EASTERN REGION ON TOUR SUMMER 2005

MX-5 OWNERS CLUB NATIONAL RALLY 2005  GOODWOOD

This years National Rally was held over the 18, 19, 20 and 21 of August at Goodwood in Sussex.  The first 3 days included track time on the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, various runs and visits to the nearby Rolls Royce factory.  The main Rally day was on the Sunday at the Goodwood Race Course.

Eastern Region members were in attendance over the 4 days with the largest convoy heading South on the Saturday morning.

The Saturday afternoon saw the first ever inter area go karting competition take place on a track adjacent to the motor racing circuit.  The Eastern Region drivers were Robbie Marsh and Jon Elsey.  Both drivers gave it their best shot on a tight and twisty track, which had water regular hosed on to part of it making it just a bit more slippery!  Jon won his heat and a place on the grid in the grand final.  Starting from the rear of the grid Jon drove a very entertaining race finishing after much incident in fourth place.  Not a bad place considering the professional look of some of the finalists.  The event winners were the South Wales Area.  Hopefully though we will get to have another go next year.

On the Saturday evening the now traditional Eastern Region BBQ took place on the Goodwood campsite, a superb venue immediately adjacent to the race track.  Despite the efforts of a rival BBQ at the other end of the campsite we still had MORE FUN at ours. 

The Sunday was the main rally day with eventually somewhere over five hundred 5’s attending and enjoying the sunshine.  This was also the first chance for many of us to have a hands on look at the new MX-5.

The Eastern Region were again well represented in the days competitions.  Steve Hider having won the best kept 5 competition at Margam Park was entered into the Master Class on this occasion.  Despite his best efforts he was not placed this time but Steve will be back.  Duncan and Elizabeth Sherwood bravely entered the Gymkhana and in front of a large crowd were first out in the blind driving test. 

Jon Elsey having finally succumbed to much arm twisting, (which has been going on for several rallies now) entered his car in the Pride of Ownership competition and came out the winner in the Mark 1 category.  Jon also picked up The Rob Beckwith Memorial Trophy that is awarded annually by the club to a car that it is considered the late Rob Beckwith would have been proud of himself.  So many congratulations to Jon, we told you you could do it!

Overall another great weekend out for the Eastern Region 2005 Tour and another excellent National club event.  Many thanks to all the organisers.

© Martin Curtis

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, GOT THE T SHIRT !