HHandbrakesandbrakes airpins HHairpins g he world of rallyin & yyourour insightinsight intointo thet world of

CCoverover SSilkilk WWayay RRallyally 22010:010: DDaredevilaredevil ddrivers!rivers! IIssuessue 115151 • 2233 - 2299 SSeptept 22010010 hhttp://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.comttp://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com FFeatureseatures NNewsews Breen aims for News from the win in BRC, P7 EEventsvents Swartland Rally Erika Detota SRC and BRC event wins in IRNY, P6 SARC,SARCA P10 news Block releases IRC,IR P14 WWRC and IRC new video, P8 nenews updates Contents / Issue 151 Editorial Information 04 News Editor Evan Rothman 06 Features Photojournalist Eva Kovkova Contributors RallyBuzz, Motorpics. 06 Detota wins IRNY 2WD class 07 Breen aims for win in Yorkshire 08 Block releases new GYMKHANA video All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007- 10 Events 10. This publication is fully protected by 10 Swartland Rally REVIEW copyright and nothing may be reprinted in 12 REVIEW, pt 2 whole or in part without written permission 14 IRC Rallye Sanremo PREVIEW from the editor. While reasonable 15 SRC C. McRae Forest Stages PREVIEW precautions have been taken to ensure the 16 Desert 1000 Race PREVIEW accuracy of information from sources and 17 BRC Int’l Rally Yorkshire PREVIEW given to readers, the editor cannot accept responsibility for any inconvenience or damage that may arise therefrom.

Contact E-mail us [email protected] Welcome to H&H! Call us +27 83 452 6892 Welcome to issue 151 of HANDBRAKES & Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc HAIRPINS, your FREE weekly insight into the world of rallying. To receive your FREE weekly Many thanks for all the well wishes HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS eMagazine, and congratulations on our 150th issue last or if you’d like to share this with a friend week. Without your support and interest, please send your e-mail address to H&H wouldn’t be the tremendous success [email protected]. it is today. HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is not a As always, I hope you enjoy this SPAM e-mail: email addresses are added to week’s exciting edition. the mailing list voluntarily. Yours in Rallying,

Evan Rothman

Bringing you the latest international rally news, extensive event previews and reviews, in- depth feature and technical articles, award- winning photography and insightful columnists, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is distributed to your Handbrakes e-mail inbox each week for FREE in the form of a high-quality 2MB .PDF file.

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>>MORE NEWS For even more news, with daily updates, visit http://wp.me/pkXc NNewsews HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS TTeameam & EventEvent NewsNews WWRCRC IIRCRC SSouthouth AAfricanfrican RRallyingallying

DAILY ONLINE UPDATES For your convenience, here are the news items in this easy-to- Rundle upbeat for Desert Race: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SX click menu page: Disappointment for Motorite: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SU Wilken to the fore in Cape: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SN http://www.wrc.com BP team claim 1-2-3: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Sq Gemmell keeps championship alive: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1St EUROPEAN AND INTERCONTINENTAL RALLY CHALLENGE E. Rothman’s Swartland Rally pics: http://ow.ly/2GwoO and SERIES http://ow.ly/2GwpR IRC Rally Sanremo Preview: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1S8 Panizzi joins PROTON: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1S5 INTERNATIONAL RALLYING AND OFF-ROAD RACING Meeke eager for Sanremo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Rw Al Qassimi considers Golden Stage: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Ry Anticipation grows for Sanremo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Rt Waldegard for Moroccan adventure: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SB USA AND RALLYCAR RALLY NEWS AND EVENTS Panizzi and Proton excited: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SZ http://www.rallybuzz.com Campana aiming for win: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SS http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com

BRITISH AND IRISH RALLYING Six chances for BRC glory: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Sb Cunningham in sports drive to Clare: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1RN BRC Juniors jostle for position: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Rr 2011 BRC calendar announced: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Rm Blomqvist and Wilks star for the RBF: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SJ BRC Challenge down to wire: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1T2 BRC Teams tussle: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SQ

AFRICAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN RALLYING AND OFF- ROAD RACING Rallying with Ashley Haigh-Smith: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1RQ 29th running of 1000 Desert Race: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1RB Vos chases four wins in a row: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Sh Success for Team Total in Cape: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SE Variawa seeking hat-trick: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SH Toyota set for desert: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1T4

<< WATCH Petter Solberg through << Francois Duval SS14 Panzerplatte suffers heavy crash in WRC Rally out of WRC Rally Germany (VIDEO): Germany in SS14 http://wp.me/ (VIDEO): http:// ppkXc-1DJ wp.me/ppkXc-1Ct

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING RallyBuzz.com features European rally championships, British rallying, RallyCar events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news. www.RallyBuzz.com NNEWSEWS FFeatureseatures EEventsvents IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

<< WATCH Henri Toivonen muscle his << Interview with and << A Porsche 911 GT3 is Rothman’s Porsche 911 on-board with Billy meant to be driven like Rally car through Rallye Coleman at the 1985 this, and not sitting in a Costa Smeralda. Circuit of Ireland Rally. garage collecting dust... http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gnO5ZYjqxhw watch?v=b2BH3sIqevo watch?v=Z82mvtUIv-o

HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS NOW AVAILABLE IN SEVEN LANGUAGES! The power and universal appeal of both the Internet and rallying around the world has prompted me to offer H&H’s website in seven different languages. Simply visit the website, scroll down to fi nd you favoured language (represented by a country’s fl ag) and select. It is that easy!

Rally cartoon launched: Download the iRally app for your RUSTY RIMS by Evan Rothman iPhone here for FREE! With the recent news that and Prodrive had signed The iRally App is with WRCs bosses to enter the World Rally Championship for produced by Crown 20111, the hnt for suitable drivers began minutes after the House Media, the announcement was made. well-known UK TV and Marcus Gronholm, , Kevin Abbring jr, radio agency which P-G. Andersson and even Petter Solberg’s name has been created, owns and mentioned in the press. With Kris Meeke at the forefront of operates the popular this supposed race for the seat, RUSTY RIMS was created. World Rally Radio View and read this cartoon on H&H’s website at: internet radio station. http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Ky It is supported by Ford and is available to download FREE of charge via iTunes at http://itunes. apple.com/gb/app/ irally-2010-wrc-irc/ id347126364?mt=8 from the App Store on the iPhone by typing iRally into the Search window.

