Rallye Sunseeker - 23-24 Feb 07

Posted: March 1, 2007 9:03 PM

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Irish Youngster Tackles Evo Challenge
The only Southern Irish entrant in the Evo Challenge young Wicklow man Daniel Barry and Cork man Mark Bowens got off to a solid start in the challenge.

With points on the board and 10th in class out of 24 against a who’s who of British rallying including Johnny Milner, Philip Morrow, Julian Reynolds, Sebastian Ling, to name but a few.

In last weekends SunSeeker Rally, Barry and Bowens got off to a solid start settling them selves in, but before lunch time started to set impressive times. Barry said afterwards ‘’we were right on the pace on the smooth stages, but lost time on the bumpy stages, so suspension set up really needs to be looked at before the next rally.

We learned a lot in just one rally so it’s going to take a few rallies to get on the pace.
The team and navigator Mark really rose to the challenge so we are all looking forward to the next round ‘The Border Counties’.

Sponsors to thank: Peggy Murphy’s, BPI Telecom, Henco under floor Heating, SC Signs

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MORROW A SENSATION ON THE SUNSEEKER
Phillip Morrow recorded a resounding victory the first round of the 2007 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge on this weekend’s Rallye Sunseeker, his performance also rewarding him with an impressive fourth place overall and a win in the Production Car Class.

Co-driven by his elder brother Simon, the Lisburn siblings led the 23-car strong Mitsubishi field from start to finish, crossing the line ahead of Jonny Milner/Ian Windress and Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh.

The Bournemouth-based event, which was also the opening round of the Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship, began on Friday evening with two runs of a stage which took the event’s 90 competitors through the town’s botanical gardens and along the sea-front road.

Phillip made his intentions clear right from the start, not only leading the Evolution Challenge after the first two stages, but blasting into second place overall, surrounded by a host of more powerful WRC cars. He was closely followed by Milner, then Evo series newcomers Garry Jennings and Sebastian Ling in third and fourth.

Saturday featured 12 stages in the Wareham and Ringwood forests, the rain during the week leading up to the rally making the traditionally soft gravel roads more treacherous than usual, with stretches of standing water and slippery corners catching out the unwary.

But there was no stopping Phillip, who was back to his old form and reveling in his car’s improved set-up. In the first loop of three stages he increased his lead to 15 seconds ahead of Milner who was in turn just ahead of Reynolds and Ling.

Whilst others behind him were experiencing problems or were getting used to their cars or the conditions, Phillip just forged ahead and focused on ensuring he would be the first Evolution Challenge runner home – eager to achieve his holy grail by winning the series’ first prize of a Mitsubishi works drive in the 2008 British Rally Championship.

The 23 year-old hardly put a foot wrong and in doing so set no less than 11 fastest stage times out of the event’s 14 stages, his performance rewarding him with a more than deserved Evolution Challenge and a Group N Class win by a margin of 44 seconds. He also secured a stunning fourth place in the overall event standings.

“This is the best start to the season I could have hoped for”, said Phillip. “After a few bad runs last year I was starting to get concerned, but this result has really boosted my confidence.”

Phillip praised the way his car handled, putting much of it down to its Proflex suspension and Matador tyres:
“I’m really pleased with the car. It performed 100% and the adjustments we made during our recent test have made all the difference to the way it handles. This was the first time I’ve competed on Matador tyres and I have to say I’m very impressed – as can been seen by the stage times. I’m now really looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Phillip’s next event will be round two of the Evolution Challenge and the Gravel Championship – the Border Counties Rally on 24th March, which features the intimidating stages of Kielder Forest.

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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McCLOSKEY TAKES EXCELLENT TOP TEN PLACE IN BOURNEMOUTH
Connor McCloskey and co-driver Damien Connolly took a fine 10th place overall and fifth in the Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge on Rallye Sunseeker this weekend.

Driving his newly acquired ex works Evo 9, the pair set about the fourteen stage event with the aim to finish the event in a solid position and learn the new car. The opening Friday night spectator stages are usually no problem but as they waited for the second run, the heavens opened and they were amongst the first crews to suffer in the wet conditions. While Connor coped well with the incredibly slippery stage, the time lost with an overshoot left the pair 24th overall going into Saturday’s gravel stages.

