Back

PIRELLI MSA GRAVEL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

PRESS RELEASE: 24th September 2008

2009 MSA British Rally Championship calendar announced

The MSA British Rally Championship calendar will have a new opening round for 2009, but will still retain six representative rallies, one from each of the countries in the British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

International Rally North Wales will precede the previous season opener, the Pirelli International, by just three weeks, starting 2009’s BRC at the end of March on some of Europe’s best forest stages. Changes are also afoot with Rally Isle of Man moving a week earlier in the calendar and reducing their current three day format down to just two.

While the core of the BRC will remain the same, other less significant changes include new stages and a new home in Carlisle for the Pirelli, a Kelso base for the entire Jim Clark Rally and a return to the Friday night and Saturday format. The Ulster organisers are considering some new stages and host venue too, but negotiations are ongoing and the location is not yet confirmed.

The penultimate round in previous years, Rally Yorkshire, will form the backdrop for an exciting end of season battle for the MSA British Rally Championship title. At present this is the only event to remain wholly unchanged, but the organisers are keen to ensure that the rally remains fresh and vibrant.

After three successful years as part of both WRC and BRC, Wales Rally GB will host an end of season “Best of British” celebration. By linking with the BRC, the event organisers are offering incentives and prizes to the newly crowned British overall, junior and class champions and all other registered competitors who have an aspiration to contest the UK’s round of the World Rally Championship.

“Mindful of the feedback we have received from competitors and aware of the current and future economic climates, I believe we have provided a mouth watering and exciting Championship calendar which incorporates the best events in the UK. We are seeking to add a seventh rally to the calendar, a gravel event in another region of the UK, but mindful that budgets may be tight in 2009, coupled with difficulties in the cramped calendar, we have postponed this move until 2010.” said Championship Manager, Mark Taylor.

“The changes mentioned provide vibrant, more cost effective and exciting rallies that strive to be the highest calibre. Add this to a celebration of the British Champions in front of the rest of the World at Wales Rally GB, next year’s BRC promises to be an epic.”

2009 MSA British Rally Championship calendar

28th March – Bulldog International Rally North Wales (Gravel)

Based in Llangollen this is a brand new event for the modern BRC and sees a welcome return to the classic stages of mid and north Wales. For 2009, the organisers promise an international one day format using some of the best forest tracks in Europe.

17th/18th April - Pirelli International Rally (Gravel)

Based in Carlisle using the Kielder forest, the 2009 rally retains the popular Friday night and Saturday format, the 2009 event will see the use of new stages in Kielder and a new rally base at the prestigious Carlisle Racecourse.

22nd/23rd May - Jim Clark International Rally (Asphalt)

Based in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, new for the 2009 will see the International rally service in the town and will a return to the popular Friday night, Saturday format.

10th/11th July - International Rally Isle of Man (Asphalt)

Based in Douglas at the TT Grandstand, listening to customer demands the 2009 rally has compacted the format to just two days, cutting a full day off the schedule. The route will still be a tough and demanding classic event around the islands infamous roads.

21st /22nd August – Toddsleap.com Ulster International Rally (Asphalt)

This rally uses the closed public roads around the farmland and idyllic rolling countryside of Northern Ireland. For 2009, the organising team are planning a brand new route and special stages.

26th September - International Rally of Yorkshire (Gravel)

Based in the North Yorkshire market town of Pickering, this popular event enjoys the close proximity of the forests once used extensively on the RAC and Lombard Rallies. This event is now the only stage rally that uses the Dalby forest complex, infamous for its ultra fast nature and terrain.

23rd /25th October - Wales Rally GB (non points scoring event)

The last round of the 2009 WRC will include celebrating the Best of British, showcasing the newly crowned British Driver and Co-driver, Junior, Class and Cup Champions in front of the world’s media. The details of the celebrations which will include a city centre parade will be announced later in the year.

News, championship points, reports from the stages, photos and audio interviews with the top drivers are available at www.rallybrc.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE: 27th September 2008

Round 6 Trackrod National Rally, Pickering, Saturday 27 September 2008

PEREZ WINS IN YORKSHIRE AS TITLE GOES DOWN TO THE WIRE

Steve Perez and Paul Spooner claimed the honours in the penultimate round of the Pirelli National Gravel Rally Championship as they won the Trackrod National Rally today (Saturday 27 September).

In their Ford Focus WRC, top seeds Perez/Spooner finished 40.2 seconds ahead of the Subaru Impreza WRC of Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield on the Pickering-based event to claim his first maximum points in the series this season.

"I've won, Yorkshire's been good to me!" Perez said. "It's great to take the victory and maximum points in the championship but it's unfortunate under the circumstances."

Early leaders Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery, who took charge after stage two, suffered some bad luck and a small setback to their championship title hopes when they retired on the final stage, the Givendale test, after the engine blew on their Hyundai Accent WRC. They had earlier been struggling with a misfire despite leading the pack.

Late entry Julian Reynolds and Patrick Walsh finished up third in their Subaru Impreza WRC after a trouble-free run followed by North Yorkshire driver Charlie Payne and co-driver Craig Thorley in their Mitsubishi Lancer WRC.

