Border Counties - (Sat) 24 Mar 07

Posted: March 27, 2007 2:45 PM

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TWO OUT OF TWO FOR MORROW
Lisburn brothers Phillip and Simon Morrow made it two wins out of as many events this weekend, when they recorded a hard-fought victory in both the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge and the Production Car Class on the Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally.

To say the battle was close would be an understatement, as Phillip and Simon won by the smallest of margins – just 0.1 second separating them from second-placed Sebastian Ling/Aled Rees, with Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh only 0.8 seconds behind them in third.

For Phillip and Simon it was a case of déja-vu, as they won the Evolution Challenge by a tenth-of-a-second on this same event, the last time the series was hosted by the rally two years ago.

Starting and finishing from Jedburgh, the event featured eight stages covering 60 competitive miles in Kielder Forest – its gravel roads having an acknowledged reputation for catching out the unwary. As well as the Mitsubishi series, the rally also represented the second round of the Hankook MSA Gravel Championship, with 45 teams overall, 21 of which were Evo Challenge entries.

With his sights set on winning the Mitsubishi championship and the coveted works drive in 2008 - rather than winning every stage on every event, Phillip dialed himself in to the Northumberland terrain over the first two stages. The upshot of his calculated start meant that, at the first service halt of the day, the Evo Challenge standings showed young Scotsman David Bogie in the lead, followed by Reynolds, Ling and Morrow in fourth.

On stage three Morrow and Bogie both collected front punctures after hitting the same stone three miles from the end. Morrow hardly dropped any time, but Bogie did, losing 15 seconds and the lead in the process.

With a fastest Group N and Evo Challenge time on SS4, Phillip took the lead in both categories. Following this, stage five offered no advantage as the leading Mitsubishi crews all beat the bogie time and were therefore accredited with exactly the same number of minutes and seconds.

It was a similar story for SS6, but for a different reason. With many of the competitors held up in the stage because of a previous car crashing and blocking the road, the leading teams were all allocated the same notional time. However, Phillip had got through the stage before the accident, recording a time 10 seconds quicker than anyone else, but a 10-second penalty for clipping a cone marking a chicane leveled-out his short-lived advantage.

Because of the delay in SS6, organizers decided to cancel the eighth and final stage and the 11.5-miles through Harwood Forest became the final test of the day. Phillip kept his cool and posted a time which he thought would be enough to retain the Evo Challenge lead. But with others giving it their all in an attempt to get past the Ulsterman on the final stage it was close – very close and it wasn’t until crews returned to Jedburgh that the final results were confirmed.

“I can’t believe I’ve won this event again by a tenth-of-a-second”, said Phillip at the finish. “I knew it was close, but not as close as this. After having punctures I have to admit that luck was on our side today and to take two wins so early in the season is great news for our championship hopes.”

Following his two consecutive Evolution Challenge and Production Class victories, Phillip now enjoys a respectable seven-point lead in the Mitsubishi series and heads the Gravel Championship’s Group N Class.

The next event for Phillip will be the first round of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, which sees him return to Kielder Forest for the Pirelli International Rally on 20th & 21st April.

Phillip’s 2007 campaign is supported by Morrow Fuels, Matador Tyres, Lyons European Haulage, Lagan Motor Factors, DGM Motorsport, Kelly’s Toyota, Proflex, PIAA, Speedline Corse, AMS gear kits, BADMC and RPM Promotions.

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Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge - Phillip Morrow beats Sebastian Ling by just 0.1 second!, and Julian Reynolds finishes third by 0.8 second.
Less than one second separated the top three crews in round two of this year’s Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally, when Phillip Morrow co-driven by his brother Simon, clinched victory ahead of Sebastian Ling /Aled Rees by just one tenth of a second, with Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh only eight tenths of a second behind them.

For Morrow it was a case of déja-vu, as he won the Evolution Challenge on this rally two-years ago by the same minute margin - but to have the top three crews all within 0.9 second made this the closest podium finish in the championship’s seven-year history. Such is the competitiveness of the Evolution Challenge, the top 10 Mitsubishis were separated by less than a minute and-a-half!

The rally started and finished in Jedburgh and featured 60 miles split into eight stages in Kielder Forest. As well as the Mitsubishi series, the event also represented the second round of the Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship, with 45 teams starting the National A event, 21 (47%) of which were Evo Challenge entries.

The first test, a 7.3 mile run over Ogre Hill, saw David Bogie steal the rush on the 20 other Mitsubishis, setting a blistering time 2.5 seconds ahead of Ling – good enough to put him in fifth place overall, with Morrow and Reynolds no more than a second behind.

First to hit problems was Jonny Milner, who had two wires drop onto the exhaust pipe and weld themselves together, causing a fuse to blow and the car to stop – just one mile into the stage! After much activity under the bonnet the former British Champion got the car going again and collected the bogie time, but subsequently lost over seven minutes.

Stage two, a four-mile blast through Redesdale, was covered quickest by Reynolds –again just fractions of seconds separating him from the other leading Evo runners. At the first service halt of the day the Mitsubishi standings read: Bogie, Reynolds, Ling and Morrow. However, they were not alone, as just a handful of seconds behind them were Daniel Barry and Nik Elsmore, both ready to pounce if the others faultered.

Making regular trips from Spain to compete in this year’s Evo Challenge, Alex Sabater was bitterly disappointed to retire for the second time in as many events when his car’s engine overheated. Wayne Sisson’s excellent start was spoilt when a problem with his car’s rear differential slowed him on stage two, necessitating it being replaced at the service halt.

