Hills Ford Stages 2024 Spectator Programme by Hills Ford Stages

SPECTATOR PROGRAMME

THE ORGANISING TEAM

Welcome to Cheltenham Motor Club’s most prestigious event on the calendar, The Hills Ford Stages, named after our sponsors Hills Ford. We are very grateful for the continued support they and all our sponsors give to us and we hope, this year, they will be thrilled at how we have raised the bar of Closed Road Rallying yet again.

We are pleased to welcome competitors from the Championships of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally, Historic Masters Championship, the Category 1 Cup and Mini Cup. It is looking like this event will be the culmination of a whole seasons rallying, with the overall championship winners since undecided. It is unfolding into a very exciting culmination of all the hard work and dedication the championships and competitors have put in.

This year we are bringing you two days of competing with the whole weekend, kicking off with a highly anticipated Ceremonial Start, in Ledbury Town Centre on Saturday 14th September in the afternoon with the competitors going straight from the start to their first challenge of a super special stage at Castlemorton Common, which will be run through twice, before heading back to service at Much Marcle. Both the stage and service is open to the public with the proceeds going to the charity running the two sites.

Sunday brings a whole set of new challenges with a total of 5 stages covering the east and west of Much Marcle. These stages will be run through once in the morning with a repeat in the afternoon. There will also be a Spectator Area available at Woolhope, for the Marcle Hill stage. All in all, a cracking weekend of rallying awaits.!

We wish every one a very enjoyable and successful - and most of all - safe weekend of rallying. Good luck and enjoy

The Hills Ford Stages Organising Team.

Dear Rally enthusiast

Welcome to Hills Ford Stages, an exhilarating journey through the picturesque landscapes of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.

We at Hills Ford are known for our motorsport heritage and we have been an enthusiastic sponsor of the rally since its inception. My son Will Hill, who recently clinched the B14 title in his class winning Fiesta Rally 3, will also be competing in the rally.

After the resounding success of the 2023 rally, this year the rally has been named as the Hills Ford Stages, and we are proud to be associated with such a flagship closed road rally.

This year Will wil be competing with entrants from the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally, Historic Masters Championship ,the Mini Cup and Category 1 Cup.

This annual event has captured the hearts of drivers and fans alike, drawing them to the region to witness rally at it’s best. With each edition, the Hills Ford Stages Rally continues to raise the bar, introducing new challenges for competitors and a community engagement approach and opening the doors to many opportunities within our motorsport industry.

We wish you all an enjoyable, successful and safe day’s motor sport. Good luck.

Title Sponsor

The Rally’s Officials

Duty Oﬃcials name

MSUK SAFETY DELEGATE Tony Jackson

MSUK STEWARD Brian Hemmings

EVENT STEWARD Mike Broad

EVENT STEWARD Kelvyn Davies

EVENT DIRECTOR Kevin Smith

CLERK OF THE COURSE Dan Lister

DEPUTY COC Keith Richings

SECRETARY OF THE MEETING Anouska Lysandrou

DEPUTY COC Pete Henness

ASSISTANT COC Kelly Thomas

SAFETY OFFICER Pete Self

DEP SAFETY OFFICER Rod Coleman

SPECTATOR SAFETY Clive Chinnick

DEPUTY SPECTATOR SAFETY Lee Hampton-Whitehead

ENTRIES SECRETARY Julie Richings

CHIEF MARSHAL Adam Kettley

CHIEF MEDICAL Dr Stuart Hateley

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Kevin Smith

MEDIA OFFICER Steve Andrews

PRESS OFFICER & MEDIA SIGN-ON Paul Willets

COMPETITOR LIAISON OFFICERS Eifion Jones & Ryland James

CHIEF TIMEKEEPER Richard Blackshaw

CHIEF SCRUTINEER Martin Ford

ENVIRONMENTAL SCRUTINEER Rob John

RESIDENT LIAISON MANAGER Kim Butcher

Hills Ford Stages

Cheltenham Motor Club

Upper Park Street, Cheltenham, GL52 6SA

MSUK No. 120628

President: Ray Rayner (1969 - Present)

Spectator programme

Design and Editor : Steve

Printing BY:

Martin Saunders

Rally Reports & Photography By:

Protyre Asphalt Championship

Paul Evans, Paul Mitchell & Russ Otway

HRCR Stages Masters Championship

Martin Leonard & Ben Lawrence

MINI CUP AND CAT 1 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Chris Philips & Andrew Crayford

Front Cover by

Malcolm Almon

Acknowledgements

Hills Ford

Moran Motorhomes

SFP Store

Hartpury Farms

RA SWANN Ltd AlliSport

HAWK Security

Andy Landy Motorsport

M.A.R Motorsport

R.J. Matthews

David Turner

Ledbury Town Council

Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire County Councils

All the impacted District, Parish and Ward Councils

Malvern Hills Trust

Much Marcle Garage

The Royal Oak Public House

The Championship Co-ordinators

Martin Saunders, RLO Gloucestershire

RLO West Mercia Maurice Leach

Silverstone

Cheltenham Motor Club

Understanding the Oﬃcials cars that open, run and close your stage

start

The road closure procedure involves identiﬁed Safety Cars travelling the route prior to the competing cars and are equipped with ﬂashing beacons, PA system, sirens and are in radio contact with Rally Control. These Vehicles include:

Stage Officials and Marshals in mainly road cars and vans involved in the setting up and maintenance of the stages. They well be guiding farm machinery in the installation of heavy items such as straw bales and also recovery vehicles removing any broken down or damaged vehicles from the stage. The Officials /Marshals can all be identified as they will all be wearing tabards and will, primarily, carry out their work before the “Safety Car Convoy” and after the Sweeper Car has passed.

