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LinksPirelli International Rally - 20-21 May 05
Posted: May 25, 2005 4:51 PM - 10012 Hits
Round 2 - 2005 British Rally Championship
Friday 20th to Saturday 21st May
- RALLY’S RETURN IS A ROARING SUCCESS
- O’Mahony Grabs Points on the Pirelli
- WOFFINDEN’S LONELY WIN
- HIGGINS SECURES SECOND FOR MITSUBISHI
- Photos
- HIGGINS HAPPY RETURNS
Posted: May 25, 2005 4:51 PM
RALLY’S RETURN IS A ROARING SUCCESS
The Pirelli International Rally made a triumphant return to Carlisle last weekend with the organisers, competitors and thousands of enthusiastic spectators all in agreement that the two day rally, the second round of the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship, was a runaway success with the famous old Border city providing the perfect backdrop to a colourful and spectacular sporting event.
Speaking on behalf of the rally organisers, the rally’s Media Manager, Ed Graham, said, “It’s great to bring the rally back to Carlisle again, after all, Pirelli are a major employer in the city, and it’s an ideal opportunity to fly the flag on home turf. Everyone has pulled together to make this a really high profile event for the area, we are extremely grateful to the City Council and Kingmoor Business Park for their invaluable support, the Manager and staff at the Sands Leisure Centre who were wonderfully helpful and looked after us well, the proprietor of Hadrian’s Camp, a venue which made an absolutely superb Service Area for the crews looking after the competing cars and AW Developments for providing the most brilliant spectator stage ever”
Spectators turned out in their thousands to welcome the rally back and see the top British stars in action, particularly at the P-Zero Spectator Stage where a huge crowd defied some fairly heavy downpours, plus the counter attraction of the FA Cup Final, to watch the cars scorch round the specially constructed 1.4 mile stage, they were well entertained, especially when M-Sport Supremo, Malcolm Wilson and former World Rally Champion Colin McRae turned out to entertain their many fans.
There was a local flavour to the results with the Eddie Stobart backed Ford Focus’s of Mark Higgins and Langwathby based Paul Bird finishing a superb 1-2,the cars built by Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport concern in Cockermouth, both cars running on Pirelli tyres, as was the winner of the Production Cup class, Tapio Laukannen driving a Subaru Impreza.
O’Mahony Grabs Points on the Pirelli
Brian O’Mahony (Cork) and co-driver John Higgins finished a relieved 2nd overall in S1600 on last weekend’s Pirelli International Rally, round 2 of the British Rally Championship. Based in Kielder Forest, Carlisle, the event featured some of the most notorious of stages on which to make a BRC debut. The narrow stages in "killer Kielder" are lined with deep ditches just waiting to punish any mistake so it definitely made for an exciting debut for the team.
The OM Concrete Products supported team also had a change of car to contend with, as the engine of their usual puma was away for a rebuild after the problems in Killarney, so the team elected to hire a similar S1600 Puma from Team Birkbeck Rallysport.
Friday night saw the team face a steep learning curve in the woods as they tried to come to grips with a new car on an unfamiliar surface in the dark. A loose lamp pod was not helping matters but after it was tightened at service they were able to up their pace a bit. A spin and subsequent stall at a chicane on SS 6 slowed the Cork/Mayo pairing and when the car refused to restart further time was lost.
With only 4 hours sleep due to the demanding schedule of the event, a bleary eyed team set about adjusting both the car’s setup and driving style to suit the fast and slippery forest tracks. The pace of the other S1600 crews was strong, but O’Mahony was getting to grips with his new mount and edged closer to the times posted by eventual class winner, Chris Davies.
At the finish ramp in Carlisle a delighted OM Concrete Products Team were awarded with a hard earned 2nd in S1600 and 17th Overall.
“I don't think I have ever enjoyed finishing so much! It really was a difficult rally, with some slippery sections but at the same time it was great fun!! I hope to improve on my pace as the year progresses as I expect there to be even more competition in later rounds" said a very happy Brian at the finish.
WOFFINDEN’S LONELY WIN
Shaun Woffinden and Inbal Edry’s Fiat Rally Cup victory on the Pirelli International Rally this weekend was an extremely lonely affair. The one-make championship suffered two casualties before the start with 2004 champion Tom Metcalfe pronounced unfit to start with a mystery illness and Alessandro Bordignon failing to place an entry in time for the Carlisle based event.
With Leon Pesticcio and regular co-driver Tim Sturla as his remaining competition, Woffinden finished the first spectator stage knowing that he would have to push hard. He needn’t have worried though as Leon explained at the service area later in the day, “We were both ready to go for it, the car had tested well the week before and we’d bedded-in new brakes on the way to the stage. After a good recce, the countdown began: 3,2,1 BANG! As I let my foot off the clutch, there was a huge bang as we went nowhere. On further investigation the gearbox has let go in spectacular fashion with a hand-sized hole in the side of the casing…..game over.”
Woffinden was also disappointed, “All we have to do is potter round for a finish and we pick up maximum points.” He explained, “But we’ll have a fight on in the Formula 2000 category against the Robbie Dale in the Clio.”