An 11-mile run through Simonside forest and a repeat of the Redesdale stage were next on the agenda and, to show what might have been, Milner recorded the fastest time on SS3. Second fastest on this stage was Errol Clarke – another youngster showing great potential in this season’s Evolution Challenge. Morrow and Bogie both collected front punctures after hitting the same stone three miles from the end, Morrow hardly dropping any time, but Bogie lost a frustrating 15 seconds - and the lead.

With a fastest time on SS4 Morrow went into the lead, albeit only 0.7 seconds ahead of Reynolds and then Ling. Bogie was now in fourth, followed by Barry, Clarke and Elsmore who all reported good runs, although admitting to be looking for more speed in order to get closer to the leading quartet.

Not having a good day was Connor McCloskey, who was surprisingly down on pace although driving well, his loss of speed traced to a split turbo pipe. But his rally didn’t get any better, when the car’s jack broke when changing a wheel in SS5 and he went over his maximum time limit.

As it turned out, stage five – nine miles called Pennine Way, provided no advantage to any of the leading Mitsubishi crews, as 11 of them beat the bogie time and were therefore all accredited with exactly the same number of minutes and seconds.

It was a similar story for SS6, but for a different reason. With many of the competitors held up in the stage because of a previous car crashing and blocking the road, the leading teams were all allocated the same notional time. However, Morrow had got through the stage before the accident, recording a time 10 seconds quicker than anyone else, but a 10-second penalty for clipping a cone marking a chicane leveled out his short-lived advantage.

The end of stage six heralded the retirement of another of the Mitsubishi championship’s overseas competitors, Daniel Siguroarson from Iceland ending an excellent run on his first time with the Evo Challenge, after loosing the alternator/water-pump/power-steering drive-belt somewhere in the stage.

Others having problems were Richard Hill who’s solid run was hampered by a puncture and consequent wheel-change. Also Alan Carmichael, who lost the bolts out of his rear differential casing when he hit a series of rough sections, but still managed to nurse his car to the finish. Not so fortunate was Jonathan Sparks who’s gearbox cried enough at the end of SS6.

In contrast, Neil McCance was keeping out of trouble and getting quicker as the event went on, as was Thomas Naughton who reported that he was finding it difficult to maintain a steady pace over the rougher sections of road.

Because of the delay in SS6, organizers decided to cancel the eighth and final stage, meaning that the 11.5-miles through Harwood Forest was the final test of the day. In an attempt to overhaul Morrow, Ling blasted through stage seven to record the fastest Evo Challenge time, followed closely by Elsmore, with Morrow, Reynolds and Bogie between two-and-three seconds behind them.

With times so close is wasn’t until crews returned to Jedburgh for the finish that the final results emerged – and what a finish - Morrow the Evolution Challenge winner by just 0.1 second from Ling, with Reynolds 0.8 second behind him.

“I can’t believe I’ve won again by a tenth of a second on this event”, said a somewhat surprised yet happy Phillip Morrow at the finish. “To take two wins so early in the season is great news, but after having punctures and with it being so close I have to admit that luck was on our side today.”

Morrow also collected maximum points in the PIAA Junior category, with Bogie second and Stephen Petch third of the six under 25 year-old drivers that started the event.

The Evolution Cup for nearer-to-standard Group N Lancers also saw the same winner as round one, Miles Johnston claiming his second victory. However, he was pushed all the way by Ferran Font from Andorra, another overseas driver making a welcome debut to the Mitsubishi series. After overcoming a few problems, Mark I’Anson was pleased to complete the Evo Cup podium and score his first points of the season.

The Evolution Challenge offers drivers what is widely regarded as the best prize in British rallying – the chance to become a Mitsubishi works driver in the 2008 British Rally Championship.

Also included in this year’s Mitsubishi championship are the Pirelli and Performance Friction Brakes Cups.

The series is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart, with support from its associate sponsors: Pirelli, PIAA, Speedline Corse, Sparco, Performance Friction Brakes, Shell Helix and Tesco 99 Octane - suppliers of the controlled fuel for the championship.

Results
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Round Two
1 Phillip Morrow (Lisburn)/Simon Morrow (Lisburn) – 0:55:12.3
2 Sebastian Ling (Llandysul)/Aled Rees (Crymych) – 0:55:12.4
3 Julian Reynolds (Narberth)/Patrick Walsh (Aberystwyth) – 0:55:13.2
4 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Rob Fagg (Isle of Man) – 0:55:40.4
5 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Vicky Allen (Denbigh) – 0:55:53.3
6 Wayne Sisson (Carnforth)/Daniel Stone (Chesterfield) – 0:56:13.6
7 Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Wilkinson (Tow Law) – 0:56:22.6
8 Neil McCance (Coomber)/Sean Moriarty (Kerry) – 0:56:26.7
9 Errol Clark (Irvinestown)/Craig Parry (Llanymynech) – 0:56:29.0
10 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Mark Bowens (Cork) – 0:56:39.2
11 Thomas Naughton (Bury)/Horace Saville (Bury) - 0:59:36.3
12 Jonny Milner (Huggate)/Ian Windress (Northallerton) – 1:02:51.9
13 Richard Hill (Chesterfield)/Aled Davis (Llanelli) - 1:03:02.5
14 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena) – 1:03:03.0

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup
1 Miles Johnstone (York)/Ian Bevan (Wrexham) – 0:59:04.3
2 Ferran Font (Andorra)/Miquel Amblas (Spain) – 1:00:28.1
3 Mark I’Anson (Haydon Bridge)/Graeme Walker (Henley) – 1:02:19.0

Retirements
SS2 Alex Sabater (Barcelona)/ Chris Thirling (Wickham) - Overheating
SS5 Connor McCloskey (Lirea)/Damian Connelly (Monaghan) – Jack
SS6 Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Bradley Magnus (Downham Market) – Gearbox
SS6 Daniel Siguroarson (Iceland)/Isak Guojonsson (Iceland) - Drivebelt

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PEREZ BLASTS TO BORDER COUNTIES VICTORY!
WESTON TAKES SRC WIN AND MORROW DOMINATES GROUP N
After a dramatic day of action in the forests of the Borders Region, it was the Ford Focus WRC of former ANCRO champion driver Steve Perez and local Berwickshire co-driver Claire Mole who emerged victorious to win the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally.

