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14 Events Yours in Rallying, 15 Serbia Rally 16 Rallye de Portugal Historic Evan Rothman 17 Donegal International Rally 18 FST IE Donegal Rally 19 RSAC Scottish Rally 20 White Nights Rally 2010 22 Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb 23 IRC Geko Ypres Rally Contact E-mail us [email protected] Call us +27 83 452 6892 Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc

To receive your FREE weekly HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS eMagazine, or if you’d like to share this with a friend please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is not a SPAM e-mail: email addresses are added to the mailing list voluntarily. Editorial Information Editor Evan Rothman Photojournalist Eva Kovkova Contributors Dean Campbell, Liga Stirna, Christiam Mateus, Josefi ne Beinke, Tim Williams, RallyBuzz. All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007- 10. This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information from sources and given to readers, the editor cannot accept responsibility for any inconvenience or damage that may arise therefrom.

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Contact us on - Telephone +27 11 6708400 E-mail – [email protected] Website: www.ats-motorsport.co.za

News the world’s latest rally news NEWS Rally Radio Live from Ypres Rally New Caledonia after the Whangarei event. “I really want to move my rally career onto the Rally Ypres, Round Six of the 2010 Intercontinental Rally international stage, and this is the fi rst step, an amazing Challenge gets under way on Friday afternoon and the stakes opportunity and I will be driving at my best to take out fi rst could not be higher. place,” says the Victorian driver who drives a Impreza UK’s and Paul Nagle are the IRC that belonged to another top Kiwi competitor Richard Mason on defending champions, and they’ll be keen to repeat last year’s the rally stages around the Whangarei and Kaipara districts. win on the Belgian stages. Skoda UK’s is sidelined While Green and Leyraud are nearly three times with fractured vertebrae, but the works team drivers Juho Reeves’ age, their vast experience on all the three Pacifi c Cup Hänninen and Jan Kopecky will be there, along with Belgian rallies is not to be underestimated. Reeves is well aware both favourite , plus Alister McRae and in are former champions and said: “The best advice I was ever their Protons and in his Ford Fiesta S2000. given was ‘to fi nish fi rst, fi rst you must fi nish’ and that will be Can’t get there? Rally Radio is broadcasting live on my strategy.” iRally on the iPhone, on www.peugeot.co.uk, on www.ircseries. Other entrants in the Pacifi c Cup are top runners last com, on www.ypresrally.com and www.autosport.com. year’s Rally Whangarei winner Hayden Paddon and current Julian Porter anchors the programme, with Colin Clark New Zealand Rally Championship leader Dean Sumner. Paddon and Lisa O’Sullivan out at the Stage Ends and Greg Strange in and Sumner as well as young Kiwi drivers Sloan Cox and Ben the Service Park. Programming goes live on: Jagger are all registered for Pacifi c Cup points courtesy of their • Friday 25th June at 1600 local time (1500 UK) selection as APRC wildcard entrants. • Saturday 26th June at 1045 local time (0945 UK) Seeded sixth – with Leyraud 11th and Green 12th E-mail the studio any time: [email protected] – Reeves is keen to impress with another solid result in Follow all the action with iRally, the free independent Whangarei to help secure sponsors for a full APRC campaign Rally App for the iPhone. iRally covers both WRC and IRC and in 2011. He expects his greatest challenge for Pacifi c Cup it’s free! honours to come from Paddon who was the man to beat on - Credit: Rally Radio. last year’s event and has plenty of experience on the roads around Whangarei. Paddon, Sumner, Cox and Jagger are not R.I.P. Thomas Maguire contesting the Queensland and New Caledonia events at this Popular Irish co-driver Thomas Maguire was tragically killed stage, leaving the regional series to be fought out by Reeves, when the car he was travelling in left the road during the Green and Leyraud. Knockalla stage of the 2010 Donegal International Rally. The International Rally of Whangarei runs from Shane Buckley, the driver of the car, was described as 2 to 4 July with pre-event promotional activities like the being in a critical but stable condition at Letterkenny General popular driver autograph signing session and the offi cial start Hospital. ceremony taking place in Whangarei’s Cameron Street Mall Donegal Rally Clerk of the Course, Danny Gormley, from 3:30 pm on Friday. said in a statement last night: “Our thoughts and prayers are The rally action runs Saturday and Sunday with with the Maguire family and the family of the competitor who stage times and the offi cial rally map available from the event was injured at this very diffi cult time. website, www.rallywhangarei.co.nz, or free from the rally “Thomas loved rallying and his loss has deeply headquarters at Quayside Town Basin. affected everyone involved in the rally. His loss will be felt by The event concludes with Sunday’s offi cial ceremonial rallying fans all over the country. It was the view of everyone fi nish from 3:30pm beside the rally headquarters. in the DMC that the remainder of this year’s rally should be cancelled as a mark of respect.” The rally counts for points for: Donegal Rally competitors and offi cials attended a - 2010 FIA Asia Pacifi c Rally Championship (round 3) memorial service for Thomas at the Mount Errigal Hotel this - 2010 FIA Pacifi c Cup (round 1) morning. - 2010 Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally The remaining stages of the 2010 Donegal Rally were Championship (round 3) cancelled as a mark of respect to the Maguire family. - 2010 Stilo Top Half Rally Series R.I.P. Thomas Maguire 1984 - 2010 - Credit: www.rallybuzz.com - Credit: www.rallybuzz.com Daily news updates, photographs, Australian Reeves takes on FIA reports available from H&H ONLINE Pacifi c Cup in Whangarei To view the latest news from the fast-paced world of rallying, Young Australian rally driver Brendan Reeves is up against reader can join our Facebook fan page HERE, or sign-up for two of the Asia Pacifi c region’s most experienced rally drivers daily and weekly news streams from our website HERE, and if in one of the subsidiary competitions being contested during you are on twitter follow our editor HERE. July’s International Rally of Whangarei. We look forward to your interactions, views and As well as competing for overall honours in the two- comments online. day rally, 21-year-old Reeves is gunning for points in the 2010 FIA Pacifi c Cup, a segment of the 2010 FIA Asia Pacifi c Rally Championship. Also registered for Pacifi c Cup points are two of the sport’s long-time competitors, Palmerston North’s Brian Green and Jean-Louis Leyraud from New Caledonia. Reeves has contested the Whangarei event for the past two years, fi nishing third overall last year in a borrowed from Emma Gilmour. Reeves’ 2010 Pacifi c Cup campaign takes him and co- driving sister Rhiannon Smyth to Rally Queensland and Rally FEATURESNEWS Interactive News: Stories posted on use-irc-debut-for-tarmac-experience/ H&H’s website and Facebook Page • IRC Ace Wilks predicts incredible Ypres Rally To read these stories, please click on the link below the http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/irc-ace- article’s story to view these stories on H&H’s website: wilks-predicts-incredible-ypres-rally/

• Rising Star Campana set for Ypres Rally debut • All systems go for Loughgall’s charity motorsport http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/rising- festival star-campana-set-for-ypres-rally-debut/ http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/all- systems-go-for-loughgall’s-charity-motorsport-festival/

