Cave gets set to debut New Generation Hyundai i20 R5 in British Rally Championship
As announced a few weeks ago, Tom Cave and his co-driver James Morgan will debut a Hyundai Motorsport-built New Generation i20 R5 in the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship on this weekend’s Pirelli Rally (29th & 30th April).
They head to the second round of the UK’s top rally series lying second in the championship standings after an impressive performance on round one, the Border Counties Rally. Having led the event at the halfway stage, conditions and the determination to secure a good result saw them end a tough but successful weekend in second place.
Tom (from Aberdovey) will drive the Hyundai for the first time in advance of the Pirelli Rally when he and co-driver James Morgan (from Hirwaun) test the car in Kielder Forest on Thursday (27th). Whilst the i20 R5 is new to them both, competition at rallying’s highest level in the UK is not and therefore their hopes are high for another top result, as Tom explains:
“It’s a brand new car and for us, a brand new team, so this will be a learning curve for everyone. The whole package looks great and I’m pleased to report that everything is coming together well. We have a test day planned for Thursday when I’ll be driving the Hyundai for the first time and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m familiar with the Kielder stages, so for James and I the plan is to carry on from where we left off on round one. While we want to make sure we stay in the running for the championship, we also want to do the best job we possibly can for everyone involved with this exciting project.”
The Pirelli Rally starts and finishes in Carlisle. The route features 100 competitive miles in Kielder Forest, split into four stages on Saturday afternoon followed by a further four stages on Sunday morning.
Tom’s British Rally Championship campaign is supported by DMACK Tyres, the Trefeddian Hotel, Walero temperature regulating base layers and Atech Racing.
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Cave shows class with second place in the Borders
Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally -17th & 18th March 2017
Prestone MSA British Rally Championship – Round 1
Having held an early lead in this weekend’s Border Counties Rally, round one of the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship, Tom Cave together with co-driver James Morgan, proved they were a class act when they finished the Jedburgh-based event in second place. It was only in the latter stages and slippery conditions they were denied an early season victory.
With Tom (from Aberdovey) and James (from Hirwaun) set to contest round two – next month’s Pirelli Rally – driving a New Generation Hyundai i20 R5, they acquired a Fiesta R5 (similar to the car they took to second place in the British Rally Championship last year with Spencer Sport) from Dom Buckley RSC specifically for this weekend’s event. Following a successful test on Thursday and setting second-fastest times on the first two Friday night stages in Craik Forest, it was clear that the Welsh pair were straight back onto the their 2016 pace.
Their performance in the early stages was good enough to see them head to the overnight halt leading the event by 2.8 seconds, ahead of Scottish driver David Bogie in a Skoda R5. Fired up to deliver more of the same on Saturday, they headed off for the first of the day’s seven stages ready for battle and, after setting the fastest time on stage four, they maintained their position at the front of the field.
But behind them Swedish driver Fredrik Ahlin (also in a Skoda) was gathering pace and took the lead on stage five whilst Tom and David Bogie were struggling for grip by virtue of being the first cars on the road. Then, on stage six, Bogie suffered the consequences of clearing the surface for the rest of the field when he hit a rock that was right on the racing line, the impact damaging his car, sending him off the road and into retirement.
Tom however, missed the offending obstacle and, whilst the Scot’s retirement meant he and James were now 44 seconds ahead of Osian Pryce in third, they were 21 seconds behind Ahlin. Not wanting to risk throwing away an impressive points haul that was to be bolstered by Tom playing his joker on this event, the strategy for the three remaining stages was to hold fast and therefore, be in a position to take advantage should anything happen to the leader.
As it turned out, nothing did happen to Ahlin and after a clean run through the final trio of stages, Tom and James returned to Jedburgh for the finish as runners-up. After the podium presentation, Tom said:
“Having led the event in its early stages, it proved we still have the pace to run at the front of the field, so I’m very happy with that. I’m also happy to finish second on an event that saw six different teams – including us – set a fastest time in one or more of the event’s nine stages.
“Yes, of course, James and I wanted to win, but with a new car and a new team on an unfamiliar event, it’s a very satisfying outcome. By playing our joker we scored another four points which means that we’re on 22 against Fredrik’s 25, with Osian in third on 15. So all in all it was as good a start to the season as we had hoped for and it sets us up nicely for round two.”
Tom went on to thank: James for his continued support, the Dom Buckely RSC team for providing such a competitive and reliable car, DMACK Tyres who’s products worked really well in the changing conditions and also Walero UK, Atech Racing and the Trefeddian Hotel for their support.
Tom and James now prepare for the next event, the Pirelli Rally that takes place on 29th & 30th April, when they swap to a New Generation Hyundai i20 R5 to give the car its first ever competitive outing in a British Rally Championship event.