The bulk of rally’s mileage was split into four groups of three stages, with an opportunity to service between each loop and by the end of the first batch, Conor and Damien had climbed to nineteenth. “We had a shaky run through the second one this morning,” explained Connor, “I think the tyre pressures were a bit low and it just didn’t click for us.”

However, the gap to the top three Evo runners was still only twenty seconds, proving how evenly the cars are matched, and by the next service halt the crew had moved up to sixteenth place overall and seventh Evo Challenge runner. With the game plan still intact and a mature approach to the mucky and wet conditions, Connor moved steadily up the leaderboard, taking advantage when others made mistakes.

With just three stages to go they had moved to eleventh overall, taking yet another place when stage thirteen proved unlucky for another Evo driver who lost turbo boost. Their eventual tenth place overall and fifth in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge delighted the youngster from Northern Ireland, “We came to learn the car and gauge our pace against the top drivers and I’m proud of our achievement.” said Connor, “We were consistently close on times and I am confident that there is more to come from both me and the car.”

The result also puts Connor in second place in the PIAA Junior Award category, just behind event winner Phillip Morrow ahead of the next round, the Border Counties Rally in Jedburgh on the 24th March.

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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Evolution Challenge - Morrow stars on the Sunseeker
Phillip Morrow recorded a resounding victory the first round of the 2007 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge on this weekend’s Rallye Sunseeker, his performance also rewarding him with an impressive fourth place overall and a win in the Production Car Class.

Co-driven by his elder brother Simon, the Ulster siblings led the 23-car strong Mitsubishi field from start to finish, crossing the line ahead of Jonny Milner/Ian Windress and Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh in third.

The Bournemouth-based event, which was also the opening round of the Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship, began on Friday evening with two runs of a stage taking the event’s 90 competitors through the town’s botanical gardens and along the esplanade road.

Morrow made his intentions clear right from the start, not only leading the Evolution Challenge after the first two stages, but blasting into second place, surrounded by a host of more powerful WRC cars. He was closely followed by Milner, then series newcomers Garry Jennings and Sebastian Ling in third and fourth.

Experiencing problems early on were Jonathan Sparks, who frustratingly had to retire due to loss of power and Tom Naughton, who had to replace his car’s gearbox during the overnight halt.

Saturday featured 12 stages in the Wareham and Ringwood forests, the rain during the week leading up to the rally making the traditionally soft gravel roads more treacherous than usual, with stretches of standing water and slippery corners catching out the unwary.

But there was no stopping Morrow, who was back to his old form and reveling in his car’s improved set-up. In the first loop of three stages he increased his lead to 15 seconds ahead of Milner who was in turn just ahead of Reynolds and Ling - both Welshmen reporting that they were getting used to their new cars and having to use organiser’s pace notes rather than their own.

Not far behind a battle raged between seven more Mitsubishis: Neil McCance, Garry Jennings, who reported his car had lost third gear, Craig Middleton, Stephen Petch, Richard Hill, Nik Elsmore and Connor McCloskey, with just 11 seconds separating them all.The next trio of stages heralded dramas for a number of Evo Challenge crews. Jennings’ battle with his transmission concluded on SS6 and Spain’s Alex Sabater pulled over on SS7 when his engine went on to three cylinders, whilst Middleton retired end at the next service halt having lost fourth gear. Also exiting the event at this point were Tom Naughton and Wayne Sisson, who’s contact with the scenery saw them go no further.

Although going off the road and into a ditch at the end of stage seven, damaging his car’s suspension in the process, McCance managed to continue - as did Errol Clark who plunged his Evo down a bank, through a fence, only to climb out of the undergrowth with just a couple of scratches. Ling also dropped time after clipping a tree, which meant he was now coming under pressure from Elsmore, Petch, McCloskey and Hill.

Whilst Morrow and Milner consolidated their positions, all were determined to start the season with the largest haul of points possible and, although the surface of the stages was starting to get rutted, there was no let-up in pace from the chasing pack.