At the end of two days of rallying on amongst the fastest and most demanding of UK stages, the result of the Stilo Rally Cup was as predicted, Woffinden did pick up his maximum points haul but was pipped to the F2000 win by Dale. At the finish Woffinden commented, “It’s a shame about Stilo entries, we took the F2000 category in 2004 in this car so it has the potential but we need some more out on events.”
The Fiat Rally Cup is scheduled to continue on the RSAC Scottish International Rally on June 10/11 and Championship co-ordinator Gary Pesticcio shrugged, “I can’t believe that the only series within the British rally Championship offering prize money is not better supported.” and added, “We put a lot of effort into the series in 2004 and hoped we could build on the success. Second hand cars are still available for sale so we’ll keep pushing for more entries and see how it goes.”
HIGGINS SECURES SECOND FOR MITSUBISHI
David Higgins (from Trefeglwys), together with co-driver Daniel Barritt (from Burnley), finished this weekend's round two of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship, the Carlisle based Pirelli Rally, claiming a well earned second in the Production Category.
Team mates Rory Galligan (from Oldcastle) and Greg Shinnors (from Limerick) were not so fortunate and had to retire on the fourth of the event's 18 stages following gear selection problems, which in-turn led to a burnt-out clutch.
After such an excellent showing in round one, the Rally of Wales, where the Mitsubishi team dominated the Production Class and Galligan claimed Group N honours first time out, hopes were high for another top result in round two.
However, there were two factors which were to keep the team on their toes this weekend: One was the appearance of Finnish ace Tapio Laukkanen in a Group N Subaru and the other was the fitting of the new competition gearboxes to the team's two Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MRs.
Starting on Friday evening in Carlisle, the rally began with two runs of P-Zero, a spectator friendly stage not far from the town, followed by a further five tests which took competitors into the infamous Kielder Forest.
Right from the word go, fears of the challenge from Laukkanen appeared unfounded, with both Mitsubishi drivers setting faster times in the first two stages, with Higgins leading the class and Galligan second.
But Galligan's rally was to take a turn for the worse on the first of the event's forest stages, when half way through SS3 he found he could not get out of fourth gear. Galligan brought the car to the end of the five mile test with minimal loss of time and even attempted to start SS4, but the damage done slipping the clutch, just to keep the car moving, heralded an early exit for the Irishman.
Higgins, on the other hand, was flying and proceeded to extend his lead in the Production Category, his pace such that he ended Friday's seven stages 47 seconds ahead of Laukkanen and in a respectable 4th place overall.
With his Mitsubishi running perfectly, Higgins embarked on Saturday's 11 stages intending more of the same - and so he did. Then, on SS11 he too suffered the same malady as Galligan, the gear lever stuck in fourth. The reining British Champion knew that if he could get the car through the 12th stage, another run through P-Zero, he could make it to the next service halt and with a clever and calculated drive he did it!
Once in service the ADR mechanics got to work and incredibly changed the Mitsubishi's gearbox in 25 minutes (a time believed to be a record!). Having to accept a 50 second penalty for going over the service time allowed, Higgins re-joined the rally 57 seconds behind Laukkanen.
Realising it would be a tough task to catch the Finn and with a healthy haul of points being very much on the agenda, Higgins drove to a pace which would mean Laukkanen would be watching his mirrors and at the same time ensure a finish.
After a faultless run for the remainder of the rally Higgins crossed the line back in Carlisle on Saturday afternoon having reduced the margin between him and Laukkanen to 40 seconds, a performance which netted second in the Production Category and seventh overall.
On inspection it was found that everything in the recently developed transmission was operating perfectly, the jamming in fourth gear traced to the mating of the standard gear linkage to the new gearbox.
The Mitsubishi Motors UK team currently lead the British Teams Championship by eight points and now turn their attentions to further testing and the third event in the eight round Championship, the Scottish Rally, which takes place on 10th & 11th June.
The Mitsubishi works cars are prepared by ADR Motorsport of Chesterfield on behalf of Cirencester based Mitsubishi Motors UK. The team is sponsored by: Pirelli, Shell Racing Fuels, Rampage Performance MotorParts, Speedline Corse, PIAA and ADR Motorsport.
Team Quotes
David Higgins
"I don't think I have ever enjoyed finishing second so much! I was obviously disappointed not to win the Class, but until we had problems the car was great. Having Tapio to battle with was real incentive and I was pleased that we were consistently quicker. I hoped that by setting faster times in the closing stages he might have made a mistake and if I was not so determined to finish I think I could have caught him. I feel that the whole team has shone this weekend, which means that when everything is running 100% we can up the pace even more."
Rory Galligan
"It's always frustrating not to finish, especially when you don't get to drive much of the event, but if it's going to happen, it's better to get it out of the way in the first part of the season. From the testing we did beforehand and even from the distance I drove on Friday, I felt the car was even better than when I won the Class in Wales, so the signs are good for the next six rounds."
Galligan now prepares for his next big event, his marriage to Treasa, which takes place on Friday, just outside their home town of Oldcastle in Southern Ireland.
