Rally drivers heading to Herefordshire for Hills Ford Stages

Since entries opened two weeks ago the organisers have been overwhelmed by the amount of entries that have been received already for the closed road event.
The event takes place over the weekend of September 14 and 15 this year.
The rally is a qualifying round of the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, HRCR Stage Masters, Mini Cup and CMSG series.

The rally now regarded as one of the UK’s premier closed road rallies taking place in the counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Its base will once again be the spacious showground in March Marcle, with a new two-day format for this year opening up with two super special stages late on Saturday afternoon, before a further10 tests on the Sunday giving competitors some 60 miles over 12 special stages.

The event will kick-off as usual from the historic market place in Ledbury with its popular ceremonial start mid-afternoon on the Saturday. 

Joining the list of top-quality entries are a host of locals including the ever-green Roger Moran with Dan Petrie on the notes in the Moran Motorhomes Skoda Fabia R5, Ben Friend together with regular co-driver Cliffy Simmons switches from gravel to asphalt in the Allglass Anglia Escort RS1800.
Protyre championship two-wheel drive front runner Brad Cole will return to the series after breaking his arm on the Manx National in his Escort 2.5 with Jamie Vaughan alongside.

Ross duo Gary Bollands and Nigel Baldwin bring the Cider Online Subaru Impreza Stationwagon.
Brothers Geoff and Tim Phelps line up in a pair of Escorts with Colin Jenkins and Elwyn Manuel respectively calling the notes on roads they know well.

The Mini brand is represented by the old and new with Eric Davis and Russ Joseph joining Paul and Jemma Taylor with a pair of historic Minis with Andrew Price and Adam Jones debuting the newer shape Andy Landy backed Mini R53.

The flamboyant Ian Evans brings his newly acquired MC Construction Escort RS1800 with Julia Perry, Ian’s son Dan will be calling the notes for Ian’s former navigator Justin Brooks in his immaculate Vauxhall Nova, Alan Marriage makes a rare outing in his Dave Jenkins Motorsport Escort RS1800 with Kevin Lane on the notes.

WRC TV supremo Simon Dalton brings his Quick Motorsport run Subaru Impreza with Steve Chaplin lining up in his Escort RS1800 

There is also a switch of machinery for event sponsors Tim and Will Hill, with son Will switching to the more powerful Ford Fiesta Rally Rally 2 and dad Tim taking the controls of Will’s Fiesta Rally 3 for the first time.

Ian Evans will switch from gravel to asphalt when he tackles the Hills Ford Stages in September (Image: Aneurin James)

We look forward to seeing you there…

The little bits count!

A big thank you to Motorsport News!
It may only be a small snippet about our two Road Smart Ambassadors, but it’s the little things that count. It’s also very nice to know that Sandra and James have something tangible to show for their support of the rally. Cheers!

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Have you ever thought about marshalling or getting behind the scenes?

“GET INVOLVED!”

“It’s really important as rally organisers of closed road rallies that we present and show the communities we run through the benefits and value a professional rally brings to the regions. Understandably, in today’s climate, motorsport is in the spotlight, and we value such coverage from local papers to highlight our mission statement as event organisers, emphasising the importance we place on being a showcase event.” – Dan Lister, C.O.C.

Popular rally set to return to Herefordshire roads – Hereford Times Online

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Read more: * The obscure link between motorsport and energy-efficient, low-carbon innovation: Evidence from the UK and European Union https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/abs/pii/S0959652619300551

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Date: 11th August
Location: Ledbury Rugby Club

We look forward to seeing you there…

Have you ever thought about marshalling or getting behind the scenes?

“GET INVOLVED!”

They say without you this doesn’t happen. In motorsport, this is especially true when it comes to our marshals and officials. These dedicated volunteers provide the crucial support and safety needed for our motorsport events.

The British Rally Marshals Club is joining us for the rally’s Open Day at the Ledbury Rugby Club in Hereford on August 11th, 2024. 

