Wet weather drives out car enthusiasts

Aug 14 2008 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

A CLASSIC car rally held annually at Ferniegair, and scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled because of the weather.

The 17th annual Chatelherault Classic Auto Rally was due to take place this Sunday, August 17 at the country park.

However, the condition of the ground has ruled out any chance of the free event going ahead.

Days of rain have made the grassed area where the vehicles were to be displayed waterlogged.

It was thought that the vehicles would become stuck in mud.

Last year’s event attracted 620 car exhibitors and 15,000 spectators.

As well as displays of classic and custom cars, the annual showcase would have also featured live music and bike and motorcycle stunts.

And daredevil pilots were due to perform daring stunts in classic biplanes over the country park.

But a council spokesman explained yesterday that the poor weather over the last few days had made the event impossible.

“South Lanarkshire Council regret to advise that this year’s Chatelherault Classic Automobile Rally has been cancelled,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it is not possible to go ahead with the event due to the prolonged spell of inclement weather, especially since there is further heavy rain forecast for the weekend.”

Car and motorcycle clubs who have taken part in the event in the past include the Hamilton Classics, Phoenix Classics, the MG Midget and Sprite Club and M74 Motorcycle Club.

Exhibits have included vintage and lovingly-restored vehicles.

Previous stars of the show have been a 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a 1928 Citroën, and a 1942 Willys MB Jeep.

Vintage Massey Ferguson, Ford and Field Marshall tractors have also featured in the event.

And at the 2006 rally, the Duke of Hamilton, a former RAF and commercial flyer, took part in a barnstorming aerial display above Chatelherault.