Telford pair compete in Historic Rally Event

The Historic Rally Festival comes to Telford next week, and Group N pairing Anthony (Tony) North and James Wood are representing Telford Auto Club in Tonys 1998 Subaru Impreza Turbo from 1998.

Tony, 54, took me out for a spin before the car goes into local specialist JRS Motorsport for final preparations.

Waste management during the week, at weekends, Tony dons his helmet and overalls, swaps his van for his 300bhp, 2 litre turbo Subaru and hurtles down closed roads and dirt tracks, often sideways, as he competes in the championship.

The first part of the rally is scrutineering which will be held at Wolverhampton University Telford campus. This is open to the public from 8am to 8pm Saturday 5th October with free entry.

It’s a chance for the public to get close up to some iconic vehicles in full race prep such as the Opel Manta, TR7 V8, Lancia Delta Integrale, Audi Quattro, Metro 6R4, and of course the Subaru Impreza.

Tony told Telford Live! “The Subaru is completely road legal, but has been modified to cope with the demands of the rally stages. The cost of competing is high, and we’re extremely grateful for the support of local companies who have sponsored us this year.

“With tyres at £250 each, and we can get through a set in a day, we couldn’t do it without them.”

The Rally takes place on 5th and 6th of October at the Apley and Willey estates, and spectator tickets for the race stages are £15 each day for adults and children are free. Tickets are only available in advance from here: https://www.historicrallyfestival.com/site/spectator-info

Follow Tony & James on their FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/y431VAbWhigMp9Df/

Pic: Tony North with the Subaru
Video: Telford Live!
(All laws were observed during this video, provided swearing in a rally car with the windows down is still legal)