by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH RUSSELL BROOKES: CLICK HERE
1977 and 1985 British Rally champion, Russell Brookes was at the Castle Combe Rallyday in the UK last month.
Crash.net Radio caught up with him to get his thoughts on that event - and the state of rallying in general today...
Crash.net:
Russell, you are at the Rallyday today, have you been enjoying it?
Russell Brookes:
It is absolutely fabulous. They manage to combine so many successful things, such as top drivers, top cars and above all top spectators. It is the most enthusiastic crowd I have mixed with in ages and it is great fun because of that.
Crash.net:
You have been out on track too, haven't you?
RB:
I have taken out the Opel Manta 400 that I used in 1985 and 1986 – and which I won the Welsh International Rally with in 1987. It has been in a Swiss museum for most of its life and it feels like being re-united with the car as it was. I have also had the privilege of driving the Sunbeam Lotus, which I used on the 1981 RAC. It is a great day - a lot of nostalgia.
Crash.net:
Are you surprised by how many people have turned out?
RB:
I am because although the event is very, very good, the previous two years have been marred by torrential downpours - but it obviously doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of a rally spectator. There are thousands and thousands here and they are great company to be with. They remember so much and you get people coming along and saying: ‘Do you remember the ditch I lifted you out of in 1976 in Dolby Forest?' - or something like that. Things you don't want to be reminded of sometimes!
[laughs].
Crash.net:
Do you still keep an eye on rallying in general?
