26/27 February 2010

Marcus mops up on Sunseeker

Rallye Sunseeker

At prizegiving last night in the Marriott Hotel, Bournemouth Marcus Dodd praised the efforts of Co-Driver Andrew Bargery in helping him win his seventh Rallye Sunseeker title. He said "Andrew was magnificent today, considering the conditions we faced. He called everything spot on, and even when the mid morning stages passed within yards of my own front door, he was calling me to take the correct lines, a great job as usual"

The pair finished back in Bournemouth Town Centre 33. seconds ahead of last minute entry Andrew Burton and Robin Kellard in the newly engined Peugeot Cosworth. Both were delighted on the finish ramp and Andrew said "Its been a great battle here all day, with both Marcus and Steve, though to be honest we were on a closer battle with Steve than with Marcus. When we left the last service at Canford, we decided on the way to the next stage to give it a real go, and considering all the last minute hassles we had, our team did a great job to get us here"

Global Brands supremo Steve Perez, partnered by Paul Spooner eventually came home third in the Energy Drink Ford Focus WRC 07, rueing a last stage spin which cost him time in his battle with Andy Burton "I threw it all away on the last stage! We had a minor spin but I accidentally caught the master switch and by the time we'd realised what had happened we'd lost a lot of time. It was our only problem all day long. The car has been great as always and we had a relatively comfortable second place until that happened" said Perez.

Following Perez home in fourth place was the Subaru WRC of former winner Roger Duckworth, who had a trouble free day partnered by Mark Broomfield. A further 29 seconds behind was Penrith based Paul Bird, who had a troubled day in his Ford Focus WRC 08. Paul said at the finish "Its been a harder event than I intended for loads of reasons y'know, we lost time with a spin on stage 1, tried a different cut of tyre on the second loop to improve our times, but it was just one of those days when it didnt click, and Kirsty and I are happy to be back here safely in fifth place" He went on to say "Its been a good run out really too for the Malcolm Wilson stages next week, and I would be hopeful that we will do well there"

Jonny Milner and Ian Windress came home in sixth place in their Merlin International / BF Goodrich sponsored Toyota Corolla having endured a problematical morning in the Dorset Forests, and said at prizegiving last night "The misfire and time we lost this morning really cost us y'know and but for that we could have finished much better, but once we got the misfire sorted or times were good and to be honest happy enough to get back here in once piece considering how slippy it was out there today"

Local driver Anthony Wilmington was delighted to back to Bournemouth and a solid 7th place after enduring a day of overheating and tyre issues.

Dave Weston Jnr was delighted to win the Production Cup and arrive back in 8th place, in his brand new Gp N Subaru Impreza. Dave said at the Award ceremony last night "I am over the moon to have won in the car first time out, but then on the way back to Bouremouth myself and Ieuan realised that we had won the Richard Burns Trophy as well as the invite to the Goodwood Festival, so we were delighted with the way the whole trip down here worked out" He went on to say "It has been a good and well run event, but it always is and thats what makes you come here"

Rallye Sunseeker Overall Result

1, Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery - Hyundai Accent WRC - 55:02.1
2, Andrew Burton/Robin Kellard - Peugeot Cosworth - 55:35.8
3, Steve Perez/Paul Spooner - Ford Focus WRC07 - 55:48.8
4, Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield - Subaru Impreza WRC - 56:17.5
5, Paul Bird/Kirsty Riddick - Ford Focus WRC08 - 56:46.3
6, Jonny Milner/Ian Windress - Toyota Corolla WRC - 57:51.6
7, Anthony Willmington/Andrew White - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6 - 58:21.3
8, Dave Weston Jnr/Ieuan Thomas - Subaru Impreza - 59:09.0
9, Jonathan Greer/Brian Crawford - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 - 59:40.4
10, Stephen Petch/John Richardson - Hyundai Accent WRC - 1:00.23.5

The Viking Motorsport Challenge was won by Richard Lane and Frank Richer came home as the winners.

The winners of the Free entry to the Le Touquet rally were Ian Barrett and Gavin Wirght in their Nissan Micra.

Rallye Sunseeker Historique

Run over seven of the days stages, the Winners of the Rallye Sunseeker Historique were Eric Davis and Russell Joseph in their Austin Mini Clubman by 39.5 seconds from Clive King and Bob Ward in a Mini Cooper S. At the finish Eric said "We have thoroughly enjoyed the days rallying. Ay the stages have been slippy, but it has been a test, and thats what rallying these cars is all about, cant wait to come back next year" Runner Up Clive King added "We really didnt know what to expect today as we have never been here before, but Rob Pike has put on a really good event for us, and we are happy to come home in second" Coming home third were Jason and Hugh Thompson also in Mini.

1, Eric Davis/Russell Joseph - Mini Clubman - 47:00.0
2, Clive King/ Bob Ward - Mini Cooper S - 47:39.5
3, Jason Thompson / Hugh Thompson - BL Mini - 48:42.0

Rallye Sunseeker Military Challenge

Arriving back to Bournemouth as winners of the Rallye Sunseeker Military Challenge were Majors Alan Paramore and James Sutherland in their Land Rover Wolf XD. The had a winning margin over the similar vehicle of Sgt Ewen Christie and Cpl Curtis McKerlie of over 4 minutes, who in turn were 1:39.4 ahead of Flt Lt Stephen Partridge and Flt Lt John Clayton again in another Wolf XD.

Rallye Videos

During the course of the Rally weekend students from a partnership between Bournemouth University and Rally Sunseeker were out on the stages taking Photos and Fliming the event. THis partnership came about to help local students get involved and gain expierience in a major sporting event.

Adam Parkers video can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/9782111

The rain has stayed away for us today, but the stages still remain damp and tricky in places.

Some of the Driver comments at second service here are.....

Paul Bird
"Marcus is going well today, but that is sort of to be expected. We changed the type of cut on our tyres and it certainly was better on those last 3 stages and it showed in our times. Hopefully the Malcolm Wilson Stages will be better next week"

Steve Perez
"Bit better those last 3 stages and we got ahead of Andy Burton cos its been a really good battle there, changed the tyres too, to a narrower type and we found that gave us an improvment from this morning and Marcus didnt take as much time out of us"

Marcus Dodd
"Still very tricky and the last lot of three stages were actually drier, considering how much rain we have had this last while. Its not as easy to throw the car into a corner today as it was in previous years, as you could easily to slide too wide"

Jonny Milner
"The car ran a dam sight better on those last 3 stages, and we lost that minute this morning, which in a sprint event like this does not help. It leaves you a lot to do during the day. It will be interesting to see how closer we are to Marcus times later today and we are trying our best."

Andy Burton
"Lots of water and we could not get into the groove on those last 3 stages, but its turning into a really good battle with Steve. The new engines working and behaving really well, so we are looking forward to the next loop"

Wug Utting
" Those Wareham stages were excellent, but I am looking forward to the bar tonight I can tell you. Somerley was tricky though, but I reckon we shall enjoy the stages this affternoon"

Steve Smith (Prodrive)
" Including Wugs car we are looking after about 12 cars here today, and so far they have all been running with no dramas today. As long as they all finish I will be happy"

Johannes Gunnarsson
"I am deligthed with it now, I have got the hang of the handbrake you see and it is much easier. In Iceland I use the handbrake about twice a year so this is all new for me. It is slippy though, and I made a mess of one corner but its fun and I am enjoying the rally"
Asked will he be back for more he said "Of course I will sort it tonight...!"

Anthony Wilmington
"We still have overheating problems in any stage over 6 miles, so we are driving for a finish. We need to keep an eye on the engine and thats what we will do. I like the event but I really need to get out in the car more y'know"

Stephen Petch
"Its a new car for me really and I have a new co-driver in John so theres a lot of new things to get used to, but we are here and inside the Top 10 and we are happy enough. Lots of standing water, and tricky enough but we really want to get some points"

Steve Petch
"Here to help Stephen today, and hes doing well, we hope to be out on the Malton Rally or Trackrod something in Grizdale. I do events nowadays that I enjoy y'know"

Steve Hendy
"Its been a fun day, and I would like to be further up the leaderboard, but I am getting into the hang of the forests once again, I am having to think at every corner cos I am so used to the Tarmac you see, but certainly a worthwhile shakedown"

Harry Dodd
"I am doubting my ability lots, but I will get to the end and enjoying the event as usual. I really have never driven in anything like this, and I mean at over 100 its very easy to get into a spin and specators dont realise how easy it can happen

Maurice Hamilton
"Had a spin, but didnt hit anything, nice fast stage in the last three stages you know and it was was good, Tony and I need to get out more...!"

First major retirement of Rallye Sunseeker is Daniel Siguardsson whos Mitsubishi Eco has retired with Gearbox troubles midway through Stage 2, another major retirement is Kenny McKinstry and Harvey Bell with terminal gearbox problems. Although they cleared Stage 4, sadly the gearbox cried enough 4 miles from service in the middle of Bournemouth.

News From, Service..............

Will Nicholls
Last years winner was in service to see what was happening in the rally today. He has sold his Subaru WRC, and has been out and about spectating " we have seen two stages so far, and they look really slippy and difficult. Marcus as usual looks good, but its early in the rally" Wills next event is at Bovingdon in a few weeks when he will be out in his new MkII Ford Escort.

Steve Perez
On arriving into service Steve told Rally Sunseeker "A little bit disappointed not to be leading really, as I backed off a bit as we are running first on the road. Its really tricky out there, very slippy in places and you could easily get caught out and cause yourself some trouble, but hey we are here and theres a long way to go yet. Looking forward now to the rest of the day"

Paul Bird
Arriving into service Paul said "The conditions really difficult today very slippy and its not easy to read the lines for your braking, couple of small niggles with the car, and we droppped 15-20 seconds on Stage one"

Andy Burton
Last minute entry Andy has had a good run this morning and told us "Its going really really well, but Marcus is going very well and its shaping up to be a really good battle. Thing is you really cant read the road as to where to push, and where the grip is, if you miss the apex it could be fun"

Anthony Wilmington
Anthony arrived here into service and was surprised to find that he was lying 7th overall after suffering overheating problems all morning "We saw blue smoke coming from the engine and our temperature was running quite high, so I am really surprised to be lying where I am. Hopefully now we can cure the problem we haved and go back out for a good run for the rest of today.

Jonny Greer
Jonny is lying 9th overall and commented here at Canford "Its going really well and we have had a good run this morning. We not doing anything heroic and driving steady, though we dropped time with a few spins, looking forward now to the rest of the day."

Jonny Milner
Jonny has suffered misfire problems in his Toyota Corolla WRC and said "Its not the misfire as such thats the problem, its how long it takes to clear and run fine again. Once its clear the car is flying y'know. I mean wehave never had issues with water and misfire on this car before so its a new one on us to be honest, but hey its a great rally and I am lovin it...long way to go yet and we are still 5th overall." He added "Its changing conditons and you need to watch your braking all the time"

Dave Weston Jnr
Dave is running a brand new Subaru here and said at Canford " The new car is great, it turns in really well, braking is excellent and we are just having a steady run, learning the car and driving sensibly, cos it is really tricky out there.

