Somerset Stages Rally

[broxi]

Somerset Stages Rally, Revved up for April 16th 2011!

Anyone elso going along?

Me and Sally will be goin. no idea on prices though.

Spectators

Due to the sensitive native of Exmoor National park, we have provided a stage specially for the spectators, and would ask if all spectators would watch the event from here.

The Numero Uno Place to watch our exciting event is the Spectator Stages to be held in Chargot Woods on Saturday. The 1.9 mile forestry stage within Chargot Woods, runs through a wonderful man made horseshoe bend which is both fast and furious and offers all round viewing from entry to exit of every car, the stage will be run three times during the day. We have again in partnership with the Forestry Commission arranged Parking with just a short walk (10 Mins) into the stage (but steep climb out!). There will also be LIVE commentary, toilets and a refreshment provided at this exciting stage.

The Action will be starting in Chargot Forest at 09:20 (approx), with a single run. They will return to start a double run at 14:10, when the cars finish the first run, they will only have a few minutes to get themselves Ready for another go at the stage, with cars appearing almost very 30 seconds during the afternoon, with the last car expected through the stage at around 17:20. Due to the event taking Place within the Exmoor National Park, there are NO other spectators stages and all Spectators should go to Chargot Woods.

The Spectator Car Park for the Chargot Woods Stage is located high on the Brendon Hills, map reference 181 / 964 379, it will be sign posted from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Wheddon Cross (near Minehead).

To View A Google Map Of How To Get To Chargot Click Here.

[Bailey73]

I will be going down again this year. Haven't missed it in the last 8/9 years.

I have a friend who lives near Minehead and he knows every stage as he has co-driven the rally in the past.

If you want to meet up we can all go to the quieter stages that are free.

[broxi]

Sounds good to me.

We will have a few of the kids with us though.

I usually do the free stages, last time we went into the paid stage, and they had us drive through part of the old course.

I could not resist opening it up and power slidig round one of the corners thoug lol.

[HairyDJ]

If the organisers are being quite specific that the ONLY spectator viewing area is the advertised one, ought a nice respectable club like SIDC be discussing or considering going to other stages when they specifically ask that this doesn't happen?

If you want to do closed stages, then train and attend as a marshal

[Bailey73]

If the organisers are being quite specific that the ONLY spectator viewing area is the advertised one, ought a nice respectable club like SIDC be discussing or considering going to other stages when they specifically ask that this doesn't happen?

If you want to do closed stages, then train and attend as a marshal

I have been viewing from the closed sections for all the years that I have been attending and there has never been an accident or incident involving a spectator. Even on the closed sections the Marshalls do a great job and are shown respect from the spectators and they will remain behind any bunting as advised.

All it takes is common sense and the closed stages are safe to view from.

I do understand where you are coming from Dave and im sure that in your time as a marshall you have seen some pretty nasty incidents but as I have said before all it takes is common sense to remain safe.

[broxi]

At my last event, a MK2 Escort Rolled right by us and was totally blocking the Stage, The Driver asked me to run back to a Marshal and get the Stage stopped.

I barely set off when another car came at high speed I tried to stop him but he kept on it lol, i had to dive down the embankment.

Other spectators managed to move the car just enough so the car that just past me only just made it through.

the stage was then stopped while while they got the car moved.

Was a couple of years ago now though. but would not mind finding ut more about Marshaling

[HairyDJ]

Specifics on Somerset Stages marshalling via http://www.somersetstagesrally.com/marshalls.html

Take a tour of http://www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk/ for more info on getting started.

Rally marshalling can have a higher proportion of "people management" due to the nature of forest stages etc, but some are on closed sites such as MOD sites or airfields which are competitors / officials only with no public access.

Also worth a look at http://www.aswmc.org.uk/marshal.htm and maybe contact Roger for more info later?

http://www.marshals.co.uk/ and http://www.brmc.org.uk/ are the two main members' sites for marshalling - loads of dates / contacts etc.

Cheers, David