Land Rover Defender Challenge at Autosport International

If you think Land Rover Defender, you probably don't think rally car! Off Road racing experts Bowler Motorsport see it differently and have taken Solihull's finest and given it it's very own Rally Challenge. With a raft of technical innovations including an anti-flop gearstick, the Defender is sure to pack a punch on the rally stage. Rosemary John meets up with Jon Chester from Bowler to find out more.

Disappointment for Wright on Dukeries Rally

David Wright pushing hard on the Dukeries Rally. Photo courtesy of Songasport

Bentham’s David Wright was robbed of the chance to push for a victory on last weekend’s Dukeries rally when a driveshaft snapped dropping him down the leaderboard.

Wright got off to a great start in his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-supported Mitsubishi Evo 9 and, after setting the fastest time in stage 5 he was up to second overall, just 11 seconds off the leader. With another five stages still to go Wright was confident of making up the time to take the win but disaster struck on the start line of stage 8 when the driveshaft broke.

With no service halt after stage 8 Wright was forced to do two stages with the damaged shaft which dropped him to 13^th on the leaderboard. The problem was fixed for the last stage and Wright made it to 12^th place and 4^th in class.

“The first few stages went really well,” said Wright. “I was very happy to be beating all but one of the World Rally class cars, the Dukeries stages have a lot of long straights which are a major disadvantage for our car.”

“I think we had a great chance of winning the event but the snapped shaft put paid to that. It was a very disappointing way to end what could’ve been a fantastic rally for us.”

Wright’s next event will be the Nicky Grist Stages in July although he will also be appearing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the International Rally Drivers Club display.

Twingo Trophy returns to British Rally Championship in 2013

Fast action from last year's Twingo Trophy - expect more of the same as part of the 2013 British Rally Championship

The Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK will follow all seven rounds of the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013, joining the UK’s premier rally series for the second year running.

The Twingo R1 Trophy provides the winner with a fantastic Renault Sport Technologies-funded prize drive in a Twingo R2 Evo on the final round of the French Rally Championship. The R1 crews also benefit from an on event prize fund with parts vouchers of £500, £300 & £200 going to 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd respectively on each of the seven rounds.

There are some updates to the Twingo R1 for 2013 too, with the facelifted shape, new competition dampers and an ECU upgrade to increase torque being homologated for the start of the new season, it makes an ideal car in which to fight for the British Junior Rally Championship title. Also new for 2013, right hand drive versions will be permissible with donor cars being sourced in the UK, it should make it even cheaper to build a car with second hand low cost examples being readily available.

Competitors using the Twingo R2 will be recognised with their own Renaultsport awards relating to their overall position in the new RallyTwo Championship. Running alongside the R1 cars with parts and technical support on all BRC events, the eventual R2 winner will be presented with his or her trophy at the prestigious British Rally Championship Awards Ceremony.

In addition to being eligible for the new BRC RallyTwo Championship, both versions of the rapid little Twingo will be vying for a yellow jersey nomination and a place in the Pirelli Star Driver competition to win a prize drive in the 2014 BRC.

All users of Renault rally cars will benefit from the presence of Monster Sport Europe who will attend all of the rounds with a parts supply vehicle, hospitality area and support.

Competitors running Twingo and Clio should contact MSE direct to make them aware of any parts requirements they have ahead of the new season.

For more information visit www.renaultsport.co.uk or www.twingotrophy.co.uk

Rockingham lines up action packed Calendar for 2013

BTCC is sure to be a fan favourite at Rockingham in 2013

WITH the new motorsport season just around the corner Rockingham has announced its exciting racing line-up for 2013, which will again feature action on both two and four wheels at the Northamptonshire circuit.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship leads the action on four wheels and will again be the headline race meeting when it returns in the autumn. Rockingham hosts Round Eight of the UK’s premier tin-top series over the weekend of September 14/15.

Following a successful return last season, the UK’s largest bike racing series, Thundersport GB, is back over the weekend of July 27/28, to offer the chance to watch an awesome array of motorcycle racing on Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Motorcycle Circuit.

It’s also a summer date for 750 Motor Club, which is one of the UK’s leading motor racing organisers with championships to suit all tastes. The club will hold its maiden race meeting at Rockingham over the weekend of July 13/14.

The Avon Tyres British GT Championship will provide a touch of glamour over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 5/6, when some of the world’s most prestigious supercars will provide bumper-to-bumper racing at breathtaking speeds.

Rockingham Chief Executive Charlotte Orton said: “We are looking forward to a fantastic 2013 season at Rockingham. We have secured some great race meetings this year from grass roots motorsport through to the UK’s premier motor racing series.”

The British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) will raise the curtain on the new season over the weekend of April 6/7, while British Automobile Race Club (BARC) are pencilled in for two visits on May 10/11 and August 10/11.

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Rockingham 2013 Race Calendar

April 6/7 BRSCC Race Weekend

May 5/6 Avon Tyres British GT Championship

May 10/11 BARC Race Meeting

June 1 Britcar

July 13/14 750 Motor Club

July 27/28 Thundersport GB

August 10/11 BARC Race Meeting

Sept 7 BRSCC Race Weekend

Sept 14/15 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship

Dec 7/8 Rockingham Stages Rally

To reinforce Rockingham’s commitment to making motor racing accessible and affordable to all fans, adult admission prices start from just £10 per day, while children aged 16 and under get in for free.

