Team Talks
2010 - Mazda 2
Since our last report and the two wins has been followed by two second places. Running the little Mazda2 a class higher than necessary is now making us work harder to stay at the front. The show room specification car does not run a close ratio gearbox and limited slip diff like its rivals so we are relying on the cars superb handling and the crews ability.
The mid wales Plains Rally was compilation of fast forest stages and a micky mouse spectator stage where Malc had to drive most the day with a strange brake pedal feel which was finally traced to a damaged brake servo. Second place was a just and satisfactory result for the team.
The next round headed north up the M1 to Mansfield and the Dukeries Rally in the Sherwood Forest complex. The morning stages were not to the crews liking as the slow tight corners highlighted the cars standard performance. Repeating the stages in the afternoon went much better as the stages had become rougher which suited the Mazda´s agile supension and gave Malc and Dave, what was a fouth place at midday a final hard earned second place.
The 100% finish record, the car and team has with two wins and two seconds stands them in a strong position with now only three events now to go.
The team would like to thank: Furrows Mazda – AUTOMAC UK – Silverstone Tyres for their valued support.
Pictures courtesy of: - Paul Jennings
2009 Season
2009 Season
Well what a year it has been 57 BTRDA entries covering only 9 rallies, plus the junior championship and a few others in between what have been the highs and lows then.
The biggest must be the introduction of the first ever junior rally championship in the UK. Organised by The formula 1000 club the youngsters have to date now done four events with still two to come.
The standards of driving and the preparation of their cars has been incredible and a credit to all those concerned.
Meetings are taking place to ensure even more join us next year.
(for further details visit:- www.formula1000.co.uk)
BTRDA
Well there has been many successes and whilst overall honours have been few, i feel this has been down again to the standards being set by others.
Our main two drivers Chris and Matt have had a fantastic year having to battle against each other rather than competitors outside the school, after six events they went into the last round the Cambrian Rally knowing either of them could win the 1400rf drivers title.
Throughout the day the scales tipped both ways with Chris taking an early advantage before on stage 3 hurling the Lupo at 90mph into the trees ending his title hopes, not knowing that Matt would pick up a puncture on the last stage costing him some ten minutes and placing him 12th in the final ratings on the day which would have then given Chris the title should he have finished the event, but hey that’s rallying.
So the BTRDA rf1st 1400 drivers’ title 2009 has gone to Matt.
This has been a fantastic year and a much deserved title; he has matured and consistently improved setting some great times during the year.
Chris however is still licking his wounds on what might have been, but having had two outright wins this year out of the seven rounds I’m sure will gain him the respect he deserves from his competitors.
One of our 2010 cars the rf1400 Mazda 2 driven by Malcolm Hague and Dave Read finished the Cambrian in 2nd place on its forest debut so things are looking good for next year.
Pictures courtesy of: - www.rally-media.co.uk
2009 - Mazda 2
It all looks very promising, at last the Mazda 2 competed on its first ever event, whilst the car was unable to enter the Woodpecker due to a late suspension problem, it was however ready for the promenade stages at New Brighton on the 5th September.
Driven by our parts supplier expert Neil McDonald the new car ran faultlessly, and whilst on forest settings felt very good.
Lots of interest during the day meant Neil and his co-driver 15year old Sarah Craddock ( also on her first rally ) spent more time talking Mazda’s than do what they were supposed to be doing, but hey that’s what we expected.
The car will undergo more testing prior to the Cambrian Rally in October.
Further information on the championship will be available shortly but the first round will be Somerset stages April 2010
