Jamiroquai star signs up for Group B rally

At least 50 historic cars are expected at the event as part of the Race Retro weekend at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, due to attract around 25,000 visitors.

The demonstration rally forms a key part of Europe’s premier historic motor sport show and is run again this year by the Rallying with Group B Club.

A number of East Lancashire drivers will be involved, along with some star names – including Waldegard and Kay, a car enthusiast who previously took part in the Gumball Rally.

“Jimmy McRae and Russell Brookes, who is also a former British champion, will be involved as well as Bjorn Waldegard,” said event organiser Tim Foster, from Accrington.

“Jay Kay from Jamir-oquai is bringing his Porsche and he will be driving too.

“He is a collector of historic cars, he has a historic Porsche and asked if he could be involved.

“We’ve been involved with the event for some time now, it’s a big event and our side of it the demonstration rally for Group B cars, which have a lot of history.

“The rally has been growing every year, we started with a dozen cars.

“There are two demonstrations runs on Saturday, then in the evening we have a charity ball that Kevin Furber is running on our behalf.

“We raised £15,000 last year.

“Then on Sunday there are two more demonstration runs.

“There are six of us involved in running it and it will be a busy weekend for us all, but it’s a real privilege to be involved and to spend all day with cars and people who have made history.”

Group B rally cars were used in the 1980s but were later banned because they were deemed to be too powerful, with a number of major accidents occurring during that era.

Also among those taking part in the demonstration rally will be Furber, from Hapton, and fellow East Lancastrian Gary Gee.

Race Retro starts tomorrow and the Rallying with Group B Club will also have a static display at the show.