PIAA SUPPORTED RALLY TEAMS - RALLIART EVO CHALLENGE

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MITSUBISHI RALLIART EVOLUTION CUP

The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge supported by PIAA UK is back for its tenth successive year in 2010

2010 Evolution Challenge Calendar
27th March	Rally North Wales
23/24th April	Pirelli Tour of Cumbria
28/29th May	Jim Clark Rally
9/10th July	Isle of Man Rally
20/21st August	Rally Northern Ireland
25th September	Rally Yorkshire

PRESS RELEASE: 22nd August 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round Five Report - Todds Leap.com Rally NI – 20 & 21 August 2010.

• Alastair Fisher takes second Evo Challenge victory of the season.
• Jonny Greer consolidates series lead with a strong second place.
• Daniel Sigurdarson survives problems in the closing stages to finish third.

For the second time this season, Alastair Fisher and co-drier Rory Kennedy scored maximum points in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, when they won the fifth round of the series, the Todds Leap.com Rally NI. Jonny Greer/Dai Roberts finished second and, in doing so, strengthened their case for the title with one round still to go.

Based in Antrim, the Todds Leap.com Rally NI (or Ulster Rally as it was previously known) featured six stages on Friday evening followed by a further eight on Saturday, the combination of which provided competitors with a total of 127 miles of timed special stages on closed roads to the north and south of the town. The rally also hosted the sixth round of the Irish Evolution Challenge and the fifth round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship.

Having retired after a crash at the previous round on the Isle of Man, Fisher/Kennedy showed no signs of hesitation and stamped their authority on proceedings right from the start, setting the fastest Mitsubishi times on the three opening stages before the first service halt. This was a particularly impressive performance, as a front suspension strut broke after a heavy landing in SS2 and Fisher had to drive with a strangely handling car for the remainder of the stage and then through SS3.

Greer/Roberts had an early scare when their brakes appeared to be non-existent at the first corner, but once the new set of pads had bedded-in, the problem quickly disappeared. Times at the service halt showed Fisher/Kennedy ahead by over 30 seconds from Greer/Roberts, with about the same margin separating them from third-placed Daniel Sigurdarson/Asta Sigurdardittir - the Icelandic siblings admitting they were still cautious on asphalt, but now getting quicker – although spin and a reversing manoeuvre at a chicane in SS2 had not helped their progress.

The second loop of three stages, which was a repeat of the first three, saw the gaps between the leading trio increase by roughly the same amount, albeit Greer/Roberts had been slowed by a potential problem with their car’s centre differential during SS6.

Saturday saw another dry day dawn and, with a further eight stages in store - all of them different to those ran of Friday - the final result was far from decided. However, with a one-minute advantage, Fisher/Kennedy were in control and proceeded to claim the fastest Evolution Challenge times on all but two of the stages – Greer/Roberts achieving that accolade on SS10 and SS12.

Once again, Greer/Roberts had a worrying few moments towards the end of the day, this time when the gear linkage jammed and they had to complete the final part of SS13 with the car stuck in first gear. However, they were able to rectify the problem once on the road section and then complete the 14th and final stage to take second place and consolidate their series lead. They also continue to lead the British Rally Championship with one round to go.

For Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir SS13 also proved to be jinxed, when a rear suspension arm snapped and consequently caused their car to progress at some strange angles – so much so, they spun and hit a bank with the front of the car. Thankfully, the damage was only cosmetic and, after nursing the Evo X through the last stage and back to the finish, they were delighted to claim another podium result and still keep their Evo Challenge title hopes alive.

Such was Fisher/Kennedy’s pace, as well as claiming their second Mitsubishi series victory, they also finished third overall in the British Rally Championship event. Indeed, it was a credible achievement for all three Mitsubishi teams to get to complete the event, as the demanding nature of the stages claimed a number of other competitors around them.

“I’m very pleased to take my second Evolution Challenge win of the season, but of course, it should really have been my fifth”, said Fisher. “Following our retirement on the Isle of Man last time out, to win the Challenge and to finish third overall is an excellent result. With the car completely rebuilt after the accident I have to thank the team, as it has run perfectly throughout the event.”

The final round of the UK Evolution Challenge takes place on 25 September in Yorkshire and, with one-and-a-half times the usual allocation of points there is potential 30 points up for grabs. Added to this, Greer is still to drop one score and therefore, he and Sigurdarson will battle it out to see who becomes 2010 Evolution Challenge Champion.