• Success for on Rally del Salento http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/ success-for-pierre-campana-on-rally-del-salento/

• Edwards masters Mid Wales for maiden win http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/ edwards-masters-mid-wales-for-maiden-win/

• Juha Kankkunen returns to rallying http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/juha- • Rose confi rms Meru Rally attendance kankkunen-returns-to-rallying/ http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/rose- confi rms-meru-rally-attendance/ • Carlos Sainz honoured by his home town http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/ • Wood claims podium in Caerwent volkswagen-factory-driver-carlos-sainz-honoured-by-his-home- http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/wood- town/ extends-championship-lead-with-caerwent-podium/ • A YouTube video - MUST SEE! • Pryce fi nishes in top ten on Mid Wales Stages http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/hhs- http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/pryce- youtube-video-of-the-day/ fi nishes-in-top-ten-on-mid-wales-stages/ • A YouTube video - New WRC game preview • Watkins pleased with second on Mid Wales http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/hhs- http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/ youtube-video-special-sneak-preview-of-the-new-wrc-video- watkins-pleased-with-well-deserved-second-on-mid-wales- game/ stages/ • YouTube video - onboard with Henning Solberg in • Proton’s Geko Ypres Rally preview Jordan http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/proton- http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/hh- geko-ypres-rally-preview/ youtube-video-special-onboard-with-henning-solberg-ss1-wrc- rally-jordan-2010/ • Super 2000 outings confi rmed for Henning Solberg http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/super- • Loeb prepares for Rally with asphalt tests 2000-outings-confi rmed-for-henning-solberg/ http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/loeb- prepares-for-wrc-rally-bulgaria-with-french-asphalt-tests/

• Cole and Drew win Jim Clark National Rally http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/cole- and-drew-win-jim-clark-national-rally/

• YouTube channel for BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team launched: http://wp.me/ppkXc-1ag

Daily news updates, photographs, reports available from H&H ONLINE To view the latest news from the fast-paced world of rallying, reader can join our Facebook fan page HERE, or sign-up for daily and weekly news streams from our website HERE, and if • Cetinkaya hopes test will aid IRC Ypres bid you are on twitter follow our editor HERE. http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/ We look forward to your interactions, views and cetinkaya-hopes-test-will-aid-irc-ypres-bid/ comments online. • Arai to use IRC debut for tarmac experience http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/arai-to-

Features your insight into the world of rallying FEATURES BARRY AND BRADY READY FOR YPRES HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS brings you an EXCLUSIVE feature article written by Martin Brady as he and driver Daniel Barry ready themselves to attack the Belgian asphalt this weekend for the IRC Geko Ypres Rally.

Story: Martin Brady notes once we had gotten a perspective Pictures: www.rallylovers.be; IRC Media of just how much the locals cut the corners and leave the roads. We also They say hard work is all about got a read on the cobble stones and how preparation, and that to fail to prepare slippery they can be, even in the dry. It then you prepare to fail. Well, the Barry was an all new experience for us! Motorsport team are not lacking in either The Grp N Toyota Starlet was attribute. Hard work and preparation are obviously not as fast as our Mitsubishi things we value, so with that in mind we Lancer Evolution IX, but it performed put our heads down after the IRC Rally well and gave us a base idea of what to Islas Canarias and set about fi nding expect by getting around the stages in the crippling overheating problem that the heat of battle come this weekend. dogged us in our last IRC event. Many Even spectating taught us something. hours and kilometers were ticked off as With the fl at landscape, you can see each and every avenue and hear the cars was explored until coming for miles, an insignifi cant ECU “many of the and perhaps see glitch was found that, long straights more of one car although intermittent, at a time, so we it was enough to affect are linked were able to watch the fueling of the car the greats like and the knock-on by fi fth gear Freddy Loix and problems. So, hopefully, corners” Patrick Snijers to with that fi xed we set learn how they about getting ready for the specialist carry such speed through the cuts and tarmac conditions of . corners. Very keen to try new things and Now we are in the hotel in learn, Daniel took to some karting with a Ypres and leaving for Day Two of the prolifi c Irish karting champion and noted Recce, and as ever on these rallies it is a racer Niall Quinn. As with many of things busy time. The stages we saw yesterday there is a family connection to so much are good and are as we expected them of Barry Motorsport’s activities, and Niall to be from our trip in the Starlet, if is a good friend of mine and indeed a perhaps a little more bumpy. If it’s a dry rally enthusiast and he was keen to allow rally as expected, it is going to be ultra- Above are pictures from Barry Motorsport’s previous Daniel to take to a local circuit in one of fast as so many of the long straights are IRC outing in the Rally Islas Canarias. Below is an image of them in Belgium in preparation for this his race karts to gain a new perspective linked by fi fth gear corners. weekend’s IRC Geko Ypres Rally in hired Toyota Starlet on tarmac driving, racing lines and ways We are glad to be here, as courtesy of Autos Dekeersgieter. of unlocking speed on tarmac stages. obviously the tragedy of the accident It was a good day and was fun to try in Donegal is in our minds. Thomas something new. Maguire (YoTommo as he was Buoyed by the experience, we affectionately called) was a friend to us took on an invitation to join the Auto’s all in the Barry Motorsport Team, and Dekeersgieter operation in Belgium for while we all know motorsport is not one rally in their Grp N Toyota Starlet. without its risks it is still a shock when We went to compete on “The 12 Hours such losses hit the sport and we lose one of Wervick,” as it is a traditional dress of our best. Before I left home I made rehearsal for the Intercontinental Rally a promise to Tommo’s brother that we Challenge qualifi er in Ypres. would go out here and do his memory The event, “The 12 Hours of proud with our best effort and that’s Wervik,” was good for us. We completed what we intend to do even more so than six stages, and then we went out to usual. spectate as we had done two passes of all the stages and had changed our FEATURES

Posted by FordWRC, this is a WRC Rally Portugal 2010 post-event video package.

Posted by FordWRC, here is a great video highlighting the history of Ford in WRC.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR BP FORD ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM LAUNCHED

Fans of the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Posted by FordWRC, a video featuring Ford’s can now access exclusive video footage from the Champions in their WRC campaigns over the years. team via social networking site YouTube.