In bright sunshine opposed to last year’s snow and ice, the Chesterfield man saw off a concerted challenge from the usual 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship contenders to take the win by 46 seconds and in doing so took the lead of the series following his runner up placing on the previous round in Bournemouth.

But the VK Vodka Kick-backed crew had to work hard for their success as they traded early blows with the Hyundai Accent of Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery who eventually suffered a low speed roll into an infamous Kielder ditch to put them out whilst leading on SS6.

Previous rally winners Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry were first to go out when their Subaru suffered transmission problems on the way to SS1 and other fancied runners, including 2005 ANCRO Champion Paul Bird and co-driver Andy Richardson (Subaru) as well as double British Champion Jonny Milner, with co-driver Ian Windress (Mitsubishi), had problems on the opening test also. 

Perez and Dodd forged ahead and held a comfortable cushion before Dodd’s exit allowing Perez to control the event as behind a battle was raging and Bird was clawing back time on Roger Duckworth and stand in co-driver Ian Allsop (Subaru). The lead may have been sorted but the battle behind wasn’t but despite the valiant efforts of the organisers from Whickham and District Motor Club and Hawick and Border Car Club, the last stage (SS8) was cancelled due to lack of time which meant Duckworth – who survived a puncture on road section to the finish - cemented runner up spot with Bird claiming his twentieth consecutive rally finish in third.

Leading County Saab MSA Scottish Championship contenders were Aberdeen’s Dave Weston and co-driver Neil Shanks (Ford Focus WRC), who only registered for the ANCRO and Scottish Championships on the morning of the rally, and they led home the Subaru WRC of Dollar pairing Gary and Gordon Adam with Jimmy Girvan from North Kessock and co-driver Mick Ramsay third. 

Less than a second separated the top three in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evo Challenge with Ulster brothers Phillip and Simon Morrow getting the win by the smallest margin possible – one tenth of a second! Second was Seb Ling/Aled Rees with Julian Reyonolds/Patrick Walsh third, three-quarters of a second further back after nearly an hour of competition. Despite a misfire, Scottish crew Jock Armstrong and Kirsty Riddick (Castle Douglas) took their Subaru to a second successive win in the Subaru Group N Trophy.

In the six-stage National B event, it was Gary Adam who took victory by nearly a minute over the DAM 4100 of Andy Horne and Jim Howie with Steven Clark and Lee Kerr bringing their Mitsubishi Evo 4 home in third place.   

The event was delayed three times over the course of the seven stages due to accidents, two of them involving SRC regulars. Duns' Alistair Thorburn collided with a tree in his Subaru Impreza on SS1, whereas the Cumbrian crew of Paul Benn and Richard Cooke had a big off on SS6 in their Ford Focus WRC. Although Thorburn was airlifted to hospital suffering from concussion and Cooke was treated for a broken arm, both crews escaped without serious injury.

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PEREZ WINS THE BORDER COUNTIES
After four years of trying, VK Vodka Kick rally driver Steve Perez took his maiden National 'A' victory after a superb drive on today's Jedburgh based Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally.

In the Ford Focus WRC and along with Berwickshire co-driver Claire Mole, the Chesterfield driver traded early blows with the Hyundai of Marcus Dodd until the winner of Rallye Sunseeker crashed out on SS5 and from thereon in Perez defended his lead to head home fellow Hankook GRC contenders Roger Duckworth and Paul Bird.

As a result Perez and Mole move to the head of the Championship that they last won back in 2004 and celebrated in style at the finish.

"At last! I've been trying for years to win one of these events and I've finished second so many times, I'm absolutely over the moon. Me and Marcus were having a good battle and then when he crashed out I had a good lead over the rest, but I was scared stiff in case I got a puncture and I ended up driving like my Grandma! I'm really looking forward to the Manx as leader of the Championship and there might be life in the old dog yet!" said Perez who paid tribute to his co-driver and his team on the finish ramp.

The VK Ford Focus team will be in action next weekend on the Wold Construction North Humberside Rally before getting down to the serious business of defending their ANCRO Championship lead when the RBS International Manx Rally takes place in May.

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BIRD TAKES THIRD AFTER KIELDER DRAMA
Following a dramatic day by his high standards, Penrith rally driver Paul Bird salvaged third place on today's Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally to maintain his Hankook GRC bid.

Driving the Stobart Motorsport Subaru WRC along with Kirkby Stephen co-driver Andy Richardson, the pair overcame a visit to a deep Kielder ditch on SS1 and as a result had to fight their way back after dropping to 15th place, some 40 seconds down.

Bird battled back despite some problems with tyre choice and was in with a shout of a second place finish when he spun and lost more time on the penultimate stage. However the organisers then cancelled the final stage, leaving Bird to claim third place on the second ANCRO rally in succession.

The result means the Cumbrian pairing move up to second place in the Championship going into the next round on the tarmac of the Isle of Man where Bird traditionally goes well.

