With the REIS – Get Connected! MSA Asphalt Rally Championship returning to the Isle of Man this month for the Manx Telecom National Rally, it would be rude not to have a Manx themed wallpaper for this month’s giveaway.
Here we have Graham Coffey in his Subaru Impreza S12b powering through a shallow ford on his way to 6th overall.
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An Impressive 3rd in class for Sara in Somerset
After a string of recent challenges facing the Brecon based female rally driver, Sara Williams has returned to the pace she’s best known for, and saw her collect the John Easson Award back in 2010. As one of the UK’s fastest female rally drivers, the 23 year old finished the weekends Butlins Somerset Stages a fantastic 8th overall and 3rd in the ultra-competitive class N4.
Based in the seaside resort of Minehead, the Somerset Stages was the third round of the REIS-Get Connected! BTRDA Rally Series, and saw Sara return to the series in her KLARIUS Group backed Subaru Impreza after missing the Cumbrian classic, the Malcolm Wilson Rally.
“We decided not to do the Malcolm Wilson Rally as it’s such a long way and takes up so much time and money – instead we’re going to squeeze in a few more local rallies in our mixed BTRDA and Welsh campaign”, explained Sara.
Teaming up again with experienced co-driver, Dai Roberts, the pair headed in to the typically sandy and dusty stages full of confidence after overnight rain saturated the forest roads removing so much chance of getting caught in dust.
“We had a good start – we didn’t push too hard as we wanted to see where the pace was after working a lot on the handling of the car and engine mapping at the end of the last season.
“Once we were through the first couple of stages Dai and I were happy to push on and pick up the pace”.
The team proceeded to pick up 9th fastest stage time in the 4 mile Knowle test, and headed in to service lying 10th overall and just 3 seconds behind Brendan Cumiskey in the much more powerful Mitsubishi Lancer.
In a unique twist to the Somerset Stages crews head to Porlock Toll for a double-header up the twisty 3.7-mile tarmac toll road, on gravel set up suspension but with the benefit of tarmac tyres.
“I enjoy the toll road but only have a little tarmac experience in the Impreza”, confessed Sara.
“It’s one of those stages which makes the event so special”
In a return to the gravel stages, and back on forest tyres, Sara proceeded to set 8th fastest time in the first of the repeated Chargot stages, and then an incredible 5th fastest in the second run – moving up to 9th overall and 4th in class.
With just two stages remaining and Sara only 2 seconds behind Cumiskey there was no time to ease off. Sara took an impressive 13 seconds out of Cumiskey on the penultimate stage, Croydon, to move up to 7th overall but decided to back off in the final stage rather than risk losing the points and settled for 8th overall, picking up 3rd in class N4 in the process.
“It was by no means a perfect day but it was nice to return to the pace I was used to back in early 2011. We’ve done a lot of work on the car and have got to thank the support we’ve had from Klarius and Geoff Jones Motorsport to get us back up here.”
Sara’s being supported in her 2012 rallying campaign by Klarius Group, one of the worlds market leaders in aftermarket OEM vehicle parts, Brecon Motors and Brecon Car Rentals, Ian Jones Tyres, Millers Oils and Woodford Trailers.
Sara’s next outing in the Klarious Group backed Impreza will be on the SJR Plains Rally, based out of Welshpool, on the 19th May. You can follow Sara’s progress on her website www.sararally.com and by following her on Twitter @SaraRally
It’s here, finally. You can now download our free desktop calendar to adorn your computer for the next month.
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Maiden win for Will Rogers on the Bulldog
In a dominant performance, setting fastest time on four out of five stages, Will Rogers guided hot-shot Matt Edwards in the Swift Group Mitsubishi Evo9 to his first overall event win on the Bulldog National Rally at the weekend.
Will, from Cinderford in Gloucestershire, teamed up with Matt in a last minute chance deal to contest the second round of the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship.
“I knew Matt was looking for a co-driver for the event so dropped him an email – and the rest, as they say, is history” explained Will. “Of course I was going to jump at the chance – Matt’s a fantastic driver, very quick and committed so I was sure I would be able to learn something from him”.
With a charge from the outset, yet having never sat together in a rally car during an event, Matt and Will went about setting fastest time on the opening stage.
“We knew we were pushing hard through stage one when within the first mile we took a big cut and found ourselves up on two wheels! We got to the end of the stage and found out we were quickest”.
The first stage very much set the tone for the rest of the event, with Matt and Will pushing throughout, gaining more experience with each other, every mile.