Elsmore elbowed his way past Ling to take fourth place on SS12, but it all nearly ended on stage 13, when his car’s brake pedal went to the floor approching a junction following a high-speed straight. Thankfully, there was an escape road straight on and although losing time Elsmore was able to continue – shaken but not stirred.

But it was Morrow’s day and his performance rewarded him with a more than deserved Evolution Challenge win, fourth place overall and a first in class.
“This is the best start to the season I could have hoped for”, said Morrow. “After a few bad runs last year I was starting to get concerned, but this result has really boosted my confidence. I’m also really pleased with the car. It performed 100% and the adjustments we made recently have made all the difference to the way it handles. I’m now really looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Milner crossed the line back in Bournemouth happy with second place – admitting he had driven within his limits. Reynolds was equally as pleased with his third place - first time out in an Evolution IX, whilst Ling felt he could have driven faster if he was more used to his car.

McCloskey finished an excellent fifth, with Petch, Hill and then Elsmore taking the next three places. The remaining two top-ten places were taken by David Bogie and Danny Barry, both youngsters posting impressive performances in their Evo Challenge debut. David Bogie also won the Shell Helix best prepared car award.

Gordon Cunningham and Alan Carmichael were also pleased to finish their first event in the Mitsubishi Championship, with Carmichael overcoming a number of set-backs for which he was rewarded the Tesco 99 Octane Spirit of the Rally award.

The Evolution Cup was secured by Miles Johnston, who had thoroughly enjoyed his series debut, having led right from the start. Second place went to Wayne Radford, with Mark I’Anson’s Challenge ending when his car’s transmission developed problems half way through the rally.

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. The Evolution Cup will see the winner walking away with a first prize worth £5000.

Also included in this year’s Mitsubishi championship is the Evolution Cup for standard specification Mitsubishis, the PIAA Junior Award for under 25 year-old drivers, plus the Pirelli and Performance Friction Brakes Cups.

The series is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart and sees continued support from its associate sponsors Pirelli, PIAA, Speedline Corse and Shell, whilst Sparco, Performance Friction Brakes and Tesco 99 Octane (suppliers of the controlled fuel for the championship) join the series for the first time in 2007.

Results - Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge
1 Phillip Morrow (Lisburn)/Simon Morrow (Lisburn) – 1:06:48.8
2 Jonny Milner (Huggate)/Ian Windress (Northallerton) - 1:07:32.8
3 Julian Reynolds (Narberth)/Patrick Walsh (Aberystwyth) – 1:08:00.5
4 Sebastian Ling (Llandysul)/Aled Rees (Crymych) – 1:08:30.9
5 Connor McCloskey (Lirea)/Damian Connelly (Monaghan) – 1:08:55.9
6 Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Wilkinson (Tow Law) - 1:09:34.8
7 Richard Hill (Chesterfield)/Aled Davies (Llanelli) - 1:09:35.4
8 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Vicky Allen (Denbigh) – 1:09:40.7
9 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Rob Fagg (Isle of Man) – 1:10:22.3
10 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Mark Bowen (Cork) – 1:10:43.9
11 Errol Clark (Irvinestown)/Greg Shinnors (Limerick) – 1:11:12.8
12 Neil McCance (Coomber)/Jim Crozier - 1:11:28.0
13 Wayne Radford (Dinnington)/Nick Cadwallader - 1:14:00.5
14 Gordon Cunningham (Galston)/Stuart McManus (Kilmarnock) – 1:14:00.5
15 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena) – 1:17:05.4

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup
1 Miles Johnstone (York)/Ian Bevan (Wrexham) – 1:11:48.9
2 Wayne Radford (Dinnington)/Nick Cadwallader - 1:14:00.5

Retirements
SS2 Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Bradley Magnus (Downham Market) – Engine
SS6 Garry Jennings (Kesh)) /Craig Drew (Lydney) – Transmission
SS7 Alex Sabater (Barcelona)/Josep Moreno (Girona) - Engine
SS8 Thomas Naughton (Bury)/Horace Saville (Bury) – Accident
SS8 Wayne Sisson (Carnforth)/Daniel Stone (Chesterfield) – Intercooler
SS8 Craig Middleton (Llandrindod Wells)/Robin Hernaman - Transmission
SS8 Mark I’Anson (Haydon Bridge)/Graeme Walker (Henley) - Transmission

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Dodd sets the pace in thrilling opener for Hankook Gravel Rally Championship
South coast rally driver Marcus Dodd ensured a thrilling start to the Hankook Gravel Rally Championship recording his fifth Rallye Sunseeker win and taking maximum points on the opening round.