Road Closure Car –

Sweeper Car –

The first car on the first loop of stages. Signifies to residents, marshals and spectators that the road is now closed.

Spectator Safety Car –

This car does a run through speciﬁcaly to ensure that all spectators and residents are viewing from a safe location

Safety Car 000 –

This car will be checking that the stages are set-up according to the safety and setup plans, ensuring that all marshals are in the correct places and spectators are in safe places.

Motorsport UK Safety Delegate –

Manned by the Motorsport UK Safety Delegate and the Deputy Clerk of the Course. They will check that all stages are set-up according to the setup plans, ensure marshals are in place in appropriate locations and spectators are in safe places.

Safety Car 00 –

They may also carry out emergency ‘repairs’ to stage signage or equipment should the need arise. All the above vehicles travel at normal road speeds.

Safety Car 0 –

This vehicle is a fully prepared rally car and is driven close to competition speed. It will prepare spectators and marshals for the ﬁrst oﬃcial competitor. After the Safety Car 0 passes, the next cars will be competition cars.

Following the last competing car. The sweeper car will travel through the stage to indicate that the competition has ﬁnished. Marshals and Residents are not permitted to move on to the stage before permission has been obtained from Rally Control

Interim 1 & Interim 2 -

These cars run through the stage at any point in the convoy and act as both a backup and can take the role of road closer or road opener.

Road Opening Car –

Finally, after the marshals have cleared the roads of stage markers, chicanes etc. and recovered any stranded vehicles, a marked Road Opening Car will confirm that the road is clear and open for normal traffic. We will do this as quickly as possible at the end of the day. While the Road Closure order is in place until 20.00hrs, the organisers will endeavour to clear up as quickly as possible to fully open the roads to all traffic.

Road Closure Car

Road Opening Car

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After one of the wettest summers on record, this region has had to deal with not just the Wye flooding but the Severn as well, so it would be natural for any caring person to consider that we are encouraging the damage to our environment, expanding the carbon crisis and generally acting with an arrogance of disregard.

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I mean, most of us at the Hills Ford Stages cannot deny being utter and complete rally nutcases. Who else would volunteer 1000’s of hours of graft to put on this event – and then most of us do not even see a single car running competitively at any point over the weekend? We all do it for the love of the sport – the marshals, radio crews, rescue and recovery units, stage teams and, we have discovered many, who will be watching as the cars pass by their homes, all love the sport. So, can you be passionate about rallying and still be passionate about our planet?

But not in a wishy washy green washing way, but by looking at every angle of putting on a rally and actively working towards solutions that benefit in a positive way. We can love our sport, and we can work to help balance out the damage to the planet. There is enormous pressure from many global sources to address the environmental impact of Motorsport as a whole and so we have become one of the first sports anywhere in the world to seriously look at how we mitigate our impact. Rather than merely responding to criticism, the U.K. rally organisers have proactively developed strong carbon balancing objectives that reflect a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare. At the heart of these efforts is a clear understanding that motorsport must evolve to meet the demands of a world increasingly focused on sustainability.

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We are working to measure the carbon impact of holding the rally, from the vehicles involved, their fuel type, engine size and mileage. We then input as much as we can into the Motorsport UK carbon calculations spreadsheet and, to ensure accuracy, the calculations even overestimate emissions, considering engine size, fuel type, and other variables. This data-driven approach allows us to calculate the total carbon emissions associated with the event, providing a clear target for the rally to build initiatives to give back and balance the environmental impact caused.

The Hills Ford Stages, for instance, has implemented a comprehensive strategy to mitigate its carbon footprint as best as possible. This strategy begins with building a meticulous way to look at every aspect of the event. We begin before the rally weekend itself by ensuring as much of the organising of the rally’s carbon impact is mitigated wherever possible. From printing documentation, to holding face to face meetings, to the number of resources that will be used and how we can reduce these as much as possible.

Printing material – documentation that once was printed and passed to all Officials, Marshals and Radio Crews is now put onto an online portal that we encourage all to use and download onto their technology and access that way. Any material we have to print, such as the resident letters and handbook, we work with an ethical printers and source our own print paper from sources, such as the Woodland Trust. Rather than adverts in newspapers and in shop windows we now promote all activities through the social media portals.

Meetings and Travel – Formally all meetings such as Team Meetings, Safety Advisory Board Meetings or Motorsport UK Meetings personnel would travel from around the country to hold a F2F meeting. These have now been totally replaced with online meetings and use the various social media portals to pass information.

Recycling – at every opportunity we are replacing the use of plastic with alternative materials that can either be recycled or are sustainably sourced.

Then the organisers look at how much signage and equipment could be sourced ethically and then be reused. Where, once single use tape was used as a way to indicate danger points, we are working to replace with colour banded rope. Signs are carefully removed after the rally, stored and reused for the next year. We looked at materials such as the 100’s of stakes we need and hunt to find companies that provide them from sustainable sites.

Every area is being assessed and a determination as to where we can reduce our impact. Where we have made an impact, we assess how much and then look at ways to give back and manage our impact –how many other sports, businesses and industries are going to that depth of care?

