Well, once again we have had horrific accidents on rallies. Whilst not in any way wishing to sound biased, the accidents on the TMCC event were caused by driver errors, not by organisers mistakes. Sadly once again the future of a rallyist is at stake, this time David Goodman, who is self-employed and needs his legs to earn a living. It is time that organisers had a good think about what is more important – timing and spectator stages, or the safety of competitors. On the Sasol Rally competitors were expected to drive in/out of a stage in a manner completely foreign to all South Africans – on the right hand side of the road. On the All Tar Rally competitors were supposed to avoid head-on collisions with other competitors – not something anyone wants to have to think about while trying to win an event. Something needs to be done, and fast, before a competitor gets killed.

There are two articles on the All Tar Rally further on in this issue so you can judge for yourselves …….

So, Suzuka was the decider for the F1 Championship of 2000. I am sure all the Schumie fans were cheering wildly, and I believe that in Italy the Church bells went ballistic (if Church bells can do such a thing!) So, in tribute to Ferrari and Michael Schumacher I have dedicated the cover of this issue to them.

In this issue is the calendar for 2001. Start planning your motorsport year now. While you are doing that, remember that we have also included membership renewal forms. Avoid the Christmas rush and get yours back to us in good time for you to renew your licences for next year.

An appeal to all those participating in BNRC rallies (where navigators only need indemnities) and those taking out one day licences – consider the consequences of no insurance. If you are a blind navigator, you can take out the insurance only – if you are a driver/navigator who regularly takes out a one day licence I appeal to you to spend the extra, take out a full licence and get your medical insurance. Accidents can be expensive!

This issue is choc-a-bloc full of articles by Dave Ledbitter – Dave, many thanks for all the interest you take and for allowing us to use your articles.