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Clark Dawson and Rob Dixon kick the dust on winning run at Longtown


Cars arriving for the Longtown Start


Andy Murdoch and Alistair Coles 
at Longtown


Tim Bancroft and Darren Reynolds
at Perth overnight stop


Craig McGibbon and Grant Meek at Glenrothes with rumbling diff.


Mike and Jane Charlton spinning round the cones at Glenrothes.


Barry McGrath and Dan Wilmshurst   searching for  cones at Glenrothes


Thompson/Seddon Hawian outfits in action at Lomond Shores


Mike and Gillian Helm round the cones at Glenrothes


 Willi and Jennifer Mindak all the way from Germany at Lomond Shores


Adam Darbyshire and Matt Holmes  thumbs up at Glenrothes


Gathering at Lomond Shores


Campbells 1955 Sunbeam at Lomond Shores
Graeme Gallaoway's Anglia
International Autoecosse 2 & 3 June 2012
Report Jim Paterson  - Photos John Stuart, Jim Paterson

Thirty nine starters lined up at Longtown in Cumbria for the start of the 2012 International Autoecosse. This annual event, organised by CCHMSC and co-promoted with Club Triumph, was once again raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Some of the crews started with a special test before the start of the tour which tested their agility around a course of cones. Trying not to clip any was easier said than done, but most managed to get a good score.

Heading east from Longtown the route crossed over the border into Scotland at Penton Woods heading for Newcastleton and Jedburgh, passing by the abbey ruins which date back to the 12th century, before turning west deep into border country. Continuing to Selkirk and over the hills brought crews to Traquair House visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1715 Jacobite uprising years. The Bear Gates have remained closed since his visit and legend has it that they will not be opened until a Stuart reigns on the throne.

After reaching Edinburgh and crossing the Forth Bridge crews made for the final special test at Glenrothes. It was on th approach to Edinburgh that we lost two of the crews. Tim and Susan Hunt in their 1966 Triumph TR4A retired with a suspected failed head gasket. Andy Murdoch and  Alistair Coles in the 1974 Mini retired with a CV joint failing not that far from Tim. Finding the entrance to the site at Glenrothes was a challenge as last minute changes meant a few scratched heads looking for the orange arrows. Those who made it really enjoyed the series of three tests. Keith Bennett and Louise Gifford in the TR4A finished the test with steam pouring from the radiator grill. Luckily just an air lock from a previous water fillup. Soon on their way.  Last years winner Mike Helm got through despite his TR6 throttle cable jumping loose.

Most headed direct to the overnight at Perth, but others took in some of the delights of Fife, taking the scenic route by St. Andrews and along the south side of the River Tay.

Sunday morning awakened with blue skies and sunshine as everyone headed for Loch Lomond by way of the Trossachs and the special tests at Lomond Shores. Used over the past several years the site offers a good opportunity to "clear the tubes" before starting the last leg back to the finish at Longtown.

Once over the Erskine Bridge and clear of Glasgow the route headed south through the  countryside of Rabbie Burns to the Galloway Forest. Many of the trees in the forest have been harvested and the road greatly improved making it a great drive through the forest with some superb views.

It was late afternoon when crews finally reached the finish at Longtown, but another two special tests awaited those with some energy for a bit more fun. The dust flew as our final winners Clark Dawson and Rob Dixon took the overall win with the fastest time. Their performance is remarkable given the little Hillman Imp, all 875cc of it, was not ready to start until the Friday before the event. On route they had to cope with various noises including a rattling clutch release bearing and a sheared alternator bolt. But that did not stop the pair getting everything out of the little car.

The Graham Arms put on a great meal for the finishers and prizes awarded, though there was some confusion by the timekeeper (me) with some of the timings on the results. 

A big thanks to Paul Brown and his staff for all their support at the finish, arranging the tests behind his Townfoot Garage, and fixing more than a few cars to make sure they made it to the start. Also the marshals at each of the venues.

But most of all thanks to the competitors, most of whom expressed having had a great time, most overcoming the inevitable mechanical and electrical gremlins with their Classics. Certainly they were taken to parts of Scotland not visited by the event before.  

The Macmillan bucket rattling at each of the venues raised £155 and the club will add to that for the final total. Thanks to all who contributed.

How to improve for next year? Well that is something you will have to wait and see.

Video Clips
 
Here are three short clips of action at Glenrothes. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLq3h8LOGj4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgf15aLRNE&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3JYk0pb0c4&feature=relmfu

For photos at Glenrothes contact Gillian Carmoodie who has shots of almost everyone who took part. gc21@st-andrews.ac.uk

Contact Martin N Clark for photos taken by him at the Longtown start
078559 833881 mncphotos@gmail.com or martinnobby@aol.com



Mike Charlton joins Jubilee "twins"                                                             James Carruthers and Louise                                                                                                                              Mathiasen at Glenrothes         

Updated 8 June 2012
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