Historic weekend for rally co-driver

The MK 1 Ford Escort that was co-driven by Newhey's Joe Cruttenden at the weekend.

This weekend saw Newhey rally co-driver Joe Cruttenden turn his hand to co-driving in the British Historic Rally Championship in an Mk 1 Ford Escort, alongside Stockport driver, Richard Williams.

Joe answered a last minute call from Richard to co-drive for him in the final round of the British Historic Championship, on the Trackrod Rally, in Pickering, North Yorkshire.

During the 40 rallies and the varied cars Cruttenden has competed in, he has always preferred the rally cars of the 70’s and 80’s. He said: "They are far more exciting than the modern 4 wheel drive cars and you see far more of the rally side ways on! So to get a chance to compete alongside the countries best historic rally crews was an offer I couldn’t turn down."

The event saw the cars set out early Saturday morning to contest the seven stages over the Yorkshire moors and forests. 

"The first stage was not the quickest," said Joe. "But with a new engine in the car and a new co-driver, Richard wasn’t taking any risks."

The following five stages they grew in confidence and increased the pace which resulted in brake problems as they came into service at the Pickering showground. With only two stages remaining a change to the brakes improved them, only to see a clutch and manifold problem occur.

They finished third in class, but slightly disappointed not to have done better. "We are now planning to work together in next year’s championship and have the winter to rebuild and prepare the car ready for then," said Joe.

Joe has the final round of the Rally First BTRDA championship to concentrate on, the Cambrian in Mid October, where they hope to clinch the Junior title.