"After all of the drama of today I'm happy enough with third place. It's another podium and means we now move up to second place in the Championship. That's twenty consecutive rally finishes for me which I'm pretty pleased about and had I chosen the right tyres from the start perhaps I could have given Steve and Roger a bit more to worry about." said Bird.

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Border pace bonus for Marcus.
Multiple National Rally Champion Marcus Dodd was on fine form in the Scottish borderlands this weekend. The recent Rallye Sunseeker winner was setting a strong pace to lead the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally when an excursion put paid to any chance of making it win number two in this years MSA National Gravel Rally Championship.

The ever rapid Hyundai Accent WRC driver from Poole was keen to continue where he left off after a dominant display on home soil in Bournemouth. Dodd fended off a challenge from the Ford Focus WRC of Steve Perez/Claire Mole to take a very comfortable win. The Flitewise.com, Sunseeker Powerboats, Pirelli Tyres and Sunoco Fuels backed Hyundai ended the rally one minute and thirty seconds ahead of the closest challenger.

Together with Hove’s Andrew Bargery, Marcus was determined to make it back to back wins on the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally based in Jedburgh. Dodd dodged the snow and ice of last year’s event to take a finely judged victory. Snow and ice made way for bright and cold conditions in 2007, and Marcus was immediately into the lead with a strong time on the opening stage.

Regular sparring partner Steve Perez was once again proving to be the thorn in Dodd’s side. It was nip and tuck between the pair over the opening loop of stages with Marcus and Steve swapping fastest stages. Just over a second separated the pair heading into the sixth stage of the rally. Unfortunately, it was destined to be the final stage for the HPM Motorsport run Hyundai. The car was to leave the road during the stage after running wide on a corner and Marcus and Andrew were unable to re-join. It was a disappointing end for what had been another strong performance prior to that point.

Dodd remained positive despite the obvious disappointment:
“Unfortunately Kielder Forest got the better of us this year” said the 2006 event winner. “We ran slightly wide on a corner and the car slipped into a ditch and rolled very gently onto its roof. There is hardly any damage and it was all the more disappointing as up until that point the car had been going very well and everything looked set for a good fight to the finish with Steve (Perez). We are allowed to drop two scores in the championship so that means we’ll need to put in some strong performances over the remainder of the year. The events in Wales really suit my driving style and the Manx is an event that we’ll need a good clean run on as well. Whilst I’m disappointed to have retired from this event, I take heart from the fact that once again we were more than a match for anyone and there’s no doubt that we have the pace to win again this year. There is a long way to go so we’ll bounce back at the Manx and then take it from there.”

Harry Dodd was also contesting the event. The father of Marcus was without regular co-driver Roy Campbell, having Manxman Richard Skinner alongside for this event. The pair kept out of trouble to finish 28th overall and 5th in class. Next up for the HPM Motorsport team are the super fast tarmac roads of the Isle of Man. The RBS International Manx Rally will be a tough test of both men and machines, and Marcus in particular will be looking to get more points on the board on May 11/12.

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Bitter blow for Jonny in the Borders
Yorkshire ace Jonny Milner was on great form on this weekend’s Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally in southern Scotland. Milner was setting fastest times in the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge by the end of a long and bitterly frustrating day for the two times former British Rally Champion in Jedburgh.

Driving his Mitsubishi Lancer E9, the Team Merlin International backed driver from Huggate lost nearly 8 minutes on the opening stage of the MSA National Gravel Championship event. The Merlin International, Team Dynamics Alloy Wheels, Snap On Diagnostics and Pirelli Tyres backed machine ground to a halt on the first special stage with an electrical problem. Milner and co-driver Ian Windress frantically worked to fix the melted exhaust gas sensor. After what seemed like an eternity the Mitsubishi finally burst into life and the pair were able to continue.

With all hope of a podium finish dashed, Milner had to dig deep to find the enthusiasm to carry on. Jonny has never been a quitter and how it showed. He bounced back with fastest time in the Evo Challenge battle on the third stage of the rally. His times were consistently quick throughout the remainder of the day in the John Bean Garage Equipment, Goldline Bearings, NGK Spark Plugs, Sparco, and Ferodo Competition Brake Pads backed machine. On stage times at least Milner was in the thick of a three way battle between Phil Morrow, Julian Reynolds and Seb Ling.

With so much time lost and only 50 miles in which to recover, Milner battled on valiantly. The deflated duo would eventually finish 29th overall and 21st in class. It was scant reward for a typically gritty and determined recovery drive.

Jonny was disappointed with the result but was positive about the future:
“I just couldn’t believe it” said Milner. “The car was running fine and then all of a sudden it just died. A wire and sensor had come loose and melted, so we had to change it. Eventually the car fired up and we were able to continue. In a championship where tenths of a second are being traded to lose eight minutes is a lifetime. We could have packed up and gone home there and then. You never know when a point or two will come in handy though, so we carried on and the stage times were very good for the rest of the day and the car was excellent. It turned into a very good test for the forthcoming Pirelli International Rally, so the day was not a complete washout. Overall, it was disappointing to lose so much time but we made some improvements to the set up of the car and I was happy with our pace by the end. The Evo Challenge will have a few more twists and turns before the year is out so I’m confident that we’ll be back in the mix for the next round in the Isle of Man – my favourite place!”

Jonny and the MSR Motorsport team head back to the Kielder Forest in April for the Pirelli International Rally, opening round of the Tesco 99 British Rally Championship. Milner follows that event with the RBS International Manx Rally on May 11/12 where he will look to make the most of his rally winning knowledge of tarmac roads native to the island.

