Skoda Rally Blog

Tonight was the Ceremonial start for Rallye Sunseeker.  This isn’t part of the rally as such as there is no competitive element, but you do have to turn up to it – you need to be at the three time controls at the right time.  With that in mind, Paul came over about 5:30 and we headed off as we were due at 6:07, but typically there was no traffic at all, and we got there in about 15 minutes, so we parked up with some of the big boys,  and adjusted the harnesses as Paul hadn’t been in the car in his race suit before.

Only time I'll be in front of a 6R4!

One thing I’ve discovered recently is that when you’re trying to adjust them, it’s much better to undo the loops and start from scratch rather than try to feed half an inch through at a time – it was done in a few minutes, compared to the ages of flailing about we did with the Skoda.  Had a quick chat with Gary Hayter who is now in a 1600 205 and is next behind us on the road tomorrow, having sold his Impreza.  He’d had some issues with needing to change seats because of them needing FIA homologation, even if it is expired!  Handy he had a spare set in his other car and they fitted in OK, really!

Off to the first time control, and it now starts to feel like being in a rally – there was a car park full of assorted rally machinery, and lining up for a time control really made me feel like it – this isn’t just a car show, it’s a rally.  We parked up on Poole Quay in the rather large crowds and then took a wonder about (via Tesco for some food!), and looked at all the cars that are taking part – the front running event is the International BRC, which has lots of cars in it, despite the doubts of some, and they all look the part, although some are really quiet!  From what I’ve seen of the people driving them though, they’ll look spectacular enough, and the field looked strong.  We were interviewed by someone – I have no idea what for, but they asked so we obliged!   The historic cars were next up, with something like this lovely little thing:

Lovely red mini!

We wondered past all the other cars, and an uber-bling Sunseeker 34m long ship, a snip at £11M, apparently.  And then we were off – right on time, we drove through the crowds which really were massive – there were loads of people down there, and hopefully lots of them will be out and about tomorrow as the weather is going to be nice for a change.  Rick Smith (the rally organiser) opened the door and said a quick hello, reminding me of my upgrade and that I have cars behind me.  I hope I can keep them there…

Over the ramp and that was that – another quick wave to Rob Pike (the Clerk of the Course) and back home.  Car parked up, everything ready, just need to load up in the morning and then off to Canford Arena.  We are due out at 9:12, and then I’ll finally get to see if the Ibiza is too much for me!