Don’t forget if you buy a BTCC Sunday race day ticket before March 1, you will receive free entry to Saturday’s qualifying day. Advance tickets can be purchased either online at www.rockingham.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.

All tickets include a grandstand seat with a unique panoramic view of the entire circuit and access to the race paddock, allowing an exclusive insight into the hard work which goes on behind the scenes to keep the drivers and cars on track.

For more information visit the race events page on the Rockingham website.

David Wright takes on the Wyedean Rally

David Wright aims to get his 2013 season off to a flying start on the slippery Wyedean rally

Bentham's David Wright will start his 2013 rally season next weekend when he contests the Wyedean Forest rally in his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-backed GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9.

The Chepstow-based event is the opening round of the BTRDA rally championship which Wright is intending to contest this season.

"I can't wait for the season to commence," said Wright. "I'm keen to get the year off to a good start after our disappointing retirement from the Grizedale Stages at the end of last year."

"I enjoy the Forest of Dean stages that the Wyedean uses although I am hoping that conditions will be better than last year when the stages were covered in sheet ice - it becomes a bit of a lottery when we have zero grip."

"Thanks to the support from my sponsors we are starting the year with the aim of contesting the full BTRDA championship. I will be trying to repeat the title win I achieved in 2009."

The rally starts from Chepstow racecourse on Saturday morning with the crews facing tough stages such as Speech House and Serridge.

Rally 2 Raise back in action

The Rally 2 Raise Nissan Micra in action

After a very successful 2012 where £2,500 was raised for four charities the Rally2Raise project will continue in 2013.

The project, founded by Aberdeen's Rachel Clark, is using motorsport to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes and for this year the Nystagmus Network will once again be supported.

John Sanders of the Nystagmus Network said: "The Nystagmus Network funded research in Leicester University and Moorfields Eye Hospital in 2012. We helped more than 800 people directly by email and phone and thousands more through the support and information on our website.”

“We also published our ‘The Challenge of Nystagmus’ book and wrote a new ‘easy guide to nystagmus’ for teachers. All of these achievements were only possible thanks to the support of Rally2Raise and many other fundraisers and donors. We hope to do a lot more in 2013 and are really pleased that Rally2Raise continues to support us."

In addition Rally2Raise will help raise awareness of the Bottle Stop campaign, a campaign started by Jane Sherriff after her husband tragically died after being attacked and stabbed with a broken glass bottle at a corporate event In London. The aim of the campaign is to ban glass bottles from late night pubs and clubs.

Rally2Raise has already had a great start to the year with the news that the Saltire Rally Club have very generously agreed to continue their support, part of which will involve the Rally2Raise Micra running as course car on the popular Saltire Classic rally in March.

Colin Wallace of the Saltire Rally Club said: "The Saltire Rally Club were delighted to support Rally2Raise in 2012. We look forward to continuing our association in 2013 and contributing to the superb work of the nominated charities.”

Rachel is hoping to compete on selected Scottish Rally Championship events this year but her first event will be running as course car on the E.Watson and Son Coneyhatch rally time trial next Sunday.

Rachel commented: "I'm delighted that Rally2Raise was such a success last year and we are hoping to build on that this year. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported us, we raised far more than I expected and I think the awareness raising, particularly of the lesser known causes such as nystagmus, went really well."

"We have decided to continue to support the Nystagmus Network this year. My son suffers from nystagmus and I want to do all I can to help find a cure for it. We will also help raise awareness for Bottle Stop. Both myself and fellow Rally2Raise team member Katherine have seen the trauma due to glass incidents through our work. Jane has been through her worst nightmare in losing her husband and she has founded Bottle Stop to try and prevent more families from going through that pain. The cause really resonated with us.”

"I can't wait for the season to start, Stonehaven and District Motor Club have kindly let me run as course car on their time trial so that will be a good way to blow away the cobwebs. Hopefully we will be able to run on a few of the Scottish championship rounds again this year but that will depend on funding – if anyone can help with the costs of running the Rally2Raise Micra please get in touch via our website.”

For more information please visit http://www.rally2raise.co.uk or follow the team on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rally2raise and Twitter @rally2raise.

Toughest LeJog ever

A BMW 2002 makes it's way through a winter wonderland

More than 60 classic cars battled their way between Land’s End and John O’Groats on this year LeJog endurance rally, which is being described as the toughest ever.

Tomas de Vargas Machuca, joint Managing Director of the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (H.E.R.O.), said: “This year’s LeJog was probably the toughest we have ever had, with new routes and fewer but longer special tests.”

“The weather gave enough challenges to the competitors but without being too appalling – it was slippery but road conditions were good enough to allow us to carry on with the tests and trials without having to cancel any section”.

Drivers set off from Land’s End on Saturday 1^st December on an epic 1,400 mile route across Britain, travelling through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Northumberland, East Lothian, West Lothian, North Lanarkshire, and across Scotland to arrive in John O’Groats after a four day period of tough rallying.

Porsche 911races towards the sunrise

Tomas added: “As expected, crews were very competitive and top positions kept changing during the first days of competition. There were a few retirees due to mechanical problems but overall we had a very successful event.”

The winners of the elusive gold medal of this year’s LeJog were Andy Lane from Saddleworth and FIA Champion Navigator Iain Tullie from Cumbria, who came first in their 1973 BMW 2002 Tii.

Andy Lane said: “It was a very hard event this year. We were only able to come first because car eleven, who was leading, got hit by another vehicle on the road se we were able to take over the first place and win.”

