Lack of entries forces cancellation of Croft Historic Rally (From The Northern Echo)

Lack of entries forces cancellation of Croft Historic Rally

10:35am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Motorsport News By Matt Westcott

THE Croft Historic Rally, which should have taken place at the circuit near Darlington on Sunday, has been cancelled due to a lack of entries.

The Stockton and District Motor Club and Durham Auto Club event has not been held since 2009 and organisers have described the axing of this year’s rally as a “real shame”.

"Unfortunately, we have no option than to cancel the event due to insufficient entries,” said Gordon Dundee, Clerk of the Course.. “The event preparation was complete and a cracking rally of 12 tests and three regularity sections has had to be shelved.

“Running as the first Nescro (North of England and Scotish Classic Rally Organisers) event of the year we are always running the risk of competitors not being prepared in time for the season ahead, however this year two rule changes enforced by the Motorsports Association (MSA) have cost us a lot of prospective entries.

“One of those changes excluded a more modern class for cars up to 1989 and the other related to the fitment of hydraulic handbrakes which allows quick changes of direction on tests.

Deputy Clerk of the Course Colin Peacock, added: "It is a real shame that the North-East has been denied the spectacle of a well-respected historic event. A decision has not yet been made whether the event could be rescheduled to a date later in the year, but we are hopeful".