Charlie Payne
"Difficult so far in a brand new car, and the wipewrs stopped working on me. Had to come to a complete stop in the car which is not ideal. Car is bottoming out too, so we have raised it 10mm to see if that will help on the next loop and the plus thing is we are here with all four coners still attached... So I am well happy!

Marcus Dodd
Marcus arrived here as rally leader and said as he stepped from his Hyundai WRC "I have not been out for a while, and the stages are unpredictable for us. We know them well, but the conditions make your line through corners and braking points difficult to judge. But Yeah so far its been good and its nice to be here in one piece"

Roger Duckworth
"Very happy so far, we have kept it clean and straight, theres lot of puddles and lying water that could easily catch you out, so it will be a sensible approach to the rest of the day, car running fine and we are happy where we are"

Aled Davies (Co-Driver to Steven Hendy)
"We had a spin on Stage 1, but have kept it clean since then, as its our first loose rally for quite a while, y'know most of our rallying last year was Tarmac based so we are happy with where we are"

Shelley Taunt
"Its been really slippy out there this morning, but we have avoided some of the standing water, and made it here to service so we are happy"

Alex Allingham
"Its hard going out there, Jonny Greer is gong very well and we are finding it very slippy"

John McGaffin
"We are having a good run, and the cars gong very well, and Yeah its slippy out there, but sure its the same for eveyone really. Looking forward to the rest of the day now, we know where the grip is now"

Stuart Larbey
"This is a difficult Sunseeker, damp conditions, windows misting up, but I really loved the run through Somerley Park this morning, fabulous stage altogether"

Johannes Gunnarsson
" Really enjoying it you know, but goodness me it is very slippy. I never use the handbrake in Iceland, but here I use all the time on every stage...!"

Les Harrogate
"We had a good run on the first Stage, got stuck at a hairpin on another Stage, but we are having a good run, trying to sort a little misfire out here in service but it should not be a problem for us. We will head out for the next loop now and see how we get on"

Tony Jardine
"Co-Driver is perfect, hes in his element and we are enjoying it, though there are some big holes out there and the back of the car has leapt into the air, twice in Somerely in particular the car took off. But as usual its a great event and good stages, but the weather has not helped"

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

Bulletin No1 Saturday Morning 8.00am

It is a damp mild morning here in Bournemouth for the opening round of the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship, the Rallye Sunseeker. The event got off to an amazing start in Poole last might for the ceremonial start when estimated crowds of up to 4000 people were on hand to witness the cars leave the ramp. This years approach by the organisers to have the event start in Poole certainly seems to have been the correct one, judging by the reaction of those who turned up.

Marcus Dodd said " This is just about as local as you can get for us, my workshops are about 500m from here, and its amazing to see so many people here. It has surprised us with how many are here"

Drivers such as Jonny Milner, Kenny McKinstry, Jonny Greer, Steve Hendy, Alex Allingham, Shelly Taunt were all on hand to have photos taken with fans. Many actually got the opportuniy to sit in a rally car for the first time. Event Director Rick Smith told us " I have to say that I am delighted with the response of the people in Poole, and it does really justify the event being brought to here and the social evening that we had. It really was amazing to see just how many made the effort to come"

Les Harrogate, co driver to Matthew Thorne, and Stage sponsor on Rallye Sunseeker through SCF Hardware said "This is unbelievable to see so many people here, I am really enjoying it, letting people have the photo taken, sitting in the car. The kids are loving the whole thing. Its a cracking way to start an event and would nice to see as many on the stages tomorrow"

REMEMBER - LIVE RALLY RESULTS ON www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

LIVE RALLY RADIO - www.rallyfm.net

Couple of changes to mention that are worth noting...

Richard Cathcart Car No 8 has withdrawn (Andy Burton will run at No 8 on the road carrying car No 33)

Charlie Payne is now running at No 10

Jonny Greers co-driver is now Brian Crawford

Tony Jardine and Maurice Hamilton are at No 42

George Gwynn will now co-drive for Johannes Gunnarsson in car No 21

Harry Dodd has has a co-driver change, in that Richard Skinner had to make an emergency dash from the Isle of Man at lunchtime to replace an ill and sick Alun Cook.

MORE FROM THE SERVICE AREA AT LUNCHTIME

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

Journalist rally reunion saved by ProSpeed team after last minute hitch

F1 journalist Maurice Hamilton and Sky Sports motor sport correspondent Tony Jardine will have their long awaited rally reunion after their ProSpeed team came to the rescue with a vital ingredient, a rally car, at the last moment.

Following a successful 36th place overall on the opening round of the World Rally Championship in Sweden two weeks ago, in a one off drive for Subaru Norway, Jardine was keen to get back in a rally car for Rallye Sunseeker in the UK. However, the car Jardine planned to use was sold days before the entry closed for Rallye Sunseeker - the prestigious opening round of the MSA National Gravel Rally Championship, taking place on 26 - 27 February in Bournemouth. With a tight work schedule on his return from Sweden, Jardine was limited on time to try and source an alternative rally car until his York based ProSpeed team, run by Olly Marshall, stepped in to take up the hunt for a suitable car.

Marshall commented, “There was nothing ready or available at such short notice until I started squeezing all my contacts but finally we located a car at the last minute near my own back yard, a 1400cc MG ZR with 115 bhp, which will be a bit of a contrast to the powerful 300 bhp four wheel drive Subaru Tony was using on Rally Sweden a couple of weeks ago! At least we can welcome Maurice back after a last minute find.”

Maurice Hamilton can now be reunited with Tony Jardine after two years, following their successful Donegal International Rally exploits in a full WRC specification Skoda Octavia which was a challenge for the duo on the fast sweeping coastal tarmac stages on the Irish coast. The MG ZR they will campaign on Rallye Sunseeker has a third of the power but is similar to the works MG machine with which the duo finished 35th overall and won their class in the World Rally Championship Wales Rally GB in 2003. Hamilton and Jardine were then team- mates to Gwyndaf Evans, former British Rally Champion and have always enjoyed success together.

The pair had promised each other another team outing since the Donegal but each time work got in the way. “It has been disappointing not to team up for so long but each time something clashed or got in the way, this time we nearly didn’t have a car! However, I am pleased Olly Marshall of ProSpeed kept up the search and I look forward to working with his professional team again. Tony and I have already made a plan, we aim to win the class. I don’t like to miss the Sunseeker, even if I am not competing I try to come along and spectate, it’s such a great event”, said Hamilton of Cranleigh Surrey, “it will be great to be back in the co driving seat and get some practice in, especially as we may go to Donegal again this summer.”

For Tony Jardine who runs a successful media communications company, Jardine International, and works with Sky Sports as their motor sport correspondent, Rallye Sunseeker has particular significance. He is the President of the Southern Car Club (SCC) and Rallye Sunseeker is the club’s premier event of the season. “It always gives me a great amount of pride that the Southern Car Club, through Rick Smith and his team, do such a great job. Their attention to detail is a model for many other events to follow, so to compete in it is a pleasure, I think this will be my 20th event in Bournemouth.” The ProSpeed team will again work with Kumho Tyres, Alpinestars and Arai Helmets as team
suppliers. Maurice Hamilton is one of the most successful journalist co-drivers in the sport. Together with Jardine he has notched up a variety of class wins, including at WRC level whilst also winning the classic RAC Rally with Russell Brooks in a Porsche in 1997. He is also a prolific author, his books on Eddie Jordan, Williams F1 and the definitive book about the RAC Rally represent just some of his work whilst he has also been an F1 journalist for the Guardian, Observer and BBC Radio 5 Live over a sustained period of time. The media duo have finished Rallye Sunseeker together before but Jardine’s best on the Rallye Sunseeker was 14th overall in 1997 with fellow SCC member and Club Vice President, Louise Goodman.

- Ends - For further information or images, email debbie.beale@jardine-international.com. Notes to Editors: - ProSpeed Motorsport Limited, based in York, is run by Managing Director Olly Marshall and has been working with Tony Jardine since 2006

Burton Enters - Payne confirms

Bournemouth 15.30 Wednesday

It has just been confirmed that Andy Burton and Robin Kellard have placed their entry for this weekends Rally Sunseeker. After enduring Engine Block problems on the Wyedean, which almost put an end to any hopes of contesting the event, they have burned much midnight oil to ensure that they will be in Bournemouth this weekend.

Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker, Andy said “We only fired the car up at lunchtime today and it ran first time. We have worked hard to get it ready and make sure that we get to Bournemouth for Friday. It’s a great event and although we are all tired here, we are lokoing forward now to a good event”
Andy and Robin will carry car number 33 but will run at Number 8 on the road for Safety reasons.

Also confirmed this afternoon in a phone call to Rallye Sunseeker, after a successful test this morning in their newly acquired Ford Focus WRC, is that Charlie Payne & Craig Thorley will line up on Friday in Bournemouth to compete on Rallye Sunseeker

Xavier Mc Cartan
Sunseeker Media Manager

Kenny Plants a Sponsor

Former ANCRO Champion Kenny McKinstry has completed a deal in time for Rallye Sunseeker that will see him carry the logos of one of London and the South East of England’s Plant Hire Specialists. This year he will carry the name of GGH Hire based at Enfield in North London. Kenny and co-driver Harvey Bell will drive the ex-Prodrive works Subaru WRC S30WRT.

Speaking this morning to Rallye Sunseeker, Kenny said “The deal came about through a phone call at the end of last week, to be honest, and I am delighted that we will promote Gerry’s company this weekend in Bournemouth.” Kenny added that should himself and Harvey contest the next round GGH Hire will remain on board as a sponsor.
GGH Hire is a North London based Plant Hire company that Specialise in all types of Plant Hire and speaking to Rallye Sunseeker Gerry Gardiner, one of the Directors said “ Its our first venture really into Rally Car sponsorship, but we have sponsored and supported the odd event previously in the South East. We are delighted that we can support Kenny, who as you know has previously won this event and the championship, so we would be hopeful for a good result this weekend.” He went on to add “ We have grown as a company over the last few years and Rallye Sunseeker is an ideal platform to reach more people in the South East of England, so you never know”
This weekend Kenny will also carry the name of long term sponsors Protec, Triton Showers and VERY VERY Long term sponsor Tom Geraghty Tyres.

http://www.gghhire.com/

Somerley set to Shine

This time of year is obviously Rallye Sunseeker and the event and rally Stages that go with it. To most people it’s the rally and that’s it. However over the last number of years, the Motorfair held at Somerley Park during the course of Rally Saturday, has continually grown into its own event. It has turned into a Classic day out in its own right, ably run this year by Annie Roden and the huge number of staff she has persuaded to come on board. The list below is not 100% definitive, as Annie is still persuading many people what they will miss if they don’t turn up.

