Manx National Rally 2005
Summary It was a tough rally. We had atrocious weather on the Friday evening stages - thick fog and torrential rain. A real test for the car on it’s first outing. A few minor problems occurring throughout the event, but fixed at the service stops.It was our first outing as a team, and Mick’s first rally ever! A baptism of fire! He did great, things really coming together as we progressed. We’re really pleased with the result. Well done everyone. Leg 1. Friday evening. – Special Stages 1 to 5Stage 1The light was fading, and the weather looked very threatening, with black clouds sitting on the hills as we approached the start of stage 1 in Port Erin town centre. Fortunately we had selected to go out on Intermediates. Our first stage together went well, the town streets and the twisting, undulating climb up the mountain, getting misty at first and then foggy for the second half of the stage. Very slippery with mud dragged out on corners. Stage 2 This was a long stage (14 miles), and it began to rain heavily as we started. Torrential rain and dense fog through-out the stage. Dip lights and struggling to see with only 20 to 30 yards visibility. Emergency service stop at St. Johns, and needing fuel only. Stage 3 Stage 3 started with a huge water splash through a deep, fast flowing river with steep drop into it, then after a mile we were back into the fog and the rain. Stage 4 This was much the same, with lots of standing and fast flowing water on the roads. Passage control and emergency service at the wildlife centre, all OK and we’re enjoying it, despite the weather! Stage 5 Stage 5 was on lower ground and only misty so we were able to go much more quickly. Better stage although the standing water making driving difficult and throwing the car sideways. Results position after stage 5 – 94th o/a, 3rd in class. Overnight haltA few jobs done on the car – adjust clutch, padding to in car camera recorder, check water pump and fans, cut some TA tyres and a quick wash. Leg 2 - Saturday. – Special Stages 6 to 9Dry, sunny morning, although roads still very wet. Decided to fit the cut TA’s. The restart was from the grandstand in Douglas, with cars restarting in the finishing order from previous night. Stage 6The stage started just outside Douglas started with a steep climb with lots of water still running off the fields across the road in places. Towards the end of the stage noticed the throttle sticking open!! Driving conditions vastly better. Emergency service at Creg-ny-Baa pub and throttle quickly adjusted. Stage 7This was a good stage with our pace beginning to pick up. Mick good on the notes, still water flowing, and getting lots of torque steer on acceleration now being able to get the power down. Noticed a knocking at the rear end, suspected drivers side suspension, and throttle still sticking open. Radioed chase car to be ready Emergency service in Wildlife Centre. Throttle again adjusted and rear suspension looks OK. Stage 8 Unfortunately this was cancelled due to a car blocking the road. Stage 9 The roads are dry now except for patches where always wet. Very fast stage and we push a bit harder, which causes the brakes to cook and fade and we’re struggling to stop towards the end of the stage! After a open bumpy hairpin left, notice the steering is definitely not as should be. We are now headed for regroup and main service at the grandstand, so radio chase and service barge.Main service and steering arm found bent, so changed quickly, and the rear suspension thoroughly checked. Leg 3. - Special Stages 10 to 12Stage 10 This is a fantastic stage that follows the coast cliff edge for 6.5 miles south from Douglas. Car was fine, Mick good on the notes, and we could have done with slicks on. Stage 11It rained heavily just before our start. Wet most of the way but went well. On to emergency service at St Johns. Throttle bolt replaced as it dropped out in the service area!! Stage 12A good fast stage, went well, except for a minor wrong slot right at the end of the stage where we had noted it wrong, costing us about 15 seconds. Main service at the grandstand, adjusted up rear wheel bearings. Torrential downpour. Leg 4. – Special Stages 13 to 16Stage 13 A repeat of stage 6 and goes well. The roads are steaming after the rain and drying out fast. Stage 14Another good stage and all we need to do at the emergency service at the Wildlife Centre is to give the chase crew the thumbs up. Stage 15What a superb stage and we are really beginning to get it together. On to the final stage. Stage 16Our objective of getting a finish is looking good. It is a repeat of stage 9 where we cooked the brakes, so we think of the finish and don’t push as hard. The brakes do fade, but not as bad. We’ve done it!!! We’ve completed all the stages, so now back to the final main control at the grandstand in Douglas and then into the service area to meet the service crew. Ken, Roger, Keith, Kevin and Wayne.What a fantastic rally, and what a great time we’ve had. It’s been hard on everybody and the car. Not an easy rally for a new co-driver, but Mick has excelled. We’ve worked well together and I look forward to our next outing. I quote Mick - “It’s hard to find somebody, small light and stupid. So he’d better look after me!!” Final Result – 61st o/a and 2nd in class! Hooray – we’ve got a trophy to come as an extra bonus. Click here to view the 2008 Championship rounds
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