How times, and attitudes,
have changed … The text below is from a genuine Forestry Commission Press
Release issued ahead of the 1990 International CHI (RSAC) Scottish Rally. I
came across this whilst working on the latest book and thought it might be of
interest to all those who fear for stage rallying’s future in the nation’s
forests.
It’s not just what is said in
the Press Release but also what is omitted that is of interest. Where the PR
mentions damage caused by rally cars, the text states that roads are ‘repaired
after rallies’ have passed through but doesn’t actually state how soon or how
long afterwards! Nor is any mention of how and when roads are maintained before
rallies use them and/or when lorries are using them.
I fully realise this is a Press
Release issued by FC to make them look good, but it is a good example of ‘PR-Speak’
which highlights the positives whilst overlooking the negatives. This was
always a bone of contention in the past but at least the two sides were usually
able to work together and come up with an acceptable plan and cost.
Trouble is, the future looks
even more bleak now than it did then.
Full text below:
FORESTS – THE
NATURAL HOME OF BRITISH RALLIES
The CHI Scottish Rally is the
latest British motor rally to enjoy the challenges and excitement provided by
Forestry Commission forests. Sixteen of the eighteen timed special stages,
which gives both drivers and spectators thrills and action, are on the
Commission’s forest roads.
Mr Roger Hay, Director of
Engineering at the Forestry Commission said today:
“Commission forests are
clearly important to the rally organisers and spectators. They provide
opportunities for drivers to test high-speed driving and manoeuvring skills and
for the fans it provides some of the most dramatic pictures.
We cooperate willingly with
the organisers and have done for many years since we were asked in the early
1960s to help provide off-highway facilities. We provide facilities to the RAC
for 64 rallies in our forests throughout Britain every year, from the
international events to the local club gatherings. Without the forests I am sure
rallying in Britain wouldn’t be the same.
But these high speed driving
skills take a heavy toll on our roads. We build them to a very high standard of
engineering, capable of taking 38-tonne timber lorries but even these lorries
don’t cause the damage that rally cars can do – especially on bends and
corners.
Our foresters and engineers
prepare the routes in advance, and repair them afterwards which costs money. In
some forests where a particular route is popular, and where more than one rally
uses it each year, the long -term damage to the roads can be quite substantial.”
As well as being a major
supporter of rallies, as manager of Britain’s largest estate, covering nearly
two and one half million acres, the Commission is probably better placed than
many other organisations to conserve and enhance the wildlife and environmental
values of the British countryside, whilst still being able to host motorsport
events of international standards.
Today’s forests have benefits
and uses for all – enjoy them!
E N D S