By the time Saturday arrives with us later this week, chances are that there will be more for the Family + Kids to go and see within the confines of the stately Somerley Park.

For those who don’t know the Rally visits the Park twice on the Saturday, and literally passes the Earl of Normantons front door.

• A selection of Delta Integrale’s and other Lancias, including the Integrale replica and Fulvia, details of which are attached.
• CanAm Car Club (a selection of yank-tanks)
• Classic Cars on the Prom (a selection of classic cars from various marques)
• Wessex Preservation Club (a selection of vehicles in various states of renovation)
• Wessex Motor Racing Club (off- road buggies)
• Droop Snoot Group (various Vauxhall models, incl hot-rods)
• Dorset Land Rover Club (off-road & also the “dig you out of the car park brigade” if it’s wet)
• Jeremy Bailey’s Aston Martin Rally Car (see photos attached)
• IRDC/Southern Car Club
• Three Counties Motor homes
• Hants Fire & Rescue (including a couple of extraction demos during the day)
• VK Energy (incl. the bus & hot air balloon and a selection of yet unconfirmed VK vehicles)
• Rally Retail (clothing and other merchandise)
• Pirelli Simulator
• Lydden Hill Motor Circuit (Will have 5 Rallycross cars on display for the 2010 British Rallycross Championship)
• RX Racing ( Will be exhibiting the RX150 buggies with a Demonstration run at Lunchtime)
• Turbo Dynamics (the stage sponsor)
• Poole Audi
• MG Rally Rides (on the normal circuit behind Somerley House)
• I Can See the World (taking their elevated photos of the stage & Motorfair)
• Coles Fairground rides
• Dorset Farmers Market
• Iconic Arts
• Richard Burns Foundation
• Ad Trader
• Bill Gwynne Rally School
• 49th Bournemouth Air Scouts (selling programmes)
• International rally Drivers Club
• Southern Car Club
• Bournemouth & District Motor Club
• An F1 Driver experience (Simulator)(again, part proceeds to RBF as with Pirelli Simulator)
• Sue Lane Craft Jewellery
• HI-Ho Silver (Silver Jewellery and Stylish Household Goods)
• Sunseeker International
• North Cyprus Tourist Board

Spectator Information

NOTE: EXTENSIVE AA SIGNAGE, ON ALL MAIN ROUTES, POINTS TO CAR PARKS BY LETTER ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘S’ ETC.

FRIDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2010

• Scrutiny

See the rally crews & their cars close up as they are checked over by officials – this is at Littledown Leisure Centre, just off A338 in Bournemouth (commentary, catering & toilets) - 11.00hrs-16.00hrs. Adults £4, Children Free

• Ceremonial Start - Poole

From 18.15 to 20.00hrs all the cars will be on display on Poole Quay, meet all the rally stars up close & personal and see a Sunseeker Super Yacht;.

SATURDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2010

• Car Park – ‘A’ - Ringwood South (sponsored by SCF Hardware)

Two stages: at 09.47hrs & 16.21hrs (catering & toilets)

Spectator car park entrance at SU 195/118 068, off the B3081 [ BH24 3QE]

• Car Park – ‘B’ - Ringwood North (sponsored by Visit North Cyprus)

Two of the longer stages: both over 10 miles; at 10.00hrs & 15.56hrs.
Spectator car park entrance is off the Alderholt Road, north of Ringwood at SU 195/128 092

[BH24 3PZ]

• Car Park – ‘C’ - Uddens Forest (sponsored by Bill Gwynne Rally School)

Two stages: at 09.26hrs & 15.09 hrs (catering & toilets)

Spectator car park entrance at SU 195/048 012, approach only from the North (no entry from A31) [ BH21 7BF]

• Car Park – ‘D’ – Richard Burns Wareham

Wareham Forest: at 12.53hrs, (catering & toilets)

Spectator Car Park entrance at SY 195/903 897.
On the Coldharbour Road, north of Wareham [ BH20 7PE]

• A ‘Rover’ car park ticket can be purchased at any of the forestry car parks; price £25, this allows access to all the forestry car parks venues above.

• Car Park – ‘S’ - Somerley Park (sponsored by Turbo Dynamics)

Car park ticket £25 per car (commentary, toilets, catering, hospitality, Motorfair, classic car display, Pirelli Rally simulator, F1 simulator, display of Richard Burns Cars, display celebrating
30th Anniversary of the Audi Quattro plus fun fair and farmers market)

Two stages: at 10.38hrs and 15.33hrs. Car Park entrance, off the Alderholt Road, at
SU 195/121 086 [BH24 3QG]

• Service Area (sponsored by Elliott Hire)

Spectators can get close to the action at Elliott Hire Canford Park Arena, venue for centralised servicing used several times during the day.

09.00hrs, 11.24hrs and 14.09hrs

Entry is £10 per car; (toilets & catering).

Car Park Entrance SZ 195/ 038 975 [BH21 3AP]

• Champagne Finish Ramp Ceremony

The Ceremonial Finish is at 17.30hrs, in the presence of the Mayor of Bournemouth, in Pier Approach, Bournemouth

• Colour Souvenir Programme (£5) on sale at all car parks.

• Disability Stickers

Vehicles showing Disability Stickers get in free at all the Rally Car Parks.

See you on the 26th February

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

Sunseekers Police Partnership

Rallye Sunseeker continues to thrive due to a range of successful partnerships. There are many commercial partners without whom the event would never run and the 25 year partnership with the Forestry Commission and Somerley Estates ensures that the event has unique access to southern England’s best rally stages. Less obvious, but equally important, are the partnerships with the local emergency services such as the South West Ambulance Service Trust and Dorset Police.

Nowhere else in the UK does a rally work so closely with the local police to ensure a safe event and promote road safety. Certainly, it is the only rally in the country where a police car is used as one of the official safety cars.

The Dorset Police Land Rover Discovery travelling ahead of the rally cars will be crewed by Inspector Shaun Cronin of Dorset Police and Rallye Sunseeker Safety Manager, Neil Roden. As a highly trained police driver as well as a rally competitor, Shaun is the ideal person to undertake this role.

“Rallye Sunseeker brings tens of thousands of spectators out onto Dorset’s roads”, says Cronin. “The rally organisers have always worked closely with my Police colleagues to ensure the minimum of traffic disruption and that people arrive safely, watch safely, and get home safely. With the Safety Manager for the event sat alongside me both the organisers and Dorset Police are better able to monitor people’s safety and react more effectively should there be an incident of any kind”.

Although he has to endure quips that he’s “helping the police with their enquiries”, Rallye Sunseeker Safety Manager Neil Roden is equally enthusiastic about this unique partnership, “We have an enviable level of co-operation with Dorset Police” says Roden, “And this is mirrored in the support we also get from the South West Ambulance Service Trust. While incidents are rare and Rallye Sunseeker has a dedicated teams of doctors, paramedics, rescue crews and recovery vehicles ready to respond, the county ambulance and air ambulance are already briefed and on stand-by should they be needed.”

Despite all this, none of us should forget the wording on the back of the car park ticket and the signs as you approach special stages, “Warning – Motor sport can be dangerous”. So if you want to see rally cars behind the Dorset Police Land Rover make sure that you’re behaving sensibly and not standing in a dangerous place. If you are, the stage won’t run. It’s that simple because we will not compromise Rallye Sunseeker’s excellent safety record.

Help us to keep it that way through your actions on the special stages and your driving to and from those stages. We want you to enjoy your day, arrive home safely, and come back next year.

Xavier Mc Cartan
Sunseeker Media Manager

Why give up now, when you can give up later

Every now and again, you come across people who typify the Clubman, and the reason they all go rallying; they do it because they love the sport. Even rarer is someone who has roped in an entire family, circle of friends, neighbors, car club members and just about anyone else who has happened to pass their front door to join the Team.

The Utting Family, based near Gatwick is precisely to whom this Press Release refers.

Fresh, from sweeping the board at the recent Southern Car Club Awards Dinner, Wug Utting and his entire family, friends relations etc will all be in Bournemouth on the 26th/27th February for Rallye Sunseeker and for the seventh successive year dad Wug, will be co-driven by son Max in the first ever Subaru Group N12b ever built by Prodrive. They hope to follow on from a superb 30th Overall on Wales Rally GB 2009

Wug himself, was introduced to rallying in 1976 and immediately took to the sport like a duck to water, and now possess a wealth of experience. He won several regional championships in the 80s during glory days of Ford Escorts; he prepared his own cars and building-up a successful Surrey based rally team. Then he took a few years off in the 90s to foster a family, and involve himself on the organization side of rallying, he now boasts three Sons, all of whom are involved in Motorsport.

The Team switched mainly to Subaru’s in the late 90s, and Wug currently contests national and regional championships, international events such as WRGB and Rally of Finland. His hobbies include shooting and skiing (as do the other members of the Family), and with a motto of ‘Why give-up now, when you can give-up later’ intends to continue rallying as long as his eyesight allows. Golf is not an option!

So if you make it to Service, at Canford Arena, pop over to the Uttings and say “Hello”, a friendly family run team.

Top tyre deal is Good for Jonny

An East Yorkshire rally driver who is returning to rallying after seven years has secured a significant sponsorship package from a world leading tyre manufacturer.

Jonny Milner from Huggate near Pocklington has struck a deal with BFGoodrich to provide competition tyres for his Toyota Corolla WRC in the MSA National Rally Gravel Championship this year.

41 year old Jonny is delighted with the deal and said; “Working with a world respected brand like BFGoodrich is great news for me. The tyres have a rich heritage of championship success at the very highest levels and have been chosen by some of the greatest names like World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb. It promises to be an exciting season for the team and we’re delighted to have a respected partner like BFGoodrich on board.”

BFGoodrich is equally pleased with the association. Jianni Geras, BFGoodrich marketing manager said: “Since the WRC moved to a control tyre championship it has been difficult to demonstrate our performance advantage over our competitors. This sponsorship deal is good for us as it keeps the BFGoodrich brand at the frontline of British motorsport and shows we are still a leading force in rallying”.

Established in 1896, BFGoodrich was the first car tyre manufacturer in America and now manufactures an extensive range of competition, commercial and domestic tyres. It has just celebrated its 10th win in the prestigious Dakar rally and has previous World Rally titles to its name.

Milner retained his podium form in the double championship winning WRC when he finished third behind Paul Bird and Kirsty Riddick in their Ford Focus WRC08 and Tony Thompson and Jon Dunning driving a Mitsubishi Evo 9 in the Riponian Stages Rally on 14th February. The first of the six round MSA Gravel Rally Championship takes place in Bournemouth on 27th February.