Story: Staff Writer The page will also provide Pictures: WorldRallyPics a link to allow fans free access to the team’s website at www.wrcford. A channel devoted specifi cally to Ford’s com. Comprehensive news, results, FIA team was photographs and information from the launched earlier this month and offers team can be viewed there. access to a wide variety of content, “This channel is aimed at much of it focused on behind-the-scenes devoted rally fans, people who have activities. a genuine passion for the sport and Headline footage developed who will visit on a regular basis to view and uploaded by Ford will be located in recently added footage,” said Gerard the prime space at the top of the page, Quinn, Ford of Europe’s motorsport Posted by FordWRC, a video of Ford WRC on the road. Great action of their WRC machines in full fl ight! with additional material produced by chief. “Our drivers and team members the team accessible alongside. This will are involved in many activities that include specially produced preview and often remain unseen by fans. We want post-event vodcasts from each round to make these available for everyone to of the WRC, which will be uploaded on view. The wider the range of content, the Friday morning of each rally and the the more enjoyable the team’s You Tube Monday after each event respectively. channel will be for visitors. Mid-season and end-of-year “We recognise the increasing reviews will be made available, as well importance of social media channels and as activities involving team drivers Mikko this outlet will allow our fans around the Hirvonen and and team- world to become more closely involved mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka with the team,” added Quinn. Anttila both on- and off-event. The page can be accessed directly at www.youtube.com/fordwrc. FEATURES

NADIA CUTRO: INTERVIEWED Pablo Machi delivers HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS an interview with Nadia Cutro, a rally sensation in Argentina. Competing in the Tango Rally Team Ligato and piloting a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, Cutro has been successful and victorius in a number of events this season.

Story: Pablo Machi the corners. It is a car that turns, brakes large number of people supporting Pictures: Raul Bellido and Eugenia Davila and accelerates; what I enjoyed most you during weekend in Plaza was using the handbrake! The team Huincul, and did this encourage and Pablo Machi, editor and creator of www. gave us a great car.” motivate you to score a good result rallyreportnewsworld.com and www. on ? rallyreportnews.ar, brings this special PM: In what do you prefer to handle NC: “People always surprise us; this treat of an article for you, dear reader, the new car: on the straights or is the beauty of it… The affection and all the way from the Argentina. corners? encouragement of our supporters who NC: “Hmmm… I enjoy the power curve are close to you or suuport you in every PM: What can you tell us of your and the cornering ability of the car, and rally is priceless. We got to where we are tests in the Tango Rally Team’s the speed then doubles. I believe that thanks to all those people!” factory Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in both these situations there are things IX ahead of the Plaza Huincul Rally? that one likes. At this point, we like PM: What is your plan for the Are you positive about the tests? everything!” coming events of the Argentine NC: “Yes, absolutely. For us it was Rally Championship? Are you getting necessary to test because its a new car. PM: Are you satisfi ed with your prepared physically to aim for a In turn it helped us a lot when reading adaptation and progress so far in better performance at every rally? the road, how to corner and to hold this new vehicle? NC: “I have prepared physically since back. It was a big change, and we thank NC: “I think we have achieved much January in a gym where I train. More Mark and the team.” in the short time, and especially in all than a month ago, we started to exercise things that make being in those stage twice a day, six days a week. I’ve really PM: Nadia, that’s your Neuquén times, like a leaf, the car, the handling. noticed a big change and I am very debut with the Lancer Evo IX of the We try to learn every day.” satisfi ed with the results.” Tango Rally Team? NC: “Although it was, we are very happy PM: How you rate the new cars PM: Nadia, do you have a career for having gone to the event. It was a today and the competitiveness in the plan confi rmed for the remainder of race in which we had many diffi culties. new N4 Light Class in the Argentine the Argentine Rally Championship? However, we could enjoy it in every way Rally Championship? NC: “If we do all the dates on the to the point where we wanted to keep NC: “I think is the best time of this calendar, except Catamarca and Rio running because we loved the Evo IX!” class. There are many drivers and all Negro rallies, as they are two dates a high level. We can see that in every in the same month and we don’t have PM: What are the differences found race, the lead changes and we don’t the budget to do both these events. between the old Mitsubishi Lancer know who will win until the fi nal fi nish as Hopefully we can get something and Evolution VIII and IX? all are very evenly matched.” to also be working harder and to keep NC: “What surprised us most was that search for sponsors for the future.” the power was available to pull us out of PM: Nadia, I was surprised by the FEATURES

P-G. Andersson (pictured above left) will be piloting a second Stobart car in the P-G. ANDERSSON TIPS STOBART TO upcoming Rally Bulgaria, partnering the talented PERFORM STRONGLY IN BULGARIA Matthew Wilson (pictured above and opposite page). Ahead of his debut for the Cumbria-based Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team at Rally Bulgaria next month, Sweden’s Per-Gunnar Andersson took time out of his busy schedule during a visit to team headquarters at Dovenby Hall to speak about his chances at the event and his tell us a little bit about himself.

Story: Stobart M-Sport Rally Team but ended up driving from Sweden to Pictures: WorldRallyPics Cumbria in 28 hours in order to still compete. The rally didn’t go as well as The 30-year-old former Junior World I had hoped but I was asked to stay on Rally Championship title winner will for an extra couple of days to do some contest the rally alongside endurance mileage on the Ford Focus RS co-driver Jonas Andersson in a Stobart WRC and after some good feedback from branded Ford Focus RS WRC, and M-Sport, I was offered the chance to will be nominated for points in the drive in Bulgaria.” seventh round of the FIA World Rally Championship in addition to team-mates Stobart: How do you feel about Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin. driving the Ford Focus RS WRC? P-G.A.: “I tested the Focus on gravel Stobart: How do you feel about the other week which was a great joining the Stobart M-Sport Ford experience for me - I know it has the Rally Team in Bulgaria? speed to win rallies. Like anything, you P-G.A.: “It’s fantastic! I’m really just need to learn how to drive the car in delighted to join one of the top teams in order to get the best performance.” the WRC and I feel so privileged to have been given this chance.” Stobart: What are your thoughts about Rally Bulgaria, do you think it Stobart: How did the opportunity will be a good rally for you? come about? P-G.A.: “I’ve not driven on tarmac over P-G.A.: “I was asked to drive in a Ford two years now so that is preying on my Fiesta R2 in the Pirelli International mind a little. However, this rally is new Rally in April. We nearly didn’t make for everyone and after I’ve done some it because we were delayed by the testing, I will be prepared as I possibly ash cloud returning from Rally can be. My main aim is to get a good FEATURES