The “Team Triumph”, formed by driver Tony Sheach from Fleet, Hampshire, and navigator Richard Lambley from Slough, Berkshire, finished in second place in their 1964 Triumph TR4. Tony Sheach also won the Test Pilot Award as he had the best overall performance on the tests.

Roger Bricknell from Bodmin, Cornwall, and Ryan Pickering, from Totton, Southampton, finished third in their 1966 Triumph TR4A

LeJog served as the fourth and final qualifying round of the much coveted HERO Cup, which went to father and son team from Bolton, Michael Baker and Simon Baker. During the year, the Bakers were the crew with the overall highest score, having driven their 1978 Porsche 911 SC to 3rd place in the Scottish Malts and 2nd in the Summer Trial.

Peter Nedin, Hero’s Event Director and Clerk of the Course for LeJog, said: “LeJog is one of the toughest events of its kind in Europe, possibly the world, and we constantly strive to maintain this enviable reputation. As expected, we had freezing temperatures, rain, snow, black ice, but that certainly didn’t stop the drivers who wanted to finish the course no matter what the conditions were.”

A variety, built before 1984, took part including a 1957 MGA coupe driven by Curt Wagner and Horst Pokroppa, a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL driven by Jochen Gabriel and Onder Turker and a 1974 Datzun 240 Z driven by Riccardo Moraldi and Pietro Turrinelli, amongst others including BMWs, Alfa Romeos, Triumphs and Porsches.

Patrick Burke, joint Managing Director of the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO), said: "LeJog is one of the most testing events that we have ever run. It continues to attract crews from all over Europe which is a testament to the event and all those who worked so hard to make it happen.”

He added: “We were delighted with the welcome LeJog received around the country with people being more than willing to allow use of their land and to let controls be sited in appropriate places. For many people, LeJog is the only competitive motor sport event that comes past their door and they were keen to turn out and see the cars go through their area.”

Come rain, wind and weatther, Le Jog continues south

HERO supported the Whyte Sisters, Seren (23) and Elise (21), who tackled LeJog to raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Foundation in a 1964 Mini Cooper S provided by HERO Arrive & Drive. The Sisters were also the youngest female crew to compete ever.

LeJog was supported by AVIS, exclusive support vehicle partners of HERO Events and Orianda (www.orianda1937.com), who sponsor the first prize of the HERO Cup by offering a week sailing in the Mediterranean on board this splendid yacht.

Every competitor dreamed of collecting one of the elusive gold medals, but crossing the finishing line was the main aim of many, particularly novices. The sense of achievement is immense and most crews passed under the finish banner with huge smiles on their faces. 

David Wright returns hungry for success

David Wright returns from Injury to take on the Grizedale Stages Rally.

Bentham’s David Wright will end his 2012 rally season on Saturday when he contests the Coniston-based Grizedale Stages. After winning the rally in 2011 he is aiming for another victory on the challenging Cumbrian event this year.

Wright has been out of action since October following a serious hand injury suffered at work which meant he was unable to drive but, although he has not fully recovered, he should be fit enough to return to competition at the weekend in his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-backed GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9.

“I’ve not done a rally since the Merrick Stages so it will be good to be back out in the car again,” said Wright.

“My hand is still painful but I’ve got most of the movement back into it now so I think I’ll be ok to drive competitively. I’m really looking forward to our final event of the year, Grizedale is always a cracking rally and the stages used are some of my favourites.”

“It is always a very tough event and the forest tracks are very challenging, especially after all the recent wet weather. They are sure to be extremely slippery. It would be great to win the event again but there are some very quick crews entered so it will be difficult. It could all come down to the very long 18 mile stage that ends the rally. Thank you to all my sponsors for their valued support, I hope we can get a good result to round off the year.”

The rally starts from Coniston on Saturday morning with most of the action taking place in Grizedale forest. 

Mull Rally : Leg 1 Report

THE TUNNOCK'S MULL RALLY got underway in some of the wettest, soggiest, slippery conditions in its 43-year history. How bad were conditions? Well when Dervaig's Calum Duffy opted to start the rally on four wet tyres for the first time ever, you realise conditions must have been pretty treacherous (see photos from the Tunnock's Mull Rally).

But even before the rally started, there were disappointed faces in the field.

Car 70, the Vauxhall Nova of John Paterson (Salen) and Lee Paterson Proud (Dervaig) suffered a broken camshaft on the way to scrutineering and failed to start.

Then Car 42, the Ford FiestaST of Luke Pinder (Shipley) and Martin Taylor, burst its power steering on way to the start. At one stage it looked as though they might be able to carry out repairs and take their place on the start, but they couldn't get the parts.

Duffy though, co-driven by Iain Duffy, threw down the gauntlet right from the start, opening up a 12-second lead on the BMW Mini of Daniel Harper (Nelson) and the Ford Fiesta ST of Iain MacKenzie (Dervaig).

"Very slippery out there: probably some of the worst conditions I've rallied in," Duffy said at first service. "Glad we softened up the suspension before we started. Our front tyres had a bit of grip, but the rears we just couldn't get enough heat into them. We obviously need to soften the rear suspension, so we'll be faster next stage.

"It's very easy to go off tonight: stages are very slippery. We'll get through the next few shortish stages, then make another big push over the closing two long stages tonight."

But while all went according to plan for pre-event favourite and six-time winner Duffy, it was a nightmare opening 100-metres for rival James MacGillivary.