ENDS
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Tom to debut Hyundai Motorsport’s New Generation i20 R5 in British Rally Championship
It has been confirmed that Tom Cave will drive an i20 R5 on the forthcoming Pirelli International Rally, round two of the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship. The event, that takes place on 29th & 30th April, marks the car’s first ever appearance at this level of competition in the UK.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to debut this car in a round of the British Rally Championship”, said Tom. “The Hyundai has previously been seen on rounds of the WRC – including Rally GB – and other overseas events, so I am delighted to be the first drive it in the BRC.”
The New Generation i20 R5 is to be supplied and run by an experienced private Hyundai Motorsport customer team, who compete regularly in national championships across Europe. Tom is scheduled to carry out a substantial test in the car ahead of the Kielder Forest-based event.
“Having been developed throughout the course of 2016, the i20 R5 has already proved it can be competitive and, because it’s the first time for the car in the BRC, I’m expecting it to attract a lot of attention. I’m therefore intending to do the best job I can for everyone involved and to show the car in the best way possible.”
It was announced last week that Tom will contest the first round of the British Rally Championship – this month’s Border Counties Rally – in a Dom Buckley prepared Fiesta R5. The drive in the Hyundai is currently just for one event and therefore the 25 year-old Welshman is hoping that a good result and the exposure surrounding it will give momentum to the rest of his season.
“Having finished second last year, the aim is to be able to continue in the BRC for the whole season, as I believe I have an opportunity to fight for the title. I therefore hope that with a good result, the drive in the i20 will lead on to other things – hopefully in another Hyundai!”
Tom will be partnered this season by his co-driver from 2016, James Morgan and said: “I’m delighted James will be joining me again. Whilst the team and the what I’m driving will change this season, it’s great that with James the consistency will be maintained inside the car.”
Tom’s Hyundai drive next month is supported by DMACK Tyres, Trefeddian Hotel, Walero and Atech Racing.
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Tom returns to British Rally Championship
The latest high-profile name to sign-up to the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship in 2017, Tom’s return to Britain’s premier rallying series will see him pilot a Ford Fiesta R5 prepared by Dom Buckley Motorsport alongside co-driver James Morgan on the Border Counties Rally.
Last season’s runner-up has committed to the series once again as he goes in search of his first four-wheel-drive win in the BRC. The 25-year-old is fired-up ahead of the first round after a confidence building 2016, taking four podiums and being the only driver – other than WRC star Elfyn Evans – to burst through the 100 point mark in the standings. With Evans graduating to the world stage, the path is now clear for a new champion to be crowned.
“Last year was very successful,” enthused Tom. “To finish second behind Elfyn was the best I could have hoped for and beyond all expectations. This time last year it was a case of learning everything – a new team, new car and new co-driver. We couldn’t live with Elfyn and Fredrik [Ahlin] initially but, as I gelled with the Spencer Sport team and James, the results started to come. By the Scottish we really started to get into our stride and then showed good pace right up to the end of the season.”
The Aberdovey-based driver knows the Fiesta R5 well and believes everything is in place to mount a strong charge from the word ‘go’ in Scotland – with the series blasting off on the 17/18 March.
“I think I can fight at the front once again. I’ve have not competed on a full event since September but with what I’ve done since it felt like I had never been away. I feel comfortable and ready to fight on the Border Counties. I have done a lot of rallies in the Fiesta R5 and believe all the ingredients are there to compete for a win.”
It’s a new year and new challenge for Tom, who is leading the attack for Dom Buckley Motorsport in the BRC. Tom had a successful year last year and appreciates the backing he enjoyed from Spencer Sport throughout 2016.
“I would like to thank Spencer Sport for all their support last year. To work with Charlie and Jamie Jukes and help bring a new team into the BRC was a great experience. To take four podiums together I think shows the level of success we achieved, but unfortunately we couldn’t put a package together this year. I wish them well for the future and I look forward to the new challenges this year will bring.”
Tom has been a long-term supporter of the British Rally Championship and is eager to shine on some of the world’s best stages.
“It looks like the BRC will be well supported once again and it’s an excellent proving ground for young drivers. Elfyn has proved that. The level of competition this year is destined to provide some great battles, so I’m delighted to continue to be involved.”
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Scandinavian conditions freeze Tom’s Cambrian Rally aspirations
It wasn’t the outcome that Tom Cave, co-driver James Morgan, or indeed all of the 108 competitors and everyone involved with Saturday’s Llandudno-based Cambrian Rally had expected, when the event was cancelled after stage one due to a significant overnight fall of snow and sub-zero temperatures.
With it his first rally in the car