Brammer takes win at the Richard Burns Memoral Rally 2009 – Photos

Photo: Malcolm Greig (www.rally-pics.com)

The 2009 Richard Burns Memorial Rally took place at RAF Marham over the weekend of August the 15 and 16th. The sound of rally cars replaces the usual sound of the Tornado GR4’s, which are part of the four operating squadrons, based at Marham.

In its second year 100 crews over 5 competitive groups entered into the event, which aims to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Bomber Command Memorial Fund and the Richard Burns Foundation.

Sergeant Chris Daykin of II(AC) Squadron, created this unique event after being given a driving lesson in a world rally car by the late Richard Burns. This has a lasting impression on the Sgt and an encounter that inspired a future affinity with the sport. Burns went on to assist Chris with his amateur rally-driving career. After Richard lost his fight against Brain Cancer in November 2005 Sgt Daykin’s wanted to create a fitting tribute to his friend and created the Richard Burns Memorial Rally as his way of making sure that Burns’ legacy has a lasting benefit to people less fortunate than others and serves as an inspiration for those who love life in the fast lane. It is also RAF Marham’s way of assisting charities that support RAF personnel past, present and future.

Harry Potter Star Ruper Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the films, flagged the cars off on Saturday morning as the crews embarked on eight stages around the airfield totalling over 100 miles.

The spectators and crews had two days of excellent weather and enjoyed the new layout, where they could see the cars being serviced as well as some excellent views of the stages. The Red Arrows and a Lancaster Bomber rounded off the rally on the Sunday that saw the Subaru Impreza crewed by Ray Brammer and Matthew Whattam complete the event as winners in a time of 112:50 mins.

Overall results

1st - Car 6 - Ray Brammer / Matthew Whattam - Subaru Impreza WRC S8 GroupE - 112:50
2nd - Car 2 - Dick Mauger / Steve McNulty - Ford Focus WRC GroupE - 113:20
3rd - Car 10 - Chris Wood / Ian Emmerson - Vauxhall Astra GroupC - 113:51

CLASS A
1. 78 - Tracey Louise Muir/Garry Muir Peugeot 106 128:14
2. 80 - Phil Bruce/Neil Bruce Nissan Micra 132:46
3. 84 - Chris Rixon/Andy English MG ZR 134:02

CLASS B
1. 12 - Richard Archer/Tim Ball Vauxhall Corsa S1600 117:54
2. 79 - Stuart Wilson/Chris Purvis Vauxhall Nova 128:51
3. 74 - John Godbehere/Louise Green Ford Puma 129:05

CLASS C
1. 8 - David West/Keith Hounslow Peugeot 306 Maxi Kit Car 115:40
2. 7 - Bruce Edwards/Barry Young Darrian 117:13
3. 32 - Stephen Tilburn/Sean Ward Ford Escort RS 2000 119:28

CLASS D
1. 36 - Alan Thistlethwaite/Julian Gunnell Aston Martin Rally GT 120:35
2. 47 - Chris Selfe/Paul Lowman BMW M3 Compact 129:51
3. 92 - Stuart Proctor/Jennie Sinclair Talbot Lotus Sunbeam 143:41

CLASS E
1. 35 - Ross Daniels/Paul Mankin Subaru Impreza 117:36
2. 16 - Tony Hewitt/Emma Hewitt Mitsubishi EVO 5 117:56
3. 9 - Ken Sturdy/Richard Wood Mitsubishi EVO 6 118:41

Spirit of the Rally Award
Colin Bassnet and the staff at RAF Marham