fi nal result. It may take a few stages car but feels like it’s a proper rally car in Sardinia last week I found a new before I am comfortable but I plan to – it’s really fast and with the series of member in the family... a cat aged 12 increase my pace throughout the rally.” championships in different regions this weeks (Elvis)!” would be a potentially good route for How did you fi rst get into anyone serious about progressing into Stobart: What do you do to relax motorsport? the sport.” away from motorsport? P-G.A.: “I’ve been watching rallies since P-G.A.: “I love spending time in the I was really young and have always Stobart: What is your fi tness regime countryside – fi shing, hunting and had an interest in rallying. My big break like? generally relaxing. I really enjoy getting came when I started competing in P-G.A.: “During the warmer months, I the chance to spend time with my Rallycross when I was 15.” go running and I ski during the winter. I friends and family too. I also like going try to maintain a good level of fi tness all to other motorsport events but I don’t Stobart: What has been your best year round.” always have the chance or the time to memory/highlight as a rally driver? do that.” P-G.A.: “My best memories are winning Stobart: How is your fan base back the two J-WRC titles in 2004 and also in in Sweden? Stobart: Favourite car? 2007. Another brilliant memory is when P-G.A.: “My fan base in Sweden is great P-G.A.: “I like the look of the new Ford I had my debut in a WRC car in Monte and I seem to have lots of fans - maybe Focus RS 500 – I’ve not had a chance to Carlo back in 2008.” because there hasn’t been a top driver drive it but it’s been well received by the in Sweden for several years. Joining press and looks really good in black.” Stobart: What has been your worst the Stobart team will help increase the moment? interest of rally in Sweden so it’ll be Stobart: Favourite holiday P-G.A.: “That would have to be in 2004 brilliant news for all of my fans.” destination? when I rolled my car twice in .” P-G.A.: “Thailand.” Stobart: Who is your motorsport Stobart: What would you suggest to idol? Stobart: Favourite food? somebody who is trying to get into P-G.A.: “Colin McRae.” P-G.A.: “A good steak!” rally driving? P-G.A.: “I would tell them to start on a Stobart: Tell us a bit about your Stobart: Where do you aim to be in level they can afford to and to try and home life? three years time? get as much experience as they can. P-G.A.: “I live with my girlfriend Marie P-G.A.: “In three years I will be fi ghting My experience of the Fiesta R2 in the Louise, and her 5-year-old daughter, to be the world rally champion... Watch Pirelli International Rally was a bit of Alice, in a lovely house in Arjang. When out Loeb!” an eye opener, the R2 is just a small I came back home from the IRC round Events the full event previews and reviews EVENTS HIRVONEN CRUISES TO WIN IN SERBIA ERC-EAST: SERBIA RALLY 18 - 19 June 2010 BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team drivers and Jarmo Lehtinen won the Serbia Rally this past weekend by more than seven minutes after setting fastest time on all 17 speed tests in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car. The Serbia Rally was fast, and dominated by Mikko Hirvonen. To view this action in motion, please click the below YouTube video.

Story: Staff Writer surface,” said Hirvonen. “The weather during the fi rst leg was awful and it The Finns used the two-day asphalt was impossible to predict what set-up event, which took place during the and tyres would be the right choice for summer break in the FIA World Rally the changing conditions. But that can Championship, as a test session before happen in the WRC too, so it was good the WRC season restarts in Bulgaria next experience to learn how to drive like month. this. The rally, based in Belgrade, “Yesterday morning was drier was a round of the FIA European Rally and we were able to carry out more Championship Regional Cup (East), as orthodox testing work. We tried a few well as the national championships in modifi cations to the set-up of the car, Serbia and Bulgaria. Drivers were due which we will test further in . The to tackle 18 special rally was the perfect stages covering “The weather way to warm-up More action from the Serbia Rally. To view this action 229,14km, but one for the forthcoming in motion, please click the below YouTube video. test was cancelled during the fi rst asphalt events during Saturday’s in the WRC. We opening leg due to leg was awful” received a great extreme weather - Hirvonen. welcome from the conditions. fans in Serbia, who Torrential rain and hailstorms stood out in dreadful weather to watch affected the opening day, and 29-year- the event, and I hope we provided them old Hirvonen faced a near-impossible with a good show,” he added. task in matching the set-up of the Hirvonen spent Monday working Focus RS WRC and his tyre choice to in a road car with former European FIA the constantly changing conditions. The Endurance Touring Car champion Rob weather was dry on Saturday morning, Wilson at Bruntingthorpe proving ground before rain returned for the afternoon’s in England. Wilson is an expert asphalt fi nal group of stages. However, the Ford driving coach and Hirvonen has trained duo took the treacherous conditions in with him on several previous occasions. their stride to win by 7min 39,0sec. The team now moves to More action from the Serbia Rally. To view this action in motion, please click the below YouTube video. southern Spain for a four-day asphalt Overall Classifi cation: test which begins on this weekend on 01) M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen Ford Focus RS WRC 09 - 02h 00m 27,8s Sunday. Hirvonen will be joined there 02) P. Gioszev/D. Spasov by team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX + 07m 39,0s and to fi nalise their 03) M. Tempestini/D. Pulpea + 09m 34,5s preparations for Rally Bulgaria, Round 04) D. Iliev/J. Janakijev Seven of the WRC. It is the fi rst of four Skoda Fabia S2000 + 09m 48,8s asphalt rallies during the second half of 05) V. Petrovic/S. Kondic Subaru Impreza WRX STI N11 + 10m 56,4s the WRC season, with sealed surface 06) K. Donchev/P. Jordanov events also held in Germany, and Peugeot 207 S2000 + 17m 30,7s Spain. 07) T. Stratiev/D. Borisov Citroen C2 R2 Max + 18m 46,4s “It’s more than eight months 08) V. Rabrenovic/R. Radivojevic since the WRC’s last asphalt round, so Renault Clio RS + 21m 05,9s Serbia was all about shaking off the 09) T. Metkov/W. Christov Peugeot 206 RC + 23m 20,7s rust and fi nding a good feeling behind 10) E. Denev/B. Nenov the wheel of the Focus RS WRC on that Renault Clio RS + 23m 58,3s EVENTS

FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: Juha Kankkunen shows his World Rally Championship winning-form KANKKUNEN FLIES TO EASY VICTORY in Portugal; in discussion with ASM Motorsport employees; his ASM Motorsport-prepared Ford Escort HWRC: RALLYE DE PORTUGAL Mk2 in Service Park before the event. 27 - 30 May 2010 Courtesy of ASM Motorsport, a motorsport company based in Barcelona, Spain, maintain, prepare, build event servicing and logistics and even hire out their rally cars for events as varied as the Rally Lahti Finland, the Dakar Rally, the EVO Challenge in the UK and the in the Lapland. This company prepared and serviced the Ford Escort Mk2 piloted by Juha Kankkunen on the recent Historic Rally Portugal. This is their story from the event, with compliments to readers of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS.

Story: www.ASMMotorsport.com perfectly - it is not for nothing that they Pictures: www.ASMMotorsport.com are one of the strongest of vehicles, which makes it possible to really have The four-times world champion Juha fun with this car in a gravel rally and we Kankkunen, accompanied once again by are really keen to repeat the experience Nicky Grist, has won an extraordinary with ASM Motorsport”. and convincing victory in the Portugal The regular European drivers Revival Rally held at the end of last for ASM Motorsport, Ferran Font (Ford month on the same route as the Escort Mk1) and Antonio Sainz (Ford sixth rally of the 2010 World Rally Escort Mk2) also participated in the Championship. Portuguese rally, with the new Gulf The Finnish driver, at the wheel colours, however both drivers retired of ASM Motorsport Team’s Ford Escort from the rally after going off the road in Mk2, supported by DMACK GRIPPA rally the fi rst section. Although there were no tyres, won with a serious consequences, margin of more than especially in the case three minutes to “Kankkunen of Sainz, both drivers second place fi nisher practically decided not to continue Jesus Ferreiro. in the rally at the Kankukken fl ew over the second section with practically fl ew over there being only two the stages of the stages” special stages and with Portuguese route to stretches in very poor quickly put distance between him and condition after the passage of the World the other drivers. He and Nicky Grist Rally cars. won the absolute fi rst place in the World After this latest success, the Rally Championships in 1994 on this ASM Motorsport team returns to base event and after the rally the driver from with barely enough time to change Overall Classifi cation: 01) Juha Kankkunen/Nicky Grist Laukaa commented on how it had gone suitcases and get back on the road, this Ford Escort Mk2 - 01h 37m 01,9s this time… time headed for the island of Sardinia 02) Jesus Ferreiro/Roberto Lorenzo “Aside from winning, which is for the 2010 edition of the Corallo Ford Escort Mk1 + 03m 27,0s 03) Geoffrey Bell/Staffan Parmander of course always important, above all Rally, where Ferran Font defended his Ford Escort Mk2 + 04m 23,5s I’d like to say that it has been a great leadership in Category 2 of the European 04) Valter Gomes/Aulo Fiuza experience and that both Nicky and I Historic Rally Championship. Porsche 911 RS + 09m 19,1s 05) Toni Dezcallar/Bartolomeu Fluza have had a terrifi c time. The Escort ran Mitsubishi Lancer + 14m 42,9s EVENTS O’BRIEN WINS RALLY NEW YORK 19 June 2010 Daniel O’Brien/Brendan McCabe win the Rally New York Summer Rallysprint.

