RAF Marham Press Release
‘Take Off’ for RAF Marham Richard Burns Memorial Rally 2009 - Tuesday 7 July 2009
The runways of RAF Marham will echo once more to the sound of some of the countries top rally cars rather than the traditional roar of Tornado GR4s training for operations in Afghanistan as Royal Air Force Marham opens its gates on 15 & 16 August to the second RAF Marham Richard Burns Memorial Rally. The 2009 Rally is a major charity event supporting the Royal Air Force Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Bomber Command Memorial Fund and the Richard Burns Foundation.
In 2001, Richard Burns won the FIA World Rally Championship. In the preceding year 2000 Burns had been given the unique opportunity to fly at RAF Marham in a Tornado GR4.
On the same day, Burns gave a member of the RAF ground crew, Sergeant Chris Daykin of II(AC) Squadron, a driving lesson in a world rally car – something that was to leave a lasting impression on the Sgt and an encounter that inspired a future affinity with the sport. Burns went on to assist Chris with his amateur rally-driving career.
Tragically, in November 2005 Richard Burns lost his brave fight against brain cancer aged 34. The Richard Burns Foundation was established in Richard’s name to inspire and support people with serious injury and illness. The Richard Burns Foundation also incorporates the Michael Park Fund, set up in honour of Richard’s long-time friend and fellow competitor, who died in an accident during Wales Rally GB in September 2005
The RAF Marham rally event is Sgt Daykin’s way of making sure that Burns’ legacy has a lasting benefit to people less fortunate than others and serves as an inspiration for those who love life in the fast lane. It is also RAF Marham’s way of assisting charities that support RAF personnel past, present and future.
For the drivers and co-drivers the 2008 event was a unique opportunity to pit their skills against some of the best in the world including the Subaru World Rally Team with a car driven by Markko Martin. More importantly it raised over £36,000 for charity. Over 100 entrants successfully completed the demanding 2-day competition and put on a great spectacle for the public.
Working in partnership with personnel from RAF Marham, the Kings Lynn & District Motor Club will transform the stations runways and link roads into over 100 miles of competitive stages. Improvements for 2009 include spectator viewing access to the paddock area where the teams will carry out their rapid servicing and emergency repairs. It is anticipated that up to 120 teams will enter this year and that the Estonian former World Rally star, Marko Martin, will defend his 2008 title. Other notable British Rally Champions Mark Higgins and Guy Wilks are also set to attend the event.
Celebrities from Stage and Screen including Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley from the Harry Potter Films), Neil Cole, World Rally commentator from Sky TV channel Dave, and Mike Brewer TV presenter will also attend over the weekend.
Owing to the unique location of the event the Royal Air Force will be represented in the sky on the Sunday 16th August by the world famous RAF Red Arrows Display Team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In addition there will be a host of family entertainments, classic cars, static aircraft and a range of refreshment stands making the event a fantastic attraction for all the family.
Tickets are already on sale for this fantastic event at http://www.richardburnsmemorialrally.co.uk/. Advance tickets cost £8. Tickets purchased on the gate will cost £10. A concessionary price of £5 is available for MOD pass holders with display of Service passes on the gate.
Editor: Amanda Ellard
Photographer: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.
