The season so far… BTRDA Champions!

The rally season has been a whirlwind of events, each presenting unique challenges and memorable moments. Here's a summary of our recent adventures on the stages.

Rallynuts Stages Rally

Our journey began at the Rallynuts Stages Rally, where we wrapped up the weekend with a 4th place finish in class and 57th overall. This event proved fruitful, earning us valuable points as we currently sit 10th in the BTRDA Rally Gold Star, 3rd in the Silver Star, and 1st in our class. In the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, we're positioned 11th overall in the Welsh Challenge and 2nd in class.

This was my first outing in the Fiesta on stages I’ve come to love, having previously raced in the 205. I faced some challenges with grip in the morning loop and foggy conditions, but Jordan Joines’ notes were invaluable. Unfortunately, we struggled with understeering and unresolved power issues, costing us precious seconds.

Despite these difficulties, we were only 20 seconds behind our Welsh rivals at midday service, prompting a full attack for the afternoon. However, we encountered a significant vibration, suspected to be a drive shaft issue. After a series of delays and stage cancellations, we finished with just 45 miles instead of the expected 60. Although we were out of the class fight, we were pleased to secure some championship points.

Border Counties Rally

Next was the Border Counties Rally, which proved to be a challenging day in the dust and heat. I was thrilled to have Eldo K Chacko co-driving for his first rally outside of India. We finished 3rd in class and 51st overall, which placed us joint 2nd in the BTRDA Silver Star and 10th in the Gold Star standings. The road conditions were remarkable, though the marbled surface caught us off-guard at times. It took us a while to find our rhythm, especially with a rear brake caliper seizing twice, but we managed to navigate the stages without major incidents.

Abingdon CAR-nival

Our first experience on tarmac at the Abingdon CAR-nical was supposed to be a bit of a laugh, with Alex jumping in the silly seat for the first time, however it turned out giving us some good points for our TCS Rally Challenge campaign! I was incredibly proud of Alex, who co-drove for the first time and did a fantastic job. It was refreshing to compete locally, surrounded by friends and without the usual hazards of trees and ditches. Although the gravel suspension made handling interesting, we finished 60th overall and secured points that placed me 2nd in the Maesteg TCS Rally Challenge.

Kielder Forest Rally

The Kielder Forest Rally presented its own set of challenges. From punctures to binding brakes, the day was fraught with issues. Despite our struggles—including getting stuck behind slower competitors and visiting a ditch—our determination kept us pushing through. By SS6, we were facing smoke in the car and an oil leak, which made for a nerve-wracking experience. We somehow managed to make it to the finish, collecting good points which was the aim!

Nicky Grist Stages Rally

After last year's tough outing at the Nicky Grist Stages, we were determined to perform better this time. Finishing 3rd in class and 63rd overall, we had a strong feeling about the car. While I was cautious at first, we gradually picked up the pace, even with a couple of minor mistakes. The last stage was particularly rewarding, showcasing how far we’ve come.

Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally

In an exciting turn of events, we finally finished the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally, sealing the B10 class championship. Despite the thick fog and challenging conditions, Jordan was a great navigator, helping me gain confidence in the blind sections. It was a fulfilling experience, especially given my previous heartbreaks on this event.

Trackrod Rally Yorkshire

Last weekend, we tackled the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire, where we secured 1st in class and maximum points! This marked our Fiesta's 9th rally finish of the year. Although SS1 was a learning experience, we managed to navigate the stages effectively. While we were saddened to see competitors encounter issues, we took away an unforgettable experience, especially on the iconic Dalby stage.

As the season progresses, I'm filled with gratitude for my team, co-driver, and everyone supporting our journey. Here’s to more adventures on the rally stages!