The Evolution Challenge Ireland also shared the Todds Leap.com Rally NI as a round of its championship, as did the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship. The Irish Mitsubishi series was won by Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley, with the British Championship event won by Craig Breen/Gareth Roberts in a Fiesta S2000.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors UK, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

For the first time this season the winner of the Evolution Challenge in the UK, Ireland and Sweden, will win the same prize: A supported drive in the FxPro Rally Cyprus, the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). Then, whichever of the three teams are first home on this event will be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champions. Added to this, the winning driver in the UK will be a guaranteed nomination for the Pirelli Star Driver shoot-out.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round five results
1 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) 1:44:00.4
2 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen) 1:47:37.0
3 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland) 1:57:22.4

Series standings after round five
Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 96
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 68
3 Alastair Fisher 40
4 Euan Thorburn 18
5= David Bogie 16
5= Owen Murphy 16
7 Peter Horsey 15
Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 76
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 68
3 Rory Kennedy 40
4 Paul Beaton 18
5= Kevin Rae 16
5= James O’Brien 16

PRESS RELEASE: 16th August 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round Five Preview- Todds Leap.com - Rally NI- 20/21 August 2010

• UK & Irish Evo Challenges Combine for annual encounter.
• Jonny Greer aims to get closer to title on home ground.
• Alastair Fisher looking for second win of the season.

The Todds Leap.com Rally NI (or Ulster Rally as it's generically known) is the one event of the year where the UK Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge meets its Irish equivalent. For teams contesting the UK series, which follows the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, this is the fifth of six rounds this season and, for those contesting the Irish-based Mitsubishi series, it's the sixth of eight.

First of the Evolution Challenge competitors to leave the start in Antrim will be Alastair Fisher and co-driver Rory Kennedy. They are also seeded third overall and, if they can maintain the pace they have shown on asphalt in the two previous rounds and make it to the finish, they not only stand a chance of recording their second Mitsubishi win of the season, but also claim their first outright British Championship victory.

However, their season of mixed fortunes has meant they have only scored on one round so far, the Jim Clark Rally and it's another Ulsterman Jonny Greer who has secured the highest number of wins, taking the Evo Challenge honours on three occasions so far. This has given Greer a significant lead in the Mitsubishi series and he now lies 26 points ahead of his nearest rival, Daniel Sigurdarson.

Therefore, with 20 points for a win and one-and-a-half times the points for the final round in Yorkshire - plus Sigurdarson has already dropped one score (competitors counting five of the season's six events) - Greer will still not be able to wrap-up the title this weekend. Having missed the previous round on the Isle of Man, which heralded Greer's third Evo Challenge victory of the season, Dai Roberts returns to the co-driver's seat for this event.

Sigurdarson will again be partnered by his sister Asta Sigurdardottir. The pair of them make a welcome return to the UK having contested the biggest rally of the year in their native Iceland last weekend and, if it had not been for a series of mechanical problems which forced them into second place, they would have easily won the event.

The Rally NI gets underway from Antrim town centre at 13.15 on Friday and features six stages on closed public roads before the overnight halt. The event restarts at 06.30 on Saturday morning and comprises a further eight stages, with the finish at the busy Junction One Shopping Centre scheduled at 15.35.

The leading trio of UK Mitsubishi competitors will battle it out with four of thier Irish counterparts: Neil McCance (formally a regular UK entry)/Jonny Hart, Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley, Sam Moffett/James O'Reilly and Stanley Ballantine/Donnacha O'Callaghan.

Series standings

Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 78
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 52
3 Alastair Fisher 20
4 Euan Thorburn 18
5= David Bogie 16
5= Owen Murphy 16
7 Peter Horsey 15

Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 58
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 52
3 Rory Kennedy 20
4 Paul Beaton 18
5= Kevin Rae 16
5= James O’Brien 16

PRESS RELEASE: 11th July 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK- Round Four Report

• International Rally Isle of Man - 9 & 10 July 2010.
• Jonny Greer takes third Evo Challenge victory of the season.
• Euan Thorburn claims second on Mitsubishi series debut.
• Alastair Fisher crashes out on first day.

Jonny Greer recorded his third Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK victory of the season when, with stand-in co-driver Gordon Noble, he won round four - the International Rally Isle of Man. Round three winners Alastair Fisher and Rory Kennedy initially led the Mitsubishi charge, but an accident on day one brought their Rally to an abrupt end. Euan Thorburn/Paul Beaton were second on what was their Evo Challenge debut.

The rally, which took place on the island’s closed roads, also hosted the fourth round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship. Following the ceremonial start overlooking Douglas Harbour on Thursday evening, which attracted hoards of spectators, the action got underway from the TT Grandstand the next morning.

Not only fastest of the Evolution Challenge runners, Alastair Fisher/Rory Kennedy also set the quickest overall time through the opening stage. They then stamped their authority on proceedings over the next two stages by continuing to be the fastest of the Mitsubishis and, at the first service halt, were 32 seconds ahead of Greer/Noble in second.

Having swapped from a Subaru Impreza to a Mitsubishi Evo IX during the week leading up to the event, the rally marked an Evolution Challenge debut for Euan Thorburn/Paul Beaton. After a cautious start, whilst they got used to their new car, they held third place by one second ahead of Daniel Sigurdarson/Asta Sigurdardottir who were returning to the island to put the misfortunes of their previous visit to rest.

Following the first service halt, the next loop of three stages saw weather conditions deteriorate, with the mist and light rain adding a further challenge for the crews. Fisher/Kennedy continued to extend their lead in SS4 and SS5, but half-way through stage six the car ran wide on the exit of right-hander as the surface changed to shiny tar, the near-side rear wheel clipping a bank and flipping their Mitsubishi over.