JOIN H&H ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK With the ever-increasing number of events and news items being published on a daily basis, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS has published relevant news items to its website and Facebook Page, and we also feature breath-taking videos from YouTube! FFeatureseatures IInterviewsnterviews EExclusivexclusive ccolumnistsolumnists IIn-depthn-depth aarticlesrticles

DETOTA NABS 2WD WIN AT INT’L RALLY NEW YORK

Words: Erika Detota extremely dusty conditions. Rally New the famous Grand Canyon. With huge Pictures: Lars Grange and Neil McDaid York takes place on the dirt roads in the drop-offs, amazing elevation change, Catskill mountain region of New York and desert sand surface it will be a Driver Erika Detota with navigator State, which were tight, technical, rocky challenging event for the 2WD team and coach Jason Smith took and unlike most years dust-fi lled. The from the East Coast. their fi rst class win last weekend dust was hanging in valleys even with The team wants to thank their at the International Rally New 3-minute windows between competitors. sponsors and supporters for all their York (IRNY), the fi nal Atlantic “I hope this experience helps prepare help, including: Broken Motorsports for round of the United States Rally us for the conditions in Arizona” says helping to maintain and build our car Championship (USRC). Smith. “It is all about learning, so as well as providing much needed crew This victory puts the team it’s awesome that while prioritizing support; Robert Cella for his generous ahead in the points standings going fi nishing rallies, we have excelled in the investment in the team; Big Boulder into the fi nal Championship round in championship” Park; RallyArmor; Team O’Neil; and, Prescott, Arizona next month, where This is Detota’s fi rst season Keep A Breast Foundation for their they are hoping for the 2WD season win. racing; her growth from rally to rally continued support. H&H “[IRNY] is my home event, and I know has been amazing to follow. She was the roads well from working the rally awarded “Most Improved Driver” for the and co-driving the event last season by the organizers year,” said Detota before the “...her growth of the New York Rally race began. Championship. The rally was not from rally to The team is re- without its challenges, rally has been prepping the car and however, overcoming readying for their fi rst underperforming brakes, a amazing to ever West Coast event. broken axle, fl at tyre and follow.” The Prescott Rally is a blown fuse. The team a high elevation desert also had their fi rst experience racing in mountain race starting a few hours from NNewsews FFEATURESEATURES EEventsvents IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

<< On-board with Craig << Craig Breen is fl ying Breen in the Mayo Stages << On-board Craig Breen in his Ford Fiesta S2000. Rally. on the Galway Int’l Rally. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fzn7ISJTEKQ watch?v=3afQgQ8nznk watch?v=GX3Gcb2Kfi 4

BREENS AIMS TO END SEASON ON A HIGH IN YORKSHIRE

Words: Staff Writer driver Craig Breen start and fi nish. The start, fi nish and Pictures: www.rallyprint.com as he prepares for the fi nal round of service area will be on the spectacular the season. “We are down to the fi nal seafront Marine Drive. There will be a The 19th place overall in the Finnish event in the BRC and the Irish Tarmac Shakedown Stage on Thursday, with the forests as well as qualifi cation for the Championship draws to a close only a recce, scrutineering and documentation Star Driver Global Shootout (to week later, so a good performance is held on Friday. be held shortly) served as appetisers for also required there. Then my focus will The rally will start from the Craig Breen as he climb the top step of switch to the Pirelli Global Shootout as town’s harbour on Friday evening with the podium in Antrim after claiming his the season comes to a climax. I need to an all-new night stage in Langdale and fi rst rally victory on the recent Northern be on the top of my game”. a re-start early Saturday morning, with Ireland International Rally. Now, as the International Rally Yorkshire the event fi nishing later that evening. Dulux Trade MSA (also known as the Rally Yorkshire is the only British Championship “I’ve now tasted Trackrod Rally) brings event allowed to utilise the famous, fast draws to a close, success; winning the curtain down on fl owing stages in the Dalby complex the Waterford-based the 2010 British Rally and, as all other stages are nearby, driver wants to end on the was Championship season spectators are promised a full and the season on a high. fantastic.” and will be a fi tting demanding day’s rallying. H&H “I’ve now fi nally with nearly tasted success: winning on the Ulster 149.4km of classic North Yorkshire was fantastic, but I want to keep the stages. run going and win on the gravel surface Scarborough is the new location of the Trackrod,” said the Kick Energy for Rally Yorkshire’s HQ, service area, IIssuessue 151151 • 2323 - 2929 SeptSept 20102010 NNewsews FFEATURESEATURES EEventsvents

<< Here is Part 3 of << Here is Part 1 of << Here is Part 2 of Gymkhana 3... Gymkhana 3... Gymkhana 3... http://www.youtube. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ com/watch?v=3BMi4g9w watch?v=EYUSlnXcYeU watch?v=4TshFWSsrn8 M3c&feature=related

