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History

In the beginning

 

It all started when I went down to watch the Wales Rally GB 2003 with my Dad. Though I’ve been dragged to rallies in the past, it was the first time I was interested in the sport. It was a misty and cold start to the day.  We left home at 3am to hopefully arrive at Rhonda for 6am.  We parked the car and walked for miles to get to the stage (Got there eventually).  As we arrived at the stage I saw the course car passing through, couldn’t wait to see the Subaru’s (Picture Left) and Xzara’s. 

 

We positioned ourselves near a tight 90 left, where a lot of spectators were crowding round.  In the distance you could hear the sound of the marshal’s blowing their whistles to warn that there was a car on its way.  As the car got closer the louder the bang and cracks made from the cars anti-lag system.  Suddenly I heard the sound of brakes being used to the full slowing the car for the corner.  It was Tony Gardenmister in a Skoda WRC (what a great looking car I thought).  He accelerated horrendously fast down the straight disappearing into a fast right.  I was so amazed at the acceleration of the car, what next I asked my Dad.  Then the leaders started to come through still incredibly fast around the corner and accelerating.  After the WRC cars went through I thought that would be it, nothing else to watch till they come through again.  I was wrong.

 

Next up was the Super 1600’s. I particularly liked the Suzuki Ignis.  The sound of its 240 BHP engine echoing as it traveled down the stage was terrific and amazing. Driving back home that afternoon I enjoyed the day so much that I thought I really want to have a go at rallying. So I decided to make it a plan and have a try. 

 

So there it was, the beginning of the idea of rallying.  I knew in work that a colleague (Brian Miller) rallies on some weekends.  I started talking to him and found out that he had a Suzuki Swift Gti up for sell for a £1000 (could it be a Suzuki Ignis Super 1600 wannabe?).  After much thought and begging my Dad bought it for me as a Christmas and early next year Birthday present.  I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to have a go.  Then I realised I had to pass the BARs test to gain a competition license to rally, so in Feb ‘04 I went to Chris Birbirk’s rally school to do the test.  Though I enjoyed the days training, I was nervous of failing the test and having to do it again. But I passed with flying colours.  Next job was to make sure the car was ok to rally, after a few checks and new parts it was ready. So all I needed was a co-driver.  Luckily Brian said he could help me out until I found one.

 

The team was formed

 

My first ever rally took place at Three Sisters, The Roskirk Stages (Picture Above). My start number was 44 which I thought was pretty good for a beginner.  A slow start to begin with but I gradually got quicker as the day went on. It was all going well until SS8 when the gearbox gave in.  I can’t believe it but “that’s rallying” as they say, a hard lesson to learn on my first event but the car and driver showed promise.  The next day I found out that Brian had taken ill with pneumonia and was out of work for 2 months.  So I definitely needed a co-driver now. (Thankfully he is now fully recovered).

 

However I remembered that there was a new Stockport Motor Club member called William Kelly from Ireland. I asked him would he want to co-drive for me.  Well I guess you know what the answer was.  Our first event together was The Procare Stages at Three Sisters (again).  After the first stage I knew we would be a perfect working match together, he seemed to know actually what to say to me and to push me when I needed it, with comments such as “My grandmother could go faster over that yump”.  He has been co-driving for me ever since.

 

After Procare we competed in 7 rallies in total, with some good results.  All of which were rounds of the ANWCC Championship.  Best result being 21st overall at Weeton (organised by BSSMC, June) and finishing 5th (in class) in the Novice Championship.  The most enjoyable rally of the year was Glyn Memorial at Anglesey (Nov).  Although I retired midway due to selector fork problems (wasn’t what I had in mind), I had a great 2 days of rallying with friends. During the winter period I had made massive improvements to the car.  Fitting new front suspension on both sides, new all round engine mounts, rally ECU chip and changed the gearbox. So we were better prepared for the 2005 season. 

 

In February we competed in the North West Stages rally the most interesting rally yet (Picture Above).  The rally covered a variety of venues such as Weeton Army camp, Leyland Test Track, Clifton Water Works, Pontins (Rally HQ) and Blackpool Promenade. It was a fantastic days rallying can’t wait to do it next time. Finished 36 O/A and 6 in Class, not bad considering there were over 100 cars that started. 

 

The Swift is a wonderful car, with its DOHC engine and nippy handling characteristics makes it a great driving experience on the rally stages.  In Feb ‘05 I sold the car and replaced it with another Swift (a white one this time – Picture Right).  This one is much quicker and better in everyway. Just after 2 events I received 3rd & 2nd in class and still getting use to the car.  It hopefully won’t be long till I get that every important class win (fingers crossed).