“Heading in to the second stage, Matt proclaimed it was one of his favourite stages and again another push was in order.”
After the first two stages, and back in service, it was apparent from the times that an 8 second gap over second place Tom Naughton was not confortable enough to rest on their laurels and back off. The plan for the remaining three stages would remain the same – push!
“We came out of Llangwyer, the shortest stage on the event, and dropped just one second to Tom. With the lead to just 7 seconds, we knew Penllyn and Dyfnant would be make-or-break.
“Penllyn was fast – we hit the limiter in top a couple of times, well in excess of 120mph, and were happy to take another 11 seconds out of Naughton. Dyfnant started slow, with lots of sharp stones on the surface it would’ve been easy to pick up a puncture and lose the lead.”
Will and Matt emerged from the final stage of the day, Dyfnant, taking another 6 seconds out of Naughton and claiming victory with a 27sec margin.
“It was a great day – everything seemed to go right which really is testament to the work Matt puts in both pre-event, preparing the car, and on-event, driving flat out everywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever been so fast in a rally car.
“I’m over the moon to take my first event win and hope that Matt and I can get back together in the car should Sambo be unavailable.”
Their Bulldog win wouldn’t have been possible without the support of their sponsors, RP Joinery, futurefurniture Group, Swift Group and DMack Tyres.
Will’s next outing will be back with Scott Partridge in the GpN Subaru Impreza on the Somerset Stages, on the 21st April.
For all the lastest news and photos from Will Rogers check out www.willrogersrallying.com
**ENDS**
Photo Caption: Maiden win for Will Rogers on the Bulldog
Photo Credit: Pete Owen/RallySport Media
For press information please contact David Benson – RallySport Media
Email: david@rallysportmedia.com Tel: 07834 049038
James Grint made a solid start in his British Rally Championship debut, behind the wheel of his Rigsby’s Guest House backed Citroen Racing DS3 R3, finishing 8th in the ultra-competitive class 5 in the all-new 2-wheel drive only BRC.
With a big switch from the 4-wheel drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 last year, to the 1.6 turbo-charged 2-wheel drive machine this year, the plan has been set to learn the stages and a completely new driving style.
“We managed to get in a bit of mileage before the Bulldog International and I was lucky enough to get some seat time with ex-British Rally Champion and reigning Rally American Champion, David Higgins.
“My co-driver, Craig Drew, also sits alongside David in the American championship so it was great to have both of their input in to my driving style in the new car. That, added with Craig’s experience when it comes to recce’ing, really adds up to confidence on the event.”
A solid start for James’ British Rally Championship
With the Friday night stages of the Welshpool based rally cancelled due to economic reasons, the pair would just have the Saturday’s 9 stages to judge the pace and get up to speed.
“We started off steady” admitted James, “my plan from the outset was drive at a pace I felt comfortable with for the first couple and then judge where the pace was.
“I’ve never competed against many of these guys in like-for-like machinery and know the pace on the BRC is hot so there was no point going all out from the outset and risk breaking the car.”
After the first loop of stages, James and Craig were lying 9th overall and 7th in class, with BRC regulars Pete Taylor and Desi Henry closing the gap fast.
“We were happy with the pace and I was really driving within myself – not taking any chances and still learning a new car. The time I spent with David Higgins plus Matt Edwards out in Sweden, ice driving, really helped with the new driving style coming from 4wd.”
Full of confidence, James headed back to repeat the morning stages of Big Ray, Dyfi Main and Gartheniog and managed to set his fastest time of the event, 10th quickest through the 5.2 mile Big Ray stage.
“The afternoon was long and repeating the first couple of stages gave us a chance to have a bit more of a push on stages we knew a little better. We struggled for grip slightly in the afternoon with the top layer of gravel being swept away and the surface polished but got through it.”
The final three stages of the event were cancelled due to road delays and falling light conditions, meaning the positions James finished SS8, Gartheniog, in would be the final results – coming 11th overall and 8th in class.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get the final three stages – it made up a big portion of the event and would’ve given us time to get more comfortable in the car. We’ll be out on the Pirelli International next and hope to have some time testing some setups beforehand.”
James and the British Racing Grint team are being supported in their 2012 British Rally Championship campaign by Rigsby’s Guest House, Red Dragon I.T, Hertford Flooring and Performance Friction Brakes.