Production cup leader Nik Elsmore and his navigator Craig Drew claimed the spoils in the production category as well as winning class N4 in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 as they finished fifth overall 14 seconds ahead of the similar machine of Tony Thompson and Jon Dunning, who survived a full spin in stage eight.

Stephen Petch and Michael Wilkinson were seventh in their Hyundai Accent WRC after having a bit of trouble in stage three when they had no reverse and lost time at a chicane.

They were followed by the Subaru Impreza WRC of Alan Cookson and Julian Wilkinson in eighth whilst Harrogate pairing Michael and David Curtis were ninth in their Mitsubishi Evo 5 with Ian Tippett and Andy Rowe rounding up the top 10 in their Evo 6.

Andrew Coley and Dan Pearce took the honours in the Two-Wheel Drive Challenge after a problem-free run.

Other retirements included Marcus Dodd's father Harry and co-driver Richard Skinner, who bowed out after stage two with a mechanical problem on their Hyundai Accent WRC.

The result means the MSA Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship title remains in the balance heading into the final round, the Bulldog Rally, on Saturday 18 October, with the absent Jon Ingram, who withdrew from the event following his wife suffering a serious horse riding accident last weekend, leading Dodd by five points on dropped scores.

However, if Ingram contests the final event, he must finish no lower than second, if indeed Dodd wins the event, meaning a grandstand finish is set for this season's title chase.

Final Classification:
1, Steve Perez/Paul Spooner (Ford Focus WRC) 52:55.1
2, Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield (Subaru Impreza WRC) 53:35.3
3, Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) 54:33.1
4, Charlie Payne/Craig Thorley (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC) 54:44.8
5, Nik Elsmore/Craig Drew (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 55:01.5
6, Tony Thompson/Jon Dunning (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 55:15.5
7, Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson (Hyundai Accent WRC) 55:40.8
8, Alan Cookson/Julian Wilkinson (Subaru Impreza WRC) 56:31.4
9, Michael Curtis/David Curtis (Mitsubishi Evo 5) 58:25.6
10, Ian Tippett/Andy Rowe (Mitsubishi Evo 6) 59:55.0

Championship Standings after round 6 (nett score in brackets)

1. Jon Ingram 110 points (91)
2. Nik Elsmore 87 points (62)
3. Marcus Dodd 86 points (86)
4. Julian Reynolds 77 points (77)
5. Richard Cathcart 68 points (68)
6. Roger Duckworth 65 points (65)

PRESS RELEASE: 19 July 2008

Round 5 Swansea Bay National Rally, Swansea,Saturday 19 July 2008

Maximum Points For Dodd As Weston Wins Swansea Bay National Rally

Aberdeen driver Dave Weston claimed the overall victory on today's Swansea Bay National Rally as Marcus Dodd took his second win of the season in the 2008 Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship.

Weston and co-driver Aled Davies led from the outset in their Ford Focus WRC and never looked back as they finished 20 seconds ahead of the leading gravel series crew Dodd and co-driver Andrew Bargery in the Hyundai Accent WRC.

Championship leaders Jon Ingram and Ian Allsop finished third overall and took second in the series in their Subaru Impreza WRC as Steve Perez andStephen McAuley were fourth in their Focus WRC.

Ingram still leads the title chase but with Dodd's victory, and the two dropped scores to be taken into account, it is still all to play for.

"I'm pleased with the win but it's a shame someone didn't finish between Jon and I to keep the championship more open," Dodd said. "We had a push on stage five but we were a bit sensible on the last one."

Dodd and Bargery took charge at the top of the championship leaderboard from Ingram/Allsopon stage four after Ingram drove through the test in road mode and lost a bit of time. Dodd had his fair share of problems too as a brake seal went on stage three, but it cost him little time.

Julian Reynolds and PatrickWalsh finished fifth in their Impreza WRC after a relatively trouble-free run. Scottish crew David Bogie and Kevin Rae followed in sixth and took the honours in Group N and the Mitsubishi EvoChallenge in their Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Richard Cathcart and Martin Brady were second in Group Nand the Evo Challenge, just 3.2 seconds behind Bogie/Rae, as they were seventh overall, taking sixth place in the Gravel Championship in their Evo 9 and made it to the finish despite an overshoot on stage two and a tyre problem on stage four.

The Hyundai Accent WRC of Damian Cole and Cliff Simmons finished eighth with Neil McCance and Graham Hopewell ninth in their Evo 9 with the crew suffering with a puncture on stage five. Euan Thorburn and Claire Mole rounded up the top 10 in their Subaru Impreza.

There were several retirements from the event. Keith Cronin and Greg Shinnors had been up to fifth on stage two in their Evo 9 but were forced out when they went off in stage four. Daniel Barry and Mark Bowens also fell foul of the stage four curse as they also went off whilst leading championship contenders Andy Burton and Shelley Rogerson also retired on stage four when they hit a bank and caused significant damage to their Peugeot Cosworth.

Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield, who had been fourth overall after stage four, went out on stage five when they broke a steering arm.

