Quote Originally Posted by Roger Dowding View Post
BMCBOY and others, both Rallies are familiar, remember the first Woodhill 72 or 73, and was suggested that I enter in my 850cc bog standard apart from 4.5 inch rims Mini " as the regulations weren't set ' so now is your chance ', well didn't, did Marshalling instead, do recall in one the early one's Wayne and Sue Parkin in an Escort did roll [ think near the crossroads ], people rushed down Wayne got out and was asked how was he ? " OK mate " , then they thought where is Sue, - still in the full harness upside down in the car in the ditch. The first Maramarua, offered to help ACC with marshalling and got the job, behind " tail end charlie " again in the BS 850cc Mini, to collect signs etc and drive most of the stages at moderate speed of course, seeing the Mini above REG FB 9024, think the 850 was FB 6046 so a 1965 or 66 one. wonderful times.
I have only just discovered The Roaring Season web site and forums.
I was particularly interested to see the comments relating to the Shell Triple hundred Rally as I was the Clerk of Course for this event.
The Triple Hundred was the first European style, closed road, special stage rally run in the South Island at a club level and marked the start of the transition from Trials to Rallies for many competitors.

Most of the organisers of the event, including myself, were members of UMC with the event being underwritten by Canterbury Car Club. (They had some money, unlike the bunch of students & graduates who made up UMC!)

Although the weather was not kind on the day, the event was a great success which was a testiment to the fantastic team of enthusiasts who helped with the organisation, planning & running of the rally.

I have lived in Australia since 1974 and have unfortunately lost touch with virtually everyone from that wonderful era of UMC.

Ross Hudson