BLOCK AND FIESTA IN VIDEO

Words: Staff Writer Gymkhana is that it is amazingly fun to much wider and more squared off for an Pictures: WorldRallyPics do,” said Block. “It’s taking some of the aggressive look. best parts of rally racing and removing The Gymkhana THREE Fiesta Ford’s hot-selling Fiesta is the star in the a bit of the stress started as a production next chapter of rally driver Ken Block’s that is involved with “...180-degree, 2011 Fiesta before going Gymkhana video series, which debuted competing, allowing through a conversion this week on YouTube. me to just go out and 360-degree and by Olsbergs MSE, the Ken Block’s Gymkhana play in an amazing car. fi gure-of-eight same group that runs THREE Part 2; Ultimate Playground: Having done two videos Block’s Rally America L’Autodrome, is the latest instalment before I knew exactly turns, all while programme. in the series of Block’s popular online what I wanted from the utilising extreme The production Fiesta videos. It was fi lmed at the Autodrome car as we built it and I is an excellent platform de Montlhéry facility in France and shows can say that the Fiesta acceleration, for the Gymkhana car. the modifi ed Fiesta doing stunts that is the best Gymkhana braking and The nimble ride and only Block can deliver. car yet.” ultra-high-strength boron “When Ford partnered with The drifting, is the steel body are ideal Ken Block for the Fiesta and WRC Gymkhana THREE defi nition of fun.” for the demands of the rally programmes, the opportunity to Fiesta, designed by Gymkhana course. A participate in projects like Gymkhana DC, is emblazoned with similar livery to testament to the Fiesta platform is that THREE was an attractive part of the Block’s Monster World Rally Team Rally it has been designated as the base car overall package,” said Jamie Allison, America Fiesta and his Focus RS WRC. for Ford’s all new-challenger for the 2011 Director Ford North America Motorsports. However, the ‘drip pattern’ livery is FIA World Rally Championship. “Ken and the Monster World larger and more pronounced. In his fi rst year with Ford, Rally Team have brought the spotlight to The carbon fi bre hydraulic Block has maintained a high profi le. He Fiesta throughout the rally season and e-brake handle has been changed is currently starring in his second TV at X Games, but now with the release of to a custom-made metal piece, with commercial in the United States, this Gymkhana THREE, millions more around Block’s Huck Gee skull logo and No. 43 time with NASCAR legend Richard Petty the world will be able to see how fun it is engraved into it. Block’s trademark ‘43’ and driver A.J. Allmendinger, which to drive a Fiesta,” he said. is displayed in the side rear windows. highlights Ford’s national promotion ‘43 For Monster World Rally Team Built by Olsbergs Motorsport Fiestas’ (www.43fi estas.com). The 10- driver and DC co-founder Block, the Evolution (MSE), the 1100kg Gymkhana week campaign brings together some of opportunity to push the limits of his THREE Fiesta sports a purpose-built Ford’s biggest motorsport personalities car control while manoeuvring around Olsbergs engine capable of up to in the US into a national broadcast and a series of cones and slaloms, and 850bhp, but restricted to 650bhp to digital campaign designed to promote undertaking 180-degree, 360-degree give Block the torque band needed to the 2011 Ford Fiesta. and fi gure-of-eight turns, all while control the car. Equipped with Olsbergs “If Ken is involved in a utilising extreme acceleration, braking MSE Maktrak (magnesium) six-speed programme, his legions of fans and drifting, is the defi nition of fun. paddle-shift sequential transmission, it passionately follow whatever he is The Autodrome facility was is capable of 895Nm of torque at 4000 doing,” said Scott Denby, Ford Racing selected for being able to provide a rpm and needs a mere 1.9 seconds to go business manager in the United States. professional race track, as well as pre- from 0 to 100km. “There aren’t many personalities in built obstacles that allow for unique The car’s body has been altered pop culture that can generate tens of stunts, most notably the steep 51- with an aggressive new front bumper millions of views on YouTube, let alone degree banking of the high-speed oval. design inspired by road racing cars. It personalities in motorsports. Whether Gymkhana THREE is also the fi rst in the has a carbon splitter, which improves through Gymkhana THREE, 43 Fiestas series to have stunts performed in the aerodynamics, unlike the rally car’s or rally, Ken’s ability to connect with rain. bumper, which is built for gravel stage his audience is unparalleled and Ford is “The great thing about durability. The wheel arches are also proud to have Ken on our team.” H&H all new advertising space is now 50% off this month, october and november! book your space with evan: [email protected] +2783 452 6892 EEventsvents IInterviewsnterviews EExclusivexclusive ccolumnistsolumnists IIn-depthn-depth aarticlesrticles

VOLKSWAGEN DOMINANT AT SWARTLAND RALLY 2010

Words: Evan Rothman Volkswagen parade was not deterred Championship by nine points from Jean- Pictures: Evan Rothman by the pace of the Ford Fiesta S2000 Pierre Damseaux/Carolyn Swan (Team of Charl Wilken/Greg Godrich on Day Total Toyota RunX S2000), who fi nished The headline of this event report One, and on the opening test of Day Two fi fth overall after a strong points drive doesn’t do justice to the thrills and they had already moved ahead of the from Damseaux. spills from the weekend’s action. resurgent Ford crew. For Day Two, Damseaux/ This the seventh round of Zimbabwean crew Conrad Swan were locked in a fi erce battle the 2010 Sasol South African Rally Rautenbach/Peter Marsh (Ford Fiesta with Wilken/Godrich as the Ford crew Championship was played out in the S2000) had a slow start to the event dropped down the leaderboard due to Malmesbury, Moreesburg and Milnerton fi nishing Day One in tenth position after their road sweeping duties on the gravel regions in the Western Cape on Friday the initial three asphalt stages. However, stages. Adding to their woes, Wilken’s and Saturday over nine high-speed after the fi rst stage of Saturday, on the bonnet fl ipped open on the open section stages. gravel, Rautenbach had powered his way to the fi nal two stages and his smashed Championship leader Enzo into second place overall. Unfortunately, windscreen hampered his otherwise Kuun/Guy Hodgson (BP Ultimate SS5 saw the demise of Rautenbach’s awesome on-tar pace. His fi fth position Volkswagen Polo S2000) once again charge for the lead when his pace was overall was also lostm as he lost 13sec proved too quick and determined for slowed due to persistent power steering in the penultimate stage alone, thereby their rivals, romping home to an easy pump problems, but young WRC driver dropping him to sixth. 40.3sec win. Kuun now only needs four was able to post competitive times The Pirtek Toyota Auris S2000 points from the fi nal round of the season despite his car’s gremlins. With the crews of Hein Lategan/Johan van der to claim his second Drivers’ title, while wrong gear ratios in place for the fast Merwe and Visser du Plessis/Gerhard his co-drive Hodgson has already sealed asphalt stages at the Killarmey Race Snyman had a rally to forget. Lategan’s the Co-Drivers’ crown. Track, they were slower than their rivals Auris S2000 lost power steering on SS4 The podium was an all- but their determination and bravery and then broke a shock absorber in SS5, Volkswagen affair, with their second- made for exciting spectating. and also slid wide in a corner in SS6 ever one-two-three result. It was Jan Finishing fourth overall also and then stalled while returning to the Habig/Douglas Judd in second with meant they were the fi rst privateer road, dropping them valuable time in the Hergen Fekken/Pierre Arries in third. The home, and now lead the Privateers’ process. When the Pretoria-based crew NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

• Rallying with Ashley Haigh-Smith: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1RQ • Success for Team Total in Cape: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SE • Disappointment for Motorite: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SU • Wilken to the fore in Cape: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SN • BP Volkswagen team claim 1-2-3: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Sq • Gemmell keeps championship hopes alive: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1St • Evan Rothman’s Day One Swartland Rally pics: http://ow.ly/2GwoO • Evan Rothman’s Day Two Swartland Rally pics: http://ow.ly/2GwpR