Paul Brigden, General Manager - Ralliart
"Both cars performed perfectly in testing and therefore we had no reason to doubt the reliability of the transmissions. I therefore share the team's frustrations, especially Rory's. David drove a fantastic rally for us, he did well to get the car back to service and then to finish second in the Production Category. I also cannot praise the the team enough, swapping the gearbox in 25 minutes - a great all-round performance!"
Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas win Pirelli.
HIGGINS HAPPY RETURNS
The Pirelli International Rally made a triumphant return to Carlisle, bringing out the crowds in their thousands to see the cream of Britain’s rallying talent battle it out for valuable points in the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship, it was also a triumph for Welsh based Manxman, Mark Higgins, who dominated the rally in his Ford Focus WRC, taking fastest time on 14 of the rallies 18 Special Stages to take a 1½ minute winning margin from the similar car of Langwathby’s Paul Bird with Irish star Austin McHale taking third place in yet another Ford Focus just beating his eldest son Gareth who was in a Toyota Corolla.
The final loop of stages in Kielder Forest, Newcasleton and Kershope were run on forest roads made extremely slippery by a series of heavy showers of both rain and hailstones and there were numerous tales of woe from the competitors as they arrived back at the finish in Carlisle. Bird clouted a large rock which damaged the sumpguard and produced a worrying vibration, the same rock caught out Jonny Milner (Toyota)who broke a wheel and sustained suspension damage while Stephen Petch’s Subaru also gave it a hefty thump.
David Higgins, with a new gearbox fitted to his Mitsubishi, picked up speed but was unable to overhaul Tapio Laukannen for the Production Cup honours, he lost out by just 40 seconds, without a 50 second penalty, incurred for booking out of service late, he would have done it.
Seb Lings Hyundai Accent was slowed by steering troubles, believed to be power steering problems while the other SPG Hyundai of Richard Gower retired with undisclosed mechanical problems on the Newcastleton stage.
The crews were almost unanimous in their praise for the stages, describing them variously as “Fantastic” and “Awsome”, despite this, Kielder lived up to it’s “Killer” reputation and extracted a fair toll of retirements and bruised cars amongst the entry.
Results
1 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC) 1.55.35.8
2 Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC) 1.57.12.9
3 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) 1.57.48.7
4 Gareth MacHale/Paul Nagle (Toyota Corolla WRC) 1.58.57.3
5 Sebastian Ling/Ian Allsop (Hyundai Accent WRC) 1.59.26.4
6 Tapio Laukkanen/Harri Kaapro (Subaru Impreza N11) 1.59.53.2
7 David Higgins/Daniel Barritt (Mit. Lancer EVO 8 MR) 2.00.34.1
8 Jonny Milner/Nicky Beech (Toyota Corolla WRC) 2.01.42.0
9 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson (Subaru Impreza N10) 2.04.48.9
10 Lorna Smith/Dave Robson (Subaru Impreza N10) 2.05.37.7
Leaders After
SS1-3 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS4-6 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7-8 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS9 Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC)
SS10-18 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS1 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS2 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS4 Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC)
SS5 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS6 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS8 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS9 Steve Perez/Neil Dashfield (Ford Focus WRC)
SS10 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS11 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS12 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS13 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS14 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS15 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS16 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS17 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC)
SS18 Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC)
PRE EVENT NEWS
- COLIN MCRAE SET FOR P-ZERO
- PHIL IS NOT FORGOTTEN
- KIELDER HOLDS FRESH CHALLENGE FOR MITSUBISHI TEAM
- Entry List on line
- CUMBRIAN CLASH FOR CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
- LATE RUSH TO PIRELLI’S PARTY - Tapio Laukkanen & Johnny Milner
- FORD’S FIESTA S1600 JOINS PIRELLI’S PARTY - Gwyndaf Evans to drive
- FAMILY FORTUNES IN THE FORESTS
- ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR AT PIRELLI’S PARTY
- SEE THE CARS SAFELY
- PIRELLI REWARDS MARSHALS
- PIRELLI ON PARADE - Centralised Scrutineering, Service and Parc Ferme.
- SPECTATOR STAGE IS SUPER SPECTACULAR
- BIG BUSINESS BACKS RALLY
- YOUNG GUNS ROAR INTO TOWN
- CARLISLE CONFIRMS CITY CENTRE START
- EARLY BIRDS GET THE BEDS
- PIRELLI HEAD BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
COLIN MCRAE SET FOR P-ZERO
Rally enthusiasts attending this weekends Pirelli International rally are in for a rare treat for 1995 World Rally champion Colin McRae will be putting in a guest appearance at the fabulous P-Zero Spectator Stage, and some lucky people will be given the opportunity to sit in with the Scots ace as he hurtles round the 1.4 mile stage, which has been specially built for the rally, complete with spectacular “Yumps” and water splash.
The two-day Pirelli International rally, the second round of the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British rally Championship, starts off from Carlisle City Centre at 6:30pm Friday evening (20th). and heads straight to the P-Zero stage before travelling North into the giant Kielder Forest. It restarts on Saturday morning at 7:00am and again visits Kielder Forest before the first of two visits to P-Zero at 11:00 am, followed by another visit at 4:30pm. The P-Zero stage is located at Crosby on Eden, some 3 miles East of Carlisle on the Brampton road and will be signposted from Junction 44 of the M6.
