Millbrook National Rally 2006 
Summary:Fantastic!!! What a relief, and what a great rally. We not only finished without any major problems, but we won our class outright and managed an incredible 25th overall, beating all the 1600cc cars, and almost all the 2 litre cars. Following disappointing retirements on the Tour of Cornwall with a broken wheel hub, and a broken gearbox (which destroyed itself) on the Manx National, this weekend sees our championship challenge off to a good start with a maximum 15 points, which puts us 1st equals in the championship with the Vauxhall Tigra Kit Car of Paul Richards. It was touch and go the week before the rally as to whether the car would be ready in time. Mick (of MBE) only receiving the replacement gearbox on Monday, rebuilding it and then preparing the engine for Thursday evening. We then installed it and had the first test run on Saturday. Scrutineering was on Sunday! Just in time! Unfortunately this gearbox is only a four speed stop gap until we can locate a suitable five speed – Hopefully before the Jim Clark Rally on 7th/8th July. We arrived at Millbrook full of hope and slightly anxious following our bad luck on the last two rounds. We needed a result – and a good one. One of our sponsors – Ian Goldie – was here, and we needed a good performance as he would be watching us. We were down on top speed due to the gearbox, but we hoped this would not affect out times too much here at Millbrook. However unless we acquire a five speed box before the lanes in Scotland on the Jim Clark Rally – we will really suffer. For once the weather for Millbrook was not roasting hot, but was cool, cloudy, and we had a couple of heavy downpours, which both caught me out on slick tyres as it was dry when we left service! The Rally Stage by Stage Special Stage 1 Went out on Michelin TA’s – medium on front and soft on the rear – as it was quite cool and the sky was quite heavy with rain threatening. 3-2-1-go and in the first few corners I can tell the car is handling really well – far better than last year on Millbrook when it was new and was too soft. The stage went well and I didn’t push too hard, conscious that it was going to be a long day. Back in service and it’s clear to see that we won’t be going out on the TA’s again – they have overheated and melted, picking up rubber from the tarmac. They felt OK on stage but won’t stand another one. The service crew - Dad and Roger quickly change us to Michelin slicks. We get a results sheet and see we are leading our class by 18 seconds. Not a bad start. Special Stage 2 This is a repeat of stage 1 and we anticipate doing it quicker, but just as we reach the start control the heavens open up and the rain is torrential and here we are on slicks!!! We do the stage – carefully – and it is very interesting!! We slip and slide on a few corners, but maintain control – and manage to pass a car! The rain doesn’t last long and has gone by the time we get back to service. We were 14 seconds slower than stage one, and the Vauxhall Nova in second place was 8 seconds quicker on the dry. So now we are down to a 1 second lead. Need to go a bit on the next pair of stages. Stage 3 The tarmac is dry and we have a good stage, apart from being held up by a slower car for half a lap of the stage, which costs us a few seconds, but we are a couple of seconds quicker than the Nova so OK. Special Stage 4 Repeat of Stage 3 all goes well for half the stage then feel the front tyres not gripping and we slide wide and off into the grass on a fast left hander – bit of a moment, but back onto the track and OK, then into the next hairpin following a long straight and I struggle to lose the speed due to the tyres, better be careful for the rest of this stage. Back in service the crew quickly change the fan belt, which has turned on it’s back, and fit new Kumo medium tyres to the front. We managed 2 seconds quicker than the Nova. Special Stage 5 Straight away can tell the improvement in the tyres and we have a good stage, passing a car that we are pushing hard and he spins in front of us on a tight left hander. There is a big jump on this stage and we take flat out. We fly for what seems ages and land just in time for the tight left hander where gravel has been dragged out by other cars. Another 5 seconds under our belt. Stage 6 Repeat of stage 5 and we turn up the wick a bit and the stage feels great, flowing nicely, and the car responding to the speed – but could do with that fifth gear on the straights as we are sitting on the rev limiter for most of them, and it must be costing us over 5 seconds a stage. Mick is doing great on the notes and we are really having a great time. Another 8 seconds in the bag. Stage 7 and 8 Another pair of good stages for us. Just hoping that there is no jinx with us today and things continue for the final two stages. Stages 9 and 10 Stage 9 goes well, but again on the start line for stage 10 and another downpour!! We take the stage carefully – so near the finish and leading the class, we need to finish. The rain is so heavy it’s difficult at times to see properly, but we reach the end unscathed and very happy. What a result – at last!! 1st in class and 25th overall – fantastic. We get our trophies at the awards ceremony and head for home extremely tired. Many thanks team - we did great! |
Rally Reports 
