Anyone six months short of his 65th birthday may be entitled to want to enjoy life at a slower pace.

Bill Richards is the exception. He thrives on speed and adventure, so much so, and on Thursday heads for Reims in France – one of five cities of departure – to compete in his sixth Monte Carlo Historic Rally.

Richards, owner of his own business based on the Ellingham Industrial Estate in Ashford and a familiar figure at Brands Hatch and Lydden, will be behind the wheel of his 1964 Mini Cooper S, alongside co-driver Alan Pettit, supported by crew chief Jonathan (‘Griffi’) Griffin and assistant Paul Upton and trusty helpers Michael (‘Half Hour’) Hancock and Charlie, from Germany.

Sponsorship of around £20,000 by Potters Bar-based Minispares and Miller Oils from Cambridge funds this Richards' tilt in the annual test of skill and stamina across the French Alps.

Three thousand people apply every year and Bill said: “Just to be accepted to take part is an honour and a privilege and while coverage of the main event (which starts today) is not as good as it used to be, it is still big business in Europe.

“We are treated like gods and are always well looked after.”

He travels with no ambitions of winning, adding: “My sponsors say it doesn’t matter where I come as long as I finish, because, when I stop, so does the PR.”

As well as his immediate support team, and sponsors, Bill also thanked two other Ashford companies for their help, MC Motors, responsible for the spray work and Road Runners who supply all the tyres. We take 35 with us for road, snow and ice.”

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