Colin McRae will be appearing at the Saturday P-Zero stages only and his flamboyant driving style is sure to thrill the many rally enthusiasts who remember his success on the World rally Championship scene. Details of how to win a ride with Colin McRae will be announced over the PA system at the P-Zero stage.
In addition to the appearance of the former World Champion, there is much to interest spectators with a large fairground and numerous other attractions including a stunt Motorcyclist and the amazing “Utterly Butterly” aerobatic display team, it all adds up to a great, action packed, thrill a minute day out.
PHIL IS NOT FORGOTTEN
Following the tragic and sudden death of Phil Branthwaite, the Service Area Co-ordinator on this weekends Pirelli International rally, the event organisers have come up with a unique way to remember their late, and greatly liked colleague. Every competing car in the two day rally will be asked tocarry a small roundel sticker bearing, quite simply, the word “Phil” as a mark of respect for a man who put in many, many hours of unseen work to make sure that the service side of the rally went smoothly.
The decal will also be carried on all the Official cars, course cars, Pirelli V.I.P vehicles and by a large number of local enthusiasts who remember Phil with affection. Commenting on the decision, the rally’s Media Manager, Ed Graham said, “We very much wanted Phil to be remembered and, with this gesture, he will still be a part of the rally. He deserves no less for he was a phenomenal worker for the Pirelli International Rally, not mention a good friend of us all”
18/05/05
KIELDER HOLDS FRESH CHALLENGE FOR MITSUBISHI TEAM
After dominating the Production Class in round one, the Rally of Wales, Mitsubishi Motors UK works team drivers, Rory Galligan and David Higgins are aiming for more of the same in this weekend's (20th & 21st May) second round of the 2005 Pirelli Kwik-Fit British Rally Championship.
Of course for Higgins (from Trefeglwys) and his co-driver Daniel Barritt (from Burnley), a finish will be well and truly on their agenda. After holding a comfortable Group N lead and lying second overall, a puncture, which led to the tyre disintegrating and damaging the oil cooler as they tried to drive out of the stage, was to see them exit the opening round with just two stages to go.
The Pirelli Rally is likely to be 'Ground Hog Day' for Higgins, with his old sparring partner and rival from the late 90s, Tapio Laukannen, scheduled to appear in a Group N Subaru.
"It's going to be a tough weekend", commented Higgins. "On one hand I have honour to uphold against Tapio and on the other I need to get some points on the board following my non-finish in Wales - plus there's the added pressure of being in Kielder Forest. However, I'm very comfortable with the car and having won this event overall last year it's good to be starting at number one."
Galligan (from Oldcastle) and his co-driver Greg Shinnors (from Limerick), were the Production category victors on round one and although targeting a repeat result this weekend, will be hoping for an easier time on their way there, having had to contend with two punctures and gear selection problems in Wales.
"Having won first time out I now feel confident with the car and also with Greg. It was our first event together", said Galligan. "The Pirelli Rally will see another first for me, as I have to admit I have never driven on gravel in the dark, so it will mean 100% concentration right from the word go, but I'm up for it!"
Paul Brigden, General Manager for Ralliart in the UK, sees the Pirelli Rally as a significant event for the team:
"We were delighted with the team's performance in Wales, but Kielder is going to be a real test for cars and crews. It hasn't earnt its reputation for nothing. We welcome the increased competition from Subaru, it will add to the challenges in store for us this weekend."
The rally starts and finishes in Carlisle and features seven timed special stages on Friday evening, two of them being the new P-Zero spectator stage at Newby Grange. There then follows a further five stages in the infamous Kielder Forest, before crews return to Carlisle at midnight for the overnight halt.
Competitors restart at 7.00 am on Saturday and head back to Kielder and Newby Grange for another 11 stages, with the finish in Carlisle at around 4.30 pm.
The two Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MRs are prepared by ADR Motorsport of Chesterfield on behalf of Cirencester based Mitsubishi Motors UK. The team is sponsored by: Pirelli, Shell Racing Fuels, Rampage Performance Motorparts, Speedline Corse, PIAA and ADR Motorsport.