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Results
1 Steve Perez/Claire Mole (Ford Focus WRC) - 0:53:43.4
2 Roger Duckworth/Ian Allsop (Subaru Impreza) - 0:54:29.5
3 Paul Bird/Andy Richardson (Subaru Impreza WRC) - 0:55:02.9
4 Dave Weston/Neil Shanks (Ford Focus WRC) - 0:55:03.0
5 Phillip Morrow/Simon Morrow (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9) - 0:55:12.3
6 Sebastian Ling/Aled Rees (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9) - 0:55:12.4
7 Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9) - 0:55:13.2
8 Jimmy Girvan/Mike Ramsay (Subaru Impreza) - 0:55:29.2
9 David Bogie/Rob Fagg (Mitsubishi Lacner EVO 9GT) - 0:55:40.4
10 Nik Elsmore/Vicky Allen (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9) - 0:55:53

Full Results
Tynemouth Computer Services Rally Results

Border Counties

• 2007 ANCRO MSA National Gravel Rally Championship
• 2007 Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge
• 2007 Scottish Rally Championship

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• McCLOSKEY’S BORDER SKIRMISH
• ALL TO PLAY FOR IN KIELDER…
• Border Counties Rally Preview & Spectator Info
• Battle of the Borders for Marcus!
• Mitsubishis prepare for battle on the borders
• VK 1400 CHALLENGE TO COMMENCE ON BCR…!
• BOOK EARLY FOR THE BRICK & STEEL BORDER COUNTIES RALLY...

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23/03/07
McCLOSKEY’S BORDER SKIRMISH
Northern Irish driver Connor McCloskey will start this weekend’s Border Counties Rally in a strong second place in the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge Junior category.

He is joined by Craig Thorley who is no stranger to the Mitsubishi Evo 9; having guided Ryan Champion to three victories in last years British Rally Championship. The pair will take to the forests in Connor’s ex-works car on this eight stage event, based in the picturesque town of Jedburgh. Connor’s resolve to move forward in rallying has meant his confidence and stage times improved throughout 2006 and the first event in Bournemouth in February netted an excellent top ten overall finish.

“My programme over the last couple of years has been all about steady improvement and learning the craft of rallying,” explained Connor, “Having Craig alongside will help enormously as he has a wealth of experience of these stages. My commitment to the Evo Challenge and the British Rally Championship means that I will be returning to some events for the second time and the good result in February proved the importance of knowledge of the rallies.”

After one event, Connor is just a single point adrift of the leader of the PIAA Junior Title and holds fifth in the overall standings.

Connor and the team would like to thank Egger (wood based panels), Euro Components, KBB Doors, Pirelli and Shell Racing Fuels for their continuing support in 2007.

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ALL TO PLAY FOR IN KIELDER…
After an exciting and dramatic opening salvo with Rallye Sunseeker last month, round two of the hotly-contested 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship takes place next weekend when competitors descend on the Scottish town of Jedburgh for the Brick Steel Border Counties Rally.

With sponsorship from global performance tyre manufacturer Hankook this season, all the major contenders are back for round two of the ANCRO-organised National series as well as some interlopers from the ultra-competitive Scottish Rally Championship who are bound to throw a spanner in the works.

Winner on his local event in Bournemouth a month ago, Marcus Dodd and co driver Andrew Bargery return to the Borders region as not only championship leaders, but as winners of last year’s event which was held in the snow and ice and the Hyundai Accent WRC pairing will be looking to consolidate their hold on the series in car number one.

Second placed Steve Perez and Claire Mole will be hoping they can get the better of the competition in their Ford Focus WRC but the 2004 champion will be up against his successor in 2005 Paul Bird, who along with co driver Andy Richardson, returns to the event in their Subaru WRC after missing it last year. The Cumbrian pairing are third in the Hankook GRC standings but recently won the Malcolm Wilson Rally by beating Perez so expect some fireworks!

Irishman Stephen Harron and co driver Sean Mullally will be hoping to get some points on the board after crashing out of Rallye Sunseeker in their Subaru and so too will be another pair of former champions Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield who also non-scored on the opening round in their Subaru.

Vying for overall honours, although not registered for the Hankook GRC, will be leaders of the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship, Gary and Gordon Adam in their Subaru and they along with ex ANCRO competitors Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry (Subaru) and Paul Benn/Richard Cooke (Ford Focus) all of whom are expected to be in the mix.

Already the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is shaping up to be a classic and once again, battle will resume in Kielder Forest between the leading runners. Ulstermen Phillip and Simon Morrow took the win in Bournemouth ahead of former double British Champion Jonny Milner and co driver Ian Windress but the crew to watch could well be Scottish teenager David Bogie, who along with Manx co driver Rob Fagg will be contesting his local event.

Another Scotsman in the shape of Jock Armstrong and co driver Kirsty Riddick leads the Subaru Group N Trophy and there is healthy competition amongst the 108 entries in the recently announced HPM Motorsport 2WD Challenge as well as the exciting new VK1400 Challenge, all of which will see competitors chasing such lucrative prizes as an all expenses paid drive in Marcus Dodd’s Hyundai WRC and the chance to go ice testing with Steve Perez’s team in Norway.

The action gets underway from Jedburgh town centre at 08.30 on Saturday morning followed by around 70 miles of stages in the infamous Northern reaches of Europe’s largest man made forest before cars return at around 17.30 to acclaim the winners.

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Border Counties Rally Preview & Spectator Info
Over a hundred cars will line up in Jedburgh next weekend ready to take part in one of the Border’s region’s main sporting events when the Brick Steel Border Counties Rally gets underway on Saturday morning.

Comprising rounds of many major 2007 championships including the Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship, the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the Subaru Group N Trophy as well as the County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship, top crews from all over the country as well as some European visitors will be hoping for a good run on the Whickham and District Motor Club and Hawick and Border Car Club event.