Story:Rally New York Media

This the fi fth round of the New York Rally Championship – Thunder 102 Cup, sponsored by Tearoff Guys and presented by Thunder 102 Rally Radio, took place in beautiful summer weather on excellent roads on Ten Mile River TRAGEDY STRIKES AT DONEGAL Scout Reservation in Narrowsburg, New York. The Summer Rallysprint is a IRC: DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY short rally with a total length of just over 18 - 19 June 2010 100mi (160km), and only 30mi (48km) of competitive stages. The event was The Topaz Donegal International Rally, marked by close competition and no Round Four of the Citroen Irish Tarmac Rally accidents. O’Brien/McCabe, who won Championship came to an abrupt end on SS10 seven out of eight stages, had worthy when Shane Buckley and Thomas Maguire crashed opponents in Martin O’Flynn/Bernie Obry in an eighteen-year-old Mitsubishi heavily, with Maguire dying in the accident and Eclipse who won one stage. After an Buckley sustaining injuries. This report focuses on outstanding performance, O’Flynn/ Obry took second overall and fi rst in the event, with a review on Craig Breen. the PreMod All-Wheel-Drive class. This capable team has been known to harass opposition in modern, powerful cars. the Kick Energy Ford Fiesta S2000 was The third place overall was Story: Staff Writer Picture: www.rallyprint.com holding second place overall. taken by Aidan McCormack in his On Friday evening the town Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, who Breen’s fearless attack at the Topaz of Buncrana came to a standstill as returned to competition after a hiatus Donegal International Rally ended in huge crowds lined the stage in glorious of six years with new co-driver Fiona dramatic style on SS8 when he and co- sunshine, and Breen put on a great show Smith. driver Gareth Roberts crashed heavily, to thrill the thousands of rally fans when Liam Mulvey/Bernard Farrell destroying their Kick Energy Ford Fiesta the S2000 crew ended the opening day won Two-Wheel-Drive and placed fourth S2000. At the time Craig was lying in in a superb second place overall. overall after an excellent performance third place overall, 10sec behind Tim Eight stages set the scene in a classic Mazda RX3. The second McNulty in second place and 1min 13sec for Day Two, with the action taking in and third places in Two-Wheel-Drive behind rally leader Gareth MacHale. famous stage names like “Fanad Head” were taken by the two fast teams of The accident happened on the and “Knockalla.” SS7 got proceedings Mark Williams/Shane McCann in Ford fi rst run over the “Fanad underway, and Breen Focus ZX3 and Al Kulpa/Adam Pelc in a Head” stage, and Craig “Breen got was overhauled on Volkswagen Golf GTI. reported afterwards: the test by a charging Donal McGivney/Seamus “We were on a fast off to a fl yer” Tim McNulty (Subaru McKiernan in Subaru Impreza WRX won section and I don’t know what happened Impreza) to take second overall, with Production All-Wheel-Drive and took fi fth just before we went off, but when I tried Breen slotting in at third 10sec down. overall. to take the turn the car went straight on Next up was the fi rst run on The next two rounds of the New and we crashed at high speed. It’s hard “Fanad Head” and it was here that York Rally Championship – Thunder 102 to determine whether a part failed or I disaster stuck for Breen. After the Cup - will be take place in conjunction picked up a puncture, because there was accident Craig was devastated: “I with the International Rally New York on so much damage sustained to the car.” was shocked by the way the accident 10 - 11 September. Both Breen and Roberts were happened, everything was fi ne just able to get out of the car, but Craig did before but I don’t know if we picked up a Overall Classifi cation: suffer an injury to his thumb and elbow. puncture or a part failed and this caused 01) D. O’Brien/B. McCabe Subaru Impreza STi - 28m 48,0s The rally got under way at the crash. The car sustained a lot of 02) M. O’Flynn/B. Obry midday on Friday with a four-stage loop damage and fi nding the answer will take Mitsubishi Eclipse - 30m 43,0s based in Malin Head and the centre piece time. I was initially gutted to be out of 03) A. McCormack/F. Smith Mitsubishi Evo 6 - 31m 16,0s of the event, two runs over the 1,1 km the rally after going so well on day one 04) L. Mulvey/B. Farrell town stage, set in the town of Buncrana. but a short time afterwards all this was Mazda RX3 - 32m 05,0s Breen was seeded eighth and got off to put in total perspective upon hearing 05) D. McGivney/F. Smith Subaru Impreza WRX - 32m 06,0s a fl yer on the opening stage. He was up the tragic news of Thomas and Shane. 06) M. Williams/S. McCann to fourth overall as the cars reached fi rst I would like to offer deepest sympathy Ford Focus ZX3 - 32m 26,0s service after SS2. He was very happy and condolences to the Maguire family. 07) M. Shekleton/B. McNama Eagle Talon - 32m 59,0s with his start, but did state that his tyre I would also like to wish a speedy 08) A. Wickline/S. Kurey compound was a too soft. Breen upped recovery to Shane who sustained injuries Subaru Impreza WRX - 33m 26,0s the pace over the rerun of both stages, in the accident.” 09) A. Kulpa/Adam Pelc Volkswagen Golf GTI - 34m 55,0s and on the return to second service EVENTS

LEFT: Stephen Baxter/Martin Brady claim the Donegal Rally win in the FST IE category; Stephen Wright/Paul BAXTER CLAIMS WIN AT DONEGAL McGee snatched the FST IE Championship here this FST IE: DONEGAL RALLY weekend with two rounds still remaining. 19 June 2010 Stephen Wright wrapped up the 2010 Kick Energy Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland (FST IE) championship with two rounds to spare last weekend on the Donegal International Rally.