OVERALL CLASSIFICATION 01) E. Kuun/G. Hodgson Volkswagen Polo S2000 - 01h 31m 47.6s 02) J. Habig/D. Judd Volkswagen Polo S2000 + 40.3s 03) H. Fekken/P. Arries Volkswagen Polo S2000 + 46.4s 04) C. Rautenbach/P. Marsh Ford Fiesta S2000 + 01m 07.3s 05) J-P. Damseaux/C. Swan Toyota RunX S2000 + 02m 02.2s 06) C. Wilken/G. Godrich Ford Fiesta S2000 + 02m 10.0s 07) H. Lategan/J. Van der Merwe Toyota Auris S2000 + 03m 25.7s 08) J. Gemmell/D. Sturrock Toyota Auris S2000 + 04m 12.7s 09) L. Poulter/R. Paisley Toyota Auris S2000 + 04m 16.6s 10) N. Ryan/A. Du Toit Volkswagen Polo S2000 + 04m 36.3

did have things go well in their Auris, event. as thrilling as Class S2000. It was the they showed the pace they exuded at Debut S2000 driver and team- Team Total Toyota RunX A6 of Craig the Volkswagen Rally earlier this year mate, Leeroy Poulter and co-driver Trott/Robbie Coetzee who claimed Class and will most certainly be a crew in with Robert Paisley made an indelible mark honours after 2010 Class A5 Champions a shout for the Privateers’ Championship in their fi rst S2000 showing. Poulter Ashley Haigh-Smith/Hilton Auffray in 2011. has already clinched the Class A6 (React Marketing Toyota Corolla A6) Team-mates Du Plessis/Snyman Championship title for 2010, and looks retired from their home event in SS5. were forced out of the event on Day set to impress in Class S2000 in 2011 It was another fi ne performance Two’s SS5 with gearbox problems. if he is able to come to terms with the from Megan and Oliver Verlaque (Toyota The factory-backed Castrol faster machine. RunX N3) as they powered to an Team Toyota also suffered bad luck this Rounding out the top ten was unchallenged third victory this season weekend. Championship challengers Nicholas Ryan/Armand du Toit (RCF/ in Class N3. With only two points now Johnny Gemmell/Drew Sturrock (Toyota Jonnesway Volkswagen Polo S2000). behind Robson Maganezi/Shaun Visser Auris S2000) hit a rock in SS1 to bend Class N4 saw only one fi nisher (Linking Africa Ford Fiesta ST), the their car’s steerign arm. Gemmell this weekend in the taxing Swartland Verlaques have outperformed their direct quickly stopped on the side of the road, Rally 2010 and that was local entry of rivals Abduraghman Amlay/Yusuf Ganief removed the bent arm, and panelbeated Mike Nathan/Etienne Lourens (Mitsubisbi (Toyota RunX N3) and a win in the fi nal it with a rock. They arrived at the Lancer Evo IX), who ended the event in round of the Championship next month Service Park late, thus costing them a a creditable 13th overall. will bring them their maiden Class N3 further 10sec with a time penalty. Lady Class A7 saw no fi nishers, Championship title in their debut rallying Luck was not with this crew on Day Two as both Gugu Zulu/Cindi Harding (BP season. either, as a misfi re through SS4 cost Ultimate Volkswagen Polo A) and Gavin The fi nal round of the 2010 the pair 29sec and was followed up by Cronje/Van Aardt Schoeman (Easylife Sasol South African Rally Championship a slow puncture in SS5 that saw him Kitchens Faerie Glen Volkswagen Polo is the Toyota Dealer Rally - Gauteng drop to 13th overall. A concerted drive A7) retire all before Day One was taking place on 15 and 16 October. It in the afternoon’s gravel stages saw him completed. should promise to be highly thrilling and move up to eighth where he fi nished the Class A6 once again proved is therefore not to be missed! H&H IIssuessue 151151 • 2323 - 2929 SeptSept 20102010 NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS

<< WATCH Leg Three of << WATCH Leg Four of << WATCH Leg Five of the Silk Way Rally 2010. the Silk Way Rally 2010. the Silk Way Rally 2010. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1t1bwueb2ts watch?v=Iw2piRv6nqw watch?v=jClvaPLVOpQ

SAINZ AND KABIROV TAME SILK WAY RALLY FOR 2010

Words: Evan Rothman held by Kabirov and with Chagin second buggy suffered transmission woes. He Pictures: Eva Kovkova some 10min behind and then 43min to was forced to be towed to the stage Nicolaev in third. fi nish by his team-mates. Stage 6 - Astrakhan to Elista In the truck race, Chagin set Liaison: 104km; Special Stage: Stage 7 - Elista to Maykop the fastest stage time as he powered to 394km; Liaison: 2km Liaison: 2km; Special Stage: 347km; the fi nish in Maykop. His stage time was This stage win was claimed by Nasser Liaison: 442km 16min 45sec quicker than Ales Loprais, Al Attiyah, his fi rst of the 2010 Silk Way The Silk Way Rally 2010 is fast drawing 16min 50sec faster than Kabirov and Rally. Charging through the Kalmoukia to a close, but this the seventh stage is 20min 29sec over Nikolaev. Chagin Desert to Elista, he was looking to reel a mighty 347km marathon. Here it was showed his rivals why his is known as in the more than 15min defi cit to leader the determined and dedicated Al Attiyah the “Tsar.” , but he managed only who won the stage, but his effort was Chagin remains 23min 07sec 03min in this stage. not enough to trouble the lead held by behind Kabirov in the overall standings, Sainz managed his lead to Sainz. with Nikolaev in third spot. perfection on this tricky day, as the cres Hoping to reel in Sainz, Al Before taking on the fi nal stage all had to battle through a sandstorm in Attiyah pushed his Race Touareg 2 of the rally, competitors were visited by the desert. The Spaniard now has a lead to its limits, but he was simply not Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. of 12min 48sec over his compatriots and able to make an impression on this He met with race directors and then has only 363 competitive kilometres to high-speedstage. A faultless run from stopped off at the bivouac to face over two days. Sainz put paid to Al Attiyah’s hopes of meet six-times Dakar winner Chagin and Mathias Kahle (in fourth snatching victory in the closing moments then with Sainz. place in his buggy) is the best of the of the 2010 Silk Way Rally. His stage “I’m very proud that our non-Volkswagen factory entries, and win, his fi fth in the history of the Silk country welcomes such an important achieved a remarkable stage time to Way Rally, equals that of his team-mates international rally that attracts the best close to Al Attiyah, albeit 01h 30min. De Villiers and Sainz. brands and drivers”, said Mr Putin. claimed the With just a short special stage stage win in the Trucks Category, besting remaining for crews to tackle on Stage Stage 8 - Maykop to Sochi - his heroes Kabirov and Chagin. Nikolaev 8 to Sochi, Sainz’ 11min 16sec lead is Krasnaya Polyana has showed the factory truck team enough for him to claim victory. Liaison: 230km; Special Stage: bosses his pace and his consistency, and , third in the overall 16km; Liaison: 129km hopefully this 26-year-old will soon be classifi cation, looks set to remain in this Sochi warmly welcomed the surviving seen in race-winning machinery for the position to claim a neat Volkswagen 2010 Silk Way Rally competitors after a 2011. 1-2-3 podium result. Miller’s nearest short 16km Special Stage before ending Kabirov and Chagin both lost rival is a little over 4hr adrift... on the shores of the beautoful Black Sea. time while lost in the desert, allowing Sadly, the battle for fourth place With an astonishing 24 water the yung star to attack for the stage has been lost, as Mironenko fi nished the crossings in this stage, Sainz negotiated win. The overall trucks category is still stage with no problems while Kahle’s them all with care to not cause damage NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