You can follow James’ progress throughout the year, with news and photos, on his website www.brgmotorsports.com and by following him on Twitter @JamesGrint1 and Facebook www.facebook.com/brgmotorsports
**ENDS**
Photo Caption: A solid start for James’ British Rally Championship
Photo Credit: Chris Huish/RallySport Media
For press information please contact David Benson – RallySport Media
Email: david@rallysportmedia.com Tel: 07834 049038
James' new Citroen DS3 R3 adorned in eye-catching green
It’s been one of the worst kept secrets in British rallying of 2012 – teasers on Social Media sites, Facebook and Twitter, rumors and speculation rife across the rallying community and even a mock photo of a Renault 4 appearing – what car will James Grint campaign in 2012?
The speculation can now be put to rest, the rumor mill can stop turning and the British Racing Grint team can now confirm they will be running a Citroen DS3 R3 in the Citroen Racing Trophy UK and British Rally Championship, backed by Greased Lightning, Clay Associates, Marshall Panelcraft and run by the experienced team at AVS Motorsport.
“It seemed the logical step” said James. “We’d had a great season in the Evo9 and had some great results but the DS3 is really the future of rallying, certainly at the top level in the UK.”
The switch marks the teams’ full commitment to the new-look British Rally Championship, which made the bold move to go two-wheel drive only at the beginning of the season, with an aim to make competing at the top rung of the domestic ladder cheaper for younger crews.
“The uptake on the British Championship has been fantastic” commented Nigel Grint, James’ Dad and British Racing Grint Team Manager. “We were fortunate to have a couple of options at the beginning of the year, with our sponsors supporting everything we threw at them, but rather than rush a decision and risk making the wrong one, we bided our time and decided to see how the BRC took off – We’re confident we’ve made the right decision and now need to push on for the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales next weekend”.
James Grint's Distinctive new Citroen DS3 R3
With a completely different driving style to the 4-wheel-drive Mitsubishi, James is confident he’ll find the pace relatively quickly, although is planning on using the year to learn many of the events and how to find the edge.
“Front-wheel-drive isn’t completely new to me – I’ve been using 2-wheel drive cars at the rally school I teach at but this will be my first time using one in competition. I’ve got a test and shakedown planned though the Bulldog will be my first time in the car, in anger.
“I’m at a disadvantage this year as most of the top guys have already had a year’s experience of the stages but I’m confident we’ve got a good team together and with Craig’s (Drew) experience we’ll be able to write some good notes.”
The British Racing Grint has surrounded itself with experience for its first push at the British Rally Championship. AVS Motorsport have been selected to run the car throughout the year, bringing with them years of experience in running top teams in one-make championships and the British Rally Championship. Craig Drew, reigning Rally America Champion, will also be joining the team on selected outings in 2012, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in fighting for national championships.
“I’ve met up with Craig quite a few times, through the development work we did with Nik Elsmore in the Evo. We’ve tested together quite a few times and we did the Trackrod together last year, albeit only a few miles. We’ve got a great relationship and we’re both really looking forward to the BRC together.”
James will be starting the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales behind the wheel of his new Citroen DS3 R3, with one aim – experience. With the prize money available from the Citroen Racing Trophy, it’s important to finish each event and gain experience of the stages.
You can follow James’ progress in his first year in the British Rally Championship by visiting his website, www.brgmotorsports.com, his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/brgmotorsports or following him on Twitter @JamesGrint1.
Rising Star: Davies took a Dominant Class Win
Cameron Davies, the 17-year-old rally star from Llandovery, stunned the competition when he stormed his way to a class win on his REIS-Get Connected! BTRDA Rally Series debut and in only his second gravel rally.
Don’t be fooled by Cameron’s age – he’s been working towards competing in full gravel rallies since he was 14 years old and started competing in the Pirelli backed British Junior Championship in a 1ltr Nissan Micra. He’s got more experience behind the wheel than many of his older competition and is the future of British rallying at the top level.
After burning the midnight oil, the teenager headed to the Lake District town of Cockermouth for his first foray in to the ultra-competitive BTRDA Rally Series, after only contesting one other gravel rally – Wales Rally GB National. Unsure what to expect considering the experience of the competition, he decided to drive within himself and judge his times at the midday service.
“It was a real race against time just to get to the Malcolm Wilson. We’ve been converting the Micra to RF1.4 spec, which allows very basic safety modifications and a 1.3 engine in the little car – the team did a fantastic job to get us up there and finished the car on Thursday.
“We had no idea how our pace would compare. By the time we came in to service we were pleasantly surprised to see we were leading the class by nearly 30 seconds from Mick Smith, the ex-Skoda Challenge star.”