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One of the standout features of the rally’s carbon strategy is its focus on local projects. Rather than investing in international carbon management schemes, which can sometimes lack transparency and direct community benefits, the Hills Ford Stages organisers have chosen to support local initiatives such as the Severn Valleys Treescapes Project. This project is dedicated to rewilding and afforestation efforts within the region, directly contributing to the local environment and helping to restore natural habitats. These projects work both on a long term strategy and on shorter returns to counteract the carbon impact of activities such as our rally. By aligning with their environmental efforts with local goals, the rally organisers ensure that the benefits of their actions are felt directly by the communities that host their events.

This localised approach also helps strengthen the rally's connection to the community. By investing in local carbon balancing projects, the rally not only aims to mitigate its environmental impact but to directly contribute to local natural landscape. This is a crucial aspect of sustainable motorsport—acknowledging that the health of the environment is integral to the future of rallying itself.

Furthermore, the rally's objectives extend beyond the immediate impact of the event. Organisers are actively involved in long-term sustainability planning, including collaborations with local authorities and environmental groups to ensure that the rally's presence leaves a positive legacy. This might include ongoing tree planting efforts, habitat restoration projects, or educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues within the local community and the technologies and educational routes involved in motorsport engineering, which the U.K. is a forefront leader of.

Raisi�� do�a�io�s �o�ards Sever� Valle�s Trees�apes

Education and community engagement are also key components of the rally’s sustainability objectives. By working with local schools, colleges, and organisations over the coming years, rally organisers aim to raise awareness of the importance of our motorsport industry and how this directly benefits the future of the cars we drive today. From working to develop more sustainable battery material for electric and hybrid vehicles, to the research and development of totally neutral and highly efficient bio-fuels, how to sensitively dispose of used tyres and worn parts and replace them with sustainable replacements – all research that motorsport drives forwards.

IThe economic impact of rally events on local communities is also profound. These events draw around a few thousand people, from spectators, teams, and support staff, all of whom contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels, dining in restaurants, and purchasing fuel. For instance, the 2023 rally brought an estimated £250,000 to £280,000 to the local economy, highlighting the significant financial benefits these events can generate for smaller towns and regions. Moreover, rally events are often organised as non-profit ventures, with entry fees primarily covering safety and operational costs. This community-focused approach extends to collaboration with local parishes and organisations to support fundraising initiatives, further embedding motorsport within the fabric of the local community.

The rally’s commitment to becoming a sustainable and environmentally sensitive event is not merely a response to external pressures but a reflection of a deeper ethos within the Hills Ford Stages management team. Rallying has always been about community, and this extends to a responsibility towards the environments in which these events take place. We are very aware of the host area that is allowing us to hold our rally and so by integrating objectives into the very fabric of event planning and execution, the organisers of the Hills Ford Stages are determined to set a high standard of responsibility and sustainability in motorsport and become a long-term beneficial partner to the regions it operates within.

The Cheltenham Motor Club (CMC) has proudly stood as a cornerstone of motoring and motorsport in the Cotswolds since its founding in 1906. As one of the oldest motor clubs in the UK, Cheltenham holds a distinguished place in the annals of motor and motorsport history. In today’s day and age it is extremely hard to comprehend what the country was like back in 1906 – cars were beyond a rare sight and the sound of one caused people to stop what they were doing, run out of their homes and stare in wonder – and sometimes fear at this strange ‘thing’ flying past at, what in those days, seemed a tremendous speed. Roads were tracks meant for horse and cart – there were no Asphalt surfaces, traffic lights, rights of way, junctions were rare and occurred where two tracks met. But the sight of the motor car inspired an excitement – and the passion for the motor car that we see today in our dedicated motorsport fans and competitors was born.

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Britain has led the way globally when it comes to developing the best motor vehicles anywhere in the world and the passion for the motor car by 1906 was extremely strong across the whole country. After all it was in 1906 that the first Silver Ghost Rolls Royce was built by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in Manchester. If ever a car was built to stop people and get them to stare, it was that car.

Even harder to think about than a world of no cars, but in those early days there was no production line manufacturing of cars at all in the country, each vehicle was individually hand built and it was not until 1910 when the first production car in Britain was built in Scotland, called the Argyll.

However, in Cheltenham it all started in 1885 when Fredrick Simms, an engineer from London became friendly with Gottlieb Daimler and acquired the rights to Daimler’s engine and all associated patents, launching the Daimler Motor Syndicate Ltd. Manufacture of the Daimler engine was out of Cheltenham and Fredrick Simms with his friend Evelyn Ellis promoted the engine and car by doing the first long distance journey in the UK from Southampton to Malvern. So, Cheltenham was one of those areas that was at the heart of motor vehicle development – no wonder a motor club was started.

By 1900 the first British 4 wheeled car was built by the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Company – yes, the same company that still makes your sweaters and woollen clothing today, also built an engine. It was built by a gentleman called Herbert Austin – yes, the same Austin who went on to build some of the most popular and affordable cars in Britain – but that came later.

In its early years, the club started as a group of people who decided to organise vehicle reliability runs and precise driving tests – reliability was very hit and miss in those days. You could call the Club the forerunners of the product testing and R&D departments found in most of the top industries today. So, the runs and tests were extremely popular.