In the two-wheel drive challenge Nathan Crewe and John Connor wrapped up the title in their MG ZR as they won, finishing ahead of Alex Hack and Mark Sollaway in their Mk1 Ford Escort and the Fiat Punto of Rod Bennett and Henry Richardson. Harrogate brothers Mike and David Curtis took the prize in the Revolution Wheels Challenge.

In the ANCRO Rally Challenge Elfyn Evans and Gareth Roberts took the victory in their Ford Fiesta ST as they finished fourth overall in the Swansea Bay Clubmans Rally. Alastair Fisherand Paul Morris were runners-up in their Fiesta ST as they were eighth, followed by Tom Walster and Andy Morgan in their Fiesta ST in ninth.

The Pirelli MSA GravelRally Championship returns for round six, the Trackrod National Rally on Saturday 27 September.

Final Classification

1,Dave Weston/Aled Davies- Ford Focus WRC-1:00:21.0s
2, Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery- HyundaiAccent WRC -1:00:41.0
3, Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop-Subaru S11 WRC- 1:01:05.3
4, Steve Perez/StephenMcAuley- Ford Focus WRC -1:01:14.5
5, Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh- Subaru Impreza WRC-1:01:33.5
6, David Bogie/Kevin Rae- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9-1:01:44.8
7, Richard Cathcart/Martin Brady-Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 -1:01:48.0
8, Damian Cole/Cliff Simmons- Hyundai Accent WRC -1:02:33.1
9, Neil McCance/Graham Hopewell- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9-1:03:05.9
10, Euan Thorburn/Claire Mole- SubaruImpreza- 1:03:50.4

ProvisionalChampionship Standings (after Round 5)

1, Jon Ingram 110 points
2, Marcus Dodd 86 points
3, Nik Elsmore 69points
4, Richard Cathcart 68 points
5, Neil McCance 64points
6, Andy Burton 63 points
7, Julian Reynolds 57points

PRESS RELEASE 14th July 2008

Round 5 -Swansea Bay Rally - Saturday 19th July2008

BIG GUNSROLL OUT ON SWANSEABAY...

Round five of the 2008 Pirelli MSA Gravel RallyChampionship heads for Wales for the second time in two months this forthcoming weekend when the Swansea Bay Rally takes place onSaturday (July 19th).

And with most of the leading crews in action in the classic Welsh forests once again, the finis hramp on Saturday evening should perhaps start to give one or tw opointers towards the destiny of the various crowns in the ANCRO-organised series.

Quite surprisingly, the leading two drivers in the series, Jon Ingram (Subaru) and AndyBurton, have yet to appear on the official entry list but rumour has it that Burton in his radical Peugeot Cosworth will make it in tim eto the Swansea start ramp. Also missing is Irishman Stephen Moore (Ford Focus WRC) meaning a couple of drivers will be dropping this round as part of the two worst scores as per the championship regulations.

Assuming Burton competes, he'll face stif fopposition from defending ANCRO champion and last year's rally winner Marcus Dodd in his Hyundai Accent WRC and they, along with respective co drivers Shelley Rogerson and Andrew Bargery will be looking to close the points gap between themselves and the Ingram/Ian Allsop combination.

Already this year, both drivers have a no-score to their names, Burton choosing to miss the asphalt of the RBS International Manx Rally and Dodd retiring from the Brick&Steel Border Counties Rally, so a win for either of them this weekend would go a long way to bolstering their chances with just two rounds remaining afterwards.

However, a few other crews in WRC machinery will be hunting them down and although not playing a major part in the series themselves, they could have an effect on the championship outcome as most are registered for ANCRO points.

Fresh from taking victory last weekend on the Quinton Stages, former ANCRO champion Steve Perez and co driver Stephen McAuley will be looking for another win in their Ford Focus WRC whereas another ex champion who also missed the opening two rounds was Roger Duckworth, who along with Mark Broomfield, racked up a win in the Isle of Man and always goes well in Wales in his Subaru.

Welshman Julian Reynolds(Subaru) will be looking for a good run on home territory whereas Scotsman Dave Weston (Ford Focus) can't be ruled out and with the likes of Charlie Payne (Mitsubishi WRC) and Alan Cookson (SubaruWRC), there is plenty of strength in depth in the field.

The Mitsubishi Ralliar tEvolution Challenge and Cup is at a crucial stage with only one point separating the top four drivers in the championship standings.Daniel Barry, David Bogie, Richard Cathcart and Nik Elsmore will all be battling for supremacy and with cars strictly controlled to comply with Group N regulations, all are similar in performance and with so many drivers of equal pace registered for this year's series, 2008 has so far produced the closest competition yet. In fact, with four rounds already run and three to go, only five points separates the top six!

Veteran Harry Dodd leadsthe Prima Motorsports 'Old Stagers' class with Brummies Nathan Creweand John Connor leading the Two Wheel Drive Challenge in their MGand who will be up against the usual protagonists including RodBennett/Henry Richardson in their S1600 Fiat Punto and Tim/Kit Leighin their Ford Fiesta.