Story: Staff Writer addition to the fi eld in Letterkenny, further cement his second place overall. Pictures: www.fi estasporttrophy.ie Niamh Neville making her championship Leonard fi nished the stage just 1,25sec debut in her ex-Mark Donnelly Ford behind Wright to trail him by 8,5sec Wright, 20, and co-driver Paul McGee Fiesta ST. The 24-year-old is latest of the heading into second service. only needed a second place fi nish to Neville clan to take up rallying, alongside Neville made the biggest put the title out of reach of closest brother Anthony and father Pat. improvement over the 19km stage: she challenger Dara Leonard. They duly Baxter was once again fastest shaved 20sec off of her previous effort delivered with a measured drive to through SS2, extending his lead over as she continued to grow ever more do just enough to claim their maiden Wright by a further 28sec. Wright was confi dent with her Fiesta ST. championship victory. doing exactly what he needed to in order The event was halted during The Letterkenny-based event to claim the Championship victory again SS11 of the International event. A was won by 28-year-old Stephen Baxter, posting the second fastest stage time competing car left the road and crashed who not only claimed his debut victory, just over 2secquicker than Leonard. heavily. The results were declared as but also the fi rst win for the Fiesta R2 in Neville and co-driver Andy they stood at the end of SS4, SS10 of the FST Ireland championship. Hayes were making steady progress in the International event. This meant that Baxter made a fl ying start to only their second event in the Fiesta ST Stephen Baxter/Martin Brady claimed the event, winning the opening test by and posted the fourth fastest time. their fi rst win of the season in their 19sec ahead of Wright. Partnering Baxter As the crews returned to service Ford Fiesta R2. Stephen Wright/Paul was the experienced for fi rst time, McGee fi nished second to claim the 2010 Martin Brady who Baxter was Kick Energy Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland had recently joined “Niamh Neville pleased with championship victory with two rounds Baxter in the co- the mixture still remaining. Dara Leonard/Vinnie driver’s seat. The made the biggest of pace and Boyd were third less than 9sec behind pair had clearly improvement” consistency he Wright. Neville/Andy Hayes fi nished gelled well together, had found with their FST Ireland debut in fourth. The having won their class on Cavan Stages Brady alongside to lead the event. In inaugural Muc-Off best presented car rally a few weeks earlier and making an second, 47sec behind Baxter, Wright award was presented to Stephen Wright, impressive start to this event. Having was happy with his pace, not wanting to the late nights endured by the DGM suffered a roll two weeks previously on push too hard with one hand already on mechanics after his crash in Newry the Modern Tyre Services Newry Rally, the Championship. Leonard had survived clearly paid off as his car was voted best Stephen Wright’s DGM mechanics had an early encounter with a wire fence prepared prior to the start of the event. had a race against time to get the car to lie third, just 7sec behind Wright. The Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland ready for the Letterkenny-based event. Newcomer Neville was enjoying her FST organisers would like to extend their Wright made a steady start to the event debut and was looking to improve on her condolences to the family and friends to avoid a repeat of his Newry “off” and times from the morning on the second of Thomas McGuire, who was tragically ruin his title aspirations. loop of stages. killed in the accident on SS10 of the 18-year-old Dara Leonard was SS3 was due to be a repeat Donegal International Rally. third on opening test of his home event. of the day’s opening test, however Leonard and co-driver Vinnie Boyd were problems with spectators meant the making a welcome return to the series, stage had to be cancelled leaving Overall Classifi cation: having been forced to skip the previous competitors just a repeat of SS2 before 01) S. Baxter/M. Brady Ford Fiesta R2 - 30m 44,9s round of the Championship. Leonard was returning to service. Baxter improved on 02) S. Wright/P. McGee less than 5sec behind Wright, but knew his earlier time by just over 5sec to post Ford Fiesta ST + 01m 15,7s he had to win to keep his title hopes his third fastest stage time of the event. 03) D. Leonard/V. Boyd Ford Fiesta ST + 01m 24,1s alive. Wright was once again second, also 04) N. Neville/A. Hayes FST IE welcomed a new improving on his earlier time by 5sec to Ford Fiesta ST + 04m 36,7s EVENTS DAVID BOGIE TO DEFEND SCOTTISH RALLY TITLE THIS WEEKEND SRC: RSAC SCOTTISH RALLY 26 June 2010 It’s the end of June, the sun is shining and it’s midway through the Scottish rally season. That means it’s time for the rally circus to head to Dumfries for the RSAC Scottish Rally, which is taking place on Saturday 26 June. Apparently there’s another sporting event taking place at the moment, but you can be certain there will be no vuvuzelas anywhere near the forests of Dumfries and Galloway!

Story:www.scottishrally.co.uk the historic-specifi cation Mark 2 Ford friendly approach of the Armed Forces Escort, but they could have company team symbolises everything the RSAC Three local drivers head the entry list in the form of Escort specialists Calum Scottish Rally strives to stand for, and for the Scottish, which is the fi fth round MacKenzie and Alan Clark. Mackenzie the loss is met with great sorrow by of the Hankook MSA Scottish Rally and Clark have acquired a new rally organisers. The rally is, however, Championship. Defending champion Mitsubishi to complement their Ford keen to keep the association with the David Bogie of Dumfries will lead the Escort, but have still to confi rm whether armed forces alive and will once again fi eld away in his Mitsubishi Lancer, they’ll take to the forests in the Ford or be donating half of the proceeds from partnered as usual by Hawick’s Kevin the four-wheel drive Mitsubishi. the event tombola and silent auction to Rae. Right behind are the Castle In the Brick and Steel Ecosse the Help for Heroes charity. All those Douglas crew of Jock Armstrong and Challenge, Euan Duncan and Peter involved with the RSAC Scottish Rally Kirsty Riddick in a Subaru Impreza, with MacInnes lead the Honda Civic section wish the Armed Forces Rally Team every last year’s winners Mike Faulkner of from Graeme Schoneville and Phil success in their future endeavours and Lockerbie and Peter Foy of Bingley third Coulby, with Grant Inglis and Robert hope they will return to the forests of away in another Mitsubishi Lancer. Gray hot on their heels. Garry Pearson Scotland soon. As last year’s is out in front in Scottish proved, however, the Peugeot 205 any one of a number “any one of category, but is of crews could take the a number of coming under win in one of Scotland’s pressure from Sean oldest motor sport crews could Robson/Iain Robson, events. Junior driver Steven Smith/Russell Alick Kerr of Lanarkshire take the win” Fair and Jamie and Elgin co-driver Neil Shanks have Watson/Stephen Williamson to name but been challenging for wins all season a few. 2008 Scottish junior champion long in a Subaru Impreza, whereas Mark McCulloch of Newton Stewart is Lancashire’s Wayne Sisson will be hoping also set to return to the 205 fold for one RSAC Scottish Rally - Schedule of Events: to top last year’s second place in the of his home rallies with regular navigator • Friday: Scrutineering - Barony Agricultural College Mitsubishi Lancer with Invernesian Craig Wallace. - from 4pm David MacFadyen on the notes. Argyll Meanwhile, it is with great • Saturday: Ceremonial Start - fi rst car 8.00am • Saturday: Spectator Special Stage - Heathhall - fi rst Mitsubishi crew Shaun Sinclair and Chris disappointment that rally announces car due 9.30am Hamill are another who won’t be far the Armed Forces Rally Team will not be • Saturday: Ceremonial Finish - fi rst car due 3.20pm away from an outright win, and what’s to participating in the 2010 RSAC Scottish say current Scottish championship leader Rally. The team have been an integral RSAC Scottish Rally Route: Andy Horne and co-driver Jim Howie part of the rally since its earliest years, SS1 “AE South” - 7,95mi (12,72km) - 08h41 SS2 “ Heathhall” - 0,71mi (1,13km) - 09h32 won’t spring a surprise in the DAM 4100 establishing themselves as fearsome SS3 “Twiglees” - 8,90mi (14,24km) - 11h00 GTi? competitors in their own right in the SS4 “Castle O’ver” - 5,99mi (9,58km) - 11h21 Yorkshireman Steve Bannister Land Rovers as well as being a welcome SS5 “AE West” - 8,33mi (13,32km) - 13h33 SS6 “AE East” - 12,90mi (20,64km) - 14h22 and Hawick navigator Louise Sutherland sight for crews of smaller cars stuck MC 6A - Dumfries Finish - 15h22 are leading two-wheel drive entrants in in ditches! The highly professional yet TOTAL DISTANCE: 44,78mi (71,63km)

