2011 News...

Yesterday I competed on the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire, for the first time. Prior to the rally I had discussed with John Goff if I should drive the VW Lupo or the Mazda. As the Clubman's Trophy is usually at the back of the field, we decided that the Mazda would be the best bet as it has better ground clearance than the Lupo. I also had a different co-driver for the event, Paul Osmond, as Joe Cruttenden had already committed to co-driver for a different driver. On top of a change of car and co-driver I have been ill for about a week with a virus.

The rally started early afternoon and on the very first corner of the first stage we had a coming together with the scenery. The brakes caught me out, but fortunately there was no real damage to the car. The rest of the rally went smoothly with no other incidents and by the end of the day everything was gelling together. When we got to the finish of the rally in Scarborough, the virus was starting to take its toll and I felt knackered.

I actually finished the rally 3rd in class Z1 (cars 1400 or less) and overall 28th in the Clubman's Trophy. This was a good result and has improved my positions in various championships. As for what I do next, I don't know, but I'm sure I will not be doing the Cambrian Rally.

The photo above show us driving the Mazda 2 on the Dalby Stage of the Trackrod Rally. More photos taken on the Trackrod Rally can be found if you click here Rally Gallery.

I would like to thank my Co-Driver Paul Osmond for getting us around the stage safely and John Goff and the Rallyschool team (www.rallyschool.co.uk) based in Shropshire for preparing the Mazda 2.

Bye for now