Ypres Historic Rally This weekend

[peterbaker]

This is a round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. It has a great entry and runs on tarmac with stages on Friday evening and all day Saturday. I can confirm Steve Perez is entered with the Stratos which seems to be running better since its transmission rebuild. Will report back.

[peterbaker]

After the first day of stages the FIA International Rally Challenge is led by Freddy Loix in the Team Skoda Fabia S 2000. Second is Britains Guy Wilks driving a Peugeot 207 S2000. The Abarth Grand Punto of Championship leader, Luca Rossetti is third. A privately entered Mini Countryman Cooper S is currently fourty third, out of the sixty three remaining cars. In the historic category things are incredibly close with just 00.1 of a second splitting first and second, both Escorts. Didier Vanwijnsberg leading Paul Lietaer. Retro-Speeds favourite, Stefaan Stouf is currently third. The Stratos is up against stiff opposition but is running well down in seventeenth place. Lauri Heikkila from Finland in the Lancia Fulvia HF is last at the moment, but as he said at the start. "We are here to enjoy ourselves". This morning (Saturday) it is raining, but the stages should dry out later this evening. Sorry no images yet.

[peterbaker]

Well, it's over and Steve Perez retired. but the Fulvia made it. Images on www.retro-speed.co.uk I'm very busy having got home at one this morning (sat)) and are now at Prescott. Peter Collins is in Italy for the Silver Flag Hill climb. Reports up by Tuesday.

[peterbaker]

images

[peterbaker]

couple more

[peterbaker]

I forgot, the image of the Triumph TR7 V8 is for Steve!

[peterbaker]

Steve Perez crashed the blue Stratos into retirement on Saturday at over 100mph caused by suspected wheel hub damage sustained during a previous more minor 'off'. Both crew members were ok.