<< WATCH Leg Six of the << WATCH Leg Seven of << WATCH Leg Eight of Silk Way Rally 2010. the Silk Way Rally 2010. the Silk Way Rally 2010. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dLkjq1UbAt8 watch?v=PRXY7JHSv5M watch?v=Hlckt477TG4

OVERALL CLASSIFICATION CARS CATEGORY: 01) C. Sainz/L. Cruz Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 - 19h 42m 02s 02) N. Al Attiyah/T. Gottschalk Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 08m 27s 03) M. Miller/R. Pitchford Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 40m 22s

TRUCKS CATEGORY: 01) Nikolaev/Mizyukaev/Rybakov Kamaz - 22h 56m 41s 02) Chagin/Savostin/Shaysultanov Kamaz + 22m 08s 03) Kabirov/Belyaev/Mokeev Kamaz + 28m 01s to his Race Touareg 3. Calm and but navigation. overall and gifted Kahle fourth. focused, the Spaniard crossed the fi nish The battle for the “best of The best Russian Car Category line to claim the overall win of the 2010 the rest” title was heated: Gadasin driver was Binyamin Dzhepaev (UAZ Silk Way Rally, while team-mate Al was even stressing the , Pickup), while the only French crew to Attiyah put on a fantastic spectacle of but he crashed out in Stage 4. Kahle, reach the fi nish in the Cars were Frederic driving prowess for the thousands of in his special buggy, took charge of Chavigny/Jean Brucy (Dessoude ). spectators to relish. the privateers and did so strongly, but In the Trucks Category, Kamaz However, Sainz remains the his car’s transmission failed on Stage locked out the podium with Kabirov master of the Silk Way Rally, having 7. Alexander Mironenko consistently in third, Chagin in second and rookie won it twice now. After De Villier’s early and quietly plugged away at posting Nikolaev on the top step. The Kamaz retirement from the rally, Sainz was not competitive stage times throughout the trucks, like the Volkswagen counterparts too troubled by Al Attiyah and was able event, but in the fi nal stretch of the rally in the Car Category, proved unbeatable. to concentrate on recording a fi ne fi nish. his Nissan’s engine decided to call it a This is an omen for the in Sainz’s co-driver , proved the day. He managed to reach the fi nish by four months. Especially with Nikolaev at winning recipe, as his navigation was being towed by his service truck, but he the wheel of one of these monsters! H&H perfect. The difference between the top was time-barred. He received a 2hr time two Race Touaregs was not horsepower penalty, adn this dropped him to seventh IIssuessue 151151 • 2323 - 2929 SeptSept 20102010 NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS

<< The highly-talented << This video clip Thierry Neuville crashed features pure engine out of the IRC Barum << While in the lead of sound. It is a great video Czech Rally Zlin, and the recent Rally Zlin, clip showcasing the best added to his run of non- Bryan Bouffi er crashed from the IRC Barum fi nishes for 2010. his . Czech Rally Zlin 2010. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://wp.me/ppkXc-1I2 watch?v=Fm18aZD8Ujo watch?v=601xVvocR08

