It’s Not Just Karting History That Needs Saving…Rallying History Is Also At Risk!

John, better known in rallying circles north of the Border as “Jaggy Bunnett” has been the country’s most revered rallying journalist for decades. Through his many books, website, and blog he has relentlessly reported on rallying events for the press while also capturing the history of rallying in Scotland along the way. John’s knowledge about, and passion for the sport is certainly beyond any doubt whatsoever and his concerns must be taken seriously. So, what exactly are his fears about rallying history? Much like our karting magazines, he laments the demise of rally print magazines such as Rally Sport, Rally Car, Road Sport North, Cars & Car Conversions, and many others while also noting that even Autosport has now gone from weekly to monthly publication. John says “That should tell you what is wrong with British rallying publications. Fans didn’t buy sufficient copies to keep them viable while also losing out on advertising to on-line alternatives”. Just as was the case in karting.

John continues “That’s the prime reason I started writing my books and I would urge other rally championships to do the same. For instance, the British Rally Championship is supposed to be the pinnacle of the sport in this country but where is its history recorded? Over the years there have been Yearbooks and features, but no complete authoritative printed record of what happened from the start way back in 1958 and what has since been achieved. If we don’t record the history now, it will be lost forever. The internet is not a reliable long-term substitute for paper and print”.

It seems that rallying and karting are indeed facing similar challenges. Visit John’s website and blog at http://www.johnfife.co.uk/