Both Fisher and Kennedy were unharmed, but the same could not be said for their car and consequently their rally was over. This handed the Evo Challenge lead to Greer/Noble who were now third overall and therefore focussing on their British Rally Championship position as well as their Evo Challenge placing – especially as Greer is currently leading the BRC.

Service two followed, where Thorburn admitted that, following an earlier problem with a soft brake pedal, he was lacking a bit of confidence in his new surroundings. He also had a problem starting the engine on arrival at SS6, which meant he and Beaton were late into the control and collected a 30-second penalty.

The same fate then befell Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir when leaving the service halt, due to a queue of cars blocking access to the out control. However, the Icelander’s Manx bad luck was about to get worse, when his car’s turbo-charger lost its boost in SS8. Greer also had some worrying moments in the same stage when a damper broke, although he made it back to the third service halt of the day without loosing too much time.

Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir’s problem was found to be a broken actuator, which was fixed at service and the Evo X was back to full power for the final four stages of the day. Or so it would have been if the former Icelandic Champion hadn’t spun on a slippery section of road in the final stage and, having crushed the exhaust pipe, found he had self-induced traction control for the eight miles that remained.

As cars returned to Douglas for the overnight halt after completing Friday’s 13 stages, the time sheets showed Greer/Noble comfortably ahead of Thorburn/Beaton by nearly two minutes, who were in turn now over a minute ahead of Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir.

Sunday comprised eight stages and competitors were greeted by the now traditional changeable Manx weather, with rain on one side of the mountain and the roads relatively dry on the other – a scenario which made tyre choice important. With the margins between the three remaining crews unlikely to see a change unless one of them had a problem, the podium positions looked predictable – but on the Isle of Man rallies are never over until they’re over – especially when the crews were subjected to driving in monsoon conditions halfway through the day.

Proving the point, Thorburn/Beaton bent their car’s steering when they clipped a rock at the side of the road in SS14 and then over-shot a junction on SS15. However, for Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir their problems increased, when their car suddenly cut-out for no reason in the middle of SS17. Unable to re-start, they had no choice but to retire on the spot – an unfitting end to a determined drive and a character building few days.

The dramas continued right up to the last stage - a classic 13.27-mile finale that used Druidale, Injebreck and the Baldwins, before a heading into Douglas for the flying finish right outside the TT Grandstand. With just a few miles left to go Thorburn/Beaton clouted a wall and nearly ended their first Evo experience prematurely. However, the damage was only cosmetic and, very relieved, they made it to the finish.

In the mean time, Greer/Noble were playing a tactical game and, although trying to improve on their fourth position in the overall standings, they drove a controlled final leg to ensure they scored their third Evolution Challenge victory and scored enough points in the British Rally Championship to ensure they maintained the lead.

“That was a difficult rally”, said Greer at the finish. “As we couldn’t be caught and it would be difficult to improve on our overall position, I must admit that we took it steady towards the end to make sure we made it to the finish. However, I was delighted that the car went so well, as reliability is so important in this event. I‘m therefore really pleased to have extended my Evo Challenge lead with two events to go and to still be leading the British Championship.”

The fifth round of the Evolution Challenge and the British Rally Championship is the Antrim-based Northern Ireland Rally, which takes place on 21 & 22 August.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 4 Results
1 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Gordon Noble (Omagh) 2:24:41.5
2 Euan Thorburn (Duns)/Paul Beaton (Inverness) 2:30:18.6

Retirements
SS6 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) Accident
SS17 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland) Electrical

PRESS RELEASE: 6th July 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK Round Four Preview - International Rally Isle of Man 9 & 10 July 2010

- Alastair Fisher looking for two wins in a row.
- Jonny Greer aiming to hold on to Evo Challenge and British Rally Championship lead.
- Daniel Sigurdarson returns to the Isle of Man to lay his Manx spectre to rest.

This weekend’s International Rally Isle of Man hosts round four of the UK Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge - as well as the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship. It provides crews with what is likely to be their most demanding event of the season, the Manx lanes renowned for putting drivers, co-drivers and cars to the test.

With the commitment required to take part in this annual asphalt visit to the island, it is perhaps unsurprising that some of the Mitsubishi series regulars are choosing to sit this one out and use the rally as their one dropped score - competitors counting five of the six rounds towards their final championship points total. Therefore, the event will see the three leading Evolution Challenge drivers battling it out for honours.

First to leave the start will be round-three winners Alastair Fisher and co-driver Rory Kennedy. Being the only crew to have a tarmac victory in the series this year, they start as favourites and aim to further improve their standings in both the Evo Challenge and British Championship after DNFs in the first two rounds.

Second on the road will be current series leaders Jonny Greer who, for this rally, has enlisted the services of the highly-experienced Gordon Noble instead of his regular co-driver Dai Roberts. Following two wins and one second-place finish, Greer is in a commanding position for this year’s Mitsubishi crown, his success so far this season also seeing him at the top of the BRC points table.