Together with co-driver Andrew Bargery, Marcus set the fastest time on nine of the 14 high speed tests on the Bournemouth-based event, setting the pace in his Hyundai Accent as the rally moved from the seafront on Friday night into the forests on Saturday.

While Marcus’ WRC car took top honours in the main category, the drive of the day came from Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge driver Phillip Morrow who was fourth overall and first in Group N.

Together with co-driving brother Simon, Phillip produced an outstanding performance against more powerful machinery and was delighted with the result.
“I hadn’t expected to do so well on this round so it is a great start to my season,’’ said Phillip who now looks forward to the second round of the Hankook GRC and Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the Border Counties rally.

The series began in style with two special stages through the Bournemouth Winter Gardens and along the seafront with the Hankook GRC attracting thousands of spectators.

And the fans were back on Saturday to see the championship contenders bid for the first points of the season in the forests of Hampshire and Dorset.
“Rallye Sunseeker produced an outstanding start to the Hankook GRC with some great battles throughout the field,’’ said Hankook Motorsports manager Mike Patterson.

The Hankook GRC moves to Scotland next month for the Jedburgh-based Border Counties Rally which takes place on March 24.

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Perez Powers to Sunseeker Second
VK Vodka Kick rally driver Steve Perez repeated his success of last year by finishing runner up on Rallye Sunseeker today.

Driving the VK Vodka Kick Ford Focus WRC, the 2004 ANCRO National Champion made a great start to his 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship campaign as he and Berwickshire co driver Claire Mole held second place overnight. But despite his best efforts the Chesterfield driver couldn't match the pace of local ace Marcus Dodd (Hyundai Accent WRC) who took his fifth Rallye Sunseeker victory, but still Perez was delighted with his second place. "We had a mixed day really but I'm happy to finish second again and all credit to Marcus - he drove a blinder. It's a great way to start the Championship but what has pleased me the most is I've beaten Paul Bird which is what I really came for. The deal is he's buying the champagne tonight and the bragging rights until the next round will simply be priceless" said Perez.

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Bird on Sunseeker Podium - Again!
For the third successive year Penrith rally driver Paul Bird ended up with a podium finish on Rallye Sunseeker and in doing so got his 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship off to a great start.

Driving the Pirelli shod Stobart VK and Vent Axia backed Subaru WRC along with fellow Cumbrian Andy Richardson, the pair couldn't hold on to their now traditional overnight lead as the combination of slippery stages and gearbox problems on their new car hindered their progress.

However as the pairing got used to the car their times started to improve and by the finish ramp in Bournemouth town centre they had clawed their way back to third place behind Championship challengers Marcus Dodd and Steve Perez.

Despite nearly running out of fuel on his way to the final time control, Bird was happy with the performance of the brand new team. "I've finished third again. It seems like destiny and if I'm being honest, we've had a difficult day. We had some gearbox problems which the TEGsport team managed to overcome and they've done a fantastic job for us on running a WRC for the first time. We had a good run towards the end but hats off to Steve and Marcus, they drove very well. But it looks like I'm going to get stung for some drinks tonight as the deal I had with Perez was loser pays and I can't believe "Grandad" has beaten me. It will all change next time though when the tables are turned when we go up to my local rally, the Malcolm Wilson next weekend - that should quieten him down!"

The next round of the Hankook GRC is the Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally on March 24th.

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Premature end to Rallye Sunseeker for Tony Jardine & Kerry man Sean Moriarty
Sky Sports broadcaster Tony Jardine and Sean Moriarty of Motorsport News have fallen victim to the Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth – the opening round of the prestigious MSA Gravel Rally Championship. The media duo hit problems in their Sportinglife.com sponsored Ginetta G20 GTR half way through stage four when the steering track rod end pulled out,meaning all steering control was lost, bringing the car to an abrupt halt.