Fresh from victory on Rallye Sunseeker, Hankook GRC leader Marcus Dodd travels up from his Dorset home hoping to repeat his victory of twelve months ago on the event when he and co driver Andrew Bargery took a dramatic victory in the prevalent snow and ice in their Hyundai Accent WRC.

Also in action are three other former champions in the shape of Roger Duckworth (1998), Steve Perez (2004) and Paul Bird (2005) who will be gunning for glory in the infamous Kielder Forest where all the competitive action takes place.

Duckworth non-scored in Bournemouth and will be keen to rack up some points in his Subaru whereas Perez, who finished third on the Border Counties last year and Bird, who was on the podium two years ago after not defending his title last season, will renew their rivalry that saw Perez’s Focus outpoint Bird’s Subaru on round one.

But the men who could put the cats amongst the pigeons are Scottish Championship regulars Barry Johnson and Gary Adam in their Subarus. Johnson has twice won the event and finished runner up last year but is not contesting any championships this season, rather picking and choosing his events whereas Adam won the opening round of the Scottish series and will be looking for maximum points again.

In the showroom classes, a battle royal is expected between Mitsubishi Evo Challenge runners Phillip Morrow and Jonny Milner whilst Scotsman Jock Armstrong is hoping to repeat his opening round victory in the Subaru Group N Trophy.

Dumfries teenager David Bogie is expected to go well on his home event in his Mitsubishi whilst Ulsterman Stephen Harron (Subaru), Cumbrian Paul Benn (Focus) and Londoner John Lloyd (Focus) will pit their WRC machinery against local heroes Jimmy Girvan (Subaru), Andy Horne (DAM 4100) and Jim Carty (Subaru).

The international flavour is complimented by Icelandic visitors Daniel Siguroarson and co driver Isak Guojonsson (Mitsubishi) whilst Spaniard Alex Sabater will also be in action in a similar car. Scotsmen Ian Campbell and David Hughes continue to campaign their unique Mitsubishi WRC’s and look out for the flamboyant ‘Mad’ Mick Jones in his Ford Escort Mk2 which will be an entertaining affair.

The event will incorporate qualifying rounds of HPM Motorsport 2WD Challenge, the VK 1400 Challenge as well incorporating The Dunlop Tyres 2-Wheel Drive Challenge, The ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, The Brick Steel 205 Ecosse Challenge 2007, The Beatsons Motorsport Scottish Borders Rally Championship and the ESACC Stage Rally Championship.

Top Ten
1 Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery (Hyundai Accent WRC)
2 Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
3 Paul Bird/Andy Richardson (Subaru Impreza WRC)
4 Steve Perez/Claire Mole (Ford Focus WRC)
5 Jonny Milner/Ian Windress (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)
6 Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield (Subaru Impreza WRC)
7 Gary Adam/Gordon Adam (Subaru Impreza 555)
8 Phillip Morrow/Simon Morrow (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)
9 Stephen Harron/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC)
10 Paul Benn/Richard Cooke (Ford Focus WRC)

Spectator Information
Generally access is limited to the Kielder stages, security personnel and extra locks have been placed on certain forest and other roads. Spectators are likely to have difficulty getting to stage by any other way than the defined routes below.

A spectator point has been set up on each stage (where possible); each has been chosen not only for its accessibility but also for the viewing.

A small charge for parking is likely at each location, with agreement with the local forestry office the proceeds for each is donated to a local good cause, we hope that you will help us supporting these very good causes in what are normally remote local communities. Monies are shared with local communities affected by the event. Cost will be £10 per car for a full day pass, this will allow you access to multiple stages and all of the Spectator car parks.

Start Finish Ramp, Abbey Place, Jedburgh

First 1600cc car due 08:31 First WRC car due 09:31
First cars due back from 14:56

Get a close up view of the cars crews before they leave for the days action in the forests. See the Provost flag the crews away listen to the live commentary interviews with the drivers.

SS 1 8
Sorry the Forest Enterprise have requested no spectator point or parking on this stage on safety grounds.

SS2 SS4 – Redesdale 1 2
First car due SS2 09:28 SS4 11.54

Leave A68 at MR 80/783011, signposted Forest Drive. Follow signs for car parking over the bridge and past the toilet block. Pass the stage exit (No entry here) and after approx ½ mile, take the next right and park as directed. The junction is a very fast downhill section into a square left corner.

PLEASE NOTE The forest drive will be closed and manned by Forest Enterprise to stop people using it to get through to Kielder – The gates at Kielder end will be locked.

SS3 – Simonside SS7 Harwood
First car due SS3 10:58 SS7 14:55

Leave A696 at MR 80/936914; turn right before Elsdon onto the unclassified “Winter’s Gibbet” road. Enter the forest where signposted and park in either of two car parks. The northern viewpoint takes you to a square left corner. A walk of about half a mile takes you to some downhill hairpin bends. The Southern car park takes you an open square left corner. Stage 7 is a reversal of the morning stage.

SS 5 – The Pennine Way
First car due 12:49
Leave A68 at MR 80/783011, signposted Forest Drive. Follow signs for car parking over the bridge and past the toilet block and pass the car park for stage 2 4. Keep on the Forest Drive for approx. 1½ mile then turn left and after about a further 1½ mile you will come to the car park and a square left corner at the start of a long straight with lots of blind crests.

SS6 – Bellingburn
First car due 13:09

Access to this viewpoint is via the Kielder dam, cross the dam at MR 80/ 706870 off the C200, at the North end of the Dam, turn right and follow the signs to the car park. There are some fast flowing bends here.

