Asides

After the Lombard RAC Rally has swept its way through many of Britain’s forests, it is appropriate to recall that the forest roads which provide the very essence of the RAC and many other rallies in the United Kingdom were first introduced to the sport by Jack Kemsley. More than 30 years ago, Jack endeavoured to ease the RAC Rally away from the various manoeuvring and other tests of the time and to introduce proper special stages.

As an exploratory venture, a forest stage was held in Scotland, after which there has been no holding back. Nowadays, no worthwhile RAC Rally would be possible without forest roads, and it should be remembered that the early events, particularly those in the forests, were due to Jack’s leadership. Later, they became almost a family affair, being organised from the Kemsley home in Orpington by Jack, his late wife Joan, his son John, his daughters Anne and Sally and various other helpers.

Recently, Jack Kemsley celebrated his 80th birthday and we would like to record not only our congratulations but our thanks for his initiative and, we feel sure the appreciation of countless rally enthusiasts.

The new version of the Toyota Celica Turbo 4wd, which was unveiled during last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, will make its first competitive appearance during the Monte-Carlo Rally this year, ratification (a far purer word than homologation) having been planned for 1 January. A roadgoing version will be marketed as the Carlos Sainz Limited Edition.