Days 9 and 10 - Arctic Winter Trial
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The Wignalls slide round the snow track at the Ivalo Test
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On Day 9 the rally headed away from the North Cape, leaving the beautiful fishing town of Honningsvåg. The participants braved the same winding road that they had defeated the previous day, but this time under slightly kinder weather conditions, and headed south to cross the Finnish border. The afternoon brought the first Medal Section in Finland and then followed ice-smothered roads down to the winter resort of Saariselkä, via two driving Tests at the famous Ivalo Testing centre.
During the early part of the day, an amusing incident occurred involving car 27, which was forced to battle through treacherous conditions in near zero visibility, closely tailed by Mike 'Medic' Johnson's Course Closing Car. Using the marker poles on either side of the road for guidance, Dipak drove cautiously in true downhill skiing fashion, careful to drive between the markers. However, as visibility worsened, the chances of a 'missed gate' increased, and sure enough, as 'Medic Mike' reported, "…they just went the wrong side of the pole…". Of course, immediate assistance was available to tow them back on to the road and Mike promptly obliged. But then, slowly emerging out of the blizzard, appeared a hunched figure: silent and moving with purpose, but stopping every couple of yards. It quickly became evident that this small, local chap was responsible for replacing the marker poles and was just getting round to the bend on which Dipak was dangling! Sometimes lady luck is just not interested.
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Mark & Mary-Jo I'Anson at the start of the second Regularity Section on Day 10
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Car 6 (the Volvo Amazon) put on a spectacular display at the second Handling and Manoeuvrability Test. The crew attacked the Test sideways, and then managed a 720˚ spin, much to the pleasure of the spectators. However, it was Deputy Clerk of the Course, Arne Hertz who proved his salt, and managed the fastest time!
"My bonnet lies over the ocean, My bonnet lies over sea, Bring back, Bring back, Bring back my bonnet to me", were the bitter-sweet lyrics serenaded to car 5 (Dieter Krönung and Sonja Hillers in the Rover P5B 3.5 Litre) over dinner. The couple had had a mishap after the Medal Section, leaving their vehicle's bonnet slightly worse for wear. But help from fellow participants and Mike 'Medic' Johnson soon had the vehicle back on track. Meanwhile, Desmond Smail celebrated his birthday in style, popping along to the local nightclub which was obviously "super-kicking" since he was back at the hotel bar within half an hour.
After a brief sighting of the Aurora Borealis on the previous night, we couldn't have expected a re-run at Saariselkä, but a crisp, cold and clear evening promised great things. We were not disappointed. The Northern Lights lit up the sky with an eerie but beautiful green glow that transfixed those of us lucky enough to see them.
On Day 10 the Rally left Saariselkä and wound its way southwards again to tackle the first of the Regularity Sections before taking in lunch at the small town of Kittilä. The event then followed the main road to Kokkovaara after which the Rally forked off to enjoy another Regularity Section. 'Line Fault Queen' (Official - Harriet Batson) ruled supreme at the first timing point of this second Regularity, damning at least five crews with extra penalties. And boy, didn't she enjoy it…!
Tonight we are off to a reception hosted by the Mayor of Rovoniemi, which should be fun. And tomorrow brings us more snow mobile fun on another action packed "Rest" Day.
© Jeray and Antler 13.3.03
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