Ends

For more information or to arrange an interview with Jonny Milner, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing and pr on
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail: traceybaty@three60 marketing.co.uk
Web: www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors
1. For more information about Jonny Milner, please visit www.jonnymilner.com
2. For more information about BF Goodrich Tyres, please visit www.bfgoodrich.co.uk
3. For more information about the MSA Gravel Rally Championship visit www.msagravelrallychampionship.co.uk
4. For more information about the Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth, please visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Photo caption Jonny Milner driving the BFGoodrich supported Toyota Corolla WRC at the Riponian Stages Rally Photo by www.rallyaround.co.uk

Xavier Mc Cartan
Sunseeker Media Manager

PRESS RELEASE FEBRUARY 2010

SUNSEEKER SPONSOR BIGGEST RALLY IN THE SOUTH FOR 12TH YEAR

Sunseeker International, the world’s largest privately owned yacht builder, will be continuing its long standing commitment to the National Rally Championship as official sponsor for the 12th year running.

The prestigious Rallye Sunseeker, taking place on 26th and 27th February in Dorset, will see the world’s motor sport elite brought to Poole Quay – home to Sunseeker’s shipyards – where a unique ceremony and parade will open the rally. A Sunseeker Yacht will be on display at the quay from 6.00pm- 8.00pm.

Expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators, Rallye Sunseeker 2010 will be showcasing all the competing cars during the ceremonial start at Poole Quay from 6.15pm on Friday 26th with the Mayor of Poole flagging the cars off from 7.30pm.

Enthusiasts will also be able to view the cars before the rally at the Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth on Friday 26th February where the competing cars will undergo inspection for the rally. The event itself, known to be the biggest rally staged in the South, will take place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park, near Ringwood.

A motorfair will be held at Somerley Park which will include catering, hospitality, a classic car display, a Pirelli Rally simulator as well as an F1 simulator, a display of Richard Burns cars, a Sunseeker XS Challenger, and a fun fair and farmer’s market.

The ceremonial finish will take place at 17.30 hours in the presence of the Mayor of Bournemouth at the Pier Approach in Bournemouth.

- Ends

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sunseeker PR and Marketing, Gemma Langridge
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 381111 Fax: +44 (0) 1202 777005 Mobile: +44 (0)7764 320536
e-mail: marketing@sunseeker.com
Website www.sunseeker.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Any figures given here are estimates or calculations based on information received from third parties. The information is given in good faith to act as a comparison between models in the Sunseeker range. Performance figures are based on ideal conditions with the vessel in light-ship state. The size and condition of the hull and underwater components, boat weight, ambient temperature and condition of the engines will all affect performance of the boat. The manufacturer, Sunseeker International Limited, cannot accept any responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any misuse of this information.

Poole Pottery

With Rallye Sunseeker such well known sporting event in and around the Poole area of Dorset, it is an essential part of our ethos to not only support, but involve as many local industries and businesses as possible within the rally family.

This year Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to announce that Poole Pottery will design and make unique handmade awards that will be given out at the grand prize-giving on Saturday evening at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

With an incredible heritage in design dating back to 1873 Poole Pottery launched the Poole Pottery Studio range in 2009. This new exciting development brought together the unique craftsmanship and experience of the 4 main artists working and designing within the Poole Pottery shop on Poole Quay, this design team all have many years experience designing and painting Poole Pottery.

Alan White is perhaps the best known, having been associated with Poole Pottery for more than 40years. Collectors worldwide seek his designs and shapes, particularly his hand carved pottery and the incredible Storm range and African themed triple wall plaques. For Rallye Sunseeker he has hand thrown individual 40cm plates, for the prime trophies, making them truly unique.

Nicola Massarella has been allied with Poole Pottery for 27years. She is an expert at recreating and updating Poole Pottery’s traditional styles using the Delph technique and she also designs many of their client’s commissions. For the Rallye Sunseeker trophies she was responsible for designing and hand painting all the lettering.

Lorna Whitmarsh has worked at Poole Pottery since 1995. She uses the Living Glaze which allied to strong Poole colors creates bold, bright abstract styles with a contemporary twist. She was responsible for preparing all the Rallye Sunseeker trophies for the kiln and applying the design to the individual class trophies

Jane Brewer is another who has been with Poole Pottery for over 15 years, specializing in using on glaze colors which are painted directly onto the unfired clay then finished with a semi-matt glaze to create a unique “fine art” look. She has designed and hand drawn all the Rallye Sunseeker top prize trophies, creating beautiful “works of art” to treasure

We are told that none of this could have been achieved without the support of Esther the Poole Pottery dog, who as usual slept through the whole design and production process!!

Together this unique team have designed and produced our trophies for Rallye Sunseeker 2010.

Each trophy will be 1 of an exclusive limited edition of Poole Pottery, signed and certificated by the team. Visitors can watch them being made at the Studio pottery within Poole

Pottery on Poole Quay, which is open to the general, public 7 days a week.

For further details please contact www.poolepotteryretail.co.uk or phone 01202 668681 or alternatively you can email sarah@poolepotteryretail.co.uk

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to have received further entries from the following competitors in the last few days…………………

Peter Lansdale + Adrian Grinstead

Peter from Itchenor and Adrian from Horsham will compete in this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a 2.1 Sunbeam Lotus. Peter was Southern Car Clubs driver of the year for three years long before, equally legendary Wug Utting was out of nappies apparently. Adrian, meanwhile has been busy rallying everywhere, with a creditable 27th Overall on last year’s East African Safari Classic. This result was preceded by 39th on the 2007 version, along with 6th on the World Cup 2005.

Robert Barrett + Dave Hammond

Robert and Dave will venture down from Yorkshire to compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in their newly acquired Ex Dutch Challenge Nissan Micra. Robert a runner-up in the 2005 + 2006 BRC Stars, and Dave a winner in 2006 in the BRC Stars as well as results such as Trackrod Motor Club Navigator Champion in 1998,1999, 2000 and 2001 will enter the ANCRO Championship with a serious attempt in mind. Robert runs his own successful Landscaping business in Huddersfield, while Dave has his own Shop fitting and Joinery Business.

Anthony Wilmington + Andrew White

The Dorchester based pair of Anthony and Andrew, will once again enter Rallye Sunseeker to “Give the Big Boys a run for their money” in their self run Mitsubishi Evo VI. A superb 6th overall on last year’s event, they will be attempting to better that result this year. Winners too of the Jersey Rally in 2008, they enjoy continued backing from Haskings Fencing, and they brew have asked that Photographers stand well back at corners..!!!!

Rod Bennett + Henry Richardson

Rod a class winner on Rally GB 2006, as well as HPM/ANCRO 2wd Champion in 2008 and Henry, 2nd Overall in the 1994 Peugeot Challenge as a driver, will compete on this yearws Rallye Sunseeker on a Lancia Delta Integrale. Andover based Rod spent last year on Tarmac, and thought it was time for a change to the loose and as Rod told Rallye Sunseeker earlier this week “What better way than with Rallye Sunseeker”.

Tom Naughton + Horace Saville

Tom, the former 2009 BTRDA Production Cup Winner and Horace will make the change and enter the first round of the ANCRO Championship, the Bournemouth and Poole based Rallye Sunseeker in their Mitsubishi Evo IX.

James Beckett + Colin Beckett

James and Colin from Buckingham are previous Class winners on Rallye Sunseeker, and have entered this year’s event in a Skoda Favorit 1300cc. Running Class 6B they have eleven years experience each and are hopeful of a good run on stages they like really well.

Trevor Martin + Ray Cleghorn

Trevor a Building Contractor from Medstead, and Ray an Engineer form Chalfont St Peter will contest this years Rallye Sunseeker in an ex Prodrive and Mick O Brien Subaru Impreza. Built in 1996 and running Class 10,. They have been rallying for 15 and 20 years respectively.

Stephen Petch + John Richardson

Stepehen a Sales Manager for the Durham based motor group SG Petch, and co-driver John Richardson will compete on this years event on an ex-works Hyundai WRC. Running Class 4, they have previously competed on the ANCRO rounds as well as selected BRC events over the last few years.

See you on the 26th....

Media Release: Dolphin Shopping Centre Rallye Sunseeker Preview

Poole, Dorset –February 12th;

Dolphin Shopping Centre visitors will get a preview taste of rally fever on Saturday 20 February when an iconic Ford Escort MkII will be on display ahead of the Rallye Sunseeker, as what is considered one of the UK’s most spectacular motorsport events pays its first ever visit to Poole.

Crewed by local pairing Les Harrogate and Matt Thorne, the 250bhp Escort MKII will be showcased pride of place outside Marks & Spencer, offering the people of Poole a rare chance to get up close to a Class 8 rally car before it prepares for battle on the Rallye Sunseeker stages on Saturday 27 February.

Stephanie Lacey, Dolphin Shopping Centre Manager, commented: “It’s fantastic to see such a high calibre motorsport event coming to Poole. The Rallye Sunseeker 2010 is sure to attract an unrivalled crowd to Poole Quay while the entire event promises to deliver entertainment for both seasoned rallying fans and the local community alike.

“It’s not every day that our shoppers can see an iconic rally car on display just days before it competes in such a major event. I hope our visitors enjoy our preview to the Rallye Sunseeker and lend their support to the event, Les and Matt.”

Les, owner of the Wimborne-based SCF Hardware company, and Matt, a building contractor from nearby Hinton Martell, share years of national and international rally experience between them but 2010 marks their first full season of competition together. With a class win (in the then B11 category) at the Rallye Sunseeker 2006 among Les’ notable results, hopes are high for the new team to emulate that success this year.

Both crew members will be on hand throughout the day at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, to chat to visitors and sign autographs. Shoppers will also be able to buy advance copies of the Rallye Sunseeker programme, containing all the information any rally fan needs to catch this unmissable event.

Les Harrogate commented: “The Rallye Sunseeker gets the season off to a flying start. To have such a flagship event on our doorstep is a real bonus while the exciting changes to the 2010 format will hopefully help rallying to reach a new audience. With the ceremonial start taking place in Poole, it’s great to see such interest and have the opportunity to display our car in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

“Months of extensive preparation go into the car ahead of a major event, but rallying really isn’t beyond the means of the average working person. We’ll be on hand and only too happy to answer any questions or offer advice at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, and it would certainly be nice to pick up a few more local supporters to cheer us on through the Rallye Sunseeker stages.”

Attracting teams from across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Europe, the motorsport rally elite will flock to Poole Quay for the Rallye Sunseeker ceremonial start and parade on Friday 26 February.

The only free event on the Rallye Sunseeker 2010 programme, competitors from all six classes will be on display, ranging from World Rally cars to historic vehicles. Drivers and cars will be in situ from 6.15pm, before all competing vehicles leave the starting blocks at 30-second intervals, flagged off by the Mayor of Poole Cllr Rev Charles Meachin, from 7.30pm.