Third of the Evolution Challenge crews this weekend is Icelandic brother and sister Daniel Sigurdarson and Asta Sigurdardottir. After crashing heavily on his one and only previous visit to the island in 2008, the former Iceland Rally Champion aims to finish the rally and finally lay the spectre of his Manx memories to rest.

This year’s rally features 143 miles in total and, following the ceremonial start on the North Quay in Douglas on Thursday evening, the competition gets underway on Friday with 13 stages, followed by a further eight on Saturday.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 2 entries
4 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny)
6 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Gordon Noble (Omagh)
12 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland)

Series standings after round three
Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 58
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 52
3 Alastair Fisher 20
4= David Bogie 16
4= Owen Murphy 16
6 Peter Horsey 15
Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 58
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 52
3 Rory Kennedy 20
4= Kevin Rae 16
4= James O’Brien 16

PRESS RELEASE: 30th May 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round Three Report

- Jim Clark International Rally 28 – 29 May 2010
- Alastair Fisher scores convincing maiden victory and finishes second overall.
- Jonny Greer’s second in Evo Challenge and fourth overall sees him continue to lead Mitsubishi series and British Championship.
- Daniel Sigurdarson records first ever asphalt event finish to claim third.

A stunning performance this weekend saw Alastair Fisher and co-driver Rory Kennedy claim their first ever Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge victory on this weekend’s Jim Clark International Rally, their pace good enough to see them finish second overall and even lead the event outright at one point. Jonny Greer/Dai Roberts were second and therefore continue to lead the Mitsubishi series, whilst Daniel Sigurdarson and Asta Sigurdardottir were third and delighted to finish their first ever all-asphalt rally.

The event, which was also the third round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and began with a spectacular start in Duns at 7.00pm on Friday. The first of the evening’s six stages featured a spectacular run from the centre of the town and through its closed streets, Fisher/Kennedy fastest of the Evo Challenge crews – but only just – with Greer/Roberts just 0.1 second behind.

Next were Owen Murphy/James O’Brien, who were aiming for a trouble-free run after a non-finish and then power issues in the first and second rounds. However, luck was still not on their side, when their car’s clutch started slipping almost right from the start.

Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir were trying to remain calm before the start, as this was only the second all-asphalt rally for the Icelandic driver, his first being a short-lived affair when he crashed on the Isle of Man two years previously. Added to this, it was the first tarmac event for his co-driver.

Their nerves were not helped when seconds before they were due to leave the start line a wild Deer ran down the street in front of them. Fortunately, the stray animal didn't stay around long enough to cause a hazard, but their momentary loss of concentration caused them to spin at the very first corner.

All Mitsubishi crews made it through SS2 and SS3, with Fisher/Kennedy pulling out a comfortable lead of 41 seconds before the loop of the same three stages was repeated. Following this, competitors entered the service area and over-night halt at Kelso Racecourse, with the time sheets showing that Fisher/Kennedy had extended their advantage by another 30 seconds and now held third place overall.

Greer/Roberts were still in second, but disappointed not to be closer to the leaders. Having been advised that the weather was going to change they had opted for wet pattern tyres, which had hampered their progress greatly in the dry conditions.
Murphy/O’Brien had retained their position, although they were not comfortable with the feel of their car through the bumpy Berwickshire lanes, although the clutch was now behaving itself. Following them, Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir were just relieved to get through the first part of the event with no problems whatsoever.

Saturday provided a further eight stages, each run twice, with a service halt after SS8 and SS10. Fisher/Kennedy carried on from where they left off on the previous day and proceeded to extend their Evo Challenge lead. They even went onto first place overall after SS10, when cars ahead of them collected punctures or had mechanical problems.

Even though Greer/Roberts were now on the right tyres and their pace was closer to that of the leaders, they could realistically only consolidate their position. But for Murphy/O’Brien SS8 was to be their last, when a loud bang from their gearbox signalled they had a problem and, although making it to the end of the stage, the car would go no further.

With the final loop of four stages to go, the podium positions in the Evolution Challenge looked unlikely to change unless bad luck intervened. Having got to this point in the last two rallies and then retired due to transmission troubles, Fisher/Kennedy took a deep breath and aimed for the cleanest run they could, staying out of trouble and away from punctures – especially as light rain had now started to fall.

Their strategy and the onset of an intermittent misfire from stage 11 onwards was to allow eventual rally winners Gwyndaf Evans and Chris Patterson through and into first place overall. However, after an excellent drive 21-year old Fisher went on to record his best result to date by taking second place overall, finish runner-up in a round of the British Rally Championship and secure his first ever victory in the Evolution Challenge.

“I am extremely pleased with the way things have gone this weekend and I must thank the team for all they have done”, said Fisher at the finish. “I was bit worried towards the end when the engine started to misfire, but it’s great to get to the finish of a British Championship event this year and to record my first Evolution Challenge win. My season starts now!”

