiesta WRC. Mike Faulkner will be the first of the Lancers at 6 six ahead of Subaru mounted Shaun Sinclair.
Making up the rest of the top ten are Bruce McCombie and Mark McCulloch in Lancers while just outside that ‘star’ line-up is young Greg McKnight in the ‘yellow peril’ with Robertson on his tail.
Phew, what a line-up.
As ever, the event starts with two runs round the tarmac driveway of Cooper Park in the centre of Elgin before venturing out into the wilds of Moray for 8 stages run over Forestry Commission property.
Spectating is limited so be careful and be sensible when you’re parking. Don’t block any one in and don’t park where you’re not supposed to – the Polis will be watching, and who knows, they might even be keeking out of the bushes with their hair dryers!
Programmes will be available from the following stockists on Wednesday 19th April.
Elgin – McDonald and Munro, Channory Ind Est
Elgin – Autosave Components, Greyfriars Street
Elgin – Esso Petrol Station, East Road
Elgin – Mathesons Stores, Batchen Street
Keith – Keith Motorist DIY, Mid Street
Huntly – Huntly Auto Services, Steven Road
Huntly – Peter Watt and Sons, Duke Street
Inverness – Autosave Components
Spectating Information:
SS1/2, McDonald & Munro Cooper Park 1/2, First car due 09:00 Hrs
Flood alleviation works have meant changes to the layout of the stage, so there will only be access to the start line, around Grant Lodge and up to the left hand corner around the bowling green. There will be no access to the flying finish area at the western side of the park on the banks of the River Lossie.
Where to watch: The viewing areas in the Park are accessed from the Lossie Green Car Parks. If you go to your right as you enter the park, and past the Library, it takes you to the main viewing area. Please do not try and access any other area of the stage as these are strictly non-spectator, and anyone in here would mean the cancellation of the stage.
Where to park: There are big public car parks available at Lossie Green, a two-minute walk from the Cooper Park. These are easily accessed and signposted from the main A96 through the town. Please park within the bays, and pay & display where applicable to avoid the wrath of the local traffic wardens!!
Please note that the car park nearest the Cooper Park is reserved for rally cars and no spectator parking will be allowed here.
Service Area
This year, due to the large entry and very limited space in the service area, there is NO spectator access!
Please don’t go to service, as this may jeopardise future use of the Service Area and harm the good reputation of the event.
SS3, Grampian Property Centre Teindland, First car due 09:50 Hrs
Car Park provided by: Forest Enterprise Car Park manned by: Riding for the Disabled Association
Where to watch: The spectator car park joins the stage as the cars power away from the stage start. You can either choose a spot on the raised bank on the inside of the fast right corner, or the area back from the edge of the stage on the right. You must use the crossing point and be guided by the marshals.
Please note that the viewing area is a walk of around half a mile from the Spectator Car Park – please bear this in mind and leave plenty of time to get to your chosen viewing area.
DO NOT STAND IN ANY OF THE TAPED OFF AREAS.
Where to park: The car park for the stage is accessed off the B9103, and will be arrowed from the junction where the B9103 leaves the A96 between Elgin & Lhanbryde. After approx 4 miles turn right into the forest and follow the arrows to the car park adjacent to the stage. The car park will be run by Riding for the Disabled Association who will take the proceeds, and parking costs £3 per car. Please note that this is also the stage entrance for competitors, so please proceed with care and follow the marshals instructions at all times.
SS5, John Wink Design/J&J Rallying Malsach Burn 1, First car due 12:05 Hrs
SS8, Clark & Sutherland Malsach Burn 2, First car due 15:05 Hrs
Car Park provided by: Forest Enterprise Car Park manned by: Gartly Community Association
SS5 and SS8 run in the same direction, uphill from Gartly Village.
Where to watch: For both stages the cars head through the trees into some sweeping bends, before an uphill 90 right. There are good views at 90 degree corner where the car park meets the stage, but recent forestry operations mean that there are also some clear felled areas which will give good views for those that like a good walk, back towards the start of the stage.
Please do not jeopardise the running of the stage by trying to get to the quarry section, as we cannot allow spectators to walk on the stage. Food will be available in the car park.
DO NOT STAND IN ANY OF THE TAPED OFF AREAS.
Where to park: The car park for the stage is accessed, and will be arrowed from the public road off the A96 at the top of the crawler lane after the Glens of Foundland. After approx 2 miles turn right into the forest and follow the arrows to the car park adjacent to the stage. The car park will be run by Gartly Community Association who will take the proceeds, and parking costs £3 per car.
SS10, Frank Ogg & Son Rosarie, First car due 16:05 Hrs
Car Park provided by: Forest Enterprise Car Park manned by: Portsoy Boat Festival PLEASE NOTE – THIS SPECTATOR AREA IS ON UNEVEN GROUND AND IN AMONGST TREES – IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR
THE VERY YOUNG OR ELDERLY
Where to watch: The spectator car park joins the stage as the cars into tight triangle. To the right as you approach the stage is a fast left-hander into the triangle. Beyond this, for those that like a good walk further into the stage, there are some clear felled areas with good views. To the left are some fast and flowing downhill bends and also some big ditches, so if you choose this option please find somewhere safe to stand.
DO NOT STAND IN ANY OF THE TAPED OFF AREAS.
Where to park: The car park for this stage is on the forest road from Gateside farm, accessed off the A95 Keith-Dufftown road. Turn right off the A96 just before Keith and follow the A95 for approx. 3 miles before following signs and turning left onto unclassified road. Follow this road for approx 1 mile before entering the forest at Gateside Farm. Please note that there have been recent forestry operations in this section of track, so please drive with caution as there are some bumpy patches.
There is NO access to the Stage Start or Stage Finish as there is no parking available on the A95. Anyone parking on the verges of this road is at risk of being towed away by the Police who will be patrolling the area. Parking charge for this stage is £3 per car
All spectator car parks for the forest stages are arranged by the 63 Car Club (Elgin) for your convenience and safety. All these car parks are manned by local charities and community organisations who, by kind co-operation of the local Forest Enterprise offices, will keep 100% of the proceeds collected on the day. Please help these people make their day as enjoyable as possible by giving them your co-operation when using the car parks. The organisers, The 63 Car Club, accept no liability for car parking arrangements.
Maps and Diagrams available on-line here:
http://www.speyside-stages.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Car-Parking-2017.pdf