16/05/05
Provisional Entry List
1 David Higgins/Daniel Barritt (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR) N4
2 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Ford Focus WRC) A8
3 Jonny Milner/Nicky Beech (TBA)
4 Austin Machale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC03) A8
5 Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC) A8
6 Barry Johnston/TBA (TBA)
7 Steve Perez/Neil Dashfield (Ford Focus WRC) A8
8 Tapio Laukannen/TBA (Subaru Impreza N11) N4
9 Sebastian Ling/Ian Allsop (Hyundai Accent WRC) A8
10 Jon Ingram/Chris Wood (Ford Focus WRC) A8
11 Rory Galligan/Greg Shinoors (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR) N4
12 Gwyndaff Evans/Huw Lewis (Ford Fiesta S1600) S1600
14 Gareth Machale/Paul Nagle (Toyota Corolla WRC) A8
16 Richard Gower/Aled Davies (Hyundai Accent WRC) A8
17 Tony Davies/Jim Kitson (Subaru WRC) A8
18 John Lloyd/Pauline Gullick (Subaru Impreza WRC) A8
19 Lorna Smith/David Robson (Subaru Impreza N10) N4
20 Barry Clark/Neil Shanks (Subaru Impreza N11) N4
21 Aaron Machale/Killian Duffy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 MR) N4
22 James Edwards/James Phillips (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) N4
24 Iwan Rees/Aled Rees (Subaru Impreza WRX) N4
25 Stephen Petch/Michael Williamson (Subaru Impreza) N4
26 Robert Swann/Kenneth Bowman (Subaru Impreza) N4
27 Steve Blunt/Bob Duck (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) N4
28 David Robinson/Ian Robinson (Ford Escort WRC) A8
29 Chris Davies/Nathan Parry (Renault Clio ) S1600
30 Brian O'Mahoney/John Higgins (Ford Puma) A6
31 Leon Pesticcio/Tim Sturla (Fiat Stilo) F2000
32 Robbie Dale/Glenn Patterson (Renault Clio Ragnotti) F2000
34 Shaun Woffinden/Inbal Edry (Fiat Stilo) F2000
35 Andrew Leece/TBA (Renault Clio) F2000
36 Anders Fredericsson/Jenny Aman (Renault Clio Ragnotti) F2000
37 Tom Metcalfe/Howard Pridmore (Fiat Stilo) F2000
38 Kate Heath/Paul Heath (Subaru Impreza) N4
CUMBRIAN CLASH FOR CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
The historic Border city of Carlisle has seen many a battle over the centuries and yet another is in prospect next weekend as all the leading contenders for the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship roar into town, ready for a tough, two day encounter over the testing, twisting, slippery tracks in the forests of North Cumbria and the daunting “Killer” Kielder complex where many a promising result has disappeared in an instant over one of the many blind crests and unexpected bends.
Following disasters on the opening round in Wales, a number of drivers are playing catch up, notably the Higgins brothers, Mark and David (Abermule) who retired with mechanical problems, both are former winners of the Pirelli International Rally and will want to get their championship programme back on track, as will double British champion Jonny Milner (Huggate), who makes a welcome return to the championship after missing the opening round but series leader Austin McHale (Rathcoole) won’t want to make things easy for them and would like nothing better than to go back across the Irish Sea with another haul of points.
There is plenty of class in the field, should the top seeds slip up, with Paul Bird (Langwathby), Scottish champion Barry Johnson (Shildon), ANCRO Champion Steve Perez (Chesterfield) and “Flying Finn” Tapio Laukkanen, another former Pirelli winner, all likely to be in contention. A little further down the field, there will be keen interest in the first British appearance of the new Ford Fiesta S1600, developed by M-Sport at Cockermouth, it will be in the very capable hands of Welshman Gwyndaf Evans, yet another former winner of the Pirelli International Rally.
The rally gets underway with a city centre send off, the first car leaving the ramp outside Carlisle’s Old Town Hall at 18:31 (Friday 20th.) with the action proper starting with a couple of runs on the specially constructed P-Zero Spectator Stage at Crosby on Eden before the crews head for the forests and a long night which will see several stages run in darkness. The surviving crews face an early start the following morning with another long day in the forests culminating with the winners crossing the ramp back in Carlisle at about 18:30 on Saturday evening.
FORD’S FIESTA JOINS PIRELLI’S PARTY - Gwyndaf Evans to drive
In a major boost to the entry list for next weeks Carlisle based Pirelli International Rally, Ford’s redesigned Junior World Rally Contender, the Fiesta S1600, will make it’s International debut in Great Britain with the popular former British Champion Gwyndaf Evans behind the wheel, Evans, who will be co-driven by fellow Welshman Huw Lewis, is no stranger to the Pirelli backed event having won it outright in 1998. He will test the car in Cumbria on Monday in preparation for the two day rally which starts from Carlisle City Centre on Friday afternoon.
It is entirely appropriate that Ford’s latest contender for the Junior World Rally Championship should make it’s debut in Cumbria for the car has been designed and developed by M-Sport at Cockermouth. The car has already done two events in Turkey, where performance was hugely encouraging and Evans, who tested the car before both events, is looking forward to the challenges offered by the Cumbrian and Kielder Forest stages. “I’m extremely excited”, he admitted, “The Fiesta is a really exciting prospect and our focus at the moment is to make it 100% reliable. To make it a top contender in the Junior World Rally Championship we have to develop every area and that’s what the Pirelli International Rally will be all about”
Spectators and rally enthusiasts can get their first glimpse of the exciting new Fiesta S1600 car, the entry is supported by The Sun newspaper, on the superb new and innovative P-Zero Spectator stages at Crosby on Eden where all the top runners will start their battle for victory with two runs round the 1.4 mile “Spectator Special” ( First car 18 :50) before heading off into the depths of Kielder Forest. The P-Zero stage offers superb viewing facilities plus the exciting Pirelli International Rally Show
LATE RUSH TO PIRELLI’S PARTY
Chris Walker, Entries Secretary of the Pirelli International Rally, has been a man under siege today as late entries for next weekends Carlisle based event have been arriving thick and fast boosting the front end of the field to one of the highest quality entries seen in the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship for quite some time.