Greer/Roberts did what they needed to do and, with a trouble-free run throughout the day collected second place in the Evolution Challenge and fourth overall, which was enough to ensure they maintain their lead in both the Mitsubishi series and the British Rally Championship.

Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir were both relieved and delighted to finally lay the spectre of completing an asphalt rally to rest and, in doing so, recorded a highly respectable third in the Evolution Challenge and seventh place overall.

The fourth round of the British Mitsubishi series is the second of three consecutive asphalt-based events, when the series heads to the infamous land mass in the Irish Sea for the International Rally Isle of Man, which takes place on 9th & 10th July.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 3 Results
1 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) 1:55:04.6
2 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen) 1:57:17.7
3 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland) 2:00:57.0

Retirements
SS8 Owen Murphy (Cork)/James O’Brien (Cork) Gearbox

Series standings

Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 58
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 52
3 Alastair Fisher 20
4= David Bogie 16
4= Owen Murphy 16
6 Peter Horsey 15

Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 58
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 52
3 Rory Kennedy 20
4= Kevin Rae 16

PRESS RELEASE: 25th May 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK- Round three Preview - Jim Clark International Rally 28 – 30 May 2010

- First asphalt encounter of the season for Mitsubishi series.
- Jonny Greer looking for third win in a row to increase lead in Evolution Challenge and British Rally Championship.
- Alastair Fisher hoping to get season off the ground.

The third round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge takes place this weekend, when crews embark on the first asphalt surface event of the season, the Jim Clark International Rally, which also hosts the third round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship.

Starting in Duns, the birth-place of the legendary racing driver from whom the event takes its name, the rally is held entirely on closed public roads in Berwickshire. Of the 33 entries that make up the overall field, just four of the seven registered Evolution Challenge crews are making the journey to the Scottish Borders, all occupying a position in the top-ten seeds.

First of the crews to cross the starting ramp is Alistair Fisher and co-driver Rory Kennedy, who held the Evo Challenge lead for the first half of both round one and two before transmission issues intervened. They are therefore are due better fortunes and could well take their maiden Mitsubishi series victory on this event.

So far, this year could not have gone better for Jonny Greer and Dai Roberts, who have won both rounds of the Evolution Challenge on the Bulldog and Pirelli Rallies. They currently not only top the Evolution Challenge standings, but also lead the British Rally Championship as well and are hoping to maintain their early-season performance now the surface switches to asphalt.

After scoring a third place last time out, Owen Murphy and James O’Brien are looking to improve on the result this time around, as their car was down on power throughout the Pirelli Rally. Murphy will be calling on his season of tarmac experience from 2008, when he contested the Evolution Challenge in Ireland, where the series features only closed-road events.

Daniel Sigurdarson and his sister Asta Sigurdardottir will again be making the trip from Iceland to continue their British Rally Championship campaign. Sigurdarson’s main aim will be to get to the finish unscathed, as his only previous asphalt outing was on the Isle of Man two years ago, when an excellent run ended abruptly after a high-speed argument with the Manx scenery.

Having won the Reivers Rally (a national-status event which runs alongside the international rally) outright last year, David Bogie and Kevin Rae have opted to enter this event in order to score points towards the Scottish Rally Championship. They will therefore not be eligible to score Evolution Challenge points this time around.

The Jim Clark International Rally gets underway at 7.00pm on Friday, the evening featuring three stages run twice before crews head to the service area at Kelso Racecourse for the overnight halt. The event re-starts from the racecourse at 8.30 on Saturday morning and sees four stages run twice before finishing in Kelso at 5.15 that afternoon, after covering a total of 134 competitive miles.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors UK, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 3 entries
3 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny)
4 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen)
9 Owen Murphy (Cork)/James O’Brien (Cork)
10 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland)

Series standings
Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 40
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 36
3= David Bogie 16
3= Owen Murphy 16
5 Peter Horsey 15
Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 40
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 36
3= Kevin Rae 16
3= James O’Brien 16

PRESS RELEASE: 25th April 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 2 Report
Pirelli International Rally 23rd & 24th April 2010.

- Jonny Greer makes it two out of two.
- Second-placed Daniel Sigurdarson pleased he made the trip from Iceland.
- Déjà vu for Alastair Fisher as transmission troubles strike again.

Jonny Greer and co-driver Dai Roberts recorded their second Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge win of the season on this weekend’s Pirelli International Rally, round two of the official series for Group N Lancers and the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship. With their performance also seeing them finish in second place overall, they now lead both the Evolution Challenge and the British Championship.

Based at Carlisle Racecourse, at which the start, finish and service area were located, the competitive element of the rally took place entirely within Kielder Forest. Starting on Friday evening, the route saw three stages ran in the dark with a further nine during the course of Saturday, the total of which provided 100 miles of dry and dusty gravel roads.

For two teams, the dramas began even before the rally started, East African crew Peter Horsey and Moses Matovu unable to get to the event due to last week’s closure of European airspace. A similar fate almost befell Icelandic crew Daniel Sigurdarson and his sister and co-driver Asta Sigurdardottir, who managed to jump onto a plane as soon as the airspace opened.

