Changeable weather marked the opening day of the 2024 UK Coach Rally in Blackpool on Saturday 13 April, with a respectable field of entrants from England, Scotland and Wales again converging on the Fylde coast for the 68th gathering in the event’s illustrious history.
Multiple 24-plate coaches were present, including some delivered only days before the Rally. Brand new Irizar models in either integral or Scania-based format were well represented, while the Temsa brand made a particularly strong showing among entrants, including multiple examples that represent conquest business for the Turkish brand.
Perhaps one of the stars was a Van Hool T16 Astron of DJ Thomas Coaches. It is the first T range delivery to a UK buyer and despite the Belgian manufacturer’s current troubles, was handed over two days prior to its appearance in Blackpool. Much attention was garnered by the vehicle, which was among several Van Hool entries.
At the other end of the age spectrum was a Volvo B58 with Plaxton Supreme IV bodywork. Formerly in the ownership of the late Cyril Kenzie, it retains Kenzies Tours livery under the ownership of Craig Temple of Connexions Buses and was entered after having received work internally and externally in a nod to one of the Rally’s greatest supporters.
The B58 marked a return of the Kenzies name to the UK Coach Rally scene for 2024, and comes complete with a commemorative dash plaque that marks its participation in the 1980 Rally in Brighton when brand new.
While some established entrants were missing in 2024 as the Rally moved to a slightly later position in the calendar, other newcomers came to the fray. Among those were Acklams Coaches, Exclusive Holidays, FR Willets, Meadway Coaches, Mervyn’s Coaches, and Midway Motor Coaches.
The day began with the customary road run before returning to the Blackpool seafront for the driving heats, although high winds delayed commencement of those. After that exercise, coaches moved to the Comedy Carpet in front of Blackpool Tower for judging the following day, following which the driving finals will take place and trophies will be presented.
Good trade support was in evidence, with those parties reporting that demand for new coaches and minicoaches remains exceptionally strong. While lead times for some suppliers remain difficult, a hint of normality returning in some corners is growing in prominence, while certain other builders with good supply continue to enjoy buoyant numbers.
Among vehicles in the trade area was a Yutong GTe14 battery-electric tri-axle coach, the first public display of that model.
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