Standard International Rally 2010 - Sunday's Events

 A pleasing line up of Vintage Standards on the Wyboston Lawn

Sunday dawned as another bright day in our super English summer ( what a great change) and the cars were soon arriving to join those that had enjoyed the two previous days of activities. Sunday is traditionally the day of the static rally on the Rally field, or lawn in this case. Soon the cars were lining up in their classes and owners were swapping anecdotes, tips and spares for their cars. The club caters for some 200 different models and this is often the first time that some owners have encountered another car similar to their own. Some are still waiting to encounter a model similar to their own such is the rarity of their car.

By lunchtime, when everyone is judged to have arrived, there is then a light hearted and none-to-serious concours competition. Many cars are daily drivers and their owners wouldn't wish it any other way. Some cars however have clearly just finished an extensive restoration and it is pleasing for their owners to show off their cars,. It is even more satisfying if as a result of those efforts the cars are judged by their peers to be best in their class - for which the top three all win trophies. The winner in each class receives a larger trophy to keep for a year. The class winners are of course welcomed to return to compete in the Master Class the following year. The Master Class therefore represents the cars judged by the attendees to be the best Standards present. 

At the other end of the scale there are prizes for the cars that are deemed to be in the most original, i.e. unrestored condition, since these cars can not compete in concours with restored examples. Of course there is no compulsion to join in and some attendees choose not to fill in a voting form, which is an equally fine attitude.

By 1pm, the sun was really blazing down so many members starting looking for lunch options. Those wishing a full lunch partook of the brasserie restaurant, overlooking the lake, or the pub next to the main gate. Alternatively, a selection of sandwiches was supplied at Rally control, along with much needed bottled water. The last item provided more revenue for the weekend's chosen charity, Macmillan Nurses. 

The judges worked efficiently this year, totalling up all the scores for the various entrants, and by 3.30 precisely we were ready for the prizegiving. Raffle prizes first, then the prizes for all the concours classes. You can see the prizewinners list and their cars shortly

The remaiander of this page is filled with pictures of participating cars, please click on any of them to see an enlargement.

Whilst the majority of participants started to make their way home after the prizegiving, at least 32 extended their visit with another night at Wyboston and an opportunity to relax after the busy day. This turned into another social event which will no doubt also grow over the years to come

Make a note of the dates for next year's rally at the Stratford Manor Hotel. More details here

(July 2010)