The event also incorporates round three of the 2008 Pirelli ANCRO Rally Challengewhich sees Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy runner Kris Hall lead the standings. Whilst local driver Damian Cole (Hyundai Accent WRC) along with James Belton (Subaru WRC) will be at the cutting edge, the 'one-make' Fiestas will add spice to the competition including James Everard, Liam Regan and Elfyn Evans as the lure of an end-of-season first prize of a Fiesta ST road car will serve to concentrate a considerable number of minds during the day!

Making a welcome addition to the ANCRO ranks will also be a 37 car entry in the Yokohama Challenge with Ciro Carannante heading the BMW 325 field away and Dan Corner the first of the Peugeot 205s.

The action begins as the first car in the Swansea Bay Clubmans Rally leaves the SA1 start at 8.00am, with the first National Rally competitor away at 9.15am.The survivors from each of the three events will start arriving back at 13.30 (Clubmans) with the first National crewss cheduled back at the finish at 16.50.

Championship positions can be found atwww.gravelrally.co.ukandfor further information on the Swansea Bay Rally, visit the event websitewww.swanseabayrally.com.

PRESS RELEASE: 4th July 2008

British Rally Championship takes 50th registration

As many people are aware, the British Rally Championship is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008.

With the mid point Rally Isle of Man approaching, the latest driver registration in this year’s Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship is nineteen year old Meilyr Evans, taking the total number of drivers to match the series age of fifty.

Not only does the young Welshman bolster the numbers to the highest this century, but his tender nineteen years helps bring the average age of drivers down to just 28.

The trend of increased numbers of younger drivers in the UK’s premier rally championship is testament to the quality of events as well as innovations such as tiered entry fees, prize money, affordable one-makes series’ and of course the BRC’s Pirelli Star Driver Scheme.

With just six drivers over forty, it could be argued that The BRC is only for the youngsters. But between these six “veterans”, there is the winner of the 2007 C2R2 Cup and this years current leader, as well as the winners and leaders of both Rally 3 and Diesel Cups in 2007 and 2008.

With youth and experience equally welcome, entries for the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship are expected to continue to rise, as registrations do not close until the start of the Ulster Rally in August. In the mean-time the action moves to Rally Isle of Man for round three which starts on the 17th July.

Full stories, championship points are available at www.rallybrc.co.uk as well as reports from the stages, photos and new audio interviews with the top drivers.

PRESS RELEASE: 2 June 2008

SevernValley Rally 2008- StageSnippets

Andy Burton faced arace against time to get his car ready for the event following on from the engine failure on the Somerset Stages Rally in April. He and co-driver Shelley Rogerson missed round three of the championship in the Isle of Man earlier this month as the car was being rebuilt, but returned with a new engine for the Severn Valley and took maximum points.

Main topic ofconversation with many ANCRO crews was that they were still trying to piece together their night in Colours after the RBS International Manx Rally. need we say more.

After his debut on the Isle ofMan last month, Irishman Stephen Moore ventured into the classic Welsh forests for the first time and admitted he enjoyed Radnor.

It was co-driver David Curtis' (car 36) birthday on the day of the rally.

Jon Ingram thinks he may have found the key to success in rallying. On forgetting his balaclava and gloves on a stage on the Isle of Man on which he setthe fastest time he admitted that "I might drive naked." Everyone was pleased when he turned up to the first control fully clothed.

Icelander Daniel Sigurdarson made a welcome return to the championship following on from his accident on the Isle of Man in which he broke a bone in his right hand. He and his team spent the previous two weeks rebuilding the car with help from Quick Motorsport. They finished preparing it at 8pm on Friday nigh tbefore the rally and had no time to test it. He admitted he drove a little cautious and his hand was a little painful for the first three stages. He was reunited with his younger sister Asta Sigurdardottir in the co-driver's seat for the event bu tunfortunately the pair didn't finish after the transmission broke on stage five.

Other retirements from the rally included Neil McCance and Graham Hopewell who went out in Radnor. Danie lBarry and Mark Bowens also failed to finish after they went off alsoand Jonny Greer/Jonny Hart also bowed out on the final stage after going OTL in their Lancer.

David Bogie was lucky to make it to the finish in Builth Wells. On the last stage his temperature gauge was in the red and he had to keep stopping on the road sections to top it up with water that they had inside the car.

They Said What.?

"I'm too old and Ineed to retire."- Jon Ingram thinks about registering the zimmer frame.

"I'm too slow..."- John Lloyd already has.

"I'm a bit stiff and slow out of the blocks these days..."Rod Bennett - Bloodyhell, this series is getting to be like a day out with SAGA.

"My arse is sore, I swear that when they wash the car, the seats shrink."NeilMcCance needs larger underpants, apparently.

"I'm no mechanic but I know it's not right." The intuitive Marcus Dodd.

"We had no spins but I'm just sweaty." Hot prospect StephenPetch.

"When you see cars off you become more sensible."Peter Egerton gets a reality check.

"Sheep are the problem..." We are getting increasingly worried about Andy Burton.

"We had some heart-stoppingmoments and worried some spectators..." Michael Curtis gets in on the worrying act.

"It's all going better. It's because I rubbed my nipple before." NikElsmore has some strange rituals nowadays.

"I had a few 'Oh dear God'moments in the last couple of stages." The very reverend Henry Richardson contemplates a careerchange.