Hot on the heels of confirmation that Welsh ace, Gwyndaf Evans will be giving Fords new “Pocket Rocket”, the Fiesta S1600, it’s British debut, comes the news that top Finnish driver Tapio Laukkanen will be returning to the event, as will double British Champion Jonny Milner.
Laukkanen will be driving a Prodrive prepared Group N Subaru N11 and will be going for a hat trick of Pirelli victories, he obviously revels in the tough Kielder stages having previously tasted victory in 1999, when, co- driven by Kaj Lindstrom, he brought the works Renault Megane Maxi home first, he again took top place on the podium in 2003, sharing a Subaru Impreza WRC with Miikka Anttila.
Milner has never had the best of luck on the Pirelli International rally, falling foul of Kielders blind brows and losing out to mechanical problems on his previous visits. The Driffield based driver is however, a force to be reckoned with, as his back to back British titles prove, and he is sure to be amongst the pace setters as he seeks to get his championship challenge off to a good start. The experienced Nicky Beech will co drive in a Pirelli shod Toyota.
11/05/05
FAMILY FORTUNES IN THE FORESTS
There will be a fair bit of sibling rivalry going on during the Pirelli International Rally with various members of the same family out to prove just who is the quickest driver in the house and it should make for some stirring entertainment for the rallies spectators as they watch the contests unfold.
First of all we have the Higgins brothers, former British champion Mark and current holder of the title David. Both guys retired from the opening round of this year’s series so will be eager to make up lost ground and get some points on the board. Mark will be in an Eddie Stobart backed Ford Focus WRC, he led on the first round in Wales before being sidelined with gearbox trouble while David will be driving the works Mitsubishi Evo 8MR which went so well in Wales before a punctured tyre shattered the oil cooler.
No fewer than three members of the McHale clan will be journeying over the Irish Sea for the rally headed by five times Irish champion Austin McHale, current leader of the Kwik Fit / Pirelli British Championship after his victory in Wales. Despite his many victories in a long and successful career, Austin has never won a Kielder forest based event that is one record he will be keen to erase. His two sons are also comparative newcomers to the pleasures of Kielder, where some of the Friday evening stages will run in darkness and while Aaron will be looking for Group N points in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 SMR, Gareth will be hoping to set the forest alight in the families well known TOYOTA Corolla WRC.
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR AT PIRELLI’S PARTY
The thrills and spills won’t be confined to the track when the Pirelli International Rally blasts off with two high speed runs round the amazing P-Zero Special Stage which opens the proceedings on the 2 day, 380 mile event which takes place over the weekend of 20/ 21st. May for the event organisers and sponsors have laid on a host of other attractions to keep the crowd of rally enthusiasts amused and entertained.
The 1.4 mile stage at Crosby on Eden, specially constructed for the event, will see Britain’s top drivers going flat out in their quest for points in the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British rally Championship and the action will be fast and furious right from the word “GO”. Several of the leading contenders, most notably the Higgins brothers, retired from the opening round so they are sure to be hell bent on making up lost ground.
To compliment the high speed action, The Pirelli International Rally Show will feature a host of top line attractions, including a giant funfair to keep the young, and young at heart, amused, plus a virtual reality rally car where anybody can have a go at being the next Colin McRae or Petter Sollberg. On the Saturday, day two of the rally, the show will also feature an amazing stunt motorcycle display, the Eddie Stobart dancing girls and, up in the sky, the amazing “Utterly Butterly” aerobatic display team will put on an astounding display in their specially constructed, twin wing, Boeing biplanes which feature the UK’s only wing walkers, incredibly brave young ladies who stand on the top wing of the planes while they perform their gravity defying stunts.
The Pirelli International Rally and the Pirelli International Rally Show promise to be a great trip out for all the family and an event not to be missed. The P-Zero Special Stage is located near Crosby on Eden, just East of Carlisle and will be clearly signposted from Junction 44 of the M6.
06/08/05
SEE THE CARS SAFELY
The organisers of the Pirelli International rally have designated a series of areas where rally enthusiasts and spectators can see the thrilling action in safety in specially designated “Spectator Areas”. These vantage points will provide not only an excellent view of the action but also car parking and toilet facilities.
The two day rally, based in Carlisle over the weekend of 20/21st May, will feature some 18 “Special Stages” and the following are the recommended viewing areas :-
Friday 20th.
P-Zero Spectator Stage MR.86/461583 off the A69 at Warwick Bridge. 1st.car 18:53 A fantastic specially constructed stage with spectacular jumps and a water splash, it is run twice and offers superb viewing plus the bonus of the Pirelli Rally Show.
Kershope, MR. 79/512824, off B6357, 1st. Car 20:35 A forest stage with sweeping bends.
Bewshaugh, MR. 80/ 628930, off C200, 1st. Car 21:33 Good viewing at a junction followed by fast bends.
Chirdonhead, MR. 80/ 801804, unclassified road from Wark Village, 1st. car 22:41 Night time action at a T junction, see “Kielder By Moonlight”
Saturday 21st. May
Bower, MR. 80/ 708870, off C200, 1st. Car 08:50, run again at 15:24 Fast approach to T Junction.
Chirdonhead, details as above, 1st. Car 10:12 A series of fast, flowing bends.
P-Zero, details as above, run twice at 11:57 and 18:44 Pirelli Rally Show will run throughout the day.
Bewshaugh, details as above, 1st. Car 15:45 See two junctions from the viewing area.
Newcastleton, MR.79/502874, near Newcastleton Village, 1st. Car 16:58
20/04/05
PIRELLI REWARDS MARSHALS
In addition to the incentives for marshals recently announced by the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Championship, the organisers of the Pirelli International rally are doing their utmost to reward the sterling efforts of those hardy souls whose dedication and enthusiasm makes running the events possible.
Chief Marshal, Barry Armstrong, has been hard at work gathering various goodies and amongst the items available to helpers will be a souvenir Pirelli Rally T shirt, a Pirelli Rally cool bag plus six pack, a souvenir magazine and booklet, various snacks and, of course, one of the much sought after enamel and gilt Pirelli Rally badges.
A spokesperson for the Pirelli international Rally said, “We greatly appreciate the vast amount of work our marshals put in over the weekend and we very much want to show our gratitude. They all deserve a medal but maybe the Pirelli rally badge will be a suitable substitute”
The rally organisers will once again be awarding the Alan Bateman Memorial Trophy to the Stage Commander of the “Best Organised Stage” This award is given in memory of the late Alan Bateman, a long time member of the organising team who was a tireless worker for the event.
The rally is always on the lookout for additional helpers and anyone interested in assisting on the event can get information from the rallies website.
19/04/05
PIRELLI ON PARADE - Centralised Scrutineering, Service and Parc Ferme.
The Lex Army Landrovers competing on the Pirelli International Rally should certainly feel at home when they report for Scrutineering for this, together with Service and Parc Ferme will all take place amid the wide open spaces of the disused Hadrians Camp, the former army training barracks which has been taken over in its entirety by the May 20/21st event, the second round of the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship.
The vast parade ground, where raw recruits once carried out their Square Bashing under the eagle eye, and booming voice, of a Regimental Sergeant Major, will be the main service park with acres of smooth, hard tarmac to accommodate the entire entry with ease, indeed, the organisers are intending to allocate larger than normal service bays to competitors.
TheOfficer in charge of the facility, Pirelli International Rallys Phil Branthwaite, has been hard at work clearing undergrowth, lopping trees and removing the debris left behind by the demolition contractors and he has succeeded in providing adjacent areas for spectator and VIP parking, a helicopter landing pad and a hospitality area where competitors can grab a quick lunch courtesy of the BRCs hospitality bus while updated results and press releases should also be available.
Hadrians Camp is conveniently located, on the Western outskirts of Carlisle, adjacent to the M6 motorway and will be clearly signposted.
14/04/05
SPECTATOR STAGE IS SUPER SPECTACULAR
The rhododendrons are in full bloom, the green lawns are immaculately trimmed and the rabbits frolic almost under your feet, not the normal surroundings for the opening stage of a major international rally but the panorama that awaits the drivers on the Pirelli International Rally will evoke memories of the Lombard RAC’ Rallies much loved “Stately Home” stages with the new P-Zero spectator stage which has been specially constructed for the event.
Starting, quite literally, at the front door of one of Cumbria’s loveliest country houses the stage winds it’s way round the back of the house and past the tennis court before entering a series of fast, flowing bends which curve around a meadow and include two “Yumps”, which will see much airborne activity, and a water splash which should be a popular viewing point for spectators and photographers alike. This entire section is visible from any of the spectator vantage points and guarantees excellent viewing and non-stop action. The rest of the 1.4 mile P-Zero Stage features a fast quarter mile straight and an interesting uphill section through woodland. The stage has drawn extremely complimentary comments, not least from ITV Pundit and former works Renault driver, Robbie Head, while one former regular competitor stated, “It’s worth doing the rally just for this stage alone”.
Complimenting the P-Zero Spectator Stage, will be the adjacent Pirelli International Rally Show which promises a full days entertainment with the famous Pirelli Rally Simulator, Demonstration Drives, Motorcycle Displays, Dancing Girls and a major, yet to be confirmed, spectacular display. With the P-Zero Stage used four times, the whole package will provide hours of entertainment for both dyed in the wool rally enthusiasts and the casual spectator alike and promises to be a great day out.
BIG BUSINESS BACKS RALLY The organisers of the Pirelli International Rally are delighted to announce that the event will be supported by Kingsmoor Business Park who are joining with the Carlisle City Council to back the rally, the Second round of the Kwik Fit/Pirelli British Rally Championship, when it blasts off from the historic Border city over the weekend of 20th/ 21st. May when “Rally fever” grips the town and hordes of competitors, support crews and enthusiasts from all over the country descend on Carlisle, filling every hotel and guest house to capacity.