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Battle of the Borders for Marcus!
Multiple National Rally Champion Marcus Dodd makes the long journey north next weekend for the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally based in Jedburgh. Utilising the incredibly fast roads of the infamous ‘killer’ Kielder Forest, Marcus will look to make it win number two in this years MSA National Gravel Rally Championship.

The HPM Motorsport driver from Poole in Dorset was at his imperious best on the recent Rallye Sunseeker. The Fitewise.com, Sunseeker Powerboats, Sunoco Fuels and Pirelli Tyres backed Hyundai Accent WRC4 of Marcus and Hove based co-driver Andrew Bargery was in scintillating form on the Bournemouth event. Whilst Dodd may well have had home advantage, he reeled in overnight leader Paul Bird before upping his pace considerably throughout the event to win by a margin of one and a half minutes. In doing so, Dodd notched up another record as he became the only driver to have won the event an amazing five times.

For the HPM team, it is back to business on March 24th. Maximum points on the opening round have given the team real impetus as they head to an event they won in 2006. Last year was a lottery in terms of weather with snow and ice playing a huge part in determining the result. Clever strategy by the HPM team and Pirelli Tyres paid dividends as Marcus and Andrew kept out of trouble as best they could to notch up a hard earned victory.

Competition will be no less tough this year however, with National Championship regulars Paul Bird, Steve Perez and Roger Duckworth all heading north to do battle for championship points. Buoyed by the strong start to the season, Marcus is feeling confident ahead of the event:

“Sunseeker went exactly to plan and I’m pleased to have taken a fifth win and the maximum points” said Marcus. “Paul Bird quickly got to grips with his Subaru Impreza WRC and with a recent win on the Malcolm Wilson Rally I’m sure he’ll be strong next weekend. Steve (Perez) pushed us hard at times in Bournemouth as well so it is by no means an easy job ahead of us. We’ll be pushing hard for a victory this weekend of course and another strong haul of points will see us in a very solid position after two rounds of the series, so that must be our primary focus for the weekend.

Kielder itself is a tricky place. The road is very narrow in places and there are lots of corners on the top of crests that are waiting to catch you out. It is a place where experience will count and Andrew and I have plenty of that. It promises to be yet another very strong battle at the sharp end.”

Joining Marcus for the event will be his father, Harry Dodd. Dodd senior missed the opening round in Bournemouth but has entered the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally. The MSA National Gravel Championship stalwart will also be hoping for a good result in his identical specification Hyundai Accent WRC. The striking black and silver machines are seeded at car numbers 1 and 53 respectively for the weekend.

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Mitsubishis prepare for battle on the borders
Round two of the 2007 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge takes place this weekend, when 23 crews competing in the one-make series for Group N Lancer Evolutions head to Kielder Forest for the Border Counties Rally.

The event also hosts round two of the Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship and round two of the County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship which, when combined, sees an overall entry for the National A event of 48 cars – the Evolution Challenge accounting for 48% of the field!

If round one is anything to go by then this weekend’s rally is going to be another exciting battle between the Mitsubishi runners, all striving for the holy grail of a Mitsubishi works drive for next season. Such was the competition, no less that 12 Evolution Challenge teams finished in the top 20 overall on the Rallye Sunseeker and, with the fast flowing stages of Kielder more suited to production specification machinery, the results could well reflect a similar pattern this weekend.

Following his outstanding performance in round one, Phillip Morrow currently tops the Evolution Challenge table and will be all set to do battle against second-placed Jonny Milner. The twice British Champion starts as number one seed this weekend with Morrow second and - fourth placed on round one - Sebastian Ling starting third. A notable late entry is Julian Reynolds, who finished third of the Mitsubishis in the opening event and is back to see if he can improve on his result this time round.

Word of the Evolution Challenge is now spreading far and wide, as registering for the championship for this event are three overseas drivers: Ferran Font from Andorra, Daniel Siguroarson from Iceland and Jonas Ericsson from Sweden. They join Spainiard Alex Sabater who registered earlier this year and admits to be a big fan of the Mitsubishi series.

The Evolution Challenge has also attracted a number of up-and-coming youngsters this season, each competing for the PIAA Junior Award for under 25 year old drivers. These include current series leader Phillip Morrow and most local of the Challenge competitors to this event, Stephen Petch.

Mitsubishi newcomer David Bogie is quickly getting used to four-wheel-drive having recorded some impressive performances recently, whilst Connor McCloskey is another young driver getting quicker each time out and could well finish in the top placings. Other Junior recruits for this season Daniel Barry and Errol Clark both intend to build on their performances from round one, having finished in 10th and 11th places respectively.

Running within this year’s Evolution Challenge is the Evolution Cup, a class for nearer-to-standard Group N Lancers. Clear winner on the opening round was Miles Johnston, whos main competition for the category on this round will come from Mark I’Anson.

The rally starts and finishes in Jedburgh and features eight timed special stages, totaling 60 competitive miles, in Kielder Forest.

The Evolution Challenge offers drivers what is widely regarded as the best prize in British rallying – the chance to become a Mitsubishi works driver in the 2008 British Rally Championship.
Also included in this year’s Mitsubishi championship are the Pirelli and Performance Friction Brakes Cups.

