By For those based in East Yorkshire, the Reed Group East Riding Stages Rally, represents a rare opportunity to witness public-roads based racing.
Organised by the Beverley & District Motor Club, this year’s event which attracted over 130 driver-co driver teams, played host to the opening round of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship.
David Henderson competing alongside Chris Lees, successfully retained the overall event title, finishing after today’s eight stages, just 3.6 seconds ahead of David Wright/Paula Swinscoe.
Elliot Payne/Tom Woodburn took third whilst added, esteemed UK rally racers competing included Rob Swann, Stephen Simpson, John Stone, Neil Roskell, Jonny Milner and class D victor Darren Atkinson.
Amongst the keen spectators in attendance today was 19 times international road race winner, world record breaker Guy Martin.
The eight times Steve Henshaw Gold Cup Champion’s appearance, certainly added extra positive publicity to an event, that already has a large, diverse fan base.
This includes the writer of this article, who got a touch wind swept today, putting it mildly!
Long may the East Riding Stages Rally prosper, hopefully in the near future, a full-on pure road race, North West 200, TT style in East Yorkshire?
For now, Yorkshire’s, England’s only real roads circuit is North Yorkshire’s ‘Mini TT’, Oliver’s Mount Scarborough. Roll on April’s Bob Smith Spring Cup.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