Also, the ability to drive a car was something many were unable to acquire as there was nothing skill wise that had any relation to driving and the speed of decision making, understanding of the physics of turning a corner and speed, understanding the centre of gravity and how solid tyre and the road surface affected the car, was something utterly new to them all – hard to conceive today when we all live at such a fast pace of life – other than those who rode the fastest horse, the speed of a motor car was quite overwhelming for many – then add how to handle the motorcar and the tests became the place to hone and show off your skills. Through the motor club the Cheltenham members were able to practise and gain an understanding of how to handle their vehicles. They quickly realised that this form of transport was going to revolutionise their world, and they wanted to be at the very forefront of this exciting development, with Cheltenham Motor Club giving them a central location to share and gain knowledge of this new innovation.

As the cars and the abilities of the drivers developed, Cheltenham Motor Club expanded and developed the tests and runs to take in swaths of the countryside and enhance the experience with treasure hunts and time trials. In 1911 the Monte Carlo rally was conceived, where cars all over Europe converged on Monte Carlo, the ultimate test of a vehicle’s reliability and the endurance as well as the skill of the driver.

Cheltenham was one of the first clubs to devise these runs and tests and so, became the forefather of the development of motorsport. A rich history it has retained throughout the decades to the current day.

PIONEERS OF MOTORSPORT IN THE

Post wars, the surge of people and not only men, who could drive cars exploded. The skill of driving and the acceptance of speed became normal. Many of the manufacturing companies who served to provide the needs of the country during the wars turned to manufacturing motorcars and production lines were developed reducing the cost to produce a car, which, in turn brought about a wider level of population able to afford to buy a car, able to drive a car and able to afford to use the car for pleasure and not just as a work tool. Added to the production line models of British Leyland, Chrysler, Ford and Vauxhall was the emergence of pure pleasure cars such as the E-Type and the Mini and there was an explosion to enjoy trips out, travel and explore, hold racing challenges and tests of skill for car owners across the country, with Cheltenham Motor Club right at the centre of it all, having already run the club for over half a century by the 60’s.

In addition to their racing endeavours, CMC was instrumental in starting the Mullite Stage Rally, later known as the “Cheltenham Festival of Speed,” which ran for over a decade through the Welsh forests and across Salisbury Plains. The club also ran a multi-use stage rally at an old WWII airfield in Down Ampney from 1976. This only closed in 2021 with the sale of the airfield for development and has retained its popularity in the memories of many right through to the current day.

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Closed Road

Rallies

has grown and developed, with a new organisational team coming in 2023 to develop the event into the highly regarded rally it is today. Scheduled for September 14-15, 2024, this rally will be a round of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship and well as competitors entered into the HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, The Mini Cup and Category One challenges, attracting some of the UK’s top drivers. The Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship has gone down to the wire and the winner is not yet confirmed and so it will be over this weekend that the exciting culmination of a full season of closed road rallying will occur, and a champion will be crowned.

120 years later and Cheltenham Motor Club is still at the centre of some of the best motorsport in the county – quite a legacy!

For more information on Cheltenham Motor Club and our activities check out our website www.cheltmc.com

A significant milestone came in 2015 with a new Parliamentary Act permitting the use of public highways for motorsport events. Seizing the opportunity, members of the Cheltenham Motor Club envisioned organising a closed road rally within the region and encompassing the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. On September 7, 2019, this was achieved with the running of the first Cheltenham Motor Club closed road rally, and so becoming only the second motor club in England to do so.

Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth 11 in 2022, Cheltenham Motor Club has persevered and is now preparing for the fourth edition of this event, now known as the Hills Ford Stages. The original concept of the rally

Castlemorton

Situated between Welland & Rye Cross Access from the M50: Leave onto the A417 South Then Left onto the B4208 Access from the A449: Take the A4104 to Welland Then onto the B4208 South

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Malvern WR13 6JA

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TWO LOOPS : FIRST CAR DUE: 15:35 TO 18:10 14TH SEPTEMBER

MALVERN WELLS

ELLAND

B4208

Callum Black heads to the Hills Ford Stages as Protyre Asphalt champion!

Callum Black heads to this weekend’s Hills Ford Stages (14-15 September) having been confirmed as the 2024 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship’s overall drivers’ champion!

This comes after the provisional championship points following the recent JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion National were finalised after the mandatory seven-day period for queries had expired.

It signals a tremendous back-to-back title triumph for Callum, after a magnificent championship comeback in his 586 Sportprepared Pallas Connections Ford Fiesta Rally2. The Brackley driver was 10th in the points standings after Round 3 but scoring 118 points out of a possible 120 on the next four rounds has landed him a welldeserved title.

Neil - Callum

Jack Morton also clinches the co-driver’s title – but for a third time, having lifted the trophy in 2015, 2023 and again this year.

Neil Roskell could still finish equal with Callum on points after this weekend’s final round but would lose the tiebreak.

Neil will still want to finish runner-up (albeit for a third time) and will be out to win the Hills Ford Stages. He’s contested the event once before – finishing eighth in 2021 in what was his third ever closed road rally. He returns this year with much more experience, a load of rally wins on his CV, with Dai Roberts on the notes and in a ND Civils/Burdens/Witham Motorsport Fiesta Rally2 that he’s very comfortable with.

