John overend memorial stages Rally

Some common questions and myths about Melbourne Airfield.

What is the surface like?

·      On every stage you will encounter tarmac, some smooth, some with grass growing through it, and some which is beginning to dislodge from its sub base (concrete).

• On every stage you will encounter concrete (some of it dating back to WW2) some very smooth, some that is beginning to crack, some which has degraded substantially and some which you could say has reverted back to gravel.

• On every stage you will encounter a mixture of tarmac, concrete and earth which depending on the weather becomes very slippy or very dusty.

• On some events (Not on this event in 2008) there is a 100-yard section of grass track.

• If the weather is bad, there can be a lot of standing water and if its windy there is nothing to slow it down, we have seen horizontal rain on more than one occasion.

Some say the venue is rough and a car breaker. Is this true?

• No, we have to say the venue is bumpy in places but a well-prepared car can do quite well here. In 2006 we ran a survey of everyone who competed on the 2006 event asking how we could improve the venue. We provided a suggestion box and we got ONE reply. A mint placed in the box. That, along with the smiles on the faces of competitors as they crossed the finish line said it all.

What tyres do I need?

• Apart from the obvious black and round type, we would suggest talking to fellow competitors and maybe give Andrew Knott of Hankook, Slicks tyres a ring on 0114 247 0485.  He is supporting the Roadrunner Phoenix Awards ANEMMC Stage Rally Championship in 2008 and he will be supplying tyres on our event this year. We are sure Andrew will have the right answers.

What facilities are available?

• Separate male and female toilets, including facilities for the disabled.

There is no running water that is fit for human consumption on the venue.

There is a standpipe supplied by a borehole, which can be used for washing the numbers and filling radiators, but we recommend that you don’t drink it. 

There are a number of permanent portacabin type buildings, which belong to Pennine Drag Racing that we have hired for this years event for documentation and signing on.

There is no petrol on site and no way to get off the venue when the event starts, except between stages if you retire or in emergencies.

A burger van selling the usual hot drinks and snacks will be on the venue.

Can we come and spectate?

• No. Melbourne Airfield is private property and only bone-fide competitors, service crews and officials are permitted on the venue. Any unauthorised persons (Spectators) caught on the venue will be asked to leave. If you must come and watch, sign-on as a marshal and help us to provide a safer event. 

Can my service crew spectate?

• Yes. The stages are designed to pass the service area providing your crew with a good view of your progress. Service crew and other people within your group are forbidden from wandering across the airfield, as it is private land. 

Can I recce the stages before the event?

• Yes and no. The General Regulations and Supplementary Regulations forbid you to drive any motor vehicle on the stages before the event but providing you have signed-on we do not stop competitors walking or cycling the stages the evening before. It’s only 4 miles round and if you can stand the smell of the pigs then off you go. Due to security reasons, all the chicanes are blocked the night before the event, mainly to stop Boy Racers pretending to be rally drivers at 1am in the morning.

Can I bring my family and pets with me?

• Yes. Please remember that competitors are responsible for their entire team and if they behave irresponsibly or trespass on the airfield (other that designated areas) they may bring a penalty of exclusion to the crew concerned. Pets such as dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and preferably in a crate during the rally.

Can I camp on the venue?

• Yes. We welcome competitors camping overnight on the venue providing they behave in a responsible manner. Open fires and fireworks are strictly forbidden at all times and any breach of these rules will result in that crew not being allowed to start and in the case of fireworks may bring the event to a halt as the land owner lives on site.

Can I leave my car on the venue after Scrutineering on Saturday?

• Yes. The organisers cannot be held responsible for anyone’s property left unattended on the venue but anyone wishing to leave items such as cars and trailers can do so as long as a fellow competitor can keep an eye on them for you. WE would strongly suggest that you don’t leave a rally car outside any guesthouses or hotels overnight as we have recent experience of one going missing from a local travel lodge.

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