Gerb and Rosco Tour Mull

Having never competed together Kevin “Gerbil” Charles and navigator Ross “Rosco” Williams headed to the Isle of Mull for one of Britain’s most challenging tarmac rallies, the Tunnocks Mull Rally. Attacking the unpredictable island roads in a Ford Fiesta ST, the challenge was made more difficult as Ross had never competed on a rally before and Kevin had done Mull 3 times but only finishing once.

 



The conditions for the recce were just what the crew wanted, perfect dry roads and the sun splitting the sky. After reccing each stage the crew prepared for the start on Friday night. At the start in Tobermory on Friday night the conditions were far from perfect, heavy rain had hit the island for two days so the roads were water logged and the new tarmac that had just been laid was lethal. On the opening stage the Mishnish Lochs Kevin and Ross took no risks and went for a steady run, the goal to get to the end of the leg. At service after the 2^nd stage it was a surprise to be 82^nd overall from a start number of 112. A further 6 stages remained before reaching Salen for the end of the leg but due to various delays it was well into Saturday morning when the crew finally finished, 76^th overall was a great result given the conditions.

 

As daylight broke on Saturday morning the rain had eased off a bit so it was all hands to the deck to get the car repreped for the afternoon stages. Starting with Loch Scridain, one of the better stages for the crew, Kevin and Ross completed the legs 4 stages with no major problems and had moved up the leader board to 68^th overall. A damaged wheel on the Mishnish Lochs, forcing a wheel change before the last stage of the leg being the only issue the crew had to deal with.

 

On to the final leg of the rally on Saturday night and the rain had finally just about stopped and the roads had dried out enough to provide some grip. A good run over the Knock (Gribun) and Loch Kinloch (Scridain) stages saw the crew move up to 57^th overall by Saturday night service and heading out to the mammoth 22 mile final stage Kevin and Ross were in good spirits. Unfortunately once the pair reached the start of the final stage news came through the stage was stopped due to an accident which later lead to the stage being cancelled and all competitors were routed back to their accommodation as the rally was over. A little disappointed not to have done the last stage Kevin and Ross were never the less really pleased with finishing the 153 mile event 56^th overall out 72 finishers. The key to the teams success was enjoying the rally and to be there at the end.

 

Thanks to Charles (Team Manager), Skall (Top Mechanic) and Phil (Oldest Man in Motorsport) for keeping the car running, the Fiesta never missed a beat all weekend.

If In Doubt, Flat Out - Colin McRae

Today we remember the life of a true hero, Colin McRae and his son Johnny, friends Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan who were tragically killed 5 years ago.

This sums up the effect Colin had on so many people:

Up at five and really so keen,

To see the bond of man and machine

Three hours to drive to get to the start

We all have a laugh and so full of heart

We know it is early, the weather is damp

But we need to see cars come off the ramp

Through fog and rain we push on with style

We know the main man is due in a while

Then comes a whistle, the marshal says time

A car is now coming through forests of pine

Its howl is so frightening, like a banshee on heat

There is no escape, as we shuffle our feet

And suddenly now it's why we are here

McRae over crest of course in top gear!

Its been worth the wait, the weather, the toil,

To see the brave Scot here on home soil

But now there is silence, and its deafening too

Cos you and the wee man have bid us adieu.

So rest in peace Colin, you and your lad

You gave us your best, John be proud of your dad.

The memories you left us are above all the rest

You shone like a star, just simply the best.

Colin you're a mate and that's what we all thought

Now you're in heaven with your boy and at rest

But you left us the true meaning of FLAT OVER CREST!

Mull Rally Fever

 

 

The words of Calum the Comet:

A historic day has come upon us;

Someone has won in a twenty-year-old bus.

A bit battered & rough, black & white,

but I think you'll agree, it drifts just right.

Commiserations to Neil,

I know how he feels,

But it paid to keep snapping at his heels.

 

A beautiful car, his times were impressive,

If you ask me, I think they were excessive.

When Saturday night came, so did the rain,

A spark of belief entered my mind again,

And then unfortunately Neil had to retire,

And from then on the saying goes,"God loves a trier".

I'm sure you'll agree, between me & you,

There's no better sound, than a flat out Mk II.

 

 

Not long now and the hills will be alive to the sound of BDA enignes and the skies lit up by spotlights.

Get Focused, Get Connected

Once again Damian Cole partnered by James Morgan will tackle the REIS Get Connected MSA Asphalt Rally Championship in the double championship winning Ford Focus 05 WRC.