A spokesman for the rally commented, “It is great to be back in Carlisle again, the rally is very much linked to the city and we are absolutely delighted with the interest and support from Kingsmoor Business Park and Carlisle City Council. I am sure we can promise them and all local enthusiasts, a thrilling and spectacular weekend of motorsport featuring the top drivers in Britain and, indeed, from Europe.
To entertain the crowds expected to throng to see the cars, the Pirelli International rally organisers have constructed a special “Spectator Stage” near Crosby on Eden, within easy commuting distance of Carlisle, where facilities have been laid on to get a close up view of the high speed action, complete with informed commentary, all in complete safety.
23/02/05
YOUNG GUNS ROAR INTO TOWN
Rallyings top “Names of Tomorrow” will descend on Carlisle next month when the Pirelli International Rally features an event for the countries rising driving talent as part of the “Stars of the Future” series, an exciting and innovative new competition aimed at launching talented young drivers and helping them develop their careers and move up the ladder of competitive motorsport.
The “Stars of the Future” series is only for drivers who have yet to gain an International Competition Licence and the choice of car is limited to a 1400cc or 1600c, two wheel drive machine, thus keeping down the costs and giving drivers the chance to compete on a level playing field. The “Young Guns” will compete over the majority of the stages used on the Pirelli International Rally, the blind crests and numerous unmarked bends in the infamous “Killer” Kielder Forest do doubt providing an extremely steep learning curve.
In addition to a £1500 cash prize, the “Stars of the Future” series winners will receive an enormous boost to their careers with the mouth watering prospect of a free entry into each round of the 2006 Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship, enabling them to compete against the established stars in Britain’s premier rally series.
CARLISLE CONFIRMS CITY CENTRE START
The Cumberland Sporting Car Club, organisers of the Pirelli International Rally are delighted with the news that agreement has been reached with Carlisle City Council to stage the event start in Carlisle City Centre where the start ramp will be situated, right in the heart of the historic Border city with the medieval Town Hall and the statue commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie’s occupation of the city providing a picturesque backdrop as the cars depart the start line.
The rallies return to Carlisle, it was last based in Cumbria in 2000, will see a return of the razzmatazz and glamour associated with an International event and the site, situated right in the heart of the cities main shopping area should guarantee a bumper crowd of spectators to watch the action.
Organisers of the Pirelli International Rally are hoping to include a rally show and various other attractions in the proceedings to raise the profile of the rally and the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship, the Cumbrian event being the second round.
A spokesman for the organisers commented, “Despite the recent horrendous floods, Carlisle is still very much a vibrant and bustling place and we look forward to renewing our association with the City Council and bringing top class motorsport back to the region.
14/03/05
EARLY BIRDS GET THE BEDS
The organisers of the Pirelli International Rally, the second round of the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship which runs on 20/ 21 May, are urging intending competitors plus all media and spectators intending to visit the Carlisle based event, to book their accommodation early as space is likely to be at a premium.
Following the recent disastrous floods which hit the Border city, some 3,500 families had to be moved into temporary accommodation, putting an enormous strain on the local hotels and guest houses, several of which were themselves flood victims, and, although the situation is now getting back to normal, there are still a number of places which will be fully booked for some time.
Fortunately, Carlisle is geared up to meet the demand for visitors being a major tourist attraction and overnight stopping off venue for travellers, the local Tourist Information service are always willing to help and can be contacted on 01228 625600 (+44 1228 625600)
Accommodation information is also available on the rally website
01/01/05 PIRELLI HEAD BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
It’s all change for the 2005 Pirelli International Rally with a new date, a different host city and a revamped route, all combining to give a fresh new look to the rally as it moves into its fourth decade of providing top class motorsport, a search for excellence which has been the hallmark of the rally ever since it’s beginnings, as The Tour of Cumbria, way back in 1974
After three extremely successful years based in Gateshead, where the partnership forged with the local council produced some superb facilities, the event organisers have been lured back to Carlisle, formerly the rally base for over 20 years, by the very proactive stance from the local Carlisle City Council who have been instrumental in producing a package of sponsorship which will see the rally utilising facilities at Kingmoor Park Business Centre while Rally Headquarters will be in the sumptuous , and extremely conveniently located, surroundings of the Border city’s Sands Centre. The move will undoubtedly be good news to event sponsors Pirelli who have a large manufacturing facility in the city and to most of the organising committee who are Cumbria based.
The relocation gives Clerk of The Course, Alan Blake, a great opportunity to bring in a new, more compact formula which, it is hoped, will result in reduced costs for the competitor, he will be utilising some completely new stages and bringing back some old favourites, the Border forests having been missing from the British Championship scene for some time. There is also the possibility of extra service facilities in the North Tyne Valley, cutting the road mileage of the event substantially, while the main service area will be on a superb new facility in Carlisle offering hard standing and increased space and security to competitors
Traditionally run in April, the Pirelli International Rally moves back to a May 20/21 st date, swapping places with the Rally of Wales which was having difficulty obtaining a forest allocation for it’s intended original date. The Pirelli International Rally will therefore be the second round of the new style Pirelli/ Kwik Fit British Rally Championship, having previously been the opening round of the series.
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