Comfortable with their pace, in a completely untested car, Cameron and co-driver Alistair Dodd decided to continue without taking any risks – but fate would have other plans.
“We were having a good run through the first of the infamous Grizedale stages, taking a further 12 seconds out of Mick and 25 seconds out of ex-Junior, Aaron McClure but then in the second of the long stages we had an overheating problem.”
Distracted by the rising temperature gauge, the crew span and were unable to find reverse gear, resulting in time lost.
“We’d taken a big cut earlier in the stage which had damaged the gear linkage. That was the least of our worries as we got to the end of the stage and had steam rising out of the engine bay – our service team confirmed the worst as it was diagnosed as a failing head gasket.”
With a rerun through Greystoke Forest, the pair drove as carefully as they dared, with Mick Smith still within pouncing distance should Cameron and Alastair be unable to finish, but still managed to take 17 seconds out of Smith.
Wythop, the final 3 miles of the rally, provided the tensest stage Cameron had ever experienced.
“It was such a short stage but could easily have proven the sting in the tail of the event. We knew we could take it steady, with a 53 second lead, and took no risks, losing just 2 seconds to Mick by the finish.”
In his BTRDA debut, and only his second gravel event, Cameron Davies and Alastair Dodd finished an incredible 1st in class, 51 seconds ahead of their nearest rival.
“We really couldn’t have done any of this without RDH Contactors, Delta Pet Nutrition and PEC as our sponsors. They’ve supported me throughout and I’m looking forward to rewarding them with many more similar results.
“The plan now is to sort the head gasket, find some time to properly shake the car down and contest the next round of the championship, the Somerset Stages in Minehead.”
You can keep up to date with all of Cameron’s rallying activities on his website www.camerondavies.com and by following him on twitter @Cameron_Davies.
The photo gallery from the Mid Wales Stages are now online, opening round of the British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC) and Pirelli Welsh Clubman Forest Championship. Buy prints and digital images safely and securely.
Images from the REIS-Get Connected! BTRDA Rally Series Round 2, the Malcolm Wilson Rally, are now online to view and purchase. You can buy online quickly and safely using PayPal.
Check the gallery now by clicking the image below.
Sara Williams being presented the BWRDC Louise Aitken-Walker Trophy by Louise
Brecon rally driver, Sara Williams, had double reason to celebrate at the weekend, picking up a top award and finishing the Mid Wales Stages 12th overall in her KLARIUS Group backed Subaru Impreza.
Her weekend started when she was invited down to Silverstone Race Circuit, home of the British Grand Prix, to pick up the Louise Aitken-Walker Award for top placed rally driver in the British Womens Racing Driver Club (BWRDC). Not only did she pick up the fantastic award, but she was also presented it by her hero, Louise Aitken-Walker.
“Louise is a really hero of mine. She’s an inspiration to my rally driving and proof of what can be achieved by a woman at the top level of a very male dominated sport.” said Sara.
The award is the latest in a string of high-profile accolades for the Brecon 22 year old. In 2010 she picked up the 2300 Motor Club’s John Easson Award, which provides over £4,000 to help an upcoming driver gain experience and progress their career.
It wasn’t all mingling with race and rally stars for Sara, as she had to compete herself on the Rally Marketing Mid Wales Stages, which took in Hafren, Myherin and the Sweet Lamb Complex on the Sunday morning.
“It’s great to get back in the car on a surface which hasn’t been ice!” exclaimed Sara. “The Wyedean wasn’t a great start to the year but we got a good points haul in the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship. Our Ice Driving Experience in Sweden though was much more enjoyable and I really felt like I’ve been able to put some of the skills I learnt to good use today.”
The Mid Wales Stages acts as the opening round of the Welsh Clubman Championship and gave Sara the first opportunity of the year to test the car since it underwent development work during the winter.
“These are very similar stages to the one’s we used on Wales Rally GB back in November. We know the car was down on power during the event and have changed quite a few components to solve the problem.
“Our pace has been good and has certainly increased during the day and I’m really happy to finish 12th overall and 8th in class. The car feels like a new car – I’ve got to say a big thanks to Geoff and the guys at Geoff Jones Motorsport who’ve complete transformed it.”
Sara is supported this year by KLARIUS Group, Ian Jones Tyres, Woodford Trailers, Brecon Car Rental and Brecon Motors with additional support from Millers Oils. She’s planning to contest the Bulldog Rally next, which starts in Welshpool, on the 24th March – the second round of the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship.
You can follow her progress on Twitter @SaraRally and her website, www.sararally.com.
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