The service team managed to make emergency repairs on site so that the Ginetta could make it back to the service area in Poole. Once back in service, the team dealt with the problem in just ten minutes, although so much time had been lost from stopping in the middle of SS4 the sports car turned rally car was forced to retire.

The event was finally won by Marcus Dodd in a Hyundai Accent WRC car, over a minute ahead of nearest competitor Steve Perez.Still under the early stages of development to transform it from a sports car into a fully fledged rally machine, and with only one rally finish under its belt so far, the Sportinglife.com backedGinetta G20 GTR is proving to be a real head-turner whenever it competes. With its rear wheel drive and long front end, it made a refreshing change for the spectators and a unique opportunity to see a sports car competing against normal rally cars. The Ginetta G20 GTR commanded attention even during the road sections between stages, with every single passer by stopping in their tracks to stare at the distinctive and unusual rally car. Most spectators explained what a great difference it was to see such a car competing in the rally, with many choosing to pose for photographs in front of it, creating a real buzz in the service area.

“After a promising start to the rally it is a disappointing end for our sports car debut,” driver Jardine commented, “Our steering failed at the end of a long straight, under heavy breaking, and we suddenly veered off to the right. I’m just glad it didn’t happen earlier on during the straight when we were travelling at much higher speeds, which would have shot us into the trees.”

Flying though the first two floodlit stages on Friday night in front of thousands of excited rally fans, down the Winter Gardens and along the Bournemouth promenade, the sports car wowed the crowds who had gathered to watch the spectacle. Still adjusting to the Ginetta after competing in Rally Norway a week before in a Ford Fiesta ST, driver Jardine almost landed the Ginetta on the beach just minutes into the event. Miscalculating a chicane along the Bournemouth promenade and narrowly missing the barriers, Jardine eventually managed to lose just a few seconds before he was back on track.

After retiring from the official event on Saturday morning, the Ginetta G20 GTR was permitted to compete in the two spectator stages in Somerley Park, home to event patron Lord Normanton. Receiving rapturous applause as it flew through the country park, the small sports car proved that it has the potential to be equally as thrilling on a rally stage as it is on arace track.McLaren engineer Andy Beale, who was assisting with servicing the Ginetta G20 GTR at Rallye Sunseeker, said, “The car is only in the early stages of development to bring it up to rally level, but it is still a shame that Tony and Sean were unable to bring it to its second ever rally finish. I look forward to seeing it at its next rally, where I’m sure it will gather as much attention as it did in Bournemouth.”

Co-driver and Kerry man Moriarty ended, “I was looking forward to competing in the Ginetta G20 GTR, and it’s disappointing that mechanical problems hit us so early on into the event. The two stages we were allowed to compete in after retiring proved that the car has the ability to be competitive on a rally, and on our second run in Somerley Park we were flying.”

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Rallye Sunseeker Results
1 Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery (Hyundai Accent WRC) - 1:03:30.5
2 Steve Perez/Claire Mole (Ford Focus WRC) – 1:04:54.2
3 Paul Bird/Andy Richardson (Subaru Impreza WRC) – 1:05:08.5
4 Phillip Morrow/Simon Morrow (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:06:48.8
5 Jonny Milner/Ian Windress (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:07:32.8
6 Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:08:00.5
7 John Lloyd/Pauline Gullick (Ford Focus WRC) – 1:08:07.2
8 Sebastian Ling/Aled Rees (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:08:30.9
9 Jock Armstrong/Kirsty Riddick (Subaru Impreza N12) – 1:08:43.9
10 Connor McCloskey/Damien Connolly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:08:55.9

Full Results:
Rallye Sunseeker

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

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Pre Event News

• Evo Challenge - 24-car entry sees quality and quantity for first round
• JENNINGS CHALLENGES EVOS
• McCLOSKEY BEGINS DOUBLE CAMPAIGN
• Perez Seeks Sunseeker Success
• BATTLE STATIONS BOURNEMOUTH
• Entry list available
• Large Irish Entry
• Stephen Harron / Sean Mullally to use McKinstry RHD S9
• Regulations available

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21/02/07
Evo Challenge - 24-car entry sees quality and quantity for first round
The 2007 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge blasts off in Bournemouth with Friday and Saturday’s Rallye Sunseeker, the high-profile one-make series for Group N Lancer Evolutions commencing its seventh consecutive season.