The Mull driver, seeded No2, ground to a halt in his MkII at Post 1 on the opening stage with fuel and electrical problems: and with it evaporated any chance of winning the rally.

MacGillivary eventually managed to identify the problem and restart, but by that time he'd dropped just under six minutes. Ironically, the car then proceeded to run faultlessly for the rest of the night. Typical Mull!

Duffy continued to set the pace through the next stage, the 14-and-a-half miler at Hill Road, though by now Tony Bardy had found his feet in his Nissan Sunny GTi-R. The Richmond driver was just 2.0secs off the pace and eased himself into second overall.

Bardy then took 8secs out of Duffy on the two circuits of Bunessan, and the gap at the top was down to 12s. It had closed to 7s by the time they exited the to blasts round the 2.62-miles at Ardtun.

At this stage the two drivers were so well matched that they set identical times of 4mins 13secs on SS6, the 4.63-miles at Loch Scridian. Duffy though was about to light the blue touchpaper.

Fastest again through the eight-miler at Gribun Rocks, where Lewis Gallagher was second-fastest in his Subaru and Bardy dropped 10s, it was the night's final test at Calgary Bay where Duffy stamped his authority.

The Ford driver finished 38s ahead of the field, with Mull's WRC Academy contender John MacCrone finishing second in his Ford Fiesta. Significantly, Bardy dropped 1min 34secs, though he was perfectly content with his night's work: "We're taking no risks and just not overdriving the car," he said.

That left the Duffy leading Bardy by 1:51s overnight. All the more impressive given he'd run through Gribun on dipped lights. The headlights hadn't been charging properly due to the alternator hanging off because a bracket had broken. How did the crew fix the problem?

"The Boys fixed it with a tree-felling wedge to tension the alternator pulley, tied in with a bit of fence wire and held in place with tie-wraps,” Duffy explained.

Tunnock's Mull Rally — End of Leg 1 of 3 (Overall Top 10 after SS9 of 17):

1. Calum Duffy 59.37;

2. Tony Bardy +1min 51secs;

3. John MacCrone +2.01s;

4. Daniel Harper +2.10s;

5. Jonathan Mounsey +2.34s;

6. Lewis Gallagher +3.01s;

7. Eddie O'Donnell jnr +3.49s;

8. John Cope +3.57s;

9. Tristan Pye +4.10s

10. Billy Bird +4.55s.

MacCrone starts today just 10s behind Bardy, and 9s ahead of fourth-placed Harper. Jonathan Mounsey (Settle) was fifth in his Mitsubishi Evo XI, 24s behind Harper, with Lewis Gallagher's Subaru sixth. The Tobermory driver starts today just 27s adrift of Mounsey.

Top 10 was rounded out by seventh-placed Eddie O'Donnell's Ford Escort RS, 8s ahead of the Subarus of John Cope (Walshaw) and Tristan Pye (Bishop Auckland) Billy Bird's Vauxhall Chevette holds 10th.

In the Classes, MacCrone holds healthy lead of almost 3mins in Class B ahead of the Honda Civic of Ian Chadwick. Class C though is shaping up to be a tight battle, with the Opel Manta of Graham Wilcock 15s ahead of the Peugeot of Huddersfield's Matt Tarbutt. He in turn holds a 37s advantage over the Ford Escort MkII of Ellon's Doug Weir. Kircudbright's Stephen Thompson leads Class A behind the wheel of his Vauxhall Nova.

In the Historics, Northallerton's Andrew Smith leads H5 in his Ford Escort MkII, with John Marshall (Dunblane) ahead in H4 piloting his Escort. The lead in H3 is held by Jim McDowall's Hillman Avenger.

ON THE ROCKS

The Peugeot 205GTi (Car 69) of Nantwich duo, Andrew Woodward and Tom Bowen, ended up stranded on rocks after it went off on SS8 at Gribun. The medics and midpoint rescue crew attended the incident and both competitors were taken out of the stage uninjured.

Subsequently Car 68 — the Citroen C2 R2 of Yorkshire crew Richard Sykes and Simon Taylor — was reported 'missing'. As a result of the rescue crew from the start of the stage being sent in to 'find them', a decision was taken to run the remaining 25 cars through 'uncompetitively'.

"We had huge numbers of spectators standing waiting to see the action at Smithy Corner and Dervaig," Clerk of the Course Iain Campbell explained, "and as it was looking like the gap would be up to around 35 mints, we didn't want to leave them standing in the pouring rain with no action to watch."

STAR ATTRACTION

There's at least one 'celebrity' on Mull this weekend. Roy Pilkington was marshalling on Bunessan last night, and will be on the Long One this evening. He has though been getting chased by autograph hunters. Why? Because he's one of the guys filmed in Eddie Stobart Truck & Trailers. Aye, the stars are all here!

Rally2Raise enjoy successful Speyside Rally

The Rally2Raise team run ahead of the pack on the Spayside Stages

The Rally2Raise team of Rachel Medich, from Aberdeen, and Katherine Begg, from Morecambe, enjoyed a very successful Speyside Stages rally last weekend when they had a troublefree run through the three stages they had been allocated to complete as well as raising over £340 for the four charities that the Rally2Raise project is supporting.

The Elgin-based event was round six of the Scottish Rally Championship and the organisers, 63 Car Club, had invited Rachel and Katherine to drive some of the stages ahead of the competitors as “000” car.

The day started with stages one and two which were held in Cooper Park in Elgin in front of a large number of spectators.  The Rally2Raise team had a clear run through the stages in their Clark Motorsport and DMack supported-Nissan Micra, entertaining the crowd with a dramatic lock-up of the tyres as they approached a tight hairpin bend on the course.

The team then headed for the Rosarie stage which was a forest test near the town of Keith. Despite having to use a map rather than pacenotes the girls negotiated the very slippery stage well and made it to the finish without a mark on the car.

“I was pleased to get through the stages unscathed,” said Rachel. “It was first time Katherine and myself had driven on an event since our accident on the Granite City rally so we were both quite nervous before the start. It went really well though and we both had a very enjoyable time.”

“We were absolutely delighted to find that we had received over £340 in donations from the spectators and officials of the rally, a huge thank you to everyone who supported us and our four causes and thanks also to the 63 Car Club for letting us run on the event.”

The Rally2Raise car’s next scheduled appearance is at the Merrick Stages in South West Scotland which takes place on 1st September.

Please visit www.rally2raise.co.uk or www.facebook.com/rally2raise for more information on the project or to make a donation to the charities the project is supporting.

Monaghan heads for Tyneside Stages on new Dunlop Tyres

Kev Monaghan's new tyres should allow him to reach new heights

Kev Monaghan is hoping that brand new Dunlop tyres supplied by new sponsor Stauff will help him challenge for a class win on next weekend’s Tyneside Stages rally on Otterburn army ranges.

The event is round six of the MSA Asphalt Championship and despite not entering the last two rounds Monaghan presently lies third in his class championship, his points tally boosted by a class win on the last rally he contested.

Chris Purvis is still not 100% fit so Steve Dargan will take his place in the co-driver’s seat in the Pirtek and Stauff-backed Vauxhall Corsa Kit Car

“It has been a few weeks since we competed so I’m raring to go,” said Monaghan. “I can’t wait to get the car on Otterburn on the new tyres. It will be the first time I have ever used brand new rubber, I usually use part-worn or 10 year old S1600 tyres.”

“We will be pushing hard for a class win to try and move ourselves up the championship standings but there is some top class competition so it will be very tough.”

“Thanks to Pirtek, Stauff, GB Lubricants and F&R Belbin for their continued support and also to Chris for working with Steve preparing the pacenotes.”

The rally starts on Sunday morning (11th August) and the crews will face around 90 miles of stages on the notoriously difficult ranges.

Kev Monaghan heads to the Isle of Man

Kev Monaghan in action on the Tour of Epynt, before the problems that cost him a finish.
Photo : Songasport

Kev Monaghan is aiming to get his rally season back on track next weekend when he contests round 2 of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, the Manx National rally.

After retiring from the opening championship round in March Monaghan needs a good finish on the Manx to kick start his championship campaign.

With usual co-driver Chris Purvis out injured after an accident at work Monaghan will have David Jones on the pacenotes in the Pirtek-backed Vauxhall Corsa Kit Car.

“Having competed for more years than I care to remember I cannot wait to rally on the Isle of Man, it is a venue that I have always wanted to compete at,” said Monaghan.

“Losing Chris is a big blow - as most drivers know the confidence you get from working together with the same co-driver over a period of time is difficult to replace but David Jones has competed on the Manx before so that experience will be very useful. Everyone at Pirtek wishes Chris a speedy recovery and we hope to see him competing again soon.”

The front hubs have been strengthened on the Corsa following problems on the last event and an additional front engine mount has been added to cope with the paddle shift gearbox.

“Hopefully the work we’ve done on the hubs will prevent the problem we had on the last round reoccurring. I’ll be aiming to get into the top three of the class so that we pick up a decent amount of points. Thanks to Pirtek Tyne & Wear, F&R Belbin, GB Lubricants, Playskool Motorsport and Carl and Rob Tuer for getting the car setup sorted.”

The rally starts on Friday evening (11th May) before continuing with a full day of action on Saturday. Competitors will face 120 miles of stages all held on the island’s closed public roads.

Rally 2 Raise passes £1500 in donations

Rachel Medich and the Rally 2 Raise Micra : Photo by Songasport

The Rally2Raise project, which is using motorsport to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes, recently passed the £1,500 mark in donations.

The project was set up in late 2011 by Rachel Medich to support the Nystagmus Network, the MS Society, Cancer Research UK and the Joanne Bingley Memorial Foundation for post-natal depression.

As well as undertaking fundraising activities Rachel and her friend Katherine Begg have been promoting all four causes through participating in motorsport events in their DMACK Tyres and Clark Motorsport-supported Rally2Raise Nissan Micra rally car.

 “The support for the project has been absolutely fantastic,” commented Rachel. “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us so far, I am delighted that we have been able to raise so much already.”

“We’ve got a lot more fundraising events planned over the next few months so hopefully we will be able to raise even more.”

Nystagmus Network development manager John Sanders said: "We are so grateful to Rachel and Katherine for all that they are doing to raise both funds and awareness through their rally driving. At around one in 1,000, nystagmus is more common than most people think - you've almost certainly met someone with nystagmus for instance. One of the challenges we face is getting that message across, and that's where Rally2Raise is making a big difference."

Rachel is hoping to contest the Dumfries-based Scottish rally in June and she has already agreed to take part in the Merrick stages in September after the rally organisers made Rally2Raise their nominated charitable cause for 2012.

For more information on the project please visit www.rally2raise.co.uk or www.facebook.com/rally2raise. Online donations can be made via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rally2raise.