ITALY: MEEKE VS HANNINENE

Words: Staff Writer stage times. The road surface is the Czech has been tackling the Italian Pictures: IRC Series predominantly smooth, albeit with some championship, thereby giving him a sections of broken asphalt. The tests greater knowledge of the terrain but A record-breaking entry of 30 S2000 on Day Two are known for providing also the fearsome competition the local cars from Abarth, Skoda, Peugeot, better grip than on Day One, particularly drivers will provide. PROTON and M-Sport will contest following recent resurfacing work on part Most notable of these is veteran the last all-asphalt event of the 2010 of the route. Paolo Andreucci, who fi nished second Intercontinental Rally Challenge As with all mountain-based on June’s Rally d’Italia-Sardegna in (IRC) season in Sanremo this week rallies, the weather is changeable and his Peugeot 207 S2000 and was a as the battle for the prestigious unpredictable and that can make tyre winner in Sanremo in 2006. He heads drivers’ title reaches a crucial point choice a lottery. In 2006, when Sanremo a rejuvenated Peugeot assault, which on the testing mountain roads of hosted the last of four IRC pilot events, includes Kris Meeke, the IRC champion Italy’s Imperia province. torrential rain forced organisers to and last year’s Sanremo winner, The event, which is running for cancel the opening leg. Conversely, last Frenchman Bryan Bouffi er, Belgian talent a 52nd time this year, is one of the most year’s rally was held in bright sunshine. Thierry Neuville and Portugal’s Bruno famous on the international rallying However, even if there is no rain, Magalhaes, who returns to the IRC after calendar and also the most demanding, the sections under tree cover can be skipping the last round. thanks to its blend of night stages run notoriously slippery due to the sap being The Abarth line-up of over narrow and undulating passes. The dragged out of the trees. and competitive action is contained within a The undulating nature of the is packed with experience and potency. 23-hour window, which traditionally puts roads places a great strain on the cars The pair, both IRC event winners in the a huge strain on car and crew. with the engine, transmission and brakes past, will have the wide-track suspension Indeed, competitors get little all being subjected to a heavy pounding. Grande Punto at their disposal and are opportunity to savour the delights of the As well as counting as Round 10 of the set to shine. glamorous Italian Riviera town, with its 12 round IRC, Rallye Sanremo forms When it comes to experience restaurants, bars and casino such is the part of the prestigious and highly- few drivers in the fi eld possess as much intensity of competition. competitive Italian Rally Championship. knowledge of the Ligurian roads as After leaving the permanent Rallye Sanremo marks the fourth time Gilles Panizzi, who returns to frontline service park located in the grounds this year that the Colin McRae IRC Flat rallying in a works PROTON Satria Neo. of the town’s old railway station Out Trophy will be presented. The award The 44-year-old from France has won in overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on is handed to the most spectacular driver Sanremo on three occasions and will be Friday afternoon, drivers tackle two who best embodies the spirit of the hoping his renowned pace and expertise stages, Coldirodi and Bignone, before rallying legend on rounds of the IRC. Its on asphalt will provide a change of returning to service in Sanremo. recipient is chosen by a panel consisting fortune for the Malaysian fi rm, not to The Coldirodi and Bignone runs of IRC’s Motorsport Development mention a huge buzz for the thousands are then repeated, albeit split by the Manager Jean-Pierre Nicolas, Gilbert Roy, of fans lining the route. Apricale stage. Following a regroup and the Director of Editorial and Programme Capable Northern Irishman Niall service halt in Sanremo, crews face the Development at Eurosport Events, and McShea will continue in the second car. daunting Ronde stage, a 44km monster, Jim McRae, Colin’s father. Like Panizzi, Freddy Loix also has which combines the three stages that Juho Hanninen and Jan Kopecky extensive knowledge of the Sanremo form the second loop and gets underway may well be team-mates at Skoda stages and will be anxious to maintain after dark at 22h09 local time. Motorsport but the Fabia-mounted his staggering 100 percent winning A short overnight halt later and drivers are locked in a close title battle. record in the third factory Fabia on what competition resumes with the fi nal fi ve Hanninen, from Finland, is in the driving is likely to be his fourth and fi nal outing stages split by service in Sanremo. The seat following Kopecky’s crash on the of the IRC season. tests are not for the faint-hearted either previous round, last month’s Barum Some of the names to watch with just the 1.73km Bajardo stage less Czech Rally Zlin, which means that out for in the IRC 2WD Cup include than 22km in length. Kopecky must win in Italy to maintain Honda Civic drivers Sandro Sottile and The stages feature fast and his bid for top championship honours. Laszlo Vizin, former class champion fl owing sections, frequent changes of Hanninen, 29, has upped his pace Marco Cavigioli and M-Sport Ford Fiesta rhythm and blind and open corners with on asphalt signifi cantly in 2010, but R2 runner , who claimed IRC rapid climbs and descents commonplace. Kopecky still has the edge when it comes two-wheel drive glory during the visit to The ability to fi nd the optimum ‘racing’ to driving on sealed-surfaces and starts Sardinia in June. H&H line and maintain a high level of speed as one of the favourites for victory. are essential for recording competitive As well as contesting the IRC this year, NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

<< SRC has posted this << WATCH the thrills video of in-car footage << Here is footage of and spills from the 2010 from various crews in the from the Hankook Merrick Stages Hankook Merrick Stages Hankook Merrick Stages Rally from Scotland. Rally 2010. Rally 2010. http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2z4i5o10oXI watch?v=AZbXwDolhww watch?v=SVjQ3zNKSpA “MCRAE” PROMISES THRILLING RALLY FINALE

Words: Staff Writer “McRae” after a maximum championship sure of strong competition for top Escort points haul twelve months ago. The honours from Malcolm Buchanan and Ian David Bogie and co-driver Kevin experienced Evo VI crew have had a Nicoll, as well as Borderers Mike Horne Rae may have claimed the overall frustrating season, but can always be and Robbie Mitchell. Fort Augustus driver Scottish title for a second year, relied upon to push hard. Reay Mackay will also fi eld an Escort but there is still plenty at stake The Argyll crew of Shaun Mk2, partnered by Gus Kennedy from on Saturday’s fi nal round of the Sinclair and Chris Hamill were back on Fort William. Hankook MSA Scottish Rally the pace on the “Merrick” in their GpN Those fi ghting for honours Championship. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, following the in the 1600 category include Honda As well as confi rming second resolution of season-long fuel pump Civic pilots Colin R.Smith, Grant Inglis, and third in the series, the Colin McRae problems, while Cumbria’s Paul Benn Euan Duncan and Graeme Schoneville; Forest Stages will see the conclusion and Richard Cooke chalked up a fastest Alasdair S.Graham in his Vauxhall Corsa, of a number of prized categories - stage time in their Ford Focus WRC 01. and Lachlan Cowan, who won the class including Group N, the Scottish Junior Wayne Sisson, with David on the “Merrick” in his Peugeot 106. Championship, and the Red Bull Junior MacFadyen of Inverness on the notes, One of the most intriguing Challenge. will be hoping to end his inaugural SRC battles on the day will be the contest for Now the pressure is off season with a strong clean run at the the Scottish Junior Championship. following victory on the Hankook Merrick wheel of his Evo IX. Dumfries competitor Peter Stages, Bogie aims to enjoy his outing in “It seems luck hasn’t been on Stewart currently leads the category the Perthshire forests at the wheel of his our side this year”, said the Lancastrian in his Ford Fiesta ST - and needs a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. rally preparation expert: “It was top three fi nish to wrap up the title. The 23-year-old achieved his summed up on the Merrick, where we However, both Steven Smith from inaugural SRC victory on the event three lost a minute behind a punctured car, East Kilbride and teenage talent Garry years ago - just weeks after the death of and then 30 seconds with our own Pearson from Duns - winner of the 205 his friend and mentor Colin McRae. puncture. But we’ll be pushing hard on Ecosse Challenge on the Merrick - will “This event means a great deal the McRae.” also be in the hunt for overall honours. to me. Colin was a big infl uence and was The top-ten seeds among the Perth Racecourse will be the very helpful and supportive at the start 4WD competitors are rounded off by focus of attention on Friday night - the of my own career,” said the Dumfries Andy Horne and Jim Howie in their DAM eve of the rally - when there will be driver. 4100GTi. several attractions, including an autotest The Castle Douglas crew of Jock Following a consistent run demonstration, and the popular Colin Armstrong and navigator Kirsty Riddick through much of the season, the pair McRae Dirt Game simulator. gave it their all on the “Merrick” in an have had a couple of diffi cult recent Two of Colin McRae’s cars - a effort to repeat their 2009 success. rounds. An early puncture and wheel Nova and an Escort - will be on display They eventually lost out by fi ve damage ended their challenge last time inside the Nelson Stand, and the event seconds to the defending champions, out. will also see the launch of the “Flat Out after a day of relentless pace and drama. Double Scottish champion Club,” under the auspices of the Colin With the best six scores out of Jimmy Girvan makes a return to the McRae Vision charity. eight deciding fi nal positions, Armstrong Hankook series alongside co-driver Mike Further details can be found at will fi re up his Impreza for the Ramsay in a newly-built www.coltnesscarclub.com. H&H rally start in Aberfeldy knowing that a N15. strong top-ten fi nish should secure him The Highland duo will use the second in the championship and the GpN event as a shakedown for next month’s crown. Rally of Scotland, and then plan to If there are any slip ups, then mount a full SRC campaign in 2011. talented young Lanarkshire competitor Escort Mk2 maestro Calum Alick Kerr, for one, is waiting to pounce. Mackenzie leads the strong 2WD drive Co-driven by Neil Shanks, the contingent - partnered by experienced 22-year-old turned in another blistering navigator Neil Ewing. drive on the “Merrick” in his Subaru The Inverurie driver fi nished a Impreza to fi nish third in the points superb fi fth overall on last year’s McRae and maintain second spot in the overall Stages, but feels a repeat performance standings. That was despite driving the might be hard to achieve. last stage with the car stuck in third “I’m not so confi dent this year, gear. as I’ve not been doing as much rallying, “Despite various mechanical and the last couple of events have problems, we have managed to hold shown a bit of rustiness, with silly spins our own against some very tough and overshoots”, said Mackenzie: “But competition this season”, said Kerr: it’s a good event, and Drummond Hill “We now have the opportunity to fi nish and Craigvinean in particular are great as runners-up in the championship, fun.” depending on how others fare.” Steve Bannister is missing from Mike Faulkner and Peter Foy the start list - he has opted to do the will also be eyeing a podium spot on the Rally of Yorkshire - but Mackenzie can be IIssuessue 151151 • 2323 - 2929 SeptSept 20102010 NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS • Toyota Team Castrol set for duel in the desert: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1T4 • 29th running of 1000 Desert Race: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1RB • Vos chases four wins in a row: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1Sh • Variawa seeking hat-trick in Desert Race: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SH • Toyota set for desert: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1T4 • Rundle upbeat for Desert Race: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1SX