The rally proper takes place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park (also near Ringwood). SCF Hardware is once again lending its special support to the Rallye Suseeker by sponsoring two of the Ringwood North stages. Full event and spectator information can be found online at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Les and Matt compete in the Rallye Sunseeker with thanks to local support from; Holmans of Wimborne, Andrew Witt Estate Agents, Goldstar Onboard Ltd, Cleanaway Mobile Car Valeting, Paul Miller Soils and Aggregates and the Carlisle Design Group.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

In 2003, The Dolphin Shopping Centre was acquired by Grosvenor – the leading international property development, investment and management group – for its Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund.

The centre contains 115 stores and covers an area of over 47,000 square metres.

The Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund was established in 1998. It is a partnership created to invest in high quality, dominant shopping centres around the UK. The Fund is managed by Grosvenor from its office in London, combining the expertise of the company’s fund and asset managers.

The Fund currently owns Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole; Coopers Square, Burton upon Trent; Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness; and Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby.

For further information please contact the Dolphin Shopping Centre Press Office:

Emma Spearing, Hazel PR
Tel: +44 (0)1202 862411 Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828

Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

MAJOR MOTOR SPORT EVENT WAS WORTH £718,000 TO THE DORSET ECONOMY

Last year’s Rallye Sunseeker car rally injected at least £718,000 into the local Dorset economy according to an economic impact pilot study undertaken by the Motor Sport Research Group of Bournemouth University.

A sample of 600 competitors, officials and spectators polled through questionnaires, many of which were completed online, revealed what each had individually spent on food and drink in Dorset and also with accommodation providers, such as hotels and bed and breakfast businesses. The research also revealed travel costs of petrol and fares as well as expenditure such as car parking. It turned out that the competitors and their teams were by far the biggest spenders.

Dr Bruce Grant-Braham, Director of the Motor Sport Research Group said, “Rallye Sunseeker is a major boost to Dorset’s economy at a traditionally quiet time of the year”.

BU Lecturer and Motors Sport Research Group member, Paul Boyce, said, “We have actually taken a conservative approach to the figures as estimating the total number of spectators in Dorset’s forests is not an exact science. Our research intention is to develop a reliable model for gauging the contribution that motor sport events such as Rallye Sunseeker bring to destinations. We are grateful to the Rallye Sunseeker organisers who have helped us considerably in our quest to develop such a research model.”

The pilot study established that the majority of the event’s spectators came from within the local BH postcode area with a sizeable number travelling for about two hours from locations such as Reading, Oxford, Southampton, Portsmouth, Exeter and London. A small number of dedicated rally fans came from as far afield as Newcastle and Glasgow to the South Coast specifically for Rallye Sunseeker 2009.

The Rallye Sunseeker organisers already generously provide placement opportunities for BU students within the event’s operational team of 1200 officials” said Bruce Grant-Braham. “That Rallye Sunseeker 2010 and Bournemouth University continue to work together provides a Win - Win situation for everyone involved”.

Rick Smith, Rallye Sunseeker Event Director commented “ We have always been certain in our own minds of the economic value of the event to the region, to have that quantified by this robust research by Bournemouth University is excellent news. However for us to be able to continuously deliver these benefits we need continued financial support from local government and business”

With the entry date fast closing in for this year’s Rallye Sunseeker the organizers have seen a flurry of entries in the last few days. Entries have come in from Jonny Milner, Marcus Dodd, , Harry Dodd and Roger Duckworth and all are campaigning World Rally Cars.

Jonny Milner + Ian Windress

Jonny returns to the British rally scene again, having purchased the car he previously won the British Championship in. A double winner, Jonny and co-driver Ian Windress will start Rallye Sunseeker as certain favourites to win the event. Last year Jonny won the Toyota Sprint series, while Ian won the Manx National sitting alongside Paul Bird.

www.cmwi.net

Marcus Dodd + Andrew Bargery

Marcus and Andrew return to the forests of Bournemouth and Poole once again in the HPM Motorsport prepared Hyundai Accent WRC. A multiple National champion, Marcus may not actually be seen on the stages that much this year, as he has qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Triathlon Championships for his age group. Last years champion told Rallye Sunseeker that he was looking forward to this years event "I know its my local event, but every year we compete we have a different kind of event, and this year the entry list is shaping up really well. It will be nice to battle again with Kenny, and of course Jonny Milner will be here,along with the Likes of Steve Perez, Paul Bird and of course Roger, it could be the best battle in years in these forests y'know"

www.cmwi.net

Harry Dodd + Alun Cook

Harry and Alun will return to the stages this year to compete in their Hyundai Accent WRC. Prepared by the family Motorsport business, Harry is hoping for his best ever finish on Rallye Sunseeker. Its hard to believe that Harry has only been rallying for 8 years, as anyone who has seen him compete will tell you that at high speed its hard to tell whether its him or Marcus driving the car, such is his level of commitment. Married to Pat, famous for her catering expertise, Harrys other hobby is Farming. Alun is no stranger to the ANCRO Championships having sat beside many top line National drivers over the last few years.

www.cmwi.net

Roger Duckworth + Mark Broomfield

Roger Duckworth returns to Rallye Sunseeker this year, once again with Mark Broomfield in the co-drivers seat. With both of them vague on how long they have been rallying all they will say is "been rallying for a very long time", they will certainly be amongst the favourites for a good result on this years event. A previous Championship winner, Roger will compete in his ex-Juha Kankunnen Subaru WRC. This year will be Rogers 20th Rallye Sunseeker, and they are hoping for a good event. Mark meanwhile is a two time Championship co-driver.

www.cmwi.net

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

More Information can be found at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk, or e-mail media@rallyesunseeker.co.uk . For further details of the event, contact the Rallye Sunseeker Press Officer Xavier Mc Cartan – Tel 07515 998572

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Turbo Dynamics and Rallye Sunseeker support the South’s rally drivers

Whether it’s Drag Racing, Drifting, Hill-climbing or Rallying, competing in motorsport is not cheap by anyone’s standards. Therefore it is unsurprising that, during the recession, we have been witness to the forced sale of beloved competition cars and falls in the number of competitors entering events. However some of the region’s key companies within the motoring-industry are now helping to buck this trend by supporting the South’s most prestigious rally and the many rally drivers who compete in it.

Christchurch-based turbocharger company, Turbo Dynamics has announced its support of Rallye Sunseeker, the MSA Gravel Rally Championship opening round, which takes place from 26-27th February. The company will be helping to fund the rally and in attendance as headline sponsor of its local stages at Somerley Park in Ringwood; the ancestral home of Viscount Somerton.

Rick Smith, Rallye Sunseeker Event Director, said of the company’s support: “Now in their fifth year, we congratulate Turbo Dynamics on continued support for their major local motorsport event - a welcome gesture in these difficult times.”

Turbo Dynamics’ presence at the event will be a crowd-pleaser; the company will have a stand at Somerley Park featuring turbocharged cars and the ever-popular TD Girls will be in attendance at Scrutineering, the Ceremonial Start (held at Poole Quay this year) and the Ramp Ceremony at Bournemouth Pier.

Another feature at Somerley Park will be the Motorfair, which will have at least six cars from the world-famous Richard Burns Collection on display this year. Richard’s long time co-driver and a major force behind the Richard Burns Foundation, Robert Reid will also be in attendance at the Turbo Dynamics sponsored stages held on Saturday.

Further to Turbo Dynamics’ backing, the Rallye Sunseeker organisers have also adjusted both the structure of the event and entry fee regulations to support competing rally drivers.

The rally format has been compressed so all of the key features (scrutineering, ceremonial start, rally stages and the ramp/awards ceremony) take place over a shorter space of time resulting in lower accommodation costs for the rally drivers who will be travelling from all over the UK to compete. The traditional Bournemouth Gardens stages have also been dropped this year so the event is now all on gravel tracks; saving on the cost of tarmac specification tyres.

The organisers have promised to fully reimburse entry fees from competitors who cannot attend the event and have also introduced some new aspects to the rally. One of these exciting changes is the introduction of the Richard Burns Award in association with the Richard Burns Foundation. The Production Cup winner will get this prestigious trophy, win the four-figure prize money and be photographed with Turbo Dynamics’ gorgeous girls.

Rick Smith said of the new changes supporting the rally competitors: “To keep our position as one of the preeminent rallies in the UK we have to be innovative. All of our new initiatives are designed to provide a great spectacle for spectators.”

For more information on Rallye Sunseeker, please visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk or go to www.turbodynamics.co.uk for information about Turbo Dynamics.

Ends

Editor’s Notes:

1. Turbo Dynamics (TD) has grown to be one of the leading combined Turbocharger Remanufacturer and Hybrid Turbocharger Designers in the world since its formation in 1991.

2. The company is internationally recognised for its ISO 9001:2008 accredited quality, product range and technical expertise.

3. TD’s worldwide customer base ranges from Race and Rally Teams to Specialist Tuners and from OE manufacturers to other turbo companies.

4. Goods and services include supply of new and reconditioned turbochargers, design and manufacture of hybrid turbochargers, specialist blueprinting service and manufacture of spare parts/performance accessories.

5. More info: www.turbodynamics.co.uk.

6. Contact: Marketing Manager, Natasha Miller, tel. 01202 487497 or email natasha@turbodynamics.co.uk.

Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to have received further entries from the following competitors…………………

Alec Holding + Tony Cotton

Alec a Motor Technician from Shoreham by the Sea, co-driven by Tony Cotton a Hydraulic Engineer from Chichester will compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a Peugeot 205 Gti. Alec has been rallying now for about 10 years, and Tony in the region of 6 years. Alec actually led the rally last year at one point, but has previously won his class on Sunseeker twice as well as on the Tempest. Their main sponsor is a local company Hypose of Poole.

Darren Jones + Paul Burley

Darren + Paul have entered this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a 2007 Skoda Felicia. The pair of them have both finished Rally GB in 2006 and 2008, in their self-built car, which they reckon is reliable in even numbered years. Paul a father to be, sometime in August this year ( Rallye Sunseeker wish him and his wife well) has been rallying for about 5-6 years now, similar to Darren. They have set up their own blog to follow the team on Rallye Sunseeker….. Check out www.skodarallyblog.com

Steve Hendy + Aled Davies

Steve from Ferndown needs no introduction to the South Coast. As a Company Director of the Hendy Group, Steve has extensive ties to the Bournemouth and Poole area through his business. Co-Driven on the event this year by Aled Davies from Pontlliw, this will be the first time that their 2000 built Ford Focus WRC in quite a number of years. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker Steve said “After a few years of not competing on my local rally, Sunseeker, I thought I* maybe should come back to try and beat my best result on it which was 7th” He and Aled have between them clinched several National Tarmac titles, as well as numerous Top 10 finishes on the Belgian Tarmac Championships over the last three years.

Chris Wigmore + Steve Lyons

Chris, a Company Director from Oxford and Steve will compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a Ford Escort RS. Built in 1980 and running Class H15, they intend to compete on 4-5 Gravel rounds of the Escort Challenge. They only do a few railles each year, and have various class wins gained in over 30 years of Competition.