Once again, the fastest Evolution Challenge crew in the early stages were Alastair Fisher/Rory Kennedy. Even with their intercom playing up in SS1, a rear puncture in SS2 and hearing a strange noise coming from the front of their car in SS3, they pulled out a lead of 26-seconds in the Evo Challenge by the time cars returned to Carlisle for the overnight halt.

And, as if night stages in Kielder Forest were not enough to deal with, competitors reported that they were having to slow down on the straight because of dust from previous cars that was hanging in the windless air. In second place and having been affected by the poor visibility, Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir we heard to say they were concerned that they had brought the volcanic ash clouds with them!

Third place were Greer/Roberts, who lost fifth gear six miles before the end of SS3 and were worried that things would get worse. However, they were able to make it back to the service park where the gearbox was changing in readiness for the following day.

Owen Murphy/James O’Brien were pleased to be in fourth place, but frustrated that their car’s engine was down on power, a mapping issue causing them to lose time. Their situation was compounded by an unusually low seeding that meant they were catching the cars ahead of them and having to slow down because of the dust.

However, things were even worse for David Bogie/Kevin Rae. With their car back to 100% following its loss of power on round one, all was going well until they hit a rock on stage two, which pushed the sump guard into the radiator. A few miles later the 2008 Evolution Challenge Champion saw steam coming from the front of his car and, realising what had happened, nursed it to the end of the stage. But with the head gasket now blown, the Scot’s rally was over.

During the first loop of stages on Saturday morning, Fisher/Kennedy extended their lead. But on SS7, history from round one repeated itself when a problem with the car’s transmission brought their rally to an abrupt halt. Another frustrating end to an excellent drive.

Slowed when they caught other competitors who were having problems, Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir were being reeled in by Greer/Roberts, who’s car now had its full complement of gears and, when Fisher/Kennedy retired, it was Greer/Roberts that emerged from stage seven in the lead.

As cars entered the final service halt of the day, Murphy/O’Brien reported that their engine had started to lose even more power, added to which, it was making some strange noises. Not ones to give up easily they decided to continue and, as it turned out, they were very pleased they did, making it back to Carlisle to claim a well-deserved third in the Evolution Challenge and a fifth place overall.

With the leaders now over half-a-minute ahead of the Icelandic siblings before the final trio of stages, it was only a problem that would see the positions change. But a faultless drive over the final loop meant that Greer/Roberts were to cross the line one-minute 15 seconds ahead of Sigurdarson/Sigurdadottir, their strategy of keeping out of trouble paying off.

And, as others around them fell foul of punctures or problems, they also finished in an impressive second place overall, a result which means they not only top the Evolution Challenge standings, but the British Rally Championship as well.

“This is a great result for us”, said Greer. “For a moment I was worried if we would make it on Friday evening when we the gearbox problem, but other than that the car ran perfectly. With the surface really punishing the tyres and others having problems in the closing stages, all we had to do was keep away from punctures and maintain a good pace, so things couldn't have worked out better for us.”

The third round of both the Evolution Challenge and the British Championship sees the surface change to asphalt, when the crews tackle the lanes of Berwickshire and the Jim Clark Rally, which takes place on 29th & 30th May.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 2 results
1 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen) 1:30:31.2
2 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland) 1:31:46.1
3 Owen Murphy (Cork)/James O’Brien (Cork) 1:33:33.4

Retirements
SS2 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Kevin Rae (Hawick) Radiator
SS7 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) Transmission

Series standings
Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 40
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 36
3= David Bogie 16
3= Owen Murphy 16
5 Peter Horsey 15
Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 40
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 36
3= Kevin Rae 16
3= James O’Brien 16

PRESS RELEASE: 29th March 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK Round 1 Report

- Bulldog International Rally of North Wales - 27th March 2010.
- Jonny Greer records maiden Evolution Challenge victory.
- Alastair Fisher sets early pace until transmission troubles intervene.
- Daniel Sigurdarson claims last-minute second place.

This weekend’s Bulldog International Rally of North Wales saw Jonny Greer and co-drier Dai Roberts record their first ever Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge victory, when they won round one of the 2010 British series by a convincing margin ahead of Icelandic crew Daniel Sigurdarson and Asta Sigurdardottir.

The tenth consecutive season for the Evolution Challenge in the UK shared its opening round with that of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, the strong Class N4 (production category) entry seeing six Mitsubishi crews registered for the series.

Based in Welshpool, the rally kicked off with two stages in mid-Wales and the forests of Myherin and Sweet Lamb. Stamping their authority on the Evo Challenge proceedings right from the start were Alastair Fisher/Rory Kennedy, who pulled out a healthy margin of 20 seconds ahead of Greer/Roberts by the time cars returned for the first service halt.

Uncharacteristically a minute behind in third was returning 2008 Evo Challenge Champion David Bogie with co-driver Kevin Rae, who reported he was driving hard and surprised not to be on the pace, although a lack of engine power was suspected to be the cause.