Now featuring a calendar which includes six Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship rounds and two Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship rounds, the Evolution Challenge sees a strong and well subscribed entry of 24 cars for its first event of the year.

“It’s great that this championship continues to attract so many teams - and such a range of drivers - from a former British Champion to another who will be competing in a Mitsubishi for the very first time,” explains Championship Coordinator Simon Slade. “I’m also pleased to see such a high quality entry as well, which makes it difficult to predict a winner, especially as everyone’s driving a similar specification car.”

Returning to the Evo Challenge fold for another crack at the title is 2006 runner-up Jonny Milner, who starts this weekend’s event as the series’ number one seed. He is followed by last year’s PIAA Junior Award winner, 24-year old Phillip Morrow, who embarks on his third season in the Mitsubishi Championship.

The two returnees are followed by a quintet of Evo Challenge newcomers, led by reigning National Gravel Rally Champion Craig Middleton and then leading Production Class drivers: Julian Reynolds, Garry Jennings, Wayne Sisson and Sebastian Ling.

They are in turn followed by five drivers, all of whom have previously competed in the Evolution Challenge at some stage and are equally in with a shot at the top spot: Nik Elsmore, Richard Hill, Neil McCance, Stephen Petch and Connor McCloskey.

Added to this are drivers who have shown their abilities in other championships: Thomas Norton, Wayne Radford, Gordon Cunningham, Errol Clarke, Daniel Barry, Jonathan Sparks, Alan Carmichael, David Bogie and Spain’s Alex Sabater - and there’s no doubt that the first round of the championship is going to be a closely fought affair.

This year the Evolution Cup becomes part of the Evolution Challenge, run as a class within the championship for standard specification Group N Mitsubishi Lancers. The five drivers contesting this series include: Miles Johnston, Mark I’Anson, Wayne Radford, Errol Clarke and Stuart Haskins.

With the 24 Evolution Challenge runners representing 27% of the overall field, General Manager for Ralliart Paul Brigden said, “I’m delighted to see such a strong entry. We were confident that numbers would rise this year. We are hoping to see even more crews add their names to the list of registered competitors before the weekend, but whatever happens, it’s going to be an exciting battle – not only for this event, but throughout the season as well.”

The Rallye Sunseeker gets underway at 7.00 pm on Friday evening, with two stages through Bournemouth’s botanical gardens and along the sea front. The rally then heads into the Ringwood and Wareham Forests on Saturday for a further 12 stages before the finish back in Bournemouth at 6.00 pm.

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. The Evolution Cup will see the winner walking away with a first prize worth £5000.

Also included in this year’s Mitsubishi championship is the PIAA Junior Award for under 25 year-old drivers, the Pirelli Cup and the Performance Friction Brakes Cup.

The series is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart and sees continued support from its associate sponsors Pirelli, PIAA, Speedline Corse and Shell, whilst Sparco, Performance Friction Brakes and Tesco 99 Octane (suppliers of the controlled fuel for the championship) join the series for the first time in 2007.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge & Evolution Cup entries (in start number order)
10 Jonny Milner (Huggate)/Ian Windress (Northallerton)
12 Phillip Morrow (Lisburn)/Simon Morrow (Lisburn) (J)
13 Craig Middleton (Llandrindod Wells)/Robin Hernaman (J)
14 Julian Reynolds (Narberth)/Patrick Walsh (Aberystwyth)
15 Garry Jennings (Kesh) /Craig Drew (Lydney)
18 Wayne Sisson (Carnforth)/Daniel Stone (Chesterfield)
19 Sebastian Ling (Llandysul)/Aled Rees (Crymych)
20 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Vicky Allen (Denbigh)
21 Richard Hill (Chesterfield)/Aled Davies (Llanelli)
23 Neil McCance (Coomber)/TBC
25 Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Wilkinson (Tow Law) (J)
28 Connor McCloskey (Lirea)/Damian Connelly (Monaghan) (J)
30 Miles Johnstone (York)/Ian Bevan (Wrexham)*
33 Thomas Naughton (Bury)/Horace Saville (Bury)
34 Mark I’Anson (Haydon Bridge)/Graeme Walker (Henley)*
47 Wayne Radford (Dinnington)/TBC*
48 Gordon Cunningham (Galston)/Stuart McManus (Kilmarnock)
49 Alex Sabater (Barcelona)/Josep Marino (Girona)
52 Errol Clark (Irvinestown)/Greg Shinnors (Limerick) (J)*
53 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Mark Bowen (Cork) (J)
57 Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Bradley Magnus (Downham Market)
58 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
59 Stuart Haskins (Taunton)/Mike White (Highbridge)*
61 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Rob Fagg (Isle of Man) (J)