Bradden Axon + Graham Patten

This Wareham based crew will contest Rallye Sunseeker once again this year. Bradden, a Plant fitter will run this road car turned rally car as a lighter version of the car that did last years event. Between them they have over 40 years rallying experience, but this will be Grahams first time in the Co-Drivers seat.

Daniel Sigudarson + Isak Gudjonsson

This Icelandic crew return to Sunseeker this year with only one thing in mind. They want to win Group N. Daniel currently the Motorsport man of the year in his native land of Iceland wants to put the disappointment of last year behind him and have a really good go this year. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker Daniel said “There is so much up for grabs compared to last year, Yes we were really disappointed, but this year there’s £1000, the Richard Burns Trophy for the winner and then in July a trip to Goodwood. The other thing is I really like the event, the competition and the people who run the event. We always get a great welcome in Bournemouth, and its nice to be going back again.” Isak on the other hand was co-driver to Stuart Jones on the 2009 Rally Reykjavik and they came away as winners. A multiple winner of the event, Isak has many times been Icelandic Champion. This year they will compete in a 2009 built Mitsubishi Evo.

Sara Williams + Dai Roberts

Sara and Dai will enter this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a 2003 Subaru Impreza Sti. They started rallying in 2007, moved to 2008 in the Welsh Clubmans Tarmac championship, and ended up a Class winner. For last year, a change of direction took them to the BTRDA Asphalt and had several class wins through the year. Check out Sara’s website on www.sararally.com

Geoffrey Bennett + John Billet

Ferndown based Company Director Geoffrey will compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a 1976 Warrior powered Ford Escort. He has been rallying for 30 odd years and combined with Co-Driver Johns experience they have nearly 80 odd years between them.

Wayne Loveland + Michael Ellis

Southampton based Wayne and Michael will compete on this years Rallye Sunseeker in a 1975 Fiat 131 Mirafiori. The car is the the one that John Bloxham used to compete on various Road and Stage rallies that were part of the old Motoring News Championship. Wayne came back into rallying again I the 90’s competing on various sprints and exhibitions. His notable results include 3rd on the Silverstone Historic Rallysprint.

See you all on the 26th in Bournemouth

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION CHALLENGE

The Organisers of Rallye Sunseeker are pleased to announce that the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is utilising their event as its Official Shakedown Rally for 2010. Although there are no series points up for grabs for Evo Challenge competitors, Mitsubishi teams are encouraged to enter and get their season off to a high profile start.

They will also have a chance to test their cars against some of the best Production Cup drivers in the country, but they also have a very real chance of winning the new Richard Burns Trophy and the £1000 cash prize but also booking a guaranteed place at Goodwood Festival of Speed Rally Stage.

Rallye Sunseeker Event Director Rick Smith commented: ”Our event has been the opening round of the Mitsubishi Series for almost all if its 10 years, so it is fitting that once again we will lead the way.”

In reply Simon Slade, the Evolution Challenge Manager said: ”Our annual trip to the South Coast at the start of the season has become a tradition with the Evolution Challenge. The Rallye Sunseeker one of the best promoted rallies in the UK and therefore its a great event at which to launch our season.”

As this announcement is so close to the closing date, Rally Organisers have agreed that there will be no late entry fee penalty for registered Evolution Challenge contenders; visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk or call 0208 773 3404 for Regulations.

More Information can be found by e-mailing media@rallyesunseeker.co.uk . For further details of the event, contact the Rallye Sunseeker Press Officer Xavier Mc Cartan

Stage sponsor enters Rallye Sunseeker

Through his Wimborne based company SCF Hardware, Les Harrogate not only has entered this year’s Rallye Sunseeker as co-driver for Matt Thorne, he has also decided to sponsor both of the Ringwood North spectator stages on this year’s event.

In the last 10 years, Les has only missed one Sunseeker event as a competitor and as he explained earlier this week to Rallye Sunseeker “ Yeah I have only missed one Rallye Sunseeker, and that was because of an argument with a Ski slope a few years back.” He went on to add “Its my local event y’know and until recently had only competed, but I started to see some of the advantages of getting involved as a sponsor for the business SCF Hardware. Last year was a bit of a try out really, but the feedback we got during the rally and certainly afterwards through the year as a local supplier encouraged me to come back again.” He went on to say “I actually like the Ringwood stages as a competitor, but the whole event here in the South is a good way to start the year”

Matt on last years Sunseeker

Les has previously finished 3rd in class, 7th overall on the 2001 World Cup Rally as well as 1st in Class on the 2006 Rallye Sunseeker event.

Matt and Les will be out in a Mk II Ford Escort, only joined forces to compete together in the middle of last year. Both were actually contemplating calling time on their respective paths in motorsport, but a chance meeting led them to “try out a few events together for a laugh, and we’ll see how it goes” and the result of this is that they will be out together in time for this year’s Sunseeker.

Matt, a local builder paid tribute also to Goldstar Onboard Ltd and to John Dunham for their continued support and involvement as well as their In-Car cameras and was hopeful of a good run on this year’s event. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker he said “This will be my third Sunseeker, and I think Les’ ninth or tenth but we are going to look at continuing in the ANCRO championship with the incentives they have, as the whole thing looks good, but let’s get Sunseeker out of the way first”

http://www.scfhardware.co.uk/

http://www.goldstaronboard.co.uk/racecam/

Rallye Sunseek

er are delighted to have received additional entries since our last release from the following crews……..

John McGaffin + Alan Russell

John and Alan return to Bournemouth once again in their McKinstry Motorsport prepared Subaru Impreza WRC. John a Company Director from Gilford has competed on Rallye Sunseeker for several years now and rates it as one of his favorite events. John was in fact co-driver many years ago for Kenny, in the days when Kenny became synonymous for his rapid red MkII Ford Escort on many of the Irish International events. Their Subaru, was previously run by Prodrive for the Allstars team some years ago, but probably before Alan, Johns co-driver began his career with Prodrive as an Engineer. Alan is currently involved in several of the projects that Prodrive are running. Johns previous results include 19th overall on the 2006 Rallye Sunseeker, 23rd overall on the 2008 Sunseeker as well as 7th overall on the 2007 Cork Rally.

Robert Cholmondeley + Dave Evans

Robert and Dave from the Midlands are competing on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker “and out for fun in a proper rally car to entertain”. Their Ford Escort MKII runs a normally aspirated 16 valve Cosworth engine. Robert from Barnt Green has previously completed the RAC Rally in 1993 and co-driver Dave Evans from Leeds completed the Roger Albert Clark rally in 2008.

Darren Grimston + Richard Ross

Darren from Northallerton and Richard from Hebburn are making the long trek down from North Yorkshire to compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker. Driving a 1990 built Ford Escort MkII running a 2.0l Vauxhall Twin Cam engine which has only just been rebuilt after quite a large accident they come to Bournemouth for the first time. They both hope to contest the remainder of the 2010 ANCRO Championship and also the Viking Escort Challenge. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker earlier this week Darren said “ We are both looking forward to doing Sunseeker, as we’ve heard good reports from friends who have been down there before, plus we wanted a different kind of challenge for this year as well, so Yeah….looking forward to it.” They both finished 10th overall on the 2009 Trackrod Clubmans rally.

Mark Feeney + Gavin Johnson

Mark a Systems Analyst from Farnham and Gavin a Civil Servant from Basingstoke will compete on this years Sunseeker in a real rally favourite. The forests of Bournemouth and Poole will once again hear the rumble of a big V8 engine, when they start the rally in their Triumph TR7. Mark has, for the 30 years helped out on the event from Marshall to Stage Commander and earlier this week said “ I thought it was about time I had a go on the event. I mean over the last number of years I have been involved in many ways, and it is such a good event you know, this year was the year to give it a go.” The car is obviously well built because in 2007 it demolished a brick outhouse on the Loco Stages.

Lee Rennison + Andy Street

Lee and Andy from Weymouth and Ringwood respectively have entered this year’s Rally Sunseeker in a Ford Escort. Thing is though this is not just any Escort, this is an ex Steve Hendy F2 Ford Escort and was one of the first Gordon Spooner built F2 cars ever built. Hoping this year for a good finish, Lee was the BTRDA Star driver on the 2006 Tour of Cornwall, while Andy has been a 9 Time Regional Ka Challenge winner, 2nd Privateer on the 2001 Formula Rally Championship as well as the 2004 Welsh National Champion.

Dave Harris + Mark Worley

Dave and Mark enter this year’s event in their Ford Escort MkII. Built in 2003, and running in a hotly contested Class 8, between them they have been rallying for almost 65 years. Previously Mark won the Tarmac Group N National title in 2000 + 2003.

Gary Hayter + Richard Aitken

Gary and Richard both form Verwood have entered this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a Class 10 Subaru Impreza.

Stuart + Simon Larbey

Returning to Sunseeker once again is Rallye Sunseeker stalwarts Stuart and Simon Larbey from Hambrook and Chichester respectively. The good news is that it is in their ex Tony Pond Portugal MG Metro 6R4 built in 1986. Stuart has rallied this car for 12 years now, and it has already had one major rebuild following Stuarts massive accident on the 2002 Rallye Sunseeker. Simon has previously finished 1st in Class at Rally Chatsworth, while Stuart has previously finished 3rd in Class on the 2007 Sunseeker as well as 1st on the Tempest in 2001.

Tristan Pye + Stewart Merry

Tristan and Stuart have entered this year’s event in a Class 3 2009 Subaru Impreza. They will make the long journey down from Bishop Auckland in Co Durham to contest this years Rallye Sunseeker.

Jamie Anderson + Mark Mason

Jamie and Mark have entered this year’s event in their Mitsubishi Evo VIII. Mark from Gateshead has previously been the Peugeot 205 Scholarship and 205 Challenge Champion.

See you on the 26th February..... www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Xavier Mc Cartan

Sunseeker Media Manager

Rallye Sunseeker 2010 Media Release

January 24th 2010

Re: …Steve Perez for Rallye Sunseeker

Steve Perez will be returning to Bournemouth once again this February for Rallye Sunseeker; fresh from a superb 3rd overall on the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally in December. Using his more familiar, Kick Energy sponsored, ex Marcus Gronholm Ford Focus 2007 WRC Steve, will once again team up for this year’s event with Raglan based Paul Spooner on the notes.

Once again Tim Ashton and BTR Preparations will run the car, the same team that ran his Safari historic Datsun 260Z and of whom Steve said at the finish of that event “A massive thanks to Tim and the whole of the BTR team as the car has been perfect and ran faultless throughout.” This kind of preparation bodes well for his attempt at this year’s Rally Sunseeker.

