In 1981 and 1982 a few enthusiasts began racing old cars for fun around an oval dirt track at what was then a Royal Air Force base in Gutersloh, Germany. The area of the base they raced on was called "Junker's Farm" because of a ruined farmhouse by it. This farm became part of the base when it was used by the Luftwaffe during the second world war. (above is a picture from 1985 on Junker's Farm)

Cars were put into classes depending on their engine size -

A Class - up to 1600cc

B Class - 1600-2000cc

C class - over 2000cc

Even in those early days safety was a paramount consideration. Roll cages were compulsory, as was the removal of all glass and the main fuel tank. Although contact between the cars when racing was not supposed to happen, there were few body panels in their original condition at the end of a race meeting.

In 1983 a committee was formed to oversee the running of the club whose membership was growing every month. The club received recognition as an official "club" by the RAF. Racing still took place on Junker's Farm, although the original oval track was extended to run between the trees of the old farmhouse (and over it's old cellar as drivers discovered to their cost when the found themselves driving over parts of a wall!) During this racing season, trophies were introduced for winning drivers, the timing of races however, depended on four people with hand held stopwatches.

Over the next few years the club grew in strength and numbers. Club members traveled to other RAF bases in Germany, either to race at their club meetings, or to take part in an annual Rally Cross Grand Prix.

In 1990 racing moved from Junker's Farm to the tarmac area of one of the Harrier Squadrons based at the Airbase. The move meant that the cars were relieved of the harsh treatment inflicted by the dirt track and speeds increased.

1993 saw the departure of the RAF and the arrival of several Army units. The base was renamed "Princess Royal Barracks" and was officially named so by Princess Anne.

At this time there was some concern about the future of the club, but such worries proved unfounded. Now a truly Anglo/German club, it was given the "green light" to continue by the powers that be.

Gutersloh Rally Cross Club is now a thriving club with over a hundred registered drivers. Membership is almost exactly half English and half German, making it probably the most integrated club in the local area.

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