ShropMog Compete in the Champagne Classic Rally Tour 2005

Lindsay and Kevin, Jayne and Simon decided to have a go at classic rallying in their Morgans. Being first-time rally virgins the chosen event was the Classic Rally Tours' Champagne Classic, 15th - 17th October, in France.

This was a road event with a variety of cars and crews of various experience levels. We were given road books with instructions for the two days and apart from the briefing there were officials on hand to answer questions. Other competitors were also helpful, giving advice and tips. 		[ Dover ]
The ShropMog teams arranged a crossing for the Friday because of the distance to the rally start near Arras.

[ Hotel ]



LEFT: Overnight accommodation in a budget French hotel allowed plenty of time to drive the 70 miles to the rally start. BELOW: Cars were set off one minute apart, with tulip diagrams to follow to the first regularity test.

[ Start ]



[ Cobbles ]
The regularity stages involve following either tulip or jogularity format directions with the aim of keeping on the timed schedule. Terrain was often difficult as can be seen here on the cobbled lane.


[ Hotel ]
At the end of the day we found our hotel between Reims and Laon.


[ Hotel ]
A variety of cars were competing, a total of 59 in all.


[ Start ]
Sunday started with the first time control on our hotel car park.


[ Lunch ]
After the lunch stop in Soissons, the cars were away again, to the next stage. This included a gravel section.


[ Parking ]
The next stop was in Coucy le Chateau, where we took over the square.


[ Hotel ]
Time control for the next stage was at the hotel and then the route took us off into the forests.


[ Hotel ]
We finished back at our hotel on Sunday.


[ ShropMog ]
ShropMog fillies at the end of the event.


[ Trev and Doug ]
New friends Trev and Doug in the Sunbeam Tiger.


[ ShropMog ]
ShropMoggers relax before dinner.


Sunday evening finished with dinner and prize giving. Lindsay and Kevin finished 45th and Jayne and Simon were placed 29th. We were extremely lucky with the weather, sunshine and temperatures in the mid 20's.

This event is an ideal introduction to historic rallying. The people are friendly and helpful, the locals also enjoy watching the cars, waving as we pass by. The scenery was great and the route was on quiet, back roads.

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Thanks to Kevin for some of the pictures on this page.