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TASK
FORCE KIELDER ! ! !
There will be military manouvres with a difference on the Gateshead
based Pirelli International Rally with
the welcome appearance of the entire BAFMA Army Rally Team who
will be hurling their giant two ton turbocharged Land Rovers round
the special stages, including Gatesheads unique “Street
Circuit” stage, in the spectacular, sideways style that
has made them a huge hit with rally spectators everywhere.
For the team
members, all regular service personnel, it has been a tough haul
just to get to Gateshead and grab a seat in one of the six, white,
canvas topped Land Rovers which are sponsored by Lex Defence Systems
plc. There is intense competition for a place in the team with
each member undergoing a rigorous selection process, which includes
mechanical knowledge and navigation skills, at the Army’s
Off Road Test Track near Aldershot, before they are accepted.
Leading the
Lex Army Team on the Pirelli International Rally
will be Sgt. Mitch Mitchell and L/Cpl. Tom Hardie, the current
Army champions, they face a tough challenge from their team mates
who include the flamboyant Major Alan Paramore, who is reputed
never to press the brake pedal!!, Lance Corporal “Mad Dog”
Maddock, whose nickname says everything about his driving style,
he will be accompanied by the teams only female member, Cpl. Helen
Tooley, while Sgt. Tids Tidbury and S/Sgt. Mogs Morgan were so
keen to experience driving in the famous Kielder Forest they will
be flying in from Cyprus and the Balkans to compete in the event.
The Pirelli
International Rally, complete with the Lex Army
Land Rovers, takes place over the weekend of 25th. / 26th. April
with the first car blasting off from Gatesheads Baltic Square
at 5:30pm.
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