THE BOTSWANA CHALLENGE

Words: Staff Writer championship leaders Dewald van Breda front made even more interesting by the Pictures: Motorpics and Johann du Toit in the Northam demands made on crews and machinery Toyota Hilux. That shifts the spotlight by the only marathon event on the Absa PRODUCTION VEHICLE CATEGORY to Deon Venter/Ian Palmer in the new championship calendar. Reigning South African champion 4×4 Mega World Toyota Hilux, and Louis There is also no shortage of Duncan Vos chases motorsport history Weichelt/Johann Smalberger in the new potential challengers. Reigning drivers’ as the Production Vehicle Championship N1 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser. champion Evan Hutchison/Darryl Curtis enters a critical phase at the Toyota Two Northern Regions are due a good result in the Motorite Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race, championship crews in Jack and Sarel BAT, while 2006 winner Nick Harper/ Round Six of the Absa Off-Road Racing Oosthuizen, in a Land Rover, and Johan Kevin Hume in the Atlas Copco BAT Championship, in Botswana this Steyn and Paul Jonker, in a Toyota Hilux, relishes this type of race. weekend. make the step up to national competition A dodgy reliability record is Vos will be looking to score and will be closely watched. Arnold against Colin Matthews/Alan Smith an unprecedented fourth victory in a Mabille and Reginald Molomo, in a Nissan (Century Racing CR3), and fl yers row in the desert classic that this year Hardbody, add a touch of local colour to like Jimmy Zahos/Stefan Coetzee, in celebrates its 29th running. Wins from the entry. the Cobalt Racing Porter, will need to 2007 to 2009 all came for Nissan with With an interesting carefully pace themselves on an event three different co-drivers in eight-time championship fi ght developing between that is seldom won on Day One. Nardus winner Richard Leeke, Louis Weichelt current leaders Lance Woolridge/Ward and Louis Alberts (Wrapsa BAT) would and Ralph Pitchford. Huxtable (Team Ford Ranger) and Pikkie look to be good outside bets, but This year Vos will be paired with Labuschagne/Rikus Erasmus (4×4 Mega consistency has been a problem this another co-driver in Rob Howie, and will World Toyota Hilux) the battle in Class season. be competing in a factory Team Castrol E will also be closely followed. Teenager Bevan Bertholdt/Danie Stassen Toyota Hilux. Fresh from a fi rst win Woolridge will be having his fi rst taste (lab88 BAT) fall into the same category this year for the Castrol Toyota squad, of the Desert Race and will draw heavily as the Cobalt Racing pair, and tactics Vos/Howie will be full of confi dence for on input from father Neil and the could play a leading role in their the only marathon event on the Absa experienced Huxtable. progress or lack thereof. At the other championship calendar. end of the scale Naeem Moosajee/ While Vos chases personal SPECIAL VEHICLE CATEGORY Rayhaan Bodhanya (Maxxis/TyreRack glory there is a championship to be Shameer Variawa/Siegfried Rousseau Porter) will also relish the two-day won and lost, and the Botswana outing will be on a mission this weekend. format as will Keith du Toit/Ashley Thorn could be critical in this respect. Only 33 Apart from bagging a hat-trick of wins, in the White Star Racing BAT. points separate the fi rst six crews in the the Team Total Porter crew will also be Two other previous overall overall championship with 18 points the looking at defending a tenuous six point winners in Richard Schilling and Richard difference between current leaders Chris lead at the top of the Special Vehicle Carolin will also be hoping to relive Visser/Japie Badenhorst (RFS Toyota championship. The anomalies in off- former glories. Schilling will be out with Hilux), Vos/Howie and Hannes Grobler/ road scoring between the Overall and Keith Solomon who sits in for Chris Hennie ter Stege (RFS BMW). Class Championships have already seen Davies in an Aceco, while Carolin again Visser/Badenhorst are the only Variawa/Rousseau relegated to second teams up with Nic Goslar in the Men’s double winners this season with the place in the Class A stakes by Kallie and Health International Zarco. other wins going to former champions Quinton Sullwald in the Elegant Fuel BAT. On the Class B front veteran Neil Woolridge/Kenny Skjoldhammer Also still very much in the Bes Bezuidenhout and daughter-in-law (Team Ford Ranger TDCi), Terence overall championship picture are Class Lindie (Adenco BAT) have taken a clear Marsh/Buks Carolin (Regent Racing P leaders Johan van Staden/James lead in the championship. They will be Nissan Navara) and Vos/Howie. All Rossouw (Atlas Copco BAT), and Herman looking for a third win on the trot with four crews will obviously be among the and Wichard Sullwald (Sullwald Racing the main opposition coming from Keith favourites, but it is shaping up as the SVR). Only 14 points separate the top and Andrew Makenete (Zarco) and a most open Desert Race in years. four crews and the Botswana outing pair of veteran drivers in Giel Nel and A late entry from former winner could turn into a make or break race. Coetzee Labuscagne. and SA Champion Alfi e Cox and co-driver The Sullwald family, after Nel and Jaco Jonck are likely to Jurgen Schroder in a Nissan Navara built a one-two on the 4x4 Mega World compete over the rest of the season in for the Dakar will be running here this 400, will be high on confi dence, while a Zarco Truggy, while Labuscagne will weekend in a pre-Dakar test and should Variawa/Rousseau will be aware of the team up with daughter Sandra. There pose a threat to the establishment. consequences of a third non-fi nish this is certainly no lack of experience in this Class D will be without current year. It adds up to a fascinating duel up category! H&H NNewsews FFeatureseatures EEVENTSVENTS IIssuessue 115151 • 2323 - 2929 SSeptept 22010010