Sykes endures disappointing Pirelli Rally

 Sykes in action on the Pirelli before technical problems
Photo : Songasport

Rally driver Richard Sykes had a disappointing Pirelli Challenge rally last weekend when a mystery electrical problem caused him to retire from the event.

The Carlisle-based event was round 3 of the BRC Challenge championship and after excellent performances in his Bathams Brewery, G I Sykes Ltd, Boroughbridge Marina and Silverstone Tyres-supported Citroën C2 R2 Max on the opening two rounds Sykes went into the event at the head of the championship leaderboard.

The rally started well and going into the third stage Sykes was just six seconds behind rally leader Simon Moore despite not pushing hard as his target for the event was a podium finish rather than a win.

Part way through the third stage the car suffered an electrical problem which meant it had very little power as the engine would not rev above 1500rpm. Sykes and co-driver Simon Taylor carried on through the stage hoping to nurse the car to the end but there was a steep hill near the finish and the car did not have enough power to get up it. Despite frantic attempts to repair the car the event was over for the Stourbridge driver.
 
“Everything was going to plan, we were aiming for a podium finish so to be in second place early on was ideal,” commented Sykes. “Sadly the mysterious electrical fault ended our hopes. I tried changing various items on the car at the side of the stage but I couldn’t cure it.”

“It’s very disappointing as we’d prepared for the Pirelli more than any other rally we’ve done – I didn’t drink in the week before the event and I’d even been to the gym three times. The only positive thing is that the guys who took the podium places have already had retirements on the previous events so we’re still in a good position for the championship, especially as the next three rounds are on my preferred surface of tarmac.”

“Thanks to my service crew who have put heart and soul into the car for the last four weeks and were more gutted than we were at the retirement. We’ll get the little glitches sorted and move forward.”

Sykes’ next event will be the Jim Clark Challenge rally which takes place at the start of June.

Donnelly and Roberts lead Renault's Pirelli International attempt

Renault's R3 Rally car... Mud Optional.

Northern Ireland’s Mark Donnelly and Welsh co-driver Dai Roberts lead Renault UK’s assault on the MSA British Manufacturers Rally Championship on this weekend’s Pirelli International Rally.

Undeterred after a high speed crash in Wales and after a huge effort by his team to repair the car, the youngster will pilot his 250HP Clio Renaultsport R3 in an attempt to emulate his stunning first round victory on February’s Rallye Sunseeker International. However, Renault’s second position in the manufacturers’ tables is not just down to one driver, as the top two cars from each of the registered marques score on every event.

It was Cumbria’s Peter Taylor, accompanied by Newcastle’s Andrew Roughead, who bagged top Renault UK points in Wales, having ably assisted Donnelly to put Renault atop the tables in Bournemouth. The affable 20 year-old should arguably arrive at the Carlisle start most refreshed, living just ten miles from the Carlisle Racecourse rally HQ.

Nick Allen could argue that he has travelled the furthest to contest the infamous Kielder Forest stages, although it has been several months since the Californian left San Francisco to take part in the 2012 British Rally Championship. Now living in the north east of England, it was he and Solihull’s Andy Bull who helped keep Renault UK’s manufacturer title hopes alive, second Renault home on round two of the BRC.

Driving a brace of Twingos, Chris Ingram and Garry Pearson might be fighting for their respective R2 and R1 Twingo Trophies, but they are keen to be involved in the fight for Manufacturers’ honours and will push as hard as they dare this weekend.

The Pirelli International Rally gets underway with a parade of cars in Carlisle City Centre this Friday (27^th April) from 5pm. Drivers will be on hand from 6pm to sign autographs and the flag drops from 7pm before two evening forest stages. The bulk of the mileage takes place on Saturday, finishing around 7pm back at the rally’s headquarters at Carlisle Racecourse.

Keep up to date with rallying from Renault UK and the Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK at www.renaultsport.co.uk

Sykes attempts to continue lead of BRC Challenge

BRC Challenge leader Richard Sykes heads to the Pirelli looking to maintain his lead.

Rally driver Richard Sykes, from Stourbridge, is aiming for a podium finish on next weekend’s Pirelli Challenge event as he seeks to maintain his lead in the BRC Challenge rally championship.

The Carlisle-based rally is the third round of the championship with Sykes and co-driver Simon Taylor having already taken a first and second place on the opening two rounds.

Since the previous round extensive work has been undertaken on Sykes’ Bathams Brewery, G I Sykes Ltd, Boroughbridge Marina and Silverstone Tyres-supported Citroën C2 R2 Max including an engine rebuild.

"The engine was getting near to the end of its life and was down on power," commented Sykes. "We’ve done a full rebuild on it ready for the Pirelli and we’ve also done a lot of work to lighten the car."

"We’re focused on finishing the event on the podium to get a good haul of championship points and I will drive within myself to get there but if we are in a position to safely push for a win we will do."

"Last time I did the Pirelli I was the leading Citroën driver part way through the event but went off the road trying too hard for the win so I’ve learnt my lesson from that."

"I am feeling confident and it is great to be able to concentrate on driving and not worry about the bad reliability we have had in the past. We’ve got Simon Hawthorn looking after the car with Martin Billings joining Simon on the events, they are the best guys I have worked with in rallying and their work on the car has meant that so far this year we’ve only had to clean it and change the tyres in service, we’ve had no other problems at all."

Sykes and Taylor will lead the Challenge crews away from the rally start at Kielder Castle on Saturday morning with the crews facing 48 miles of competitive stages in the notoriously tough Kielder forest before the event finishes at Carlisle racecourse.

Bogie wins accident hit Granite Rally

David Bogie took a dominant win on the Granite City Rally

Scotland's most talented young rally driver, David Bogie, continued his domination of the Scottish Rally Championship when he cruised to victory in Yesterday's Coltel Granite City Rally.

But the Inverurie-based event, the third round of the Scottish Championship, was marred by a sickening crash on the opening stage which injured three spectators.

As spectators rushed to aid the Nissan Micra driven by Rachel Medich after it veered into a ditch, the Peugeot of Simon Frazer Hay went off at exactly the same spot minutes later hitting a number of them.

Immediately the stage was closed and emergency services and rescue crews were sent into the stage. An ambulance was also dispatched immediately.

All three injured spectators — one a competitor in the Scottish Rally Championship, and all three members of one of Scotland's leading motorsport clubs — were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. One of the spectators was airlifted by helicopter.

Rachel Medich, driving the Rally2Raise Micra, was involved in an
accident on the first stage.

"Obviously this is a sad incident, and our thoughts are with the injured spectators," Ian Shiells, Clerk of the Course, said. 

"Safety is always paramount in Scottish rallying, and we thank the rescue crews and medical staff for their swift response to the incident. Naturally our thoughts are with the injured spectators."

Bogie, winner of the opening two rounds in his Mitsubishi Evo IX, was again in imperious form winning all four of the stages which were contested today.

"It's fantastic to win again this year," the 24-year-old from Dumfries, who finished 33secs ahead the Ford World Rally Car of Duns-based Euan Thorburn, said afterwards.

"But today our thoughts are with the people who were injured in the incident earlier today. We're all thinking of them and their families, and we pray they recover fully from their injuries."

Coltel Granite City Rally — Results, Top 10 (Provisional):

1. David Bogie (Dumfries) / Kevin Rae (Hawick) Mitsubishi Evo IX 33mins 58secs;

2. Euan Thorburn (Duns) / Paul Beaton (Inverness) Ford Focus WRC +33secs;

3. Paul Benns (Cockermouth) / Daniel O'Brien (St Albans) Ford Focus WRC +1min 51secs;

4. Bruce McCombie (Banchory) / Michael Coutts (Torphins) Subaru Impreza +2:06s;

5. Donnie Macdonald (Inverness) / Andrew Falconer (Inverness) Mitsubishi Evo IX +2:08s;

6. Stephen Lockhart (Oban) / Kevin Lockhart (Mull) Mitsubishi Evo VII + 2:22s;

7. John McClory (Strathblane) / David Hood (Elderslie) Subaru Impreza N10 +2:32s;

8. Quintin Milne (Banchory) / Martin Forrest (Aberdeen) Mitsubishi Evo IX +2:40s;

9. Alistair Inglis (Edzell) /Colin Inglis (Edzell) Mitsubishi Evo V +2:45s;

10. Dougal Brown (Inverness) / Lewis Rochford (Inverness) Mitsubishi Evo IX +2:48s.


UPDATED : The organisers have since issued the following statement regarding the first stage incident...

"Our first thoughts are to pass on our best wishes to the four casualties who suffered injuries in the accident which took place on the opening stage of the rally: we hope they all make full recoveries.

"We are aware that two of the spectators suffered serious leg injuries: they have both undergone surgery and are today in a critical but stable condition.

"The third spectator is stable in hospital, while a fourth was detained overnight for observation.

"We are also very aware that a number of news stories issued by press agencies immediately following the incident inaccurately stated the rally had been cancelled.

"This was never the case: Stage 1 was immediately cancelled as soon as the accident happened and the rescue crews and medical services entered the stage.

"It was always the plan, once Stage 1 had been cancelled, to restart the rally on Stage 2.

"From information we have received from other spectators who were in the vicinity of the incident, we also know the competitors, and the marshals who were on duty at the scene, reacted correctly.

"Warnings — issued verbally by the marshals, and by blowing their whistles — alerted the spectators that rally cars were approaching the scene.

"Finally, as the incident is now part of an official police inquiry by Grampian Police, no further details or comments will be issued by the organising committee of the Coltel Granite City Rally."

Michelin Revives Group B Rallying

The Peugeot 205 T16, one of the many Group B Cars revived for a special event.

Michelin and Rallying with Group B are pleased to announce the UK’s only multi-venue rally for Group B cars and other rally cars of significant note: The Michelin Rallye Groupe B.

Sponsored by Michelin, the rally will take place over the bank holiday weekend of 25/26 August on the roads of Cheshire and North Staffordshire, with Special Stages in the grounds of castles and stately homes and service at Oulton Park race circuit.

The event is Rallying with Group B’s take on the fabled spectacular stages of the RAC Rallies of the 1980s and will be run as a National B Event under the General Regulation of the UK MSA. It will incorporate the provisions of the International Sporting Code of the FIA and Appendices K and J, both for competition and demonstration.

Rallying with Group B’s members have already reserved 60-plus places so there should be cars to suit every taste that will help recapture the heady days of this iconic era of rallying.

Regulations and further details for the event will be issued as soon as possible and will be available at:

www.rallyegroupeb.com

Steve Dolby, Michelin Product Marketing Manager, comments: “Michelin is delighted to be involved with the Rallying with Group B Trust on this spectacular event.

“Michelin has a strong commitment to motorsport, demonstrated by the fact that we are at the top of today’s World Rally Championship and we were also there during the glory days of Group B on such iconic cars as the Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 T16. Therefore, it is only natural that Michelin is involved in this event which aims to recapture the feel of one of the most memorable periods in rallying’s history”.

Top drivers aim to beat Bogie on Granite Rally

Kevin Rae and David Bogie in action on the Scottish Rally Championship

The biggest motorsport event in the North-east of Scotland, the Coltel Granite City Rally, roars into action this Saturday (April 14) with more than 100 crews starting from rally HQ, the Thainstone Agricultural Centre near Inverurie.

And as they head off into the five stunning and demanding Kincardineshire stages, which form the 44 miles of the rally, a host of local drivers will be determined to deny triple Scottish champion, and current British champ, David Bogie, victory.

The 24-year-old from Dumfries heads into Coltel Granite City Rally eyeing his third win in the opening three rounds of the Scottish Rally Championship.

"It's going to be a tough weekend," Bogie, who was denied victory in the Coltel Granite City Rally by just one second last year when Aberdeen's Dave Weston won, admitted.

"Although I was disappointed to come second, it was still one hell of a battle with Dave, and one of the highlights of our year.

"We've had a dream start to this season, with two wins out of two, and we'll certainly be pushing for victory on Saturday.

"The stages on the Granite are first class, with flowing corners and plenty of high speed action. We're really looking forward to it."

Bogie, partnered by Hawick co-driver Kevin Rae in his Mitsubishi Evo IX, faces stiff competition from a number of North-east drivers looking to win on home soil.

Stonehaven's Barry Groundwater, driving another Evo IX, starts the Coltel Granite City Rally on the back of two solid performances.

"We finished sixth in the Snowman Rally in Inverness, then took third in the championship in the last round in Jedburgh, the Border Counties," Groundwater explained.

"Now we have to carry that form into the Granite. My best result in my home rally was second, way back in 1996, but hopefully we can go one better than that this weekend.

"Everyone says you do well on your home rally with local knowledge etc. But that's just not true: one year I crashed on the stage where I walk my dogs! 

"The Granite is a popular rally with competitors and spectators alike. Good or bad result, it’s always one of my favourite events to compete in."

A good performance this weekend will see Groundwater move into third place in the Scottish Rally Championship ahead of Rory Young. The Dumfries driver isn't competing in the Granite.

And while Inverness duo Donnie Macdonald and co-driver Keir Beaton will be gunning for a podium in their Mitsubishi Evo IX, Banchory's Quintin* Milne is also eyeing home success in yet another Evo IX.

"We're still learning lots about the car," Milne, partnered by Aberdeen navigator Martin Forrest and who has stepped up to the 4WD Mitsubishi this year from his 2WD Ford Escort MkII, admitted.

"But we're learning fast. We've scored two top 10 finishes in the opening two rounds, and at times we've been very quick. We've had a few technical niggles, but we're ready for this weekend."

And 2009 Coltel Granite City Rally winners, Mike Faulkner and Peter Foy, are hoping to repeat their success and close the gap on Bogie in the title race.

"Two events down and two seconds is a great start for us," Faulkner, who will again pilot his Mitsubishi Evo VI, said.

"David has been immense on both events, but we haven’t given up and will focus on trying to beat him on the Granite before he runs away with the series. 

"Being able to go head to head with a British and three times Scottish champion is fantastic for the championship and is what keeps us motivated. We'll be giving it 100%."

Sixth in the Granite last year, Duns-based Euan Thorburn, co-driven by Paul Beaton from Inverness, are also likely to push for a podium finish in their Ford Focus WRC '01.

Running ahead of the main field, the two-wheel-drive championship promises to deliver a real North-east battle in matching Ford Escort MkII cars.

Alford's Keith Robathan, with David O'Brien on the notes, faces a stiff challenge from his old rival Calum Mackenzie. The Inverurie driver is returning to his Escort after recent outings in an Evo VIII. 

And Alford's David Wilson, who finished third in last year's Coltel Granite in a 4WD Evo IX, is also expected to push for a 2WD podium in his Escort MkII. Wilson is co-driven by Aberdeen's Dave Robson.

The first car will leave the ceremonial start at the Thainstone Agricultural Centre near Inverurie at 9.01am on Saturday (April 14) morning, and should be back at Thainstone by 3pm.

Coltel Granite City Rally, Scottish Rally Championship (Rnd 3 of 8). Top 10 seeded entries:

1. David Bogie (Dumfries)/Kevin Rae (Hawick) Mitsubishi Evo IX;

2. Mike Faulkner (KIrtlebridge)/Peter Foy (Bingley) Mitsubushi Evo VI;

3. Euan Thorburn (Duns)/Paul Beaton (Inverness) Ford Focus WRC;

4. Barry Groundwater (Stonehaven)/Neil Shanks (Elgin) Mitsubishi Evo IX;

5. Donnie Macdonald (Inverness)/Andrew Falconer (Inverness) Mitsubishi Evo IX;

6. John McClory (Strathblane)/David Hood (Elderslie) Subaru Imprezza N15;

7. Quintin Milne (Banchory)/Martin Forrest (Aberdeen Mitsubishi Evo IX;

8. Chris Collie (Portlethen)/Lisa Watson (Alford) Mitsubishi Evo VI;

9. Stephen Lockhart (Oban)/Kevin Lockhart (Oban) Mitsubushi Evo VII

10. Bruce Mccombie (Banchory)/Michael Coutts (Torphins) Subaru Impreza.