With the Bath Festival unable to take place in 2021, we had “carried over” our entry for the 2022 event. It was very popular, with 87 entries after a few last minute withdrawals.
For 2022, I’ve entered the Association of South West Motor Clubs Targa Rally Championship, and this was the first round. I’m due to be doing the rest of the season with Mike Thomas in his Mini, but having had an entry on the Festival with Matt for 2021 I stuck with our original plans.
We scrutineered on the Friday evening to save a bit of time on the Saturday. The event used various venues, including Castle Combe Circuit, Kemble and Charlton Park. After our retirement the previous year on Bath’s multi-venue Kemble targa, we didn’t want to repeat that this year!
The first test around Combe was slippery but a good introduction. For our second test, we got caught behind some other cars (as well as having a moment!) so finished a little frustrated, before heading off towards Kemble and Charlton Park. These tests went ok, although a big spin at Charlton Park cost some time. We also did a very challenging long test at RAF Lyneham, which was a familiar venue to me from my childhood with my first and only flight in a Hercules having taken off and landed there, as well as having attended various functions in the Sergeant’s Mess and Officer’s Mess.
As the day went on, it started to dry out which was definitely welcome, both in the car and for the marshals. We finished the event 7th in class and 8th overall, a pleasing result in a very competitive field.
Photos by M&H Photography.
Suze Endean 