Fisher - The Preparation Continues

Posted: July 24, 2000 9:23 PM

Stage 1 saw a cautious start as the pair felt their way into the event, however despite their caution, the score sheets saw a third quickest time. On Stage 2, they were second quickest to event winner Marcus Dodd. However, on Stage 3, near disaster occurred when the rear brake pipe broke off three miles in, effectively disabling the complete braking system. Mark commented on a 'few anxious corners' as he lost nearly half a minute after slowing down to ensure they made the finish line. The dramas continued on Stage 4 as Mark got caught in the dust of an earlier competitor he had managed to catch, resulting in a big spin on a corner he just couldn't see. Mark and Gordon then had their own dust to contend with as they turned in the right direction, losing in the region of 40 seconds in the process. The final stage came sweet for the pair and they were able to prove their mettle, finishing only 1 second behind the far more powerful World Rally Car of Marcus Dodd.

Mark added "It's good to be driving this kind of car again, competing in the same forests as the Rally of Great Britain. I remembered some parts from last year's event, so this event will be even more helpful for me for this year. The Subaru is not so powerful as the 206 World Rally Car, but it's a similar sort of feeling."

The team will contest various events in their build up to the November Rally of Great Britain, including the Bulldog Rally in October. In the meantime they are still leading the Group N Irish Tarmac Championship, so will also take to the Manx lanes in September, albeit in a Group N car.

Just around the corner though is something very special. Mark will take new co-driver, leading Irish journalist Pat Burns of CarSport on board for a trip to Lurgan Park, a very specialised event in Northern Ireland. This will be held this weekend coming, the 29th July. Also new to Mark will be the vehicle. He is behind the wheel of the Peugeot 106 Super GTi, currently used to great effect in the British Rally Championship by Justin Dale. Mark is looking forward to this event and commented "This is going to be a lot of fun. Having 225 brake horse power through the front wheels will be brilliant and the Peugeot will suit the park conditions. It's not the place to stick your neck out though but I am looking forward to it as well as getting a good result for Peugeot." And his new co-driver? "Well, hopefully I'll make him nervous!" he laughed.