Steve in action on the East African Classic Safari

Steve, the 2004 ANCRO National Rally Champion as well as the 2003 British Historic Rally Champion told Rallye Sunseeker “ I am looking forward to getting down to Bournemouth for the opening round. It’s a good event, and very ably run although it is a little bit different to East Africa where I was last competing” he laughed

He went on to say “the forests are always in good condition, but it will be interesting to see what they will be like after all the recent bad weather we have had” He continued by saying “Hopefully now the likes of Marcus, Roger and Birdy will be down as well, and its good to see Kenny come back over for a run once again, to add to the competition, on top of that I want to beat Birdy, I mean we finished higher than him on a WRC event by completing Rally GB, and it’s the usual thing of the loser out of us pays for the Champagne all night at FYEO in Bournemouth and I have not paid there for years, so Yeah I am really looking forward to February ”

Steve Perez, as chairman of Global Brands will be well represented on Rallye Sunseeker, with VKTV once again covering the event on the Friday in Poole and naturally on the Saturday Stages, they will also be in evidence at the Saturday Spectator Stage at Somerley Park with the Kick Energy merchandising girls and on hand to spice up proceedings.

Steve on last year’s Rallye Sunseeker

Pic Courtesy : www.cmwi.net

Also speaking to Rallye Sunseeker, was co-driver Paul Spooner who added “ We are not too sure of our plans after Sunseeker, but we are possibly looking at the BRC Historic championship in the Stratos, but the thing is we are coming to Bournemouth and we are one up already on Birdy in that we have our entry in before him. So already he is trying to catch Steve and myself up y’know”

When asked about the changes to the rally format he said” Makes no difference at all about the Friday, the rally will be won on the stages, and again the organizers have provided us with a challenging event to compete on and at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. It’s the competition that we are after and the battles with the likes of Marcus, Paul and Roger and of course Kenny is coming over from Northern Ireland, and bringing Richard Cathcart too, so it is shaping up to be a really good days rallying down in Bournemouth.”

See you in February

Xavier Mc Cartan
Sunseeker Media Manager

More Information can be found at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk, or e-mail media@rallyesunseeker.co.uk . For further details of the event, contact the Rallye Sunseeker Press Officer Xavier Mc Cartan – Tel 07515 998572

- ENDS -

Rallye Sunseeker is delighted to have received entries from the following competitors to date.

Andrew + Simon Bush
Andrew, a Managing Director from Whiteley and Simon a Technical Director from Whitehill will compete on this year’s event in a Seat Ibiza. Rallying for 10 years now, Simon was actually a class winner as a driver on the 2008 Rallye Sunseeker.

Nigel Seabold + Tim Barton
Nigel is from Headley and is Managing Director of Grayston Rally Parts and this year is co-driven by Tim Barton who works in Sales and is from Epsom. Driving a Prodrive built GpN 14 Subaru Impreza previously driven by Mark Higgins, has only been back in rallying for about a year after a 20 year absence. Nigel back in 1985 finished 2nd in the National Championship, which was a forerunner to the current ANCRO version, and also finished 1st in GpN on the 1985 Cumbrian Rally. Sponsored by Grayston and Avanti Maplights, the car is run by Geoff Jones and Nigel and Tim intend to contest the full Championship.

Kevin Rowledge + Paul Whittaker
Kevin from Wimborne, in Dorset and Paul a Vehicle Technician from Poole will compete on this year’s Rallye Sunseeker in a 2007 spec Mitsubishi Evo9. It is an ex-Ralliart Italy car, and they are keen to attract some local sponsorship. Kevin finished 3rd in Class with Paul along side on the notes on their last event, while Paul himself finished runner up in his class on the 2005 British Rally Championship.

Karam Dhala + Angelica Fuentes
Karam an hotelier from New Malden is co-driven on this year’s event by Angelica, who works in Jewellery Design and Sales in London. Karam was 2nd o/a and winner of Class E on the ASCMC Tarmac Championship in 2006 while Angelica is a past winner of the Mexican Rally Championship, a Class winner at Pikes Peak in 2008 and also a winner of the famous La Carrera Panamericana. This year they compete in a Vauxhall Corsa 4x4, which was built by Sydney Meeke, father of current IRC Champion Kris, at the famous workshops in Bush, where for many years he ran the late Irish legend Bertie Fisher.

Dave Harris + Mark Worley
Dave from Weston-Super-Mare and Mark from Broadstone will enter this years Rallye Sunseeker in a Ford Escort RS. Running in Class 8, Mark actually won the National Tarmac Group N title in both 200 and 2003.

Shelly Taunt + Julie Murphy
Shelly from Highworth is a former multiple BRC and BRTDA ladies champion, as well as a former MSA Gravel Champion. Julie also form Highworth is a former BTRDA and BRC Rallymasters Production Cup winner. Between the pait of them, they have scooped nearly every single Ladies award in the last few years. Driving a Subaru Impreza N10, the ladies would dearly love to comepte on Rally FInland, and compete in a WRC car.

See you in February

Xavier Mc Cartan
Sunseeker Media Manager

More Information can be found at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk, or e-mail media@rallyesunseeker.co.uk . For further details of the event, contact the Rallye Sunseeker Press Officer Xavier Mc Cartan – Tel 07515 998572

- ENDS -

Rallye Sunseeker comes to Poole

One of the UK’s most spectacular motor sport events is coming to Poole for the first time.

With a line up featuring teams from across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Europe, the prestigious Rallye Sunseeker brings the world’s motor sport elite to Poole Quay for a unique ceremonial start and parade on Friday 26 February.

Kicking off a weekend of exhilarating motor sport in style, Poole Quay will be closed to traffic as the best cars, drivers and teams in the business arrive on Poole’s continental quayside from 6.15pm onwards for a fabulous line up. Drivers will take to their vehicles at 7.30pm for the Ceremonial start of the rally, with each car leaving the starting blocks at 30 second intervals, flagged off by the Mayor of Poole Cllr Rev Charles Meachin. The only free event in the programme will see competitors from 16 classes on display ranging from state of the art World Rally Cars to historic vehicles plus six identical Land Rover Wolfs from the Armed Forces Rally Team.

Enthusiasts will also be able to view the cars before the rally at Littledown Leisure Centre on Friday 26th February where the technical details of the cars are checked and verified with the event itself taking place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park, near Ringwood. Tickets are available from www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

The rally will see reigning national rally champion Marcus Dodd with co-driver Andrew Bargery hoping to win with their Poole based Hyundai World Rally Championship car.

Bruce Grant Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “This event is a great opportunity for novices and enthusiasts to quiz drivers about these fabulous vehicles and the driving techniques needed to compete at the highest level in this thrilling sport. We are delighted they have chosen to come to Poole and I hope everyone makes the most of this fantastic chance to see world class motor sport up close and personal – all for free.”

For the first time a new trophy and £1000 prize has been introduced in memory of the late Richard Burns a former World Rally Champion. The prize and trophy are designed to raise funds for and the profile of the Richard Burns Foundation which supports those who have suffered serious or life threatening injuries, particularly in motor sport.

Event Director Rick Smith, said: “Our title sponsor for the past 12 years, Sunseeker International is a major part of Poole life, what better place to start Rallye Sunseeker than on Poole’s vibrant Quay.”

For more information on the event visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Editor’s Notes
Competitors for the event include:
Kenny McKinstry, 2001 Association of National Championship Rally Organisers (ANCRO) National Rally champion and former winner Rallye Sunseeker Winner, 2002.
Competing for the first time in Rallye Sunseeker is British Trial Drivers Association (BTRDA) N4 class Champion Alex Allingham.

Where to spectate for Rallye Sunseeker 2010

Friday 26th February.
Scrutineering, Littledown Centre, Bournemouth 11.00am-4.00pm. Gives you the chance to see the competing cars up close as they undergo technical inspection for the rally. There will be full commentary and driver interviews, as well as the opportunity to buy the official souvenir programme and car park tickets for the following day.
Admission is £3 per person.

Ceremonial Start, Poole Quay, from 6pm. New for 2010 all the competitors with their cars will be on display on Poole Quay. The Mayor of Poole will flag cars off from 7.30pm. See a magnificent Sunseeker super yacht, the VK bus, merchandising stalls and visit the pubs, bars and restaurants

Saturday 27th February.
9am - competitors leave the service area at Elliotthire Canford Arena for stages in the Wareham and Ringwood forests as well as Somerley Park.

RICHARD BURNS REMEMBERED WITH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

As part of the Richard Burns Foundation activities at Somerley Park, on Rallye Sunseeker - Saturday 27th February, the organisers are putting on a grand Concours d’elegance especially for owners of RB5 and RB320 limited edition Subaru’s. This will be judged by Richard’s co-driver Robert Reid, top motor sport journalist Jerry Williams, Richards father Alex Burns and other celebrities.

The winner will receive not only the coveted Rob Arthur trophy – presented in memory of the Southern Car Clubs late President – but also a special edition Robert Reid

Co-driver watch, kindly donated by Fast Time. As Robert Thacker the MD of Fast Time commented “the Robert Reid watch is used by many competitors in the WRC, so we are pleased to help support the Richard Burns Foundation in this way”

To join in contact Annie Roden – Motorfair@rallyesunseeker.co.uk

FULL REFUNDS!

The Organisers of Rallye Sunseeker are offering a hand of friendship to competitors in these difficult financial times. Accepted and paid entrants who have to withdraw any time up until the late closing date (noon on Friday 19th Friday 2010) will have their Entry Fee REFUNDED IN FULL.

Event Director Rick Smith made plain his views “it’s a hard world out there at the moment, we are all feeling the financial pinch, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to help competitors plan their rallying; so a crew can now enter Rallye Sunseeker knowing that if they lose their job, have a vehicle blow up, or suffer any other financial problem – we will send them ALL their money back”

You can enter on-line at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk or contact the rally office on 00 44 (0)208 773 3404

BTRDA Champion for Rallye Sunseeker

Stalybridge driver Alex Allingham, co driven by Mark Glennerster will compete on the Rallye Sunseeker for the first time in 2010. Stepping up to the ANCRO Championship, the BTRDA N4 champion is looking forward to the challenge of longer events and the chance to compete alongside the countries best drivers in WRC and GPN cars. The Hankook backed driver speaking to Rallye Sunseeker said, "Its the first ANCRO event for me so I am looking forward to challenge and I have heard that the Sunseeker is such a well run event we are really looking forward to it. The added bonus of £ 1000 and the Richard Burns trophy is a great incentive to Group N competitors like my self to come down to Bournemouth and give it a go" Following on he added, The other thing is we have just heard about the invite to Goodwood for the winners of the Production Cup to compete on the Rally Stage, and I mean to go there would be something else..."

This year as well as concentrating on the ANCRO Championship, they have plans to enter Rally GB, in their ex-Prodrive Subaru N10, and are hopeful that some of their colleagues from the BTRDA will goin them on this years ANCRO campaign.