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING Featuring European rally championships, British rally championships, Rally America events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news. www.rallybuzz.com EVENTS

NOVIKOV SNATCHES ANOTHER WIN RRC: WHITE NIGHTS RALLY 2010 18 - 19 June 2010 HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS’ photojournalist Eva Kovkova has been busy of late, covering the White Nights Rally 2010 in Russia. Her is her interesting report and fantastic photography from this rally.

Overall Classifi cation: The “White Nights Rally” thrills 01) /Larens Sergei Story: Eva Kovkova Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - 01h 12m 27,4s Pictures: Eva Kovkova every rally fan in Russia (and those 02) Anrey Zhigunov/Igor Ter-Oganesjanc around the world following this event, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX + 9,6s The annual White Nights Rally, too) with high-speed action from the 03) Patrick Flodin/Emil Axelsson Subaru Impreza WRX STi + 41,7s Round Four of the Russian Rally fi rst to the last kilometer. For this past 04) Dmitry Tagirov/Anna Zaviersinskaja Championship was held weekend’s event, Subaru Impreza WRX STi + 03m 37,1s in Lahdenpohja, Karelia it was once more 05) Giennadij Broslavsky/Aleksandr Gorlanov “high-speed Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX + 04m 06,6s near the Russian-Finnish a duel between 06) Andrey Truchin/Aleksiej Pietrov border. Some 200km action from former WRC Subaru Impreza WRX STi + 04m 42,7s from St. Petersburg, rally ace Evgeny 07) Ivan Mironov/Ain Heiskonen Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX + 05m 18,1s this rally attracts a large the fi rst to the Novikov and 08) Aleksiej Miersjanov/Yvengeniy Kalaczev number of rally stars, Russian legend Subaru Impreza WRX STi + 05m 43,9s now drawing not only last kilometer” Andriey Zhigunov 09) Aleksiej Shemiet/Andreij Konovalenko Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution + 06m 23,1s Evgeniy Novikov and Andrey Zhigunov, fi ghting for the top positions, with 10) Vadim Makarov/Dmitry Kucajev but also Patrik Flodin. current and defending Russian Rally Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution + 09m 35,6s EVENTS

Champion Patrick Flodin fi ghting to keep with a one-wheel driving moment on up with the top two drivers. In the last the very fi rst stage that nearly saw edition of this event, the Snow Rally him and co-driver Emil Axelsson crash Lahdenpohja, it was the same fi nishing out of rally, but he luckily managed to order for the top two, in fact. land back on four wheels without much The name of the event further incident. At the same time, is derived form the geographical Zhigunov battled through the stage with phenomena that is “white nights.” In a left rear tyre problem, resulting in him the most beautiful city in Russia, St. losing precious time to the young missile Petersburg, the nature of the “white that is Novikov. nights” can be explained simply by The remainder of the event the city’s geographical location: it is saw Novikov challenge Zhigunov for the world’s most northern city with the overall lead, and eventually snatch a population of about 5 million. It is, the victory. Flodin was clearly shaken howeve, on the same latitude as Oslo, up by his fi rst stage incident and could Norway, and Seward, Alaska, but is not draw within striking range of the the only city in the world where this two leaders, but he drove his Subaru phenomenon occurs. The sun does not Impreza hard to claim third place overall go under the horizon deep enough for to record his fi rst defeat on Russian soil the sky to get dark. The dusk meets the in 2010. dawn… The fi fth round of the Russian Flodin is currently contesting Rally Championship is the Rally Gukova the Chinese Rally Championship 2010, and takes place next month on 16 alongside his task of defending his – 17 July. Russian title. Interestingly, the Subaru Impreza STi of Flodin was unable to match the pace of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X of Novikov or the older Evolution IX of Zhigunov. For Flodin the event started EVENTS

“MONSTER” TAJIMA TO WIN AGAIN? PIKES PEAK INT’L HILL CLIMB 2010 27 June 2010 The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place this weekend, and the 2010 edition is sure to be a memorable one. A total of 168 teams have entered!