We are excited to present what it truly means to be a marshal and to join a community of individuals from all walks of life — everyday people, police officers, business owners, and officials, to some whose jobs we can’t mention. From the wealthy to the working man and woman, all build friendships and share stories of past events over the years.

At the Open Day, the British Rally Marshals Club, along with a team from Another Day in Orange, will guide attendees through the registration process and even help complete applications online. We also hope to give interested individuals a chance to don an orange tabard and experience being a marshal for a moment, all under the close supervision of our rally experts.

The day is also an ideal opportunity to discuss ‘Rally Marshals Taster Days.’ Interested individuals can join us at the Hills Ford Stages Rally on the weekend of September 14th and 15th, 2024, to see behind the scenes and meet the skilled and knowledgeable people behind those orange vests.

Rally marshalling involves much more than you might think. For the Hills Ford Stages in September, some local residents are joining us to help marshals in their own parishes and villages. They’ll provide a friendly face to local residents, fostering a sense of community and involvement in the rally and its benefits to the region.

‘Be an Expert Too’

Within motorsport, the very best marshals experience a unique relationship with global motorsport. British marshals are renowned worldwide for their expertise and are often invited to support premier events from WRC to Formula One around the world, with expenses fully covered. What a great way to travel, enjoy your sport, and mix with the very best. In fact, at least two of the Hills Ford Stages marshals/officials will be attending the Silverstone Formula One Grand Prix this July. One, a lady with a wealth of experience, will be in Race Control at the Wing, right in the middle of an F1 race. The other marshal will be driving the JCB that pull cars out of the gravel. You can’t get any closer to the action than that. 

Ultimately, being a marshal is about forming friendships and camaraderie—there are ‘No Egos’ here.

Don’t forget, by being a part of the Hills Ford Stages as a marshal, there is something very special for you too. We value your support and want to thank you with not only a marshal’s goodies bag but also by entering every marshal into two free prize draws. Hills Ford has kindly donated two long weekend breaks in one of their camper vans, one for each day.

So come along, find out, and be a part of something special. Talk to the British Rally Marshals Club, register with Another Day In Orange, and be in for a chance to receive a big thank you from us at the Hills Ford Stages Team and our title sponsor, Hills Ford.

www.anotherdayinorange.co.uk/hfs2024

“The BRMC are pleased to once again be supporting the Hills Ford Stages and will have many marshals and officials out undertaking numerous roles in support of the event.  We will also be running a Taster Day on the 15th of September for those wishing to get into rally marshalling but are unsure on how to do so.  For further information on the Taster Day please contact the BRMC via email on recruitment@brmc.org.uk “… Al Page, Recruitment Coordinator, British Rally Marshals Club.

Date: 11th August
Location: Ledbury Rugby Club

We look forward to seeing you there…

Hills Ford Stages Open/Media Day – 11th August at the Ledbury Rugby Club

“GET INVOLVED!”

Join us for an exciting day filled with motorsport action and community engagement.

Become More Than Just a Spectator

Find out how to get into all parts of motorsport:

Here’s what you can look forward to:

•  Get Even Closer to the Cars and Stars:
  •  Meet the drivers and see the rally cars up close.
•  Behind the Scenes Access:
  • Discover what goes on behind the scenes and learn how you can be a part of future events.
• Become More Than Just a Spectator:
  • Take your first steps towards becoming actively involved in rally events, from marshalling to other official roles.
• Special Guest Stars and VIPs:
  • Mingle with special guests, VIPs, and regional officials. Learn about the significant value the event brings to the region and how motorsport contributes to cleaner driving technologies.
• Our Drive Smart Programme:
  • Find out what it takes to become a professional rally driver or an advanced driver with our Road Smart Partners.

Come and be a part of the excitement! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of rallying. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Rally Open Day promises something for everyone.

Date: 11th August
Location: Ledbury Rugby Club

We look forward to seeing you there