Co-Driver Mark Glennerster went on to say "Yes its a step up for us, but we want to try different events and championships and the format of the Championship this year suits the way we want to go Rallying. We have both heard good reports about Rallye Sunseeker, and we are really looking forward to getting into the forests in the South of England come February"

www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Production Cup winner gets invite to Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010

"The top Production Cup driver on Rallye Sunseeker 2010 will not only win the new, coveted Richard Burns Trophy + £1000 cash, but will also be further honoured with an invitation to attend - and drive their car - on the tough Forest Rally Stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed [July 2-4]

Jarrah Venables, the Motorsport Competitions Secretary at Goodwood commented "Rallye Sunseeker is recognised as a major motor sport event in its own right and as Goodwood supports the Richard Burns Foundation, we thought this would be a great way to enhance that support while bringing a prize winning driver to the Festival of Speed"

Rallye Sunseeker Event Director Rick Smith had this to say "Southern Car Club is proud to organise not only Rallye Sunseeker, but also assist with the Forest Rally Stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, so with the help of Goodwood we are now able to further reward a talented driver and also remember how much Richard Burns contributed to the aspirations of such a driver today"

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/site/content/festivalofspeed/default.aspx

Sunseeker WRC's for Kenny McKinstry and Richard Cathcart

Kenny Mc Kinstry who was the 2001 ANCRO National Rally champion has entered Rallye Sunseeker. He and Harvey Bell will team up to compete in one of Kennys fleet of Subaru WRC's. The Rally Engineer from Banbridge in Northern Ireland has been persuaded by Harvey to come over to Bournemouth and visit the Forests of Bournemouth and Poole Once again. Kenny a former winner of the event itself in 2002 is looking forward to competing on Sunseeker again. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker, he said " For the last few years I have actually been at the rally, but normally it is in the role of running the likes of Jon Ingram, Alan Carmichael or Ollie, but it will be good to have a go this year now with Harvey on board" He went on to say " I like the rally to be honest with you, whether you are driving or running a car y'know. Its a really well run event and its a nice way to start the year."

For Harvey Bell, who normally co-drives for Jim Harrison its a chance to perhaps take a look at the MSA Gravel Rally Championship for the rest of the year, but first up for him its Rallye Sunseeker in February with Kenny. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker on Tuesday Harvey said "Its something Kenny and I have talked about before, doing a couple of events together and I am looking forward to the rally now in February. I will probably put in an entry for the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria soon, and we will have a serious look at the whole championship for the rest of the year." He went on to add "Its a good event and fairly local for me coming from South London so it suits really well, and we would be hoping for a good result, as I know Kenny has had some great battles with the likes of Marcus Dodd and Roger Duckworth, so Yeah can't wait really"

Richard Cathcart returns to Bournemouth

Richard Cathcart, former winner of Group N on Rally Ireland returns to Bournemouth in a McKinstry Motorsport run Subaru WRC. Teaming up once again with Championship winning Co-Driver Martin Brady, himself a recent winner of a prestigious award for services to the Gardai in Ireland, they will begin the event in February as real dark horses for a good result. He is no stranger to winning in a WRC, having won the 2008 Lakeland Stages, a round of the Northern Ireland Championship previously. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker yeasterday Richard said "We are coming over because I really like the event. Its a cracking rally, and ok in the past we have a few problems on the event itself, I am looking forward to those forests now in February in a WRC, plus right now with the way the weather is over here, winning that holiday to Cyprus would be nice.....all that sun" When asked about his plans for the rest of the year RIchard said " We will probably do Galway in the FR Cathcart Home Design Centre sponsored Subaru N12, see how that goes and will take a really good look at the BRC.

Rallye Sunseeker Recieves first entry for 2010

Chiristmas saw the entries open for Rallye Sunseeker 2010, and the first one recieved was from the Northern Irish crew of Alan Carmichael and Ivor Lamont. Rally Sunseeker holds fond memories for Alan, as a few years ago, aside from one or two sprint events, it was the first grave rally they contested. This year sees them using the event as a warm up for the Mitsubishi Challenge, which runs within the BRC for 2010. Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker Alan said "Its a great event, and one which I really enjoy coming over to compete on. Its the furtherest one we would go over to, but I really look forward to going back. I am starting to get to know the stages now, and following our win on Group N on last years Circuit of Ireland and eventual 4th overall in the Mitsubishi Challenge, I reckon we can have a real good effort at trying to lift the Richard Burns trophy come February in Bournemouth." He went on to add "Group N should be a really good event, and the added bonus of the prize fund on offer and the fact of Richards name on the trophy means that Group N could turn out to a classical close battle in the forests"

Rallye Sunseeker 2010 Update

Regulations for Rallye Sunseeker are now available. If you wish to enter on-line please visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk or contact rallye@xenogamy-plc.co.uk for a hard copy.

Awards

Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to announce that the winner will again receive a Holiday for 4 people for 7 nights, including Flights and Hotel to North Cyprus. This has been kindly donated by North Cyprus Tourism.
http://www.northcyprus.cc

Richard Burns Trophy

It has been confirmed that the Prize Money on offer for the winner of the Production Cup on next years Sunseeker Rally will receive the Trophy itself and £1000. These awards have been donated by friends of Richard, and the idea is to help raise money and awareness for the efforts and good deeds that the Richard Burns Foundation does throughout the year.

Plans for a Major display of Richards’ cars that he drove throughout his career are already well advanced. This display will be the prime theme at the Somerley Park stages on the Saturday.
www.richardburnsfoundation.com

1400 Cup
Incentives for the 1400 cup on next years Rallye Sunseeker have increased dramatically with the confirmation that the top crew to finish will receive a Free entry to the Rallye Touquet Pas de Calais which takes place on the 19th – 21st of March.
In addition to the free entry, Fairfield Motorsport have also added a free return Dover – Calais Ferry Crossing for a Van + Trailer.

An introduction from Clerk of the Course Robert Pike

“To quote American billionnaire and stock market legend Warren Buffett: ‘Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.’ And that neatly sums up the approach to our plans for Rallye Sunseeker 2010.
“Ever mindful of the tough economic times that we all face, we knew that, if we were to ask people to invest both precious time and money in Rallye Sunseeker, we had to offer greater value than ever before.
“That didn’t mean slashing mileages or cutting stages left, right and centre to cut 100 or 150 quid off the entry fee - that would have just cheapened the event and offered less for less! Rather it meant maximising the enjoyment and minimising the costs where possible; that way, we could offer the best value for money . . . to competitors, officials, spectators and, of course, our sponsors.
“In some places, we have trimmed costs without, we believe, diluting the enjoyment; in other places we have endeavoured to improve the show, without increasing the cost.”

Here’s what’s great - and what’s new - about Rallye Sunseeker 2010:

Stage mileage maintained at 60 miles of forestry roads but, for the first time, all are gravel stages, and all in one day

Entry fees £50 below 2009 levels for 4wd

NEW! no Friday night tarmac stages means no need for separate tarmac tyres and suspension

NEW! later start for scrutineering and documentation times on Friday potentially saves teams from further afield an extra night’s accommodation on Thursday . . . or might encourage them to stay on Saturday instead, and attend the Awards Ceremony and post-rally partying

Two runs through the ever-popular Somerley Park stage: the grounds of this stately home provide one of British rallying’s most family-friendly venues, with displays, activities and demonstration runs. As usual, the organisers are working on one or two surprises to keep everyone entertained throughout the day . . .

Slick and high-profile scrutineering and documentation at the Littledown Centre on Friday afternoon, with commentary and driver interviews for spectators

The highly-acclaimed Service Area remains at the spacious and well-appointed Canford Park Arena with dedicated car wash and refuelling facilities available

NEW! Ceremonial Start on the fabulous and picturesque Poole Quay, with a Civic Welcome Reception, Competitor Briefing and Group Photocall. Enjoy the electric atmosphere among the quayside bars and restaurants as the entire field congregates ready to kick off the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship in style

NEW! the Finish Ceremony moves to the more spacious Pier Approach; with the final regroup also moving to be immediately adjacent on the seafront (which means no more hanging around at final service), competitors and service crews alike will enjoy the opportunity to join the throngs of spectators in the champagne celebrations

NEW! the Sunseeker Trophy Rally for competitors unfortunate to retire from the main event early on. Rather than head home for ‘an early bath’, we hope this will keep you out on the stages for longer

Finally, the discounted two-wheel-drive entry fee is maintained, to help support the clubmen running further down the field

“We’re confident that the 2010 event is shaping up to be the best-ever Rallye Sunseeker. But at the end of the day, its success is down to every single one of you that participate in it, whatever role you choose to fulfil.
“See you in February!”

Rally HQ will be the Bournemouth Marriott Highcliff Hotel, and no doubt our popular Rally Club FYEO will be in operation as usual!

For more information, entry forms and regs please visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

RICHARD BURNS TROPHY AWARD 2010

It was back in 1992 that we were first treated to the talents of the late Richard Burns, when he stunned the Mintex championship regulars by finishing 2nd overall – with Robert Reid co driving -through the forests of Bournemouth and Wareham in a Group N Subaru Legacy. And then, as we all know, Richard went on to ultimately become World Champion before in an untimely departure he was taken from us.

In June 2006 the Richard Burns Foundation was launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, to “inspire and support people with serious injury and illness.” The Foundation also incorporates the Michael Park Fund, this has been set up to help people - and also support their families - who have suffered serious or life threatening injuries, particularly those suffered in motor sport, whilst also promoting and aiding research into these causes and their prevention.

With this in mind, and to enable more public awareness of the efforts made to improve the lives of others through the Foundations, Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to announce the RICHARD BURNS TROPHY; next February the winner of Group N on Rallye Sunseeker will win this award and in doing so collect the prestigious trophy and also the four figure prize money on offer.

Speaking late last week David Williams said “Richard arrived in Bournemouth 18 years ago, and in a standard Group N Subaru Legacy battled with much more powerful group A and B cars and to finish a remarkable 2nd overall; he stunned not only his fellow competitors, but rally fans as well. He added “with this in mind, we wanted to give today’s Group N drivers the chance to compete for what we hope will become a memorable prize, and help us not only raise the profile of the Foundation, but raise money as well”

Rallye Sunseeker hopes that this award will encourage the mass of highly talented Group N drivers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe to enter the event in the hope of taking this award home.

Motor Fair at Somerley Park on Saturday 27th February will host at least 6 of the cars from the world famous Richard Burns Collection; also appearing at the Somerley gathering will be Richards long time co-driver, and a major force behind the Foundation, Robert Reid. Robert will then attend prize giving that evening to present the Richard Burns Trophy to the winners of Group N.

We will be announcing several more “star” names that will be appearing at Somerley Park in due course.

Also in line to provide an eye catching and appropriate display at Somerley will be the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club. There will also be the vast array of trade stands as well as other forms of family entertainment.

For more information please contact: www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk