Story Highlight
– Paul Woodford prepares for UK’s largest road rally.
– First East Yorkshire driver since Ron Shipp in 1974.
– Rally includes technical challenges on various road types.
– Paul advocates for grassroots rallying and increased participation.
– Cilwendeg event features social atmosphere and night rallying.
Full Story
A motorsport enthusiast from South Cave is gearing up to participate in the UK’s largest road rally, echoing the achievements of a Hull figure from over five decades ago. Paul Woodford, a prominent voice in the rallying community both as a presenter and supporter, describes his entry into the Rali Cilwendeg as a “dream come true.” This demanding event challenges drivers and navigators with a mix of special tests on private roads and farm tracks alongside navigational tasks on public thoroughfares.
Taking place overnight, the rally covers the picturesque landscapes of West Wales and is renowned for attracting significant spectator attention, reminiscent of the sport’s golden era in the 1970s and 80s. Paul, 40, is believed to be the first driver from East Yorkshire to partake in this prestigious event since Ron Shipp, who ranked fourth in 1974. “It’s been a bucket list item for such a long time and I never thought it would quite happen,” Paul remarked, noting that competitors are often local Welsh teams due to the event’s unique challenges.
Paul faces the task of aiming for a top-five finish, a feat achieved by Ron Shipp in his Vauxhall Firenza, which bore the sponsorship of a Hull-based company. The former director of a caravan manufacturer, who passed away seven years ago, was highly regarded in the rallying scene. Ron’s brother, Alan Shipp, reminisced, saying, “The rallying was only part of his expertise,” highlighting Ron’s extensive skills in motorsport beyond just rallying.
Alan recalled that Ron frequently participated in local competitions, securing numerous victories, and even competed against notable figures such as rallying legend Roger Clark. Together with Alan, Ron accomplished the Land’s End to John o’Groats challenge in a motorhome and contributed to setting a world speed record for towing a caravan. “The Cilwendeg is kind of the ultimate road rally,” Paul explained, reflecting on the accessibility that road rallying offers newcomers to the sport. Over the past year, with the backing of Motorsport UK, he has developed a road rally car for smaller navigational events conducted by local clubs.
Paul’s training included recent participation in Rali Bro Teifi, another rally in West Wales that combines navigational challenges with tests on private roads, along with various local events in North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. Unlike stage rallying, which involves fast-paced competition on closed or private roads, road rallying is performed in less modified cars without the need for helmets or overalls, demanding exceptional focus as participants balance vehicle control and navigation. Paul likens these road events to “tough mudders in rally cars.”
The upcoming Cilwendeg will see Paul and his navigator Joanna James engaged in 10 hours of rallying, commencing at 10pm on October 18. Their course will include regulated speed navigational sections on public roads interspersed with tests at locations like farms and quarries, allowing for only a single refuelling stop throughout the night. “You get to about 2:30-3am, and everybody is absolutely wiped,” Paul noted, mentioning that the garage along the route usually runs out of energy drinks as participants converge to refuel and socialise, with police oversight to manage the busy event.
Reflecting on the concluding atmosphere, he said, “When you get to the finish, it’s a wonderful atmosphere. Everybody has driven through the night… It’s a mad part of the sport that more people should know about.” In his professional life, Paul serves as a commercial director at an IT firm, yet he fervently promotes rallying, recalling its peak popularity, which attracted larger crowds than the English Football League several decades ago. His efforts align with the initiatives of Motorsport UK’s ‘Streetcar’ campaign, aimed at enhancing grassroots participation and spectator interest.
He added, “It’s certainly gaining in popularity and I think it needs a bit of an injection of information because people don’t realize how much is going on around them, and how accessible it can be. I guess doing this was partly about me bringing this part of the sport out of the shadows a bit.” For those interested in road rallying or motorsport more broadly, Paul encourages checking out the Beverley and District Motor Club and North Humberside Motor Club. Additionally, updates on Paul’s journey towards the Cilwendeg and during the event can be followed through his YouTube channel.
