Autumn Rally (Targa Lancastria)

A warm Lancashire welcome is promised to all participants in Targa Lancastria, a new style VSCC rally, taking place in the picturesque Forest of Bowland. This event is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of members. There will be two options: Firstly, there will be the traditional VSCC Competitors Classes (Experts, Semi-Experts and Novices) for those who prefer this sort of event and there will also be a new Enhanced Champagne Class for those who want a more relaxed, yet still mildly competitive drive, in the stunningly beautiful Lancastrian countryside.

The Enhanced Champagne Class is ideal for those who have tried rallying before and found it to be too taxing or those who have wondered about doing a rally but worry about their map reading ability. It would also be ideal as a first event for the younger navigator as there will be a Junior Navigators’ Award. Competitors in the Enhanced Champagne Class will be provided with an easy to read Road Book containing straightforward instructions which will (virtually) guarantee you will not get lost! The Champagne Class will still try and keep to time and spot the Route Boards as they go along. There will be assistance with the timekeeping in the Road Book with hints such as You should be passing here 20 minutes after leaving the Start, for example.

The Competitive Classes will receive typical VSCC rally-style instructions as explained in ‘Finding Your Way’. So you should expect tulips, herringbones, map features, assorted numbers, clock faces, bicycle wheels etc. As usual there will be differentiated plotting times.

Competitors in the traditional Competitive Classes will require OS Landranger maps 102 (Preston and Blackpool) and 103 (Blackburn and Burnley). You will need the latest editions (102 revised 2010, reprinted with new legend and cover February 2016. 103 revised 2015 with new legend and cover 2016) These new maps have discontinued the traditional edition numbers but are easily identifiable by the new OS logo on the front and a blue patch with the words NOW INCLUDES MOBILE DOWNLOAD on the front). Mobile downloads are obviously not allowed on the rally! Competitors in the Champagne Class DO NOT need these maps.
   
The route will be approx eighty miles long through the splendid Forest of Bowland, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For those who do not know the area you will be surprised by the magnificent scenery. The event is based at West Bradford Village Hall, near Clitheroe, which is just off the A59 and is less than twenty miles from Junction 31 of the M6, so it is easily accessible. Rally HQ will accommodate the Start, halfway halt and finish.

A number of other features have been incorporated into the event to replicate the friendly atmosphere found on Club events during anniversary weeks. To be more sociable all meals (for a crew of two) are included in the entry fee. These will include bacon / sausage butties at the start, a piece of cake and a drink at the shortened halfway break and a meal at the end (traditional Lancashire Hotpot). Additional meals can be purchased for extra crew members. Vegetarian alternative will be available. A shorter halfway halt will give the time at the end for everyone to enjoy socialising, and the meal, yet still be able to leave at a reasonable time for the return journey. The results will be announced during the meal.

The traditional competitive classes are open to all VSCC members in an eligible car (Buff Form required). The Enhanced Champagne class is open to all VSCC members in any pre-war car (NO Buff Form required) and to members of the Preston & District Vintage Car Club as an invited club.

The rally will finish with a glorious ascent of the course of the 1913 Waddington Fell Hill Climb, where the Vauxhall 30/98 was successfully unveiled. No rough ‘white’ roads will be used. A regularity section, timed to the second, will be used as a tie decider. Suitable navigational activities will be provided for accompanying youngsters (please indicate if you would like these on your entry form). There will be no penalty for carrying additional passengers (except Experts and Semi-experts).Targa Lancastria will cater for members with all levels of rallying experience.

Secure trailer parking will be provided a few miles from the start. This will also be the venue for Scrutineering. The mileage check will be between the trailer park and the start.

For further details regarding the event please contact Clerk of the Course, Martin Jelley, on 01704 507663 or m.jelley145@btinternet.com

If you have not taken part in a VSCC rally for a few years, or have never entered one before, of if you a regular competitor or if you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out this year, this event is for you – come and have a go!