The Rally Shows first outing at Chatsworth House this weekend was blessed with clear skies and dry weather. The crowds flocked to see the collection of old and new rally cars both on display and used in anger on the special stage set up for the event.

Björn Waldegård who stepped in for Stig Blomqvist at the last minute spent the day showing that natural talent does not diminish with age! The 1979 World Rally Champion piloted the David Sutton Escort with all the skill and talent from the golden age of rallying allowing him to win the Post Historic and Classic class.

Other former stars included Vic Elford and Billy Coleman in a selection of immaculate Porsche's and Russell Brooks in an amazing Andrews's heat for Hire Lotus Sunbeam.

Names from more recent times also dazzled the spectators with Gwyndaf Evans and Guy Wilks from the Mitsubishi UK rally team, Steve Perez with a selection of cars from his VK Vodka liveried WRC Focus to the newly restored 444bhp Audi Quattro S1 and M- Sport with a 2007 spec WRC Focus driven by Barry Clark all entertained the crowds through out the day on either the demonstration runs or the different timed events held over the weekend.

The list of cars that could be seen was impressive from the early days of rallying and the Alpine Rally winning Jaguar XK120 to the short lived Gp B Ford RS200, a host of MkI and MkII Escorts, Porches and Minis.

For those that prefer there cars to be a bit more polished there where a number of excellent car club displays including the Toyota GT4s, Midland Scoobies, Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, Lancia Stratos Enthusiasts, Lancia Integrales, Club Alpine Renault, Lexus Owners, Renault 5 Turbos and Suzuki Swifts - and local motor clubs - including Lindholme Motor Club, Clowne & District Motor Club, Matlock Motor Club, Mid-Derbyshire Motor Club and Sheffield & Hallam Motor Club

RESULTS
Saturday 29th September

Event 1 Post Historic and Classic Rally Cars

Yorkshire's Peter Slights and Joyce Champion won the first of five events at the inaugural Rally Show despite admitting he drove one stage like a "Fairy".

After Slights Escort set fastest time on the first of three runs of the 1.17 mile stage, Steve Perez (Lancia Stratos) won the second to close within .5 of a second, but then spun on the third. "You had to be focused - the event was won or lost on a single corner," said Slights.

Precise and tidy runs netted class wins for Welshman Richard Hill (Escort RS1800) and Galway's Ray Cunningham (Mini Cooper S).

Results Event 1

3 Runs of the "Park Stage". 1.17 miles

1. Peter Slights /Joyce Champion.  Ford Escort RS1800 . 5.17.58.

2. Richard Hill / Stephen Morton. Ford Escort RS1800. 5.23.39

3. Ray Cunningham/ Elaine Cunningham Mini Cooper S. 5.27.93

11 starters. 11 Finishers.

Event 2 "All-Comers"

Paul Bird and Ian Windress left the rest of the 19-car field in the wake of their Stobart/VK Subaru but sportingly declined the winner's trophy, which was presented to Chris Wise (MG Metro 6R4). Warren Philliskirk was quickest of a trio of Metro's on the first run, but faded on the second, allowing Stuart Larbey to take third by .9 of a second. Dick Slaughter, in an ex-Roger Clark Escort, was quickest of the class 1 cars to take a creditable class win and seventh overall.

Results Event 2

2 Runs of the "Park Stage". 1.17 miles

1. Paul Bird / Ian Windress. Subaru Impreza WRC.3.04.85

2. Chris Wise / Tracey Taylor West. MG Metro 6R4. 3.16.46

3. Stuart Larbey / Simon Larbey. MG Metro 6R4. 3.16.46.

4. Warren Philliskirk / Emma Slights. MG Metro 6R4. 3.16.46.

19 starters. 19 Finishers.

Sunday 30th September

Event 3 Post Historic Cars

Galway's Ray and Elaine Cunningham (Cooper S) provided the surprise of the event, beating the Porsche 911's of former Historic Champions John Keatley and Steve Perez. " I am surprised that we could be so competitive especially as conditions were drying out. We came here to have fun. Winning was a bonus." Jonathan Gale (Lotus Cortina) took fourth and first in class.

Results Event 3

2 Runs of the "House" stage. 1.79-mile stage

1. Ray Cunningham / Elaine Cunningham. Mini Cooper S. 4.23.40

2. John Keatley / Mervyn Johnson. Porsche 911. 4.23.85

3. Steve Perez / Dan Sutherland. Porsche 911. 4.36.85.

9 starters. 9 Finishers.

Event 4 Post Historic and Classic Rally Cars

Bjorn Waldegaard's fastest time on the first of two runs was enough for the 1979 World Champion to eventually to beat Dick Slaughter  by 1.12 seconds. Gwyndaf Evans (VK Escort) was fastest on the second run, but navigational error on the first incurred a time penalty dropping him to last. Mike Anderson (Porsche 911) was third fastest on his first run, but hit a tree on the second, fortunately without injury. Escort RS 1800's filled the first six places; the first non-Ford was the Sunbeam Lotus of Adrian Seabridge. Steve Perez (Lancia Stratos) was ninth and won his class.

Results Event 4

2 runs of the "House" stage.1.79 mile stage

1. Bjorn Waldegaard / David Holmes. Ford Escort RS 1800. 4.20.91

2. Dick Slaughter / James Slaughter. Ford Escort RS 1800. 4.22.03.

3. Jason Lepley / Sue Lepley. Ford Escort RS1800.4.22.49

16 starters. 16 Classified Finishers

Event 5 FIA Categories

Not surprisingly, after driving in three of the five events, Chesterfield's Steve Perez (Ford Focus WRC) emerged as winner of the headline event of the Rally Show weekend. Second place went to his best buddy and fiercest rival Paul Bird (Stobart Subaru), who's driving style put the emphasis more on showmanship rather than speed. Paul Bird (Stobart Subaru), who's driving style put the emphasis more on showmanship than speed. Perez said: "This format of event has been a great introduction to rallying for everyone. Good atmosphere, safe viewing and easy access to legendary drivers and wonderful cars."

Results Event 5

2 runs of the "House" stage.1.79 mile stage

1. Steve Perez / Mark James Ford Focus WRC. 3min.45.04

2. Paul Bird / Ian Windress. Subaru Impreza WRC. 3min.50.92

3. Barry Jordan /Hugh Peat. Subaru Impreza. 4min.18.66.

9 Starters. 9 Classified Finishers.