TripleNickelFilms posted their highlights of the 2009 Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Pikes Peak International Hill Climb onto YouTube. Story: Evan Roithman Please click the below YouTube video for the action. Pictures: Monster Sport Special. Six-time Open Wheel Class This weekend sees Colorado Springs winner Dallenbach is attempting to be play host to the 88th edition of the crowned Unlimited Division Class winner venerable Pikes Peak International Hill this weekend with his own 98 Open Climb. With a bevy of high-cost, high- Wheel Rally Style Car, a traditional Pikes power machinery lining up to take Peak machine. on the 12,42mi (19,87km) course on The 12,42mi (19,87km) course Sunday morning, all eyes will be on the consists of 156 turns, starting at an stopwatch to see who and if the elusive altitude of 9 390 feet above sea level 10-minute time barrier can be beaten… and reaching a dizzying 14 110 feet With 11 Unlimited Division at the summit of America’s Mountain. Class wins to his name and 10 overall The thin air plays a decisive role in the victories at the Pikes Peak International course time, as it drains the cars of Hill Climb since 1989, Japanese driver crucial kiloWatts and muscle power from Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima and his the drivers. powerful Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill A total of 168 drivers and Climb Special machine are favourites racers will take part this weekend, with for victory here once more. Rhys Millen 14 returning champions. The car and (who has been motorcycle slaving away at “all eyes will be classes are a new car for brimming with 2010) and Paul on the stopwatch” not only talent Dallenbach will be and skills, hoping to pip the Japanese crew to the but with beautiful machinery. Ducati fi nish line. Millen’s new-for-2010 RMR North America will be going all out in Hyundaiu Geneses PM580 will be aiming the motorcycle division, entering two to return his family’s name to the Pikes Multistrada 1200s, and Team Spider Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special Technical Specifi cation: Peak International Hill Climb record Grips will once again be in force with Frame: Steel space frame books this weekend. their two bikes ridden by Greg Tracy Engine: • 3071cc Tajima set the current course (fi ve-time champion) and Alexander • twin turbo • 910 ps @ 8,700rpm record in 2007 with a time of 10min Smith. • 90,5kg-m of torque @ 5,850rpm 01,41sec, beating Rod Millen’s (Rhys’ The youngest entrant this Transmission: • 6-spd sequential gearbox father) record of 10min 04,06sec that weekend (and in the event’s history) is • front and rear differential are hydraulically-controlled stood since 1994. “The main focus now Savannah Rickli, a 16-year-old student • centre differential is mechanical is to be the fastest car up the hill, slay from Littleton, Colorado. She will be multi-plate type the Monster and get the record back in driving her 2003 Mini Cooper S with co- • triple-plate clutch Suspension: • Double wishbone type the family name, the Millen name,” he driver Rebecca Greek in the otherwise • Reiger and King Springs said during recent practice runs. all-male Time Attack Two-Wheel Drive Brakes: • front - 370mm Tajima’s monster Suzuki SX4 is Division. • rear - 350mm • 8-pot calipers front and rear based upon a low drag and high down- More information on this event Tyres: 285/50-20. force concept, and was extensively can be found by visiting the event’s Dimensions: • length - 5,200mm fi ne-tuned in both a wind tunnel and website at www.usaracing.com/ppihc • width - 1,960mm • height - 1,580mm exhaustive tests in Japan. This year’s and for results and news fl ashes at • wheelbase - 2,818mm event route consists of more smooth http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress. • front tread - 1,620mm asphalt and less gravel than in 2009, com. • rear tread - 1,610mm Weight: • 1100kg so should favour the mightily powerful • weight distribution - front 53/rear 47 EVENTS HANNINEN TO FIGHT FOR ANOTHER WIN ON BELGIAN ASPHALT STAGES IRC: GEKO YPRES RALLY 25 - 26 June 2010 Returning to the high speeds and dangerous corner-cutting of the asphalt-surfaced Geko Ypres Rally, the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) makes a welcome trip to mainland Europe for another thrilling showdown in Belgium this weekend.

Story: Evan Rothman Ypres (Ieper in Flemish), and also hosts Alister McRae will partner him, while 18- Pictures: IRC Series the Central Service Park to the 100-plus year-old Welshman will drive a entrants. Both legs of the rally run into semi-works Proton Satria Neo S2000 this After the rough and demanding Rallye the night and the atmosphere in the weekend. d’Italia-Sardegna earlier this month, town is electrifying. A Shakedown Stage Lets not forget that the the recent winners and Championship will take place on Thursday evening, Geko Ypres Rally is also host to the leaders Juho Hanninen/Mikko Markkula and crews then kick off the event proper fourth round of the European Rally (Skoda Fabia S2000) will be attacking on Friday afternoon with two loops of Championship, and the likes of Luca the specialised asphalt roads to edge three stages south of Ypres. The fi rst Betti, Corrado Fontana and Michal even further into the Championship lead car is due to reach the overnight halt at Solowow will be fi ghting with the IRCs ahead of rivals Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle 22h00. best for overall rally honours. Toshi (Peugoet 207 S2000) and teammates For the second leg, the rally Arai will pilot his Subaru Impreza, as Jan Kopecky/Petr Stary (Skoda Fabia heads west with two all-new stages will Scot Dave Weston Jnr and local S2000). (Proven-Vieteren and Watou), and crews Vincent Verschueren. Daniel Barry and The Geko Ypres Rally, held in then head back to the service in Ypres. Martin Brady will contest this event in the northwest corner of Belgium, is an The lunchtime stages use roads their Barry Motorsport Mitsubishi Lancer event like no other. The rally stages around Ypres with the famous Lille- Evolution IX, this their third IRC start in consist of long straights and 90 degree Eurometropole Stage taking place at 2010. junctions, and lining these narrow and 16h00. Andreas Mikkelsen (Ford Fiesta bumpy farmland roads are drainage After another service, the S2000) will also be in attendance, as will dicthes and telegraph pylons waiting to morning’s stages are repeated once . Turk Burcu Cetinkaya nab the unwary. Known for its changing more in the afternoon, with the fi nal will be here this weekend, and will be weather conditions runs through pushing for a strong fi nish. Other crews and constant surface “high speeds Langemark, to keep an eye out for are Kris Princen changes, the drivers Dikkebus and (Renault Clio R3), Pierre Campana and co-drivers will need and dangerous Heuvelland stages (Renault Clio R3), Kevin Abbring to be fully committed corner cutting” being held late into (Renault Clio R3), (Ford to their tasks at hand the evening on Fiesta R2) and Kasper Koitla (Honda to reach the fi nal fi nish of this technically Saturday to fi nish at 22h40. Civic R3). challenging event. This event also In action this weekend will GEKO Ypres Rally in Numbers attracts tens of thousands of spectators be Belgian rally stars Freddy Loix and Entries: 102 • Stages: 19 to each stage, and with the 2010 IRC Patrick Snijers. Loix is a fi ve-time winner Stage distance: 291,28km (total: 655,65km) Championship drawing no less than 25 of this event and will be piloting a Itinerary (all times shown are local): S2000 entrants for this weekend, the factory Skoda Fabia S2000 here. Snijers, Shakedown (24 June): 19h00 - 23h00 rally fans will be in for a special treat! now 52-years-old, will be out to upstage Leg 1 (25 June): • Service A: 16h00 • SS1 (28,82km) - 16h29 • SS2 (6,04km) - 17h20 Local knowledge and experience his younger rivals on his favourite event. • SS3 (14,80km) - 18h00 • Service B play an integral role in setting quick He will be competing in a privately- • SS4 (28,82km) - 20h06 • SS5 (6,04km) - 20h57 stage times on Ypre Rally: knowing entered Peugoet 207 S2000. • SS6 (14,80km) - 21h37 • Parc Ferme: 22h05 Leg 2 (26 June): • Service D - 10h30 where to cut corners; knowing when to Also on the entry list is • SS7 (14,80km) - 11h13 • SS8 (12,33km) - 11h31 avoid cutting corners; when to hit the Stephane Sarrazin (Peugeot 207 S2000), • SS9 (9,06km) - 12h12 • Service E brakes when entering these corners and who fi nished fourth on Rallye Monte • SS10 (18,84km) - 13h41 • SS11 (11,32km) - 14h16 • SS12 (28,80km) - 14h43 • SS13 (1,66km) - 15h56 how much corner speed to carry into and Carlo at the beginning of the IRC season. • Service F • SS14 (14,80km) - 18h13 out of the corners. Driver commitment is Chris Atkinson/Stephane Prevot will be •SS15 (12,33km) - 18h31 • SS16 (9,06km) - 19h12 essential! making their factory Rally • Service G • SS17 (18,84km) - 20h41 • SS18 (11,32km) - 21h16 • SS19 (28,80kms)- 21h43 The rally’s HQ is the town of Team’s 2010 IRC debut here, and Scot • Service H • Finish - 22h40

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