PRESS RELEASE: Saturday 31 May 2008

Round 4 Severn Valley National Rally, BuilthWells

BURTON TAKES VICTORY IN SEVER NVALLEY RALLY

Making it four different winners in the opening four rounds, Herefordshire driver Andy Burton claimed maximum points in the 2008 Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship as he won today'sSevern Valley National Rally.

Driving the Peugeot Cosworth,Burton, and co-driver Shelley Rogerson, finished nearly 25 seconds ahead of series leaders Jon Ingram and Ian Allsop after taking charge at the top of the leaderboard from the outset and never looking back despite concerns about their new engine making the distance.

Ingram and Allsop (Subaru Impreza WRC) came home ahead of defending champions Marcus Dodd and Andrew Barger y(Hyundai Accent WRC) after Dodd had earlier been hampered by a problem with the boost control pipe, which the HPM Motorsport team managed to fix at second service.

"It's good and it keeps the championship all open,"said Burton, who was back in action in the championship after missing the previous round on the Isle of Man earlier this month."I'm delighted with theresult. I honestly didn't think we'd make it to the finish with the way the engine's been so I'm really pleased. It's been a great event with good stages."

Julian Reynolds and Patrick Walsh were fourth in their Subaru Impreza WRC. They had a relatively trouble-free run with the exception of a slight off in stage six and were followed by round three winners, Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield. Duckworth was not feeling well throughout the event and a problem with the diff controllers on stage five on his SubaruImpreza WRC did not help their push.

Scottish crew David Bogie and Kevin Rae were sixth in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 and took the honours in both Group N and the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge as they finished ahead of the same machine of Irish pairing Richard Cathcart and Martin Brady. Cathcart had an intercooler problem earlier in the da ybefore their intercom went faulty on the final three stages.

Stephen Moore and Tony McHugh were eighth in their Ford Focus WRC as they struggled through the event wit htyre problems. Keith Cronin and Greg Shinnors made it to the finish in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 despite losing all power on the final stage to take ninth with Nik Elsmore and Craig Drew rounding up the top ten in their Evo 9.

Significant retirements included Neil McCance and Graham Hopewell, who went out on stage three in Radnor, following an off in their Mitsubishi Evo 9, and Daniel Barry and Mark Bowens who retired on stage seven in their Evo after also going off.

In the Two-Wheel Drive class ,Nathan Crewe and John Connor were first home in their 1400cc MG ZRas they finished 21st overall despite an overheating problem on th efinal four stages whilst Michael Curtis and David Curtis took the Revolution Wheels award in their Mitsubishi Evo5.

In the ANCRO Rally Challenge, running in the Severn Valley Clubman's Rally alongside the Nationalevent, Welsh crew Elfyn Evans and Gareth Roberts won as they finished an impressive third overall in their Ford Fiesta ST. TomWalster claimed second in his Fiesta with Welshman Meilyr Evans in a similar car placed third.

However, maintaining his points lead was Cumbrian Kris Hall with Chris Ridge taking the lead in the co-drivers standings also.

The Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship returns for round five, the Swansea Bay National Rally on Saturday 19 July.

FinalClassification

1, Andy Burton/ShelleyRogerson(Peugeot Cosworth) 1h:05m:17.8s
2, Jon Ingram/IanAllsop(Subaru Impreza WRC)1:05:42.6
3, MarcusDodd/Andrew Bargery(Hyundai Accent WRC)1:06:18.1
4,Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh(Subaru ImprezaWRC)1:06:34.7
5, Roger Duckworth/MarkBroomfield(Subaru Impreza WRC)1:06:35.5
6, DavidBogie/Kevin Rae(Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)1:07:14.9
7,Richard Cathcart/Martin Brady(Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9)1:07:30.9
8, Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh(Ford FocusWRC 06)1:07:38.8
9, Keith Cronin/GregShinnors(Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)1:07:45.3
10, NikElsmore/Craig Drew(Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9)1:08:10.3

Championship Standings (after Round 4 of 7with two worst scores to drop)

1, JonIngram 88 points
2, Andy Burton 63 points
3,Marcus Dodd 61 points
4, Nik Elsmore 54 points
5,Daniel Barry 53 points
6, Stephen Moore 53points
7, Richard Cathcar t51 points
8, NeilMcCance 48 points
9, Stephen Petch 44 points
10,Roger Duckworth 43 points

PRESS RELEASE: 21st May 2008

GOING FOR A BURTON...

Round four of the hotly-contested 2008 Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship heads for Wales for the first time this season when the Severn Valley National Rally takes place next Saturday (May 31st).

After a race against time to fix an engine problem in his radical Peugeot Cosworth, 2007 winne rAndy Burton has put in a late entry and along with co driver ShelleyRogerson, will contest the event running as car 11 but they will be first on the road.

The pair will join the 150 other crews heading for the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells with Midland Manor Motor Club Ltd guaranteeing a superb day's motorsport in the classic mid Wales forests.

Also in action will be defending ANCRO Champions Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery in their Hyundai Accent WRC and current leaders of the series, Jon Ingram and Ian Allsop in their Subaru Impreza WRC. Dodd won the opening encounter on Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth but has struggled since whereas Ingram took victory on round two in Kielder Forest on the Brick&Steel Border Counties Rally to lead the series by 13points.