Sam Touzel has been one of the sensations of 2024. He’s predicted to be a future Protyre Asphalt champion and in his first season in the BTRDA series he’s come from challenging for a top 10 finish to scoring his first championship podium result last time out on Rali Ceredigion. Partnered by Max Freeman, few will be surprised if the Jersey driver wins in his Smart Scaffolding/Express Auto Parts Fiesta Rally2.

Championship mid-season and returns in their rapid Fiesta S2000T, while Hugh Hunter/Jane Nicol start in their Robert Hunter & Son Tarmac/Lewis & Hunter Contracting Fiesta Rally2.

William Hill has already wrapped up the class B14 title after another fantastic season in his Hills Ford Fiesta Rally3. To celebrate that and his home event, he and co-driver Richard Crozier will contest the event in a Fiesta Rally2 – while his father Tim Hill (co-driven by Paul Spooner) jumps into the Rally3.

Philip Hopkins is always fast and spectacular in his Hopkins Race Transporters Mitsubishi Evo 6. He won class B14 (by one second) on Epynt and together with Sam Allen will be looking for a good result again.

Stephen Simpson might be 12th in the drivers’ standings, but he can count all the points he scores on the final round and as he is only 12 points away from seventh is likely to rocket up the leaderboard. Co-driven by Mark Glennerster, the Manchester driver will be looking for a top six finish in his CA1 Sport-prepared

Mark Kelly won the event last year and whilst he hasn’t done a full season when he appears the Bolton driver is super-fast. He led the Tour of Epynt for example and finished second to Callum by 17 seconds – having lost exactly that amount of time with a full 180 degree spin! Co-driven by Will Atkins, Mark will be one to watch in his Kelmore Škoda Fabia R5.

Also aiming for the top spot will be the 2022 Protyre Asphalt champion Steve Wood. The Aberystwyth driver finished second here last year (co-driven by the Protyre Asphalt Championship Co-ordinator Paul Morris) and he’ll return in his Citroën C3 Rally2 with Kenny Hull alongside.

Simon Bowen/Craig Simkiss led the Protyre Asphalt

Roger Duckworth scored a top 10 Protyre Asphalt result on his first visit to Epynt earlier this year and together with Alun Cook will be aiming for a similar result in his Technia Fiesta R5.

Mike English scored a top 10 overall and class B15 podium Protyre Asphalt finish last time out in Ceredigion. He’ll be partnered this time by Andy Robinson and will be looking to finish the season off on a high in his Proact Fiesta Rally2.

The Hills Ford Stages is one of Roger Moran’s favourite events, and

Callum Black & Jack Morton

Neil Roskell & Dai Roberts

Sam Touzel & Max Freeman

2024 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship: Top 6 drivers’ heading into the Hills Ford Stages:

1. Callum Black 166pts

2. Neil Roskell 157pts

3. Darren Atkinso 138pts

4. Simon Bowen 126pts

5. Sam Touzel 123pts

6. William Hill (HILLS FORD) 113pts

whilst he’s leading the class in the British Hillclimb Championship he has decided to skip that and instead team-up again with Daniel Petrie and head down the much flatter lanes in his Moran Motorhomes Škoda Fabia R5.

Sean and Colin Quigley will contest the event in their Fiesta Rally2, Rob Hughes/Dylan Thomas appear in a Fiesta R5 and James Labey (co-driven by Sion Cunniff ) will be hoping to win the Protyre Asphalt Junior title in his Fiesta Rally2.

Adrian Spencer won class B14 last time out in his RED Industries/Adgespeed Subaru Impreza S11 WRC replica and will be looking for a repeat performance, this time with Ashley Trimble alongside.

Tom Jones/Andy Conibear will also challenge for B14 points in their Eveleighs Garage Subaru Impreza, as will Adam Midhall/Thomas Pidden (Mitsubishi Evo 9), Richard Slinger/Mark Twiname (Mitsubishi Evo 6) and Mark Holmes in his Metro 6R4.

Darren Atkinson has already retained his class B13 title for a third consecutive year, and he and Harry Stubbs will be out to try and secure the Escort Challenge title as well in their Haldane Fisher Escort Mk2.

He’ll be chased hard by Gordon Morrison, who’ll make the trip down from Scotland to contest the event with Ian Parker in his Lochwinnoch Motors Heavy Haulage Escort Mk2.

Huw James/Lewis Sims were on sensational form last time out, winning class B13 and taking home fourth-place overall Protyre Asphalt points in their A&D Tyres Escort Mk2 on Rali Ceredigion. With confidence high, they’ll be after the top Protyre Asphalt 2WD award this time as well.

Aled Wyn Morgans/Ian Taylor were on sensational form last time out, but as their normal Aberystwyth Motorsport Escort Mk2 will take several months to

Steve Wood & Paul Morris (our Protyre Asphalt Championship Co-ordinator)

William Hill & Richard Crozier

Images

Mark Kelly & Will Atkins

repair after a non-championship accident and Lee Edwards is contesting the event in the Escort G3 they borrowed for Rali Ceredigion, it’s yet to be seen what car Aled will appear in. But it will either be a stage or road rally spec Escort Mk2.

Brad Cole is back for the first time since breaking his arm in an accident on the Manx National Rally. The Somerset driver has repaired his Trick Motorsport/Hydroline Solutions Escort Mk2 and together with Jamie Vaughan will be keen to make up for lost time and get back to his spectacular best.

Paul Evans/Callum Young return for the first time since rolling their Electric Bike Supermarket Escort Mk2 on the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally, while Oliver Davies/Jack Bowen are also back in their Escort Mk2.

