Past competitors of the Border Counties Rally, which first ran 40 years ago, have been set a challenge to show they have not lost their talents.
They are invited to get together in Jedburgh on Saturday, March 17, where a 40th anniversary “super special” is being run in aid of local charities.
The charity event, which involves crews steering and pushing a go-kart round a 50m track against the clock, should be much less challenging than controlling a rally car in the challenging forests across the Borders.
The super special stage is open to all past competitors and intended to be a fun experience for competitors and spectators alike.
The rally was first run by Hawick and Border Car Club in 1972 and to celebrate the 40-year milestone, current club members are actively seeking out those involved over the last four decades.
Veteran co-driver Dave Robson, whose idea it was to mark the 40th anniversary, said: “While it might a long time since some of the drivers and co-drivers have competed, I’m sure the competitive spirit will still be with them and this short stage will make an ideal comeback for some.
“Sadly, we have lost touch with a lot of the past winners, competitors and organisers, the very people who are at the heart of the history of the Border Counties rally. We hope this event will encourage them to get in touch with us, or better still, put in an entry.”
Past winners include a plethora of Scottish champions, most notably the late Colin McRae who won the race in 1988.
The entry fee for the super special is £20, similar in price for rallies 40 years ago.
The event will begin immediately after the prizegiving of this year’s Border Counties Rally at around 7.30pm.
Spectators are welcome to come along to the super special stage outside Jedburgh Town Hall and also to enjoy the finale of the rally weekend and a fireworks display over the town.
All monies raised will be donated to the Borders Childrens Charity and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Full details of the event, and entry forms, are on www.bordercountiesrally.co.uk
Meanwhile, Duns’ Garry Pearson came away with maximum points in the inaugural Twingo R1 UK Trophy at the first 2012 MSA British Rally Championship meeting at Bournemouth last weekend.
He was alongside co-driver Craig Wallace from Kirriemuir and their performance has helped build them a healthy lead in the British Junior Rally Championship.