However one crew, who only returned on the last round in the Isle of Man, will be also in the mix. Former champions Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield took victory on the RBSI Manx Rally earlier this month and will be looking for maximum points again in their Subaru WRC.

The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is responsible for a dozen entries in the National Rally with young Scottish sensation David Bogie looking to reel in Irishmen Richard Cathcart and Daniel Barry.Barry, who leads the series, is second overall in the ANCRO standings.

Other fancied runners includ ethe Ford Focus WRCs of Scotsman Dave Weston, Irishmen Stephen Moore and Michael O'Brien as well as English driver John Lloyd, whereas Welsh wizardry could play a part in the result, especially with the likes of Julian Reynolds, Nigel Griffiths and Damien Cole on home ground. And don't rule out young Stephen Petch (Hyundai Accent WRC), Nik Elsmore (Mitsubishi) and Icelander Dani Sigurdsson (Mitsubishi) who hopes to be fit after injuring his hand on the Manx.

Veteran Harry Dodd leads the'Old Stagers' class with locals Nathan Crewe and John Connor leading the Two Wheel Drive Challenge in their MG and who will be up against the usual protagonists including Rod Bennett/Henry Richardson in their S1600 Fiat Punto and Tim/Kit Leigh in their Ford Fiesta.

The event also incorporates round two of the 2008Pirelli ANCRO Rally Challenge which sees Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy runner Kris Hall lead the standings. Whilst local drivers Shaun Gardener (Mitsubishi) and Rob Brick (Subaru) will lead the Severn Valley Clubmans Rally away from the start at 9.30am on Saturday morning, the 'one-make' Fiestas will add spice to the competition including James Everard, Liam Regan and Elfyn Evans as the lure ofan end-of-season first prize of a Fiesta ST road car will serve to concentrate a considerable number of minds during theday!

The action begins as the first car in the Severn Valley National Rally leaves the Showground at 8.00am, with the first Historic Rally competitor due to arrive back there at 2.00pm. The survivors from each of the three events will follow on throughout theafternoon.

Championship positions can be found at www.gravelrally.co.uk and for further information on the Severn Valley National Rally, visit the event websitewww.severnvalleynational.co.uk

PRESS RELEASE: 10 May 2008

Round 3 RBS International Manx Rally, Douglas, Friday 9 - Saturday 10 May 2008

MAXIMUM MANX POINTS FOR DUCKWORTH

Evans Wins But ANCRO Returnee Roger Claims Pirelli GRC Honours

Welshman Melvyn Evans took his second victory in the RBS International Manx Rally today as Roger Duckworth claimed the honours in the 2008 Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship as he finished second overall.

Evans and Irish co-driver Sean Mullally finished 50.9 seconds ahead of Duckworth and co-driver Mark Broomfield in their Subaru Impreza WRC to win the event for the first time since 2002.

Duckworth and Broomfield were making a return to competition following their accident on the Cork 20 International Rally in October and despite losing a considerable amount of time on stage seven with a clutch slipping, posted a solid performance to take maximum points in the ANCRO-organised 2008 Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship in their Subaru Impreza WRC.

"We've had a good run," Duckworth said. "That's the sixth time we've been second on this event! It's been good and I'm happy with the comeback we've made after the Cork 20 and to get the points in the championship but I'm upset not to have won the Tony Davies award for the fastest times through the two Kella stages."

Championship leaders Jon Ingram and co-driver Ian Allsop, who won round two, finished third in their different, hired, right-hand drive Subaru Impreza WRC. The crew battled through several problems and were doubtful if they would continue at the restart on Saturday after they had an issue with the gearbox. They also had a problem with the diff on the first stage on Saturday but battled back to make the podium and increase their lead to 13 points.

Irish crew Keith Cronin and Greg Shinnors finished fifth overall, first in Group N, took third place in the Gravel Championship and won the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge. It was Cronin's first time in the Isle of Man and he showed some good pace despite a puncture on the final stage in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 to end up behind the Audi A3 Quattro of David Kynaston/Andy Russell.

Neil McCance and Graham Hopewell were sixth in their Mitsubishi Evo and second in Group N followed by Stephen Moore and Tony McHugh in the Ford Focus WRC. Daniel Barry and Mark Bowens overcame the odds to finish eighth overall and sixth in the Gravel series in their Mitsubishi Evo. At one point the pair thought they would not make the finish after they picked up substantial damage to the rear end of their car on stage seven.

Reigning champions Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery rounded off the top ten in their Hyundai Accent WRC behind the Metro 6R4 of John and Caroline Price. Dodd had been a solid third overall heading into the final stage but an off cost them a considerable amount of time after they had earlier struggled with a puncture and a turbo problem.

Bad luck of the rally went to Richard Cathcart and Martin Brady in their Group N Mitsubishi Evo machine. The pair had shown blistering form on their first visit to the Manx stages and were fourth and leading Group N ahead of the penultimate test before a puncture and a lost wheel cost them enough time to put them OTL.

The Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship will return in a brief three weeks for round four, the Builth Wells-based Severn Valley Rally on Saturday 30 May.

Provisional Classification
1, Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally Subaru Impreza WRC 1h:41m:40.0s
2, Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield Subaru Impreza WRC 1:42:30.9
3, Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop Subaru Impreza WRC 1:44:06.3
4, David Kynaston/Andy Russell Audi A3 Quattro 1:44:12.9
5, Keith Cronin/Greg Shinnors Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 1:45:11.6
6, Neil McCance/Graham Hopewell Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 1:45:58.9
7, Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh Ford Focus WRC 1:46:24.1
8, Daniel Barry/Mark Bowens Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 1:47:36.7
9, John Price/Caroline Price MG Metro 6R4 1:47:39.3~
10, Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery Hyundai Accent WRC 1:47:46.0

Provisional Championship Standings (after Round 3)
1, Jon Ingram 66 points
2, Daniel Barry 53 points
3, Neil McCance 48 points
4, Marcus Dodd 41 points
5, Nik Elsmore 41 points
6, Andy Burton 38 points
7, Stephen Moore 38 points

More details, including full results on the event can be found at www.manxrally.org and information on the Pirelli MSA National Gravel Rally Championship is listed at www.gravelrally.co.uk.

PRESS RELEASE: 5 April 2008

Round 2 - Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally, Jedburgh, Saturday 5 April 2008

MAXIMUM POINTS FOR INGRAM ON BORDER COUNTIES RALLY

Cheshire driver Jon Ingram took his maiden victory in the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship as he finished second behind event winner Barry Johnson on the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally

In their Subaru Impreza WRC, Ingram, and co-driver Ian Allsop came home 5.6 seconds behind the Ford Focus WRC of Johnson and Stewart Merry on the Jedburgh-based event following a trouble-free run to claim maximum points in the ANCRO championship on the second round of the series.

Richard Cathcart and Martin Brady finished second of the registered crews, and third overall, as well as taking honours in the Production Cup and the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 with Daniel Barry and Mark Bowens next up in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 behind Jimmy Girvan/John Bennie and Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy.

Ingram and Allsop set the pace over stages five and six and heading into the final stage, just two seconds separated them from Johnson/Merry.

"I'm pleased to win the MSA Gravel Rally Championship round but disappointed not to win the event outright," Ingram said. "It's great to get my first win in the series, it's one of the hardest one-day rallies I've ever done."

The Subaru Impreza WRC of Julian Reynolds and Patrick Walsh took fourth in the championship and seventh overall, after losing time on stage four following a spin due to a puncture, whilst Stephen Petch and Michael Wilkinson finished fifth points scorers and eighth overall in their Hyundai Accent WRC after earlier suffering with a problem with the throttle sticking and a spin on stage five also lost them some time.

Neil McCance and Anthony O'Connell finished ninth registered crew in their Mitsubishi Evo 9 whilst Andy Burton and Shelley Rogerson suffered disappointment in their Peugeot Cosworth. The crew had taken the lead of the rally on stage two before Johnson/Merry edged ahead on stage six, but they suffered with an engine problem on the final stage, losing around two minutes to ultimately finish sixth in the championship and tenth overall.

Round one winners Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery went out on stage one when they spun backwards into a bank and damaged the exhaust on their Hyundai Accent WRC.

As a result, Ingram moved to the lead of the series going into the RBS Manx International Rally on 9/10 May.

Round three of the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship will take place on Friday 9 - Saturday 10 May with the Douglas-based RBS International Manx Rally.

Final Classification
1, Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry (Ford Focus WRC) 59:32.8
2, Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop (Subaru Impreza WRC) 59:38.4
3, Richard Cathcart/Martin Brady (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:00:30.4
4, Jimmy Girvan/John Bennie (Subaru Impreza) 1:00:47.1
5, Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (MG S2000 Sport) 1:01:11.2
6, Daniel Barry/Mark Bowens (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:01:11.5
7, Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1:01.15.5
8, Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson (Hyundai Accent WRC) 1:01:37.3
9, Neil McCance/Anthony O'Connell (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:01:58.6
10, Andrew Burton/Shelley Rogerson (Peugeot Cosworth) 1:02:12.3

Provisional Championship Standings (after Round 2)
1, Jon Ingram 44 points
2, Andy Burton 38 points
3, Daniel Barry 36 points
4, Richard Cathcart 35 points
5, Nik Elsmore 29 points
6, Neil McCance 29 points
7, Marcus Dodd 25 points

PRESS RELEASE: 23 February 2008

Round 1 Rallye Sunseeker, Bournemouth Friday 22/Saturday 23 February 2008

SIX OF THE BEST FOR DODD

Defending ANCRO Champion Marcus Dodd got the season off to a great start by claiming an unprecedented sixth victory on the Bournemouth based Rallye Sunseeker which comprised the opening round of the 2008 MSA Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship.

Driving the HPM Motorsport Hyundai Accent WRC along with co driver Andrew Bargery, with whom he won last years event also, the local ace overcame clutch problems last night and a broken paddle-shift late this afternoon to take a deserved victory some 43 seconds ahead of the Peugeot Cosworth of Andrew Burton.