* = Evo Cup
(J) = Junior driver

Rallye Sunseeker

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

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20/02/07
JENNINGS CHALLENGES EVOS
2005 Irish Group N tarmac Champion will contest this weekend’s opening round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, Rallye Sunseeker at the wheel of his black Evo 9 with Craig Drew on the pacenotes.

Fermanagh man Jennings is no stranger to UK gravel rallying, having driven for the Peugeot works rally team on the British Rally Championship in 2003, but he admits he is a little rusty. “I only competed on gravel once in 2006 but even though we netted third place overall, I think mixing it with the Evo Challenge guys will be an eye opener.” He continued, “The season didn’t get off to the best of starts after I retired in Galway with a simple but terminal electrical fault, but I am confident that was an early season hiccup. I have been lucky to have supportive sponsors and Kumho have been instrumental in persuading me to come to the Evo Challenge, so I hope we can post a solid result in Bournemouth to repay the faith all my sponsors have placed in me.”

Craig brings plenty of experience to the co-driver’s seat, regularly sitting alongside Damien Cole in four wheel drive WRC machinery and finishing the 2006 Rally GB in an Evo 7. The new partnership will be tested to the full, however, as the pair will not have had any time in the car together before the rally.

The 67 mile event starts in Bournemouth at around 6.30pm on Friday with two quick stages along the asphalt of the promenade. It is a great spectacle with all the cars running spotlights in the dark. But the rally begins in earnest on Saturday at 8am, concluding after twelve more gravel stages in the town centre at 6pm.

The team would like to thank its sponsors: Kumho Tyres, JMB Enterprises, Walker Contracts, Autocar Logistics, Sligo Pallets Sydare Eggs, Euro Auto Salvage, OMP, Shell Racing Fuels and KG Motorsport for their continuing support.

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McCLOSKEY BEGINS DOUBLE CAMPAIGN
Connor McCloskey is rejoined by Damien Connolly for the start of his assault on the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge and the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championships. The youngster from Kilrea in Northern Ireland plans to contest both series’ and Rally Ireland in his newly acquired ex-works Mitsubishi Evo 9 with Robbie Durant alongside for the BRC events.

He tied for first place in the Junior category of the Evo Challenge and he just missed out on a top ten placing on his first attempt at the BRC in 2006, but aims to move up the overall leaderboard in both series, starting with Rallye Sunseeker this weekend.. The team’s ex Rory Galligan Evo 9 will be ready for action in Bournemouth and Connor can’t wait.

“It seems like such a long time ago when we were in Swansea for Rally GB,” he said, “But the experience will stay with me throughout the year. It was a tough event but good preparation for the gravel events this season.” He continued, “We are committed to thirteen events including Rally Ireland and Rally GB so it will be a tough year, but the opportunity to contest National, British and World Championship events is one not to be missed.”

The Bournemouth event retains its traditional Friday evening start with a short blast down the promenade in the dark from 6.30pm. The event restarts on Saturday at 8am with the majority of the 67 competitive miles on gravel, finishing at 6pm in the Town Square.

