The Lombard Rally is still today acknowledged to be the toughest event of its kind in the UK, and  on November 6^th , it will be retracing the route of the 1971 RAC Rally “From Harrogate it Started”.

Competing this year for the second time will be a 1994 VW Golf 1.9 Diesel, driven by Dave Wright with co-driver Lindsey Annison, who began rallying as novices in last year's Lombard.

There is only one other diesel entered so the competition for 1^st in Class will be fierce!

Last year, Dave and Lindsey came 29^th overall in Lombard 2007, in what was a truly tough four day event, including the longest day in British rallying in 2007 – over 18 hours.

Having just completed the 2008 Endurance Championship, Dave and Lindsey have finished every event, won four 1^st in Class, and their best result was 13^th overall in the Welsh Endurance, when only 32 cars of the 54 starters even made it to the finish in a gruelling weekend of man vs machine vs horrendous Welsh weather.

Their results in the Championship have surprised everyone, who have been watching this normally aspirated, 57bhp £200 car with growing interest as it has valiantly battled the likes of Rover 200s and Peugeot 106 Rallyes throughout the season – all petrol driven. The growing number of top 10 and top 20 selectif times by this pair, as well as rising fuel prices, has meant that many endurance competitors are considering diesels for the future.

The question “Have you filled up yet?” has taken on a new meaning as fuel costs rose near to the end of the season, and the diesel's performance has been recognised with a special award in the 2008 Endurance Championship.

The car has minimum modifications as per Endurance Rally rules – roll cage, safety seats and harnesses, protected brake lines, a sump guard, and little else.

“The diesel car for this form of motorsport is very easy to drive compared to revvy little petrol engines. It's a  very forgiving vehicle,” says Dave. “It has been an interesting year, we have ploughed a lonely furrow in the diesel class and we hope to see more competition next year.”

“The cars are not allowed to show any sponsorship. However we are looking next year to move into biodiesel and are seeking a sponsor for our sweatshirts! We are trying to promote the green potential for motorsport, as well as diesels.”

Lindsey has written a book on the Lombard Rally – Tales of the Lombardiers – about the trials and tribulations of the Lombard crews during the 2007 event. It is published 1^st November 2008, and  can be ordered from WebPR.co.uk.