Burton and co driver Shelley Rogerson had problems of their own with a broken exhaust manifold on the final loop of stages, but despite this Burton was delighted to record only his second ever finish on the event and the result has given him a good start to his championship challenge.

Third went the way of Irish newcomer Stephen Moore who, along with co driver Tony McHugh, brought their ex Henning Solberg Ford Focus WRC home ahead of Jon Ingram and co driver Ian Allsop who were left disputing a one minute time penalty, incurred for a jump start last night, at the finish.

Isle of Wight driver Will Nicholls and co driver Nick Broom claimed fifth in their Subaru WRC with Scotsmen David Bogie and co driver Kevin Rae claiming Group N and Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge honours in sixth place overall.

Daniel Barry beat off fellow Mitsubishi drivers Sebastian Ling and Nik Elsmore for seventh position with Richard Cathcart also in a Mitsubishi completing the top ten.

I broke the paddle-shift before the last two stages but it just made me drive harder. We've had a good battle with Andy and Im delighted to win my local rally for a sixth time in total and to make it two wins out of two in the past two years said Dodd, who revealed he may not contest further rounds of the ANCRO organised series depending on budget restrictions and the possibility of his car being hired out.

The next round of the 2008 MSA Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship takes place on April 5th with the Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally based in Jedburgh.

Provisional Final Classification

1, Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery (Hyundai Accent WRC) 58:09.8
2, Andrew Burton/Shelley Rogerson (Peugeot Cosworth) 58:52.9
3, Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh (Ford Focus WRC) 59:31.2
4, Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1:00:01.2
5, Will Nicholls/Nick Broom (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1:00:08.4
6, David Bogie/Kevin Rae (Mitsubishi) 1:01:21.3
7, Daniel Barry/Mark Bowens (Mitsubishi) 1:01:30.3
8, Sebastian Ling/Aled Rees (Mitsubishi) 1:01:35.3
9, Nik Elsmore/Paul Wakeley (Mitsubishi) 1:01:36.7
10, Richard Cathcart/Martin Brady (Mitsubishi) 1:01:43.7

Provisional Championship Standings (after Round 1)

1, Marcus Dodd (Hyundai Accent WRC) 25pts
2, Andrew Burton (Peugeot Cosworth) 22pts
3, Stephen Moore (Ford Focus WRC) 20pts
4, Jon Ingram (Subaru Impreza WRC) 19pts
5, Will Nicholls (Subaru Impreza WRC) 18pts
6, David Bogie (Mitsubishi) 17pts

PRESS RELEASE: 2nd January 2008

DATES FOR 2008 PIRELLI MSA GRAVEL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP AND ANCRO RALLY CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED

Following the recent announcement that Pirelli was to sponsor the ANCRO-organised MSA Gravel Rally Championship starting in 2008, the organisers have released the dates.

The series has been increased to eight rounds with the inclusion of a second all-asphalt event with the Mewla Rally on August 24th and will make a welcome return to the Yorkshire forests as part of the Trackrod Rally a month later whereas the Killarney Stages Rally has been dropped from the championship

The series kicks off with the traditional season opener in Bournemouth with Rallye Sunseeker on February 22/23 followed by a trip to Kielder Forest a little later than in previous years for the Border Counties Rally on April 5th.

The Severn Valley moves forward a week to May 30 but the RBS Manx, Swansea Bay and Bulldog Rallies all retain their usual place in the calendar and once again, competitors will be allowed to drop scores in a maximum of two rounds.

Commenting on the inclusion of the Trackrod National Rally into the series, Trackrod Rally Clerk of the Course Rod Parkin said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the return of ANCRO competitors to Yorkshire. Once again they now have the opportunity to test their skills in the fast flowing forests such as Dalby and Langdale and we will make every effort to ensure that everyone has a competitive and enjoyable rally.”

ANCRO Chairman John Trevethick commented: “We’re delighted with the inclusion of an event in the Yorkshire Forests and are sure this will be a big draw for many of our competitors as well the addition of the Mewla. We believe we have a solid foundation with some of the best events in the country now.”

Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship Dates
22/23 February, Rallye Sunseeker - Bournemouth
5 April, Brick & Steel Border Counties - Jedburgh
9/10 May, RBS International Manx Rally - Douglas
30 May, Severn Valley Rally - Llandrindod Wells
19 July, Swansea Bay Rally - Swansea
24 August, Eventsigns Mewla Rally - Builth Wells
27 September, Trackrod National Rally - Pickering
18 October, Bulldog Rally – Oswestry

Meanwhile the popular Clubman’s Championship will support five of the main championship rounds with the sixth and final round seeing competitors return to Yorkshire for the Malton Forest Rally. The six round series is to be called the ANCRO Rally Challenge and competitors will count their best five results towards the championship

ANCRO Rally Challenge Dates
5 April - Brick and Steel Border Counties - Jedburgh
31 May - Severn Valley Rally – Llandrindod Wells
19 July - Swansea Bay Rally - Swansea
24 August - Eventsigns Mewla Rally – Builth Wells
19 October - Bulldog Rally - Oswestry
2 November - Malton Forest Rally – Pickering

Top of Page