Mark Jasper makes his first Protyre Asphalt start since the 2023 East Riding Stages (which he contested in a Metro 6R4). He won class B13 on the 2021 Hills Ford (which was known then as the Three Shires Stages) and he and co-driver Don Whyatt are back in a Escort Mk2.

Michael Harbour/Cameron Dunn lead B11 and are awaiting parts for their Aldosport/Hamilton Haulage/VS Pro Pressure Washing Services Escort Mk2 and will hopefully post a late entry to contest the event.

Ben Crump/Ian Beamond crashed out of Rali Ceredigion and are also in a race against time to repair their Coltech Escort Mk2. They can still clinch the B11 crowd, as they can count all the points they score on the last round, while the leaders have to drop their lowest score.

Matt Turner/Tom Bishop finished fourth in class on Epynt and will be aiming for their first B11 podium of the season this time in their Escort Mk2. They’ll have stiff competition from the likes of Ant Allery/Richard Bonner (Escort Mk2), Roger Holder/Karen Phelps (Honda Civic), Mark and Claire Lennox (Escort Mk2), Alan Marriage/Kevin Lane (Escort Mk2), George Heighway/Paul DeBono (Toyota Corolla) and Geoff Glover/Keith Barker in their Vauxhall Astra RWD.

and Worcestershire. Organised by Cheltenham Motor Club, the event begins with a ceremonial start in Ledbury’s historic marketplace on Saturday 14 September, immediately followed by a stage run twice. There will be 10 stages on Sunday (15 September) containing five stages run twice, with some sections never previously used. The rally will be based at the Much Marcle Showground near Ledbury.

Action from the Hills Ford Stages will be streamed live and free-to-view on the Special Stage TV Facebook and YouTube channels.

About Protyre

For more information on the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, please go to asphaltrallying.com.

With Isle of Man son and father duo Rory and Paul McCann (Metalways Honda Civic) having already clinched the class B10 title, Darren Pool/ Chris Beer have a great chance to finish the season with a class win in their Eveleighs Garage Vauxhall Corsa.

Simon Hunter/Howard Pridmore will be aiming to clinch the B9 title in their Kwiktrak Vauxhall Corsa S1400 and will be in a class fight with Alex and Stephen Roscoe (Nissan Micra).

Protyre is the UK’s fastest growing retailer and fitter of tyres and automotive services. A national network of mechanical fast-fit garages across the UK providing a wide range of services – a complete range of tyres from premium to economy, MOT, mechanical repairs and servicing - for all types of vehicles: car, van, bike, truck, commercial and agricultural.

Protyre is committed to providing exceptional levels of customer service; its customers trust and value their expertise rating them excellent on Trustpilot. Its partners trust their technical expertise to fit their products and Protyre has accolades from TyreSafe and The Motor Ombudsman.

Protyre is also the largest Motorsport Championship tyre fitting service in the UK. Protyre’s Motorsport division provides tyres and tyre fitting services for competitions, including the Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship. Protyre is the retail arm of Micheldever Tyre Services Ltd, the UK’s premier tyre wholesaler, distributor and retailer. www.protyre.co.uk

Charlie Wright won the R2 class last time out in his Ford Fiesta, which is run by the students from Harper Adams University. Codriven Adam Westerby, the #RallyingTheWrightWay driver will be hoping to secure the R2 title this time.

Laura Christmas navigated Mark Manning to maximum Plastics4Performance Mini Challenge points on Rali Ceredigion. This time she takes over in the driver’s seat, with Laura Cooledge co-driving in a Mini.

This year’s Hills Ford Stages is a two-day event containing 12 stages and around 60 stage miles on closed public roads around Gloucestershire, Herefordshire

SPECTATOR AREA

RALLYCAR DIRECTION

ROUTETO SPECTATOR AREA

NOACCESSFIELD

Access is via Fownhope

From the A438 (B4224 South) & the A449 (B4224 North)

Take the B4224 to Fownhope

Then take the Woolhope Road to Woolhope. Car park entrance on the left

W3W /// lend.wove.ﬂooding Hereford HR1 4QP

ROUGH

FIRST LOOP : FIRST CAR DUE: 11:34 TO 13:47

SECOND LOOP : FIRST CAR DUE: 16:00 TO 18:05 15TH SEPTEMBER

Woolhope Rd

ROUTE GUIDE

WOOLHOPE

Imagine the roar of engines echoing through the valleys, the smell of burning rubber, and the sight of classic rally cars kicking up clouds of gravel. Welcome to the West Wales Rally Spares (WWRS) HRCR Stage Masters Challenge—a celebration of historic rallying where legends of the past come alive on the stages, and the spirit of competition is as fierce as ever.

The Stage Masters Challenge isn't just another rally event; it's a journey through time, offering competitors the chance to showcase their beloved historic rally cars in an environment that honours both tradition and adrenaline-fuelled action. Whether you're drawn to the rough and tumble of gravel or the sleek precision of asphalt, this Challenge has it all. You can compete for the overall title, balancing your skills on both surfaces, or specialise in the Gravel Cup or Asphalt Cup—each offering its unique brand of excitement.

Competitors in the Stage Masters Challenge are a special breed. Hailing from across the country and beyond, they form a tight-knit community bonded by their passion for rallying and their love for these classic machines. On the stages, they are fierce rivals, pushing each other to the limit. But off the stages, they are

the first to lend a hand, share a tool, or offer advice, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie.

