Richard Burns Trophy now part of Rally Sunsseker and Bournemouth opener stage on Friday night through park has been scrapped in favour of a procession/show in Poole.
Didn't likethe opener anyway, as prefer the action the following day in the forest......
Info from Website :
RALLYE SUNSEEKER ANNOUNCES the RICHARD BURNS TROPHY
It was back in 1992 that we were first treated to the talents of the late Richard Burns, when he stunned the Mintex championship regulars by finishing 2nd overall – with Robert Reid co driving -through the forests of Bournemouth and Wareham in a Group N Subaru Legacy. And then, as we all know, Richard went on to ultimately become World Champion before in an untimely departure he was taken from us.
In June 2006 the Richard Burns Foundation was launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, to “inspire and support people with serious injury and illness.” The Foundation also incorporates the Michael Park Fund, this has been set up to help people - and also support their families - who have suffered serious or life threatening injuries, particularly those suffered in motor sport, whilst also promoting and aiding research into these causes and their prevention.
With this in mind, and to enable more public awareness of the efforts made to improve the lives of others through the Foundations, Rallye Sunseeker are delighted to announce the RICHARD BURNS TROPHY; next February the winner of Group N on Rallye Sunseeker will win this award and in doing so collect the prestigious trophy and also the four figure prize money on offer.
Speaking late last week David Williams said “Richard arrived in Bournemouth 18 years ago, and in a standard Group N Subaru Legacy battled with much more powerful group A and B cars and to finish a remarkable 2nd overall; he stunned not only his fellow competitors, but rally fans as well. He added “with this in mind, we wanted to give today’s Group N drivers the chance to compete for what we hope will become a memorable prize, and help us not only raise the profile of the Foundation, but raise money as well”
Rallye Sunseeker hopes that this award will encourage the mass of highly talented Group N drivers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe to enter the event in the hope of taking this award home.
Motor Fair at Somerley Park on Saturday 27th February will host at least 6 of the cars from the world famous Richard Burns Collection; also appearing at the Somerley gathering will be Richards long time co-driver, and a major force behind the Foundation, Robert Reid. Robert will then attend prize giving that evening to present the Richard Burns Trophy to the winners of Group N.
We will be announcing several more “star” names that will be appearing at Somerley Park in due course.
Also in line to provide an eye catching and appropriate display at Somerley will be the Subaru Impreza Drivers Club. There will also be the vast array of trade stands as well as other forms of family entertainment.
Rallye Sunseeker 2010 – URGENT PRESS INFORMATION
NEW FORMAT FOR RALLYE SUNSEEKER
A major rethink by the organising Southern Car Club, mindful of the continuing challenges of the economy, will give the traditional curtain-raiser to Britain’s National rallying calendar, Rallye Sunseeker, a fresh new look when it is staged on Friday and Saturday, February 26/27, 2010.
Key changes to the format include a Ceremonial Start in Poole on Friday evening, replacing the tarmac stage on the Bournemouth seafront, while the Finish Ceremony has been moved to Pier Approach in Bournemouth, allowing space for competitors and service crew to join the thousands of spectators who traditionally attend the champagne celebrations.
Benefits for competitors include entry fees REDUCED from 2009, offering cheaper cost per mile, with the discounted two-wheel-drive entry fee still in place, plus the introduction of the Sunseeker Trophy Rally, to encourage those who suffer an early retirement to restart. Abandoning Friday’s stages removes the need for separate tarmac tyres and suspension, while a later start for scrutineering will also save many crews an extra night of accommodation costs.
Clerk of the Course Robert Pike said: “To quote American billionaire and stock market legend Warren Buffett: ‘Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.’ And that neatly sums up the approach to our plans for Rallye Sunseeker 2010.
“Ever mindful of the tough economic times that we all face, we knew that, if we were to ask people to invest both precious time and money in Rallye Sunseeker, we had to offer greater value than ever before.
“That didn’t mean slashing mileage or cutting stages left, right and centre to chop 50 or 100 quid off the entry fee - that would have just cheapened the event and offered less for less! Rather, it meant maximising the enjoyment and minimising the costs wherever possible; that way, we could offer the best value for money . . . to competitors, officials, spectators and, of course, our sponsors.
“In some places, we have trimmed costs without, we believe, diluting the enjoyment; in other places, we have endeavoured to improve the show, without increasing the cost.”
Key elements of Rallye Sunseeker 2010 are these:- total stage distance remains at 60 miles of forestry roads: for the first time, all are gravel stages, and will all run in one day
- entry fees REDUCED from 2009, offering cheaper cost per mile
- discounted two-wheel-drive entry fee maintained, to support clubmen running further down the field
- Friday night tarmac stages abandoned: no need for competitors to source separate tarmac tyres and suspension
- start of Friday scrutineering and documentation put back: potentially, this saves teams from further afield the cost of Thursday night accommodation . . . or might encourage them to switch to Saturday, and stay for the Awards Ceremony
- the two stages at Somerley Park remain: the grounds of this stately home provide one of British rallying’s most family-friendly venues, with displays, activities and demonstration runs. As usual, the organisers are working on one or two surprises to keep everyone entertained throughout the day . . .
- Friday afternoon’s scrutineering and documentation will once again be staged at the popular Littledown Centre, with commentary and driver interviews for spectators
- spectators will also be welcome at the highly-acclaimed Service Area, once again in the spacious and well-appointed Canford Park Arena; competitors will benefit from dedicated car wash and refuelling facilities
New elements for 2010 are:- the Sunseeker Trophy Rally: competitors who retire from the main event early on will be encouraged to return for more action, rather than head home for ‘an early bath’
- the Ceremonial Start on Poole Quay: with a Civic Welcome Reception, Competitor Briefing and Group Photocall, Friday evening promises an electric atmosphere in the bars and restaurants along the picturesque quayside, as the entire field gathers to kick off the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship in style
- the Finish Ceremony on Pier Approach: the climax of Rallye Sunseeker 2010 is moving, with the final regroup for competitors adjacent on the seafront, not at final service. These changes will give competitors and service crews the opportunity to join the thousands of spectators who turn out for the champagne celebrations
Summarising the changes, Pike added: “We’re confident that the 2010 event is shaping up to be the best-ever Rallye Sunseeker. But, at the end of the day, its success is down to everyone who participates, whatever role he or she chooses to fulfil. We very much hope to see many familiar faces, be they competitors, officials or spectators, in February.”