Foot to the floor as Blackpool South Shore Motor Club driver chases Hillclimb victory
Blackpool South Shore Motor Club’s John Stone faces a different challenge this weekend when he competes in the Barbon Hillclimb.
He does so on the back of a top-five finish in last month’s Jim Clark Rally, held over the closed roads of the Scottish Borders.
That result from Duns leaves Stone sitting fourth in the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship standings ahead of the next round of the series, the Argyll Rally, later this month.
That gap in his rally calendar provides Stone with the opportunity to contest an event he loves, that is closer to home, as he hopes to repeat his 2023 Barbon success in winning the class for Rally Cars.
Saturday’s event, organised by Liverpool Motor Club and Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club, takes place over 890 yards with a 1:12 gradient climb on part of the private drive to Barbon Manor, near Kirkby Lonsdale.
As well as taking the class win, Stone will be aiming to beat the time of 26.05 seconds which he set previously.
Spectators are always welcome at the event, which gets underway around 9.30am and continues through to late afternoon.
Elsewhere, preparations for the 2027 Legend Fires North West Stages are moving forward at a pace.
Taking place on Saturday, March 20, it will feature a ceremonial start the previous evening in Garstang town centre while Myerscough College will again host the rally headquarters and service area.
The rally itself will run over sections of closed roads, details of which will be released nearer the time.