HRCR—

short for the Historic Rally Car Register—is the backbone of this rallying spectacle. As the premier club for historic rallying enthusiasts, HRCR isn't just about competition; it's about preserving the heritage of rallying. The club organises a variety of championships, from road rally cars and Mini Cup events to the prestigious Category One Stage Rally Championship. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there's the non-competitive Classic Tour series, guiding participants through the scenic highways and byways of the UK.

The Challenge is proudly sponsored by West Wales Rally Spares, with proprietor Gareth Lloyd leading the charge. His unwavering support has been instrumental in making this event the success it is today. But Gareth isn’t alone in this endeavour—other esteemed partners include Exol Oil, Mintex, REIS, Mr Tyre, and Jondel Race Engines. Their contributions ensure that the Challenge continues to thrive, attracting more competitors and fans each year. And let’s not forget the prestigious David Stokes Achievement Award, which recognises outstanding dedication and performance at the end of each season.

As you prepare for the Hills Ford Stages, get ready for a visual feast of some of the most iconic rally cars ever built. Among the beautifully prepared Escorts, you’ll spot rarities like a Triumph TR7 V8, a Hillman Avenger, a Sunbeam Imp, a Mini Clubman, and even a Volvo 244! These cars are not just vehicles; they are pieces of history, each with its own story to tell.

So, as the engines roar to life and the cars speed past, don’t hold back—let your cheers be heard! These drivers are here to put on a show, and with such a diverse and thrilling line-up, you won’t want to miss a moment of the action.

Imagesby;BenLawrence

MUCH MARCLE SERVICE PARK SPECTATOR

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER

Access

Much Marcle is situated between Ledbury & Ross-on-Wye on the A449

W3W /// bafﬂe.drifting.dumps Much Marcle Ledbury HR8 2LX

SFP STORE

Take the stress out of buying fibre optic transceivers sfpstore.co.uk

1G SFPs 10G SFPs

25G SFPs

40G SFPs

100G SFPs

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Direct Attach Cables

A Crew to Watch

The 2024 Hills Ford Stages Welcomes the Mini Cup and Category 1 Cup

As the engines roar to life and the thrill of rallying fills the air, it’s a true privilege to be associated with the 2024 Hills Ford Stages. This year, we’re not just celebrating another race — it’s a milestone event as we mark the 40th Anniversary of the Historic Rally Car Register (HRCR). And what better way to celebrate than by bringing together the iconic Mini and other Category 1 cars, alongside our sister championship, the Stage Masters, on the legendary Cheltenham Motor Club’s Three Shires Rally?

The Hills Ford Stages serves as the sixth round for both the Mini Cup and the Category 1 Cup, and with previous rounds spanning the challenging terrains of Weston Park, Argyll, and the demanding Epynt Ranges, the competition is more intense than ever. As we enter this crucial stage, the battle for supremacy is still wide open. Last year’s Mini Cup champion, Clive King, is once again leading the drivers’ table, with Lawrence Selley holding the top spot among the codrivers.

Category 1 Championship Leaders

But the excitement doesn’t end here. After this event, our fearless crews will dive into the dense woods of the Wye Dean Rally, followed swiftly by the Glyn Memorial Rally at Ty Croes, Anglesey, both set to take place in November. These final rounds promise to be decisive, pushing our competitors to their limits as they vie for the championship titles.

In the Category 1 Championship, the leaderboard is currently dominated by the Scotland-based duo, Stephen Hall and Aggie Foster, piloting their classic Triumph TR4. Their consistent performances have given them a solid lead, and they’re looking to extend their advantage on this pivotal stage. However, they’re not the only ones to watch—local favourites, Eric Davies & Russell Joseph, and the fatherdaughter team, Paul & Jemma Taylor, are also gearing up for a fierce competition, both representing Gloucestershire and Herefordshire in the Mini Cup Championship.

Another crew that’s capturing attention is Shane Gamble & Julia Perry in their striking blue Cooper S. Currently sitting second in the closely contested Category 1 Cup, they are poised to make a significant impact on this rally. Keep an eye on them as they navigate the challenging course—they’re a duo that promises to deliver thrilling action.

As we gear up for an unforgettable rally weekend, we extend our best wishes and good luck to all competitors, marshals, and organisers. Your dedication and passion keep the spirit of historic rallying alive. Here’s to a fantastic event from HRCR—The Club That Goes Historic Rallying.

Clive King with Anton Bird in the Hot Seat

Current Mini Cup Leader –

Stephan Hall & Aggie Foster

Gamble & Perry

Images by ; Chris Phillips

Images by ; Crayford Media

Our Courses Corporate

We run a range of experience days starting with just a taster of the thrill of rallying right up to spending a full day with us. We cater for youth experiences for children aged 14-17 and adult experiences for those aged 17+ with a full driving licence.

We organise a range of bespoke days for you and your team catering for up to 20 people driving. We can facilitate half days and full days on site and have a number of extras you can add on such as the Wheel Change Challenge, Off-Roading and personalised trophies. Get in touch for your next team building, stag do or party.

Want to take it to the next level and compete on an actual rally? We have a fleet of 1 and 1.4 litre Micras waiting for you! We have a full arrive and drive package available so all you have to do is turn up and jump in – we’ll sort out the rest.

