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The Old Coffee Shop in Luss hosted a welcome hot meal,
much appreciated by those driving soft top cars with the top down, in
temperatures just above freezing.
 Day
2 and the competitors of the Great North Winter Challenge met up at Balloch
to continue their 100 mile Concentration Run northward to Inverness, The
route took in the hill climb at the Rest and be Thankful near Arrochar, and
through a snow covered Glen Orchy, which would provide practice for the
mountain route in the Classification Test.
But first a practice for the Special Tests at the Lomond
Shores overflow car park in Balloch. We were met with sheet ice following an
early shower on frozen ground. This proved fun for those who pitted their
skills against the elements, trying a few spins in a safe environment.
Fortunately the ice had melted by time we reached the Rest
and be Thankful where an optional couple of runs were on offer for any
competitor that wanted to relive the hillclimbs of the fifties and sixties.
More of the rest and be thankful can be seen at
www.friendsoftherest.co.uk who are restoring the venue for motorsporting use.
Routing up through Glen Orchy led toward the A9 and up to
Inverness for a 7.00pm Classification Run night section starting at the
Fairways Leisure Centre. Thirteen of the competitors, some having joined
from Aberdeen and Inverness and completed their own separate 100 mile
Concentration Run, headed for the mountains above Tomatin. The Garbole Road
which leads up through Glen Kyllachy rises to some 500m on a single track
road, was snow covered on a bed of ice.
 Only two of the cars, Charlie Donaldson's Cortina and Alan
Gibbs Doretti had to turn back as even with snow tyres the rear wheel
drives lost all grip near the summit. Bearing in mind the conditions and the
fact that the descent was just as steep as the climb, the leaders Roddy Main
and Joe Norman, both in Mini's managed the 11 minute section losing only 3
and 6 minutes respectively, where the norm was around 11 minutes late.
The regularity continued across little known single tracks, but
mercifully below the snow line, before reaching Inverness some 80 miles
later. A refreshing drink or two then some rest before the Special Tests at
Aviemore. By the end of the evening regularity Roddie Main with Dave Spence
navigating was leading Joe Norman and Mike Kirk by a mere 5 seconds, with
Duncan Massie and R. Adams tearing up 3 seconds later in his Triumph TR6.
 Sunday 25th was forecast to be heavy snow and strong winds. In reality
Aviemore had a shower early on but by time we started the Special Tests the
sun was out, warming the biting breeze. The organisers thought long and hard
about using a great patch of sheet ice in a corner of the car park for one
of the tests, but sanity got the better and they avoided it. However the
crews did manage to slide around on the tarmac and have great fun.
Eight tests had to be challenged by the crews to qualify for the final
prizes. Each of three tests were attempted twice, so crews had two chances
to test their skills. A final "all joined up test" really put the pressure
on before a final Circuit Test which was the ultimate test for drivers and
navigators.
 By time we had finished the Joe Norman and Mike Kirk Mini had managed to
reverse the tables on Roddie Main and Dave Spence, pulling back the 3
seconds and gaining another 5 to take the overall winners of the event.
Roddie and Dave had to make do with second place and Duncan Massie kept his
3rd spot. In the moderns Mike Law and Diane Duffton displayed how to do
tests in their Peugeot 205 showing what a front wheel car can do on tests.
A three course meal in the style of a Gala Dinner, and presentation of
prizes completed this Great North Winter Challenge and 60th celebration of
the Glasgow Monte Carlo Start.
Look out for next years event. Where else can you get so much fun, and
feel the excitement of a Monte Carlo Rally for only £45. Economic times may
be hard, but there is still room for plenty of fun in your Classic. Checkout
CCHMSC events if you want value for money Classic Motorsport.
Results
Frogeye at Kelvingrove
Donaldson Cortina at Aviemore
Porsche at Aviemore
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The
Monte Carlo Rally is made up of four elements, each designed to test
different aspects of car and crew.
The
Classification Test. This test is sometimes referred to as the mountain
circuit as it consisted of a very difficult mountain route with strict timing in
order to determine the pecking order in terms of the crew’s driving and
navigation skills. The GNWC classification test had the same objectives, testing
the crew’s driving and navigational skills in inclement weather and against the
clock. It took the form of a 60-mile night jogularity test taking in snow
covered mountain roads above Inverness. 