Most unlucky crew of the day were Irish pairing Owen Murphy/James O’Brien, who retired just a few miles into in the first stage when a problem with their car’s gear selector mechanism meant that they found themselves stuck in fifth. Although they tried to get the stage the clutch eventually burnt out and, with no drive, they were forced to stop - a frustrating conclusion for the whole team, having worked hard over the winter to get the car prepared before the start of the season.

The next two stages were a re-run of the first two and Fisher/Kennedy were flying. Having adapted their pace notes for the second pass they not only set the fastest Evo Challenge times – but the fastest times overall - on both SS3 and SS4. Their Mitsubishi series’ lead was made even greater when Greer/Roberts picked up a rear puncture in SS3, the deflated tyre damaging a wheel sensor - which in turn affected the actuation of the active differential system for the remainder of the stage and the one that followed.

Now gathering pace were Icelandic brother and sister Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir and they were now closing the gap on Bogie/Rae who were still struggling to see why their committed driving was not being rewarded with better times.

Making their debut in the UK were East African crew Peter Horsey and Moses Matovu and, at the second service halt admitted they were taking no risks and were getting to know their brand new Evo X and the British forests, which provided totally different terrain from that of their more local rallies.

There then followed a further four classic Welsh stages before the finish: Big Ray, Dyfi Main, Pantperthog and Gartheniog. Heading off to start the first of these Fisher/Kennedy found they had a 1 minute 40 second lead, with their performance good enough to also see them hold second place overall.

After yet another good run through SS5, Fisher suddenly noticed something was wrong in the road section before SS6. It turned out to be the car’s rear differential, which meant that the 19-year old drove the whole 8.5-mile stage in front-wheel-drive only. Although getting to the finish the car would not pull away from the stop line, which brought his and Kennedy’s event to an undeserving conclusion.

This left Greer/Roberts in charge of the Mitsubishi field and, without putting a foot wrong through the final two stages they returned to Welshpool to score their very first Evolution Challenge victory.

“Besides the puncture everything has gone really well today”, said Greer. “We found we couldn’t match Alastair’s pace this morning, but our plan was to make sure we got to the finish. I’m therefore pleased we achieved that and, in doing so, score our first win in the Evo Challenge, which makes this a really good start to the year.”

For Bogie/Rae, their event was getting even more surreal. After driving hard all day and unable to post front-running times due to an undetected loss of power, they then found they had collected a seven-minute penalty for changing a wheel at an arrival control. This addition of time meant they dropped to third behind Sigurdarson/Sigurdardottir, who were more than satisfied with their day’s rallying – even after clipping a rock in the penultimate stage and bending their Evo X’s steering.

Horsey/Matovu were also pleased with their event and returned to the finish without a mark on their new car, having enjoyed their first experience of rallying in the UK – even though temperatures were around 30 degrees centigrade less than they were used to. Their efforts were rewarded with the Sunoco Spirit Award.

The second round of the Mitsubishi series takes place on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th April, when crews head to the Carlisle-based Pirelli Rally and the demanding stages of Kielder Forest.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK - Round 1 results
1 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen) 1:43:04.5
2 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland) 1:46:00.4
3 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Kevin Rae (Hawick) 1:52:29.2
4 Peter Horsey (Mombasa)/Moses Matovu (Kampala) 1:54:31.1

Retirements
SS1 Owen Murphy (Cork)/James O’Brien (Cork) Clutch
SS6 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) Transmission

Series standings
Drivers
1 Jonny Greer 20
2 Daniel Sigurdarson 18
3 David Bogie 16
4 Peter Horsey 15
Co-drivers
1 Dai Roberts 20
2 Asta Sigurdardottir 18
3 Kevin Rae 16

PRESS RELEASE: 22nd March 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK
Round 1 Preview

- Bulldog International Rally of North Wales - 27th March 2010
- Evolution Challenge starts tenth consecutive season in the UK.
- Series joins MSA British Rally Championship.
- Quality international entry destined to see series continue its reputation for close competition.

The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK kicks off its tenth consecutive season this weekend, when the high-profile one-make series for Group N (production Class) Lancer Evolutions heads to the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales for the first round of this year’s series.

For 2010 the Evo Challenge joins the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, the calendar including three gravel and three asphalt rallies - all of them top-quality international events. The move to the UK’s premier series sees the Mitsubishi series attract some of the quickest R4 Class teams in the country and therefore, it is predicted that it will continue to provide ultra-close competition - as it has done for the past nine seasons.

First of the registered Mitsubishi crews to head into the forests of North Wales are Jonny Greer and co-driver Dai Roberts, both previous front-running Evo Challenge competitors. They are followed by 2008 Champions David Bogie/Kevin Rae, who are looking to use their experience of last year’s BRC prize drive - which was part-supported by the Evo Challenge – to their advantage.

Making a welcome debut to the series are Alastair Fisher/Rory Kennedy and a crew that are certainly in with a shot at this year’s title. Behind them are the first of three crews from outside the Britain and Ireland, Peter Horsey/Moses Matovu from Kenya, who are sampling their first taste of rallying the UK.