<< RallyBRC has << Waylanderwrc has << Waylanderwrc has uploaded this brilliant posted two entertaining posted two entertaining video of the International videos on the Ulster Rally videos on the Ulster Rally Rally NI (Ulster). 2010. This is their Day 2010. This is their Day http://www.youtube. One highlights clip. Two highlights clip. com/watch?v=BzB6z5j_ http://www.youtube.com/ http://www.youtube.com/ QOE watch?v=MvErBfVFVNI watch?v=uKe3tdUEsm4

CRONIN OR GREER: TOP BATTLES FOR YORKSHIRE

Words: Staff Writer Championship, his previous best fi fth in times in the old specifi cation car. Their Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography both 2008 and 2009. focus on this event must surely be to From different sides of the assist team mate Cronin to help Pirelli The fi nal round of the Dulux Trade border Craig Breen and Alastair Fisher TEG Sport retain the Teams’ title. MSA British Rally Championship have more in common than Irish roots. Amazingly Gwyndaf’s son Elfyn will see a six way fi ght for the 2010 Respectively co-driven by Gareth Roberts is sixth in the overall championship title, with fi ve nations represented and Rory Kennedy, neither can now tables, but having fi nished every round in an all out bid for supremacy in the secure the BRC title following season- he has the same problem as Greer and forests of Rally Yorkshire. long bad luck. But after a maiden win in Pritchard, needing to drop a score. It is true that reigning Ulster Breen will compete in Yorkshire This means that he cannot take the champion Keith Cronin and co-driver to prove his, and his awesome Fiesta title regardless of others potential Barry McNulty need only to fi nish inside S2000’s, ability on gravel, while Fisher’s misfortunes. The word amazing should the top six to guarantee back-to-back two podiums this year put the youngster not be considered in the context of his drivers’ titles for the Irishman and top in a prime spot for his own maiden position being a surprise though, since eight to seal a fi rst British title for his victory. he and Andrew Edwards have deserved Northern Irish co-driver. But with the Jason Pritchard’s co-driver their excellent results. Dulux Trade MSA British Teams Rally Robbie Durant is in a strong position Swapping to a new specifi cation Championship at stake too, the Irish pair too, currently second to McNulty, while Fiesta part way through the season was must try their utmost to help Pirelli TEG Pritchard’s debut four wheel drive season a good move for the Welsh duo, but with Sport retain the prestigious MSA award. has gone extremely well, currently perfect twenties across the board in the While Cronin may be favourite sandwiched in third place between Fiesta SportTrophy, they could probably for the title, it is by no means settled, two British Rally Champions. A podium have won the series in the old car, such since the last round of the 2010 season place on Rally Isle of Man is the season is the youngster’s domination of the one carries a 50% points bonus, any one of highlight so far, the 22 year old another make series. six of the current top seven in the table with a score from each of the fi ve events The fi nal crew with an outside could still mathematically win if Cronin and a passion to improve in his Subaru. chance of Dulux Trade MSA British Rally falters. The fact the 1996 British Rally Championship victory is that of brother His position means that it is Champion Gwyndaf Evans languishes in and sister team Daniel Sigurðarson unlikely to see any heroics from last fourth place in the tables is no refl ection and Ásta Sigurðardóttir. The multiple year’s event winner, so it is almost on the 51 year old’s commitment this Icelandic champion will complete his fi rst guaranteed that the rest of the fi eld will year. A mechanical problem on the full season in the BRC at the wheel of a sense the chance of victory while Cronin opening round on his home gravel aside, Mitsubishi, working to help secure the adopts an ultra cautious approach. the ‘Welsh Wizard’ admits that this Teams title for JR Motorsports and eager Topping the drivers’ tables season has been the most competitive to end the year with a podium place. since the end of the second round back he has experienced for many a year. International Rally Yorkshire in April has been Jonny Greer, but after This must go some way in gets underway with an autograph co-driver changes, McNulty heads the justifying two uncharacteristic crashes in session and ceremonial start on the co-drivers, a level head all he requires to as many events, JR Motorsports driver south end of the town’s Marine Drive help secure his place in the BRC history Evans having to push harder than ever from 6pm on Friday. A single seventeen books. to keep pace with the youngsters. Two mile stage awaits the crews in the Dalby Greer is one of only fi ve drivers non-scores mean that he must rely on Forest complex, before a service and of the 41 registered to have scored on others retiring to add his name to the overnight halt back at Marine Drive. all the rounds of the championship so trophy after a fourteen year gap. Saturday sees two loops of far, an impressive statistic that carries 2008 Pirelli Star Driver Adam Dalby stages split by a another service an unwanted penalty. As it will be the Gould has had a diffi cult season in Scarborough, before the eventual best fi ve scores from the six events fi nancially, unable to secure a single Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Champion that count at the end of the season, the big sponsor to assist in running Mark is crowned at the Marine Drive fi nish at young Ulsterman must drop his worst Higgins’ old Subaru this year. But he 6.15pm. event tally after Rally Yorkshire. But it and Craig Drew have struggled through, For more information on does mean that with a solid fi nish he even starting the season on the podium the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally is guaranteed of a top three position in in March, a feat they have not managed Championship visit http://www.rallybrc. the 2010 Dulux Trade MSA British Rally to repeat despite some fantastic stage co.uk. H&H