The series is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart, with support from its associate sponsors: Pirelli, PIAA, Speedline Corse, Sparco, Performance Friction Brakes, Shell Helix and Tesco 99 Octane - suppliers of the controlled fuel for the championship.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge entries
5 Jonny Milner (Huggate)/Ian Windress (Northallerton)
8 Phillip Morrow (Lisburn)/Simon Morrow (Lisburn) (J)
15 Sebastian Ling (Llandysul)/Aled Rees (Crymych)
18 Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Wilkinson (Tow Law) (J)
19 Wayne Sisson (Carnforth)/Daniel Stone (Chesterfield)
21 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Rob Fagg (Isle of Man) (J)
22 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Vicky Allen (Denbigh)
27 Richard Hill (Chesterfield)/Aled Davis (Llanelli)
31 Gordon Cunningham (Galston)/Stuart McManus (Kilmarnock)
32 Connor McCloskey (Lirea)/Craig Thorley (Pocklington) (J)
36 Ferran Font (Andorra)/Miquel Amblas (Spain)
38 Daniel Siguroarson (Iceland)/Isak Guojonsson (Iceland)
39 Neil McCance (Coomber)/Sean Moriarty (Kerry)
40 Miles Johnston (York)/Ian Bevan (Wrexham)*
42 Errol Clark (Irvinestown)/Craig Parry (Llanymynech) (J)
46 Alex Sabater (Barcelona)/Chris Thirling (Wickham)
51 Mark I’Anson (Haydon Bridge)/Graeme Walker (Henley)*
52 Thomas Naughton (Bury)/Horace Saville (Bury)
58 Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Bradley Magnus (Downham Market)
74 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
84 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Mark Bowen (Cork) (J)
TBC Julian Reynolds (Narberth)/Patrick Walsh (Aberystwyth)
TBC Jonas Ericsson (Sweden)/TBC

* = Evo Cup
(J) = Junior driver

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06/03/07
VK 1400 CHALLENGE TO COMMENCE ON BCR…!
After an exciting opening round of the Hankook MSA 2007 Gravel Rally Championship took place in Bournemouth last week, anticipation is high for another epic battle when round two of the series takes place with the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally which gets underway from Jedburgh on Saturday 24th March 2007 .

And with today’s announcement that the exciting new VK 1400 Challenge is set to make its debut on the event, there is even more on offer for both competitors and spectators alike. Open to all 1400cc cars with no tyre or fuel restrictions and age limit, demand is expected to be high.

Already, entries are pouring in for the annual event which takes place in the classic Kielder Forest and with a number of innovations on the part of the organisers, it is proving popular with competitors. Amongst these is a centralised service area near Otterburn and 2WD cars up to 1600cc (including VK 1400 Challenge crews) running first on the road, meaning it will be a slightly different event from the one in the past although but thrilling nonetheless.

The championship regulars will be joined by a number of other top crews on the Whickham and District Motor Club and Hawick and Border Car Club event including double Scottish Champion Barry Johnson who this season hasn’t registered for the National Championship. A former winner of the rally, the County Durham businessman finished runner up to Marcus Dodd last year and will be hoping to go one better this time round and claim maximum County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship points.

Joining Johnson in trying to repel the ANCRO marauders will be winner of the opening round of the Scottish Championship, Gary Adam, who took victory in his Subaru on the Snowman Rally last month which means there will be plenty of competition all round.

The National ‘A’ event will incorporate qualifying rounds of The Hankook GRC, The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge and Cup, the Subaru Group N Trophy and the HPM Motorsport 2WD Challenge as well as the County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship.

The National ‘B’ event carries rounds of The County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship incorporating The Dunlop Tyres 2-Wheel Drive Challenge, The ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, The Brick & Steel 205 Ecosse Challenge 2007, The Beatsons Motorsport Scottish Borders Rally Championship and the ESACC Stage Rally Championship.

Regulations available on the event website:

Border Counties

• 2007 ANCRO MSA National Gravel Rally Championship
• 2007 Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge
• 2007 Scottish Rally Championship

12/02/07
BOOK EARLY FOR THE BRICK & STEEL BORDER COUNTIES RALLY...
The little-used tracks of the Scottish Borders and Kielder Forest will once again be reverberating to the sound of rally cars when the annual Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally gets underway from Jedburgh on Saturday 24th March 2007.

Comprising round two of the popular Hankook MSA 2007 Gravel Rally Championship, the organising team has been hard at work securing the best stages available for the event which sees Harwood Forest incorporated for the first time as well as a centralised service area.

What’s more, despite spiralling costs, the entry fees will remain at 2006 levels and as an added incentive, it is planned that all cars up to 1600cc will run at the front of the field.

With the National ‘A’ event set for eight stages totalling around sixty miles, and the supporting National ‘B’ rally offering forty-five miles over six stages, both with minimal road mileage, demand for entries is bound to be high so the message from the organising Whickham and District Motor Club and Hawick and Border Car Club is ‘book early to avoid disappointment!’

The National ‘A’ event will incorporate qualifying rounds of The Hankook GRC, The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge and Cup, the Subaru Group N Trophy and the County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship whereas the National ‘B’ event carries rounds of The County Saab MSA Scottish Rally Championship incorporating The Dunlop Tyres 2-Wheel Drive Challenge, The ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, The Brick & Steel 205 Ecosse Challenge 2007, The Beatsons Motorsport Scottish Borders Rally Championship and the ESACC Stage Rally Championship.

Regulations will be posted out to registered competitors shortly and they will be also available on the official website as well as a downloadable entry form at www.bordercountiesrally.co.uk: or by calling Secretary of the Meeting Steve Nesworthy on 0191 529 0634 or 07773 420666.

Entries for the National ‘A’ event cost £660 with the National ‘B’ event costing £415 eventually close for seeding on Tuesday 13th March with any remaining places offered up until Tuesday 20th March.

Regulations and More details on:

Border Counties

• 2007 ANCRO MSA National Gravel Rally Championship
• 2007 Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge
• 2007 Scottish Rally Championship