Returning to the Mitsubishi series, this time in an ex-works Evo IX, are Irishmen Owen Murphy and James O’Brien, who will be hoping that their new car will bring more luck than they have had in the past and put them in with a real chance of challenging for the title.

There then follows two crews from Iceland: Daniel Sigurdason, with his sister Astor Sigurdardottir co-driving, the former Icelandic Rally Champion and regular UK rally visitor back to contest his third season in the Mitsubishi series. Conversely, this is the first time that fellow countrymen Joannes Gunnarson will have competed in the UK, although his co-driver Isak Gujonsson is familiar with the territory having partnered Sigurdarson on many occasions.

The Bulldog International Rally of North Wales starts and finishes at the new livestock centre in Welshpool, the venue also hosting the service area for the event. Cars leave the start at 7.00 am on Saturday and head to the forests of Myherin and Sweet Lamb twice in the morning, with runs through Big Ray, Dyfi Main, Pantperthog and Gartheiniog in the afternoon, before the finish back in Welshpool at 4.30pm.

For the first time this season the winner of the Evolution Challenge in each of the three countries where it takes place, UK, Ireland and Sweden, will win the same prize: A supported drive in, as it has just been announced, the FxPro Rally Cyprus, the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge).

Then, whichever of the three teams are first home on this event will be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champions. Added to this, the winning driver in the UK will be a guaranteed nomination for the Pirelli Star Driver shoot-out.

Evolution Challenge entries (not necessarily in starting order)
3 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen)
4 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Kevin Rae (Hawick)
7 Alastair Fisher (Trillick)/Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny)
15 Peter Horsey (Mombasa)/Moses Matovu (Kampala)
35 Owen Murphy (Cork)/James O’Brien (Cork)
36 Joannes Gunnarson (Iceland)/Isak Gujonsson (Iceland)
38 Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Asta Sigurdardottir (Iceland)

PRESS RELEASE: 19th March 2010

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge announces details of first prize

Having announced earlier this year that the winning driver in each of the three countries where the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge takes place: United Kingdom, Ireland and Sweden, will win a supported drive in an international rally, series organisers are delighted to confirm that the nominated event will be the 2010 FxPro Cyprus Rally.

The prize will provide all three winners with a free entry, plus tyres and fuel, together with at least €1000 towards expenses. Logistical support has also been offered from the local importer for the brand, Fairways Mitsubishi.

“The Cyprus Automobile Association and Fairways Mitsubishi were really intrigued with our plans for this year’s prize and are very excited about getting our three winners over there”, said series coordinator Simon Slade. “Added to this, two of our key partners in the Evolution Challenge - Pirelli and Sunoco - have also pledged their support by supplying product, all of which goes towards making this a truly valuable package.”

Slade also hopes that between now and the event itself, which takes place on 4-6 November, further benefits can be added for the three fortunate crews, such as discounted accommodation, flights and ferries.

The event, which is the final round of this year’s IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge), will see all three winners go head-to-head and battle to become European Evolution Challenge Champion, the first time that this title has ever been bestowed since the series began in 2001.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK runs in association with the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship and is supported by: Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, PIAA lights, Sparco racewear and Mitsubishi Motors UK.

PRESS RELEASE: 6th November 2009

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge UK
Evo Challenge Champions receive top prize

2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Champions Daniel Barry and his co-driver Martin Brady, were presented with their prize for winning the one-make rally series for Group N (production class) Lancer Evolutions, at the end-of-season prizegiving ceremony in Daventry on Saturday night.

Handing over the keys of the brand new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X RS was Challenge Coordinator Simon Slade, who said:

“Daniel and Martin have really shone in this year’s championship and won five out of the eight events. However, although the points show a convincing victory, they did not have it all their own way as the competition was fierce all season.”

On receiving the keys to his brand new Lancer the 24-year old driver from Ireland’s County Wicklow said:

“This is a fantastic prize and tops-off what has been a great season. I have to thank Martin and my team who did a tremendous job throughout the year and must also thanks Mitsubishi UK for supporting a championship that continues to offer the best prizes in the sport.”

Other Evolution Challenge winners to be presented with their awards were:

2nd Driver/Co-driver - Nik Elsmore/Craig Drew
3rd Driver/Co-driver - Simon Hughes/Craig Parry
4th Driver/Co-driver - Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont

PIAA Junior Award - Owen Murphy
Speedline Grand Attack Award - Nik Elsmore
RPM Promotions Media Award - Nik Elsmore
Sunoco Spirit Award - Nik Elsmore
Carbone Lorraine Brakes Award - Owen Murphy
Best prepared car – Team Award - Barry Motorsport

The 2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge was supported by Mitsubishi Motors UK, Ralliart, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JR Motorsports, Speedline Corse wheels, Carbone Lorraine brakes, Walkinshaw Performance, Sparco racewear and PIAA lights.

For further information see www.evo-challenge.com

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