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

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Perez Seeks Sunseeker Success
After finishing runner up on the event last year, 2004 National Rally Champion Steve Perez is hoping to go one better and take outright victory when Rallye Sunseeker gets underway in Bournemouth this weekend.

Driving the VK Vodka Kick Ford Focus WRC, the Chesterfield businessman has teamed up with the experienced Claire Mole for their assault on the 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship and has to be one of the favourites for victory on the South Coast event which starts with a blast through the famous Winter Gardens on Friday evening.

However, Perez has extra inspiration again this year as friend and rival Paul Bird is returning to the championship and Rallye Sunseeker will see them squaring off against each other as they renew their ‘winner takes all’ rivalry:

“I am really looking forward to this year’s Rallye Sunseeker none more so than because I have beaten Birdy for two out of the three last years but unfortunately I had to leave early last year and couldn't claim my expensive bottle of Champagne. This year we are booked into ‘For Your Eyes Only’ and I am looking forward to him blowing the dust of his wallet again!” said Steve.

Perez is indeed in for a busy season as he is combining the Hankook GRC in his Focus with the MSA Historic Championship in his awesome Lancia Stratos as well as taking in other occasional events when the calendar allows.

The action gets underway on Friday evening at 18.30 and recommences on Saturday ay 08.00 with the finish some twelve hours later in the resort centre.

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19/02/07
BATTLE STATIONS BOURNEMOUTH
The eagerly awaited opening round of the 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship gets underway next weekend when competitors descend on the seaside resort of Bournemouth in order to contest the 22nd running of Rallye Sunseeker.

With sponsorship from global performance tyre manufacturer Hankook this season, all the major protagonists are back for a crack at the ANCRO-organised National series including last year’s winners Craig Middleton and Robin Hernaman as well as a multitude of former champions.

Hankook Motorsports manager Mike Patterson said the series was already shaping up to be the country’s leading gravel championship. “We are looking forward to a great start to the season in Bournemouth and are delighted that so many leading drivers have registered for the Hankook GRC.’’

Middleton has secured a late entry to contest the South Coast event driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge that is making a welcome addition back into the Hankook GRC ranks for this season and he’ll be joined by many of the top drivers in the UK.

Former champion and four times Rallye Sunseeker winner Marcus Dodd along with co driver Andrew Bargery will be one of the favourites for outright victory in his Hyundai Accent WRC but with the likes of ex champ Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield (Subaru WRC) and with 2004 winner Steve Perez, who is reunited with former co driver Claire Mole in their Ford Focus WRC joining them in the ranks, the action is sure to be fast and furious.

Making a welcome return to the series is 2005 champion Paul Bird who has a new car in the shape of an S9 Subaru WRC and a new co driver with Andy Richardson for this season as he aims to win back his title and he’s again expected to set the pace on Friday evening’s blast through the town’s Winter Gardens, as indeed he has done for the past three years.

With many competitors yet to still register for the various championships, it’s anyone’s guess who could throw a spanner in the works in the early championship stakes but with Mitsubishi Challenge drivers of the calibre of ex British Champion Jonny Milner, experienced Welshman Julian Reynolds along with the rapid Ulster duo of Phillip Morrow and Garry Jennings up against each other, expect some fireworks from the Group N boys!

Comprising qualifying rounds also of the ANCRO organised Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup, the Subaru Group N Trophy and the HPM Motorsport 2WD Challenge, as well as the various class awards, the action gets underway with two stages on Friday evening commencing at 18.30 whilst the vast majority of action takes place in the Dorset forests on Saturday from 08.00.

Rallye Sunseeker

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

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12/02/07

Large Irish Entry
Stephen Harron / Sean Mullally are at 5, and have registered for the full Ancro Championship in a McKinstry S9 (The ex Marko Martin car, converted to RHD).

Other Irish Drivers include Ollie O'Donovan, Gary Jennings, Philip Morrow, Philip Young, and Emma McKinstry, & Conor McCloskey

All the Irish entrants who become members of "The London Irish Motor Club" in advance of the event will compete for both a special LIMC award, and a Team entry.

Full Entry list on:
Rallye Sunseeker
• 2007 ANCRO MSA National Gravel Rally Championship
• 2007 Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge