Two divisional rallies, counting toward the 1998 Divisional Championship, will run. Friday night's will be called the MEAD Rally and will be a Co-efficient 2; Saturday's, the SEVEN ISLANDS Rally, will be a Co-efficient 2 also.
Friday's will consist of 4 stages totaling 64 stage miles; Saturday's will consist of 4 stages totaling 45 stage miles.
The National course will consist of 8 special stages, ranging in length from 6 to 25 miles, with a total stage length of 110 miles. All the stages are on gravel, logging roads owned by MEAD PAPER CO. and SEVEN ISLANDS LAND CO. The roads range from medium fast two lane to narrower and twistier 1 1/2 lane; most are of the latter variety. THE LONGEST STAGE RUN IN THE UNITED STATES (25 MILES) WILL AGAIN BE RUN ON FRIDAY NIGHT!
The weather is the only unknown with which the competitors will have to deal. At this time of year some snow can be expected. According to Tony Lyons, MEAD's road superintendent, 70% of the course will be covered with "light" snowfall - 1" to 3"; some areas may have more, others less to none. Exact information on the conditions will be provided just before the start each day.
We have set a pleasant schedule so that enjoyment can be had by all. Again we will start the Friday section at 4PM so that everyone will return to the hotel earlier; the `Clambake' is an official Thursday night happening. Please indicate on your entry form the number of people attending. All those whose entry is received by the seeded draw (Nov. 26) will be accommodated. The year-end awards ceremony will again be `back east'; come compete in the rally and cheer the winners!
Due to the small amount of hotel space in the Rumford area, competitors are urged to make their reservations early! The Madison Hotel is headquarters - First come-first served. Each entry will be responsible for making its own reservations; a listing is enclosed, along with prices.
There may be a prize fund for the National, depending on size of entry, and will be paid at the event. Trophies will be awarded separately in both the National and Divisional rallies.
Rally plates will be included for every National entry.
The entry fee is $400, if received before 11/26/97. For entries received after 11/26/97, it's $450. Two awards dinner tickets are included with the Nat'l entry fee. Entry for each Divisional Rally is $200, anytime for both Divisionals it's $300, anytime; for Nat'l and Divisional(s), add $50 to Nat'l fee. Canadian funds will be accepted at par from legitimate Canadian competitors. Limit 50 cars.
Schedule:
Thursday, Dec 4: 7 PM Fourth Annual Clambake Madison Hotel
9 PM - ? Happy Hour Madison Hotel
Friday, Dec 5: 11 - 3 PM Registration/Scrutineering Autosport
3 PM Divisional Seminar Madison
4 PM Start of National/Divisional Madison
9 PM Finish Friday Section Oquossoc
Saturday, Dec 6: 7 - 8 AM Registration/Scrutineering Madison
Seven Islands Divisional
9:00 AM Restart of National/Divisional Downtown
2:00 PM Finish National/Divisional Madison
6:00 PM Posting Provisional Scores/ TBA
Cocktails
7:00 PM Buffet Dinner
8:30 PM Rally and Year-end Awards
Organizers:
Chairman John Buffum 802 655 5768 w
Blue Mt. Controls Diane Houseal 609 890 9068 h
New England Controls Mike Collier 603 485 8709 h
Chief of communications Ian MacLennan 617 449 1227 h
Registrar Ted Goddard 603 783 4744 w
802 263 5678 h
Course Opening Bob Lyle
Tech Don Taylor
Course Closing Mark Everett/Wayne Brooks
Sweep ROVER'S NORTH
Safety Steward Paul Giblin
Nat'l Steward John MacArthur