The biggest rally in the North of England proved to be a massive success at the weekend, as 125 teams raced around North Lancashire.
The event, won by the Skoda Fabia team of Chris Ingram and Craig Drew, saw the cars compete over 60 stage miles and 14 special stages, on closed roads through Beacon Fell, Long Knots and Nicky Nook.
Myerscough College in Bilsborrow proved the Central Service & Scrutineering area for the event, while Garstang High Street hosted a ceremonial start, which will involved the town crier and samba drummers, and drivers taking part in interviews on the start ramp,
There was also a ceremonial champagne spraying finish at Garstang High Street on Saturday night, followed by a presentation of awards at Guy’s Thatched Hamlet.
Phill Bramhill Media Manager and organiser of the Legend Fires North West Stages, said: ‘’What a weekend!
‘’The organising team have worked tirelessly for months and have soldiered on through some very difficult circumstances to put on one of the best events I have seen. The efforts of the top table were immeasurable, just incredible, well done.
‘’Officials out on the stages and in service worked their socks off to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible, while the media team and results team worked flat out to bring you all the latest information throughout the day, and with signal being a huge problem throughout the fells it was no small task, well done.
‘’Competitors, thank you for making the event happen, we hope you all enjoyed the stages that we layed on and hope to see you all back next year, where we promise more challenges! Well done Chris and Craig on a great win.
‘’Landowners and local residents, it is a huge thankyou to you guys for letting us use the lanes around your homes for our enjoyment, we hope you got some enjoyment out of the event too, it is a pleasure to be welcomed to your hilarious part of the country and to enjoy the scenery and facilities you guys provide. Thank you.
‘’Councils and Local Authorities, we love your countryside and you always welcome us, thank you for letting us loose on your fantastic roads.
‘’Our sponsors contribution to making the event run is colossal. The support you gave the organisers has been massive and it’s a privilege to have you guys on-board, thank you.
‘’One final note, we all know Dave Read was a stalwart of the sport and became one of the biggest influences in ensuring closed road rallying, not just in the North West but all over the country, this was clear when he was recognised by MSUK as volunteer of the year just a couple of years ago. I know his legacy will live on now and this is just the start of things to come, he was clearly watching down on us all on Friday and Saturday ensuring the sun shone bright over Lancashire. Thanks for everything you did for the sport.’’
Find out more at www.northweststages.co.uk
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