Rally of Mallorca

The rally is run over three days with 15 timed stages around the island covering a total distance of 471.890 km. There are two basic classes regular and competition with 16 sub classes and cars must be built before 1981. The fees to enter are 2,500 euros for regular and 2,875 for competition. The final day is held at the Lluch Major circuit.

We attended as many stages as possible. The scenery here of course is stunning and the weather was perfect. The competitors varied immensely, from enthusiastic owners who pottered round the roads carefully to the full-blown racers who gave it all they had.

Benjamin with Jeremy Clarkson

The Top Gear Team with model Madison Welch

Richard Hammond’s Lanchester LJ200

Jeremy Clarkson at the wheel of an Austin Healey Sprite

Spirited cornering from James May’s Citroen Ami 8

Fabulous line up of rally cars with Triumph TR7 and Lancia Stratos

Then there were the Top Gear presenters. Jeremy Clarkson was in a White Sprite and looked like he was sitting in a toy car. James May was in a 1970 Citroen Ami 8 with a glamour model as his co driver and Richard Hammond was driving a Lanchester LJ 200.

We duly got our photos with the guys, JC “allowed” me to stand next to him as the photo was being taken although it didn’t stop him continuing his chat with somebody else whilst the photo was being taken. Richard Hammond was much more accommodating and very friendly. He seemed to be enjoying his day in the sun immensely. James May was keeping quite a low profile and his glamour model co driver (Madison Welch) seemed to be freezing standing around in a very low cut dress.

After an hour or so of wandering round the pits, we were eventually busted and security asked us to leave the area so we duly headed to the grandstand.

Final places for the presenters were 30th Clarkson/Verger, 34th May/Welch and 36th Hammond/Wheeler.

We had a great three days and I was able to take some superb photos. I would love to take part in the rally with my competition MG Midget next year, but the entry fee is prohibitive. If there is anyone out there who would like to sponsor me?

Benjamin Grimley