Keen to dive into the world of motorsport but unsure where to start? The path to enjoying grassroots motorsport may be more accessible than you think, thanks to Motorsport UK’s innovative StreetCar programme.

So What is StreetCar?

Launched in 2022, this nationwide initiative, supported by a network of local motor clubs, invites everyday drivers to experience the thrill of motorsport using their standard, unmodified road cars at their local StreetCar affiliated club.

Designed to make motorsport accessible to everyone, all you need is your everyday drive and a free Motorsport UK RS Clubman licence to get started.

Explore the Variety of Motorsport Disciplines

The StreetCar programme offers a wide range of motorsport activities to suit different interests and skill levels:

• Au�o�es� Put your driving skills to the test in Autotest events, where competitors navigate a set course against the clock. It’s a fantastic way to develop precision driving and enjoy some competitive fun.

• Rall� involves teamwork and navigation, as you and your co-driver work together to hit each checkpoint or plot point as quickly and accurately as possible.

• Trials � Cross Cou��r� For those looking to take their motorsport experience off the tarmac, Trials and Cross Country events offer the chance to tackle challenging terrains and test your vehicle’s capability in varied environments.

Get Involved

Getting started with StreetCar is easy. Visit www.streetcarmotorsportuk.com to sign up for the newsletter and find your nearest motor club. It’s a great way to enjoy grassroots motorsport in the UK and join a vibrant community of enthusiasts who are passionate about motorsport.

In the late 1970s, amidst the rolling hills and winding lanes of the Cotswolds, a group of motor sport enthusiasts conceived an idea that would shape the region's racing culture for decades to come. These were not professional racers or big-name sponsors, but passionate individuals who lived and breathed the thrill of motorsport. They sought to create a platform that would bring together local motor clubs, fostering a sense of community and shared excitement without overshadowing the activities of individual clubs.

The idea was simple: invite members of various local motor clubs to participate in each other’s events. This collaboration would allow enthusiasts to experience a broader range of competitions while strengthening the bonds between the clubs. The concept was a resounding success, and from this humble beginning, the Cotswold Motor Sport Group (CMSG) was born.

As word spread and more clubs joined the fold, the CMSG began to take shape, evolving from a loose coalition into a well-organized group. Championships were introduced, giving both seasoned racers and eager newcomers a platform to showcase their skills. The CMSG became a beacon for grassroots motorsport in the Cotswolds, its influence growing with each passing year.

At the helm of this movement was Dave Cooper, a man whose passion for motorsport was matched only by his dedication to the community. As the chairman of the CMSG, Dave’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the group through its formative years. His vision was clear: to create a space where local motorsport could thrive, where camaraderie and competition went hand in hand, and where every participant, from novice to veteran, could find their place.

Under Dave’s steady hand, the CMSG flourished. The group’s monthly meetings became a vital hub for exchanging ideas, solving problems, and sharing the wealth of knowledge that existed among the clubs. These gatherings were more than just administrative; they were a celebration of the sport, a chance for like-minded individuals to come together and push the boundaries of what grassroots motorsport could achieve.

As the years went by, the CMSG expanded its reach, welcoming more clubs and organizing more events. The championships became a highlight of the local racing calendar, drawing competitors from across the region. The support from BP Motor Body-builders & Engineers only strengthened the group’s ability to put on topquality events, and the CMSG Competitors Club Limited (CMSGCC Ltd) was established to manage these championships and ensure they remained true to the clubman’s spirit.

But in the autumn of 2019, the CMSG faced its greatest challenge yet. Dave Cooper, the man whose vision had brought the group to life, passed away. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him, and there were moments when it seemed uncertain whether the CMSG could continue without him. But the foundations Dave had laid were strong, and the current committee, inspired by his legacy, vowed to carry on his work.

Today, the Cotswold Motor Sport Group stands as a testament to Dave Cooper’s vision and to the power of community in the world of motorsport. Twenty-five clubs now belong to the group, each one a vital part of the thriving ecosystem Dave helped create. The CMSG is recognized by Motorsport UK and affiliated with the Association

of West Midland Motor Clubs, ensuring that it remains a respected and integral part of the national motorsport landscape.

The CMSG continues to promote grassroots motorsport with the same passion and dedication that marked its early days. Club delegates still gather for those crucial monthly meetings, sharing knowledge, solving problems, and keeping the spirit of collaboration alive. And as long as there are enthusiasts willing to take to the track, the CMSG will be there, championing the cause and keeping the legacy of Dave Cooper alive.

The story of the Cotswold Motor Sport Group is one of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of community. It’s a story that began in the late 1970s and shows no signs of ending anytime soon. As long as there are roads to race and engines to rev, the CMSG will continue to be a driving force in the world of grassroots motorsport, just as Dave Cooper intended.

On Dave’s passing, Martin Saunders (Our Zero Car Co Driver) took over the reigns and continues to guide the group in an ever changing world of motorsport”

The Three Shires are some of the best locations to plan a restful get-a-way. It takes a lot of time finding the right place. Here are some of the hotels and B&B’s we have been working with over the past year.

Visit our website for information on these places to stay and others too: www.hillsfordstages.co.uk/somewhere-to-stay

When the rally finishes and the awards are given. It doesn’t stop there. 2025 is already in progress and we look forward to working with local accommodation proprietors and start planning where our teams and officials will stay.

We thank those who have helped us along the way.