Denis Biggerstaff - Tour of Mull

Posted: October 14, 2004 10:18 AM

Denis and Graham fought back on leg two until a puncture during Saturday's afternoon stages resulted in time loss of more than one minute. But they were 12th going into the final loop of stages on Saturday evening. The crew had hoped to improve on their position and break into the top ten but serious brake problems hindered their progress during the closing night stages.

Denis said: "I was trying to use the brakes as little as possible over the last couple of stages. The vibrations were gradually getting worse and at one point we thought we weren't going to make it to the finish. It felt as if one of the brake discs was going to break and if that had happened the caliper may well have fallen off and taken a wheel with it. So it was touch and go for a while but we made it and I'm very happy to finish! It was brilliant event, I'd love to come back again."

• Tour of Mull - 8-10 Oct 04

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11/06/04
Denis Biggerstaff buys a WRC Subaru!
Denis Biggerstaff has purchased an ex-Colin McRae 1998 specification Subaru Impreza WRC!
The Kinallen man, who is a former British Rallycross Champion and twice winner of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship, received his first taste of World Rally Car technology two months ago at the Easter Stages Rally. Driving a hired McKinstry Subaru, he finished fourth overall but now Denis has decided to make a more permanent move to the WRC brigade, although he has no plans to stop driving his Metro 6R4.

Denis said: 'I've bought Owen Lamont's car which was the first WRC Subaru produced ' the chassis number is 0001. It's also the first in the world to be converted to right hand drive by Harper Rally Preparations. We just finalised the deal today (Wednesday) and now I've got a Subaru in my garage! I might use it at the Mourne Rally this weekend, we'll just see how things go. I've contacted the sign writers but it could be tight getting the decals on the car in time.'

'I'd like to use both the Subaru and the Metro on selected events in future. The Metro is a great car and it has served me well over the past 15 years but technology has moved on so much now it has become next to impossible to keep on the pace. The Subaru is by no means the latest specification but it's still a major step forward. The Metro has plagued us with various problems recently and I was getting a bit fed up with it, though I think we've managed to get them all ironed out now!'

Denis, who owns a shop and accident repair centre in Kinallen, also plans to lease the car to customers at some point in the future. In the meantime, preparations are underway for Saturday's Mourne Rally, round five of the Pacenotes Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

'I can't wait to get behind the wheel! Hopefully I'll be in the Subaru at the weekend but we'll just have to wait and see.'

More info:www.ral.ly

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09/04/04
Denis Biggerstaff switches to Subaru!
Photo: Jonathan MacDonald Denis Biggerstaff is hoping to pilot a Subaru Impreza at this weekend's Dublin Crystal Easter Stages Rally!

In recent years, the Kinallen man has become synonymous with his Eurocables Metro 6R4. In fact, Denis last sat behind the wheel of another car more than 15 years ago but a twist of fate has resulted in the 6R4 pilot switching to Subaru for the third round of the Pacenotes backed N. I. rally series.

'I put my entry in for the Easter Stages too late and with the event being oversubscribed I didn't make the start or reserve list', Denis said. 'So at the moment I'm trying to clinch a deal with Kenny McKinstry that will allow me to take his place. If it happens then I'll be driving a Subaru for the first time.'

According to MSA rules, one element of an entry can be changed prior to starting the event ' this may be driver, co-driver or car. If the deal is clinched then McKinstry will drop out and Denis will take his place. Unfortunately, this means that Denis' regular co-driver, Derek Brannigan, is without a seat and will be unable to score points.

Denis said: 'Kenny is a good friend and thankfully he's putting business before pleasure. It was totally my fault for putting my entry in late - although late entries have been accepted for an additional fee in the past. But I've got my fingers crossed for everything to fall into place. If I don't score some points at the Easter Stages then there will be little point in continuing with the Championship. I just hope Derek will be able to get a seat with someone.'

Two non-finishes due to mechanical problems at Kirkistown and Bishopscourt have left the two times N. I. Champion and former Easter Stages winner with a blank scorecard. If Denis fails to notch up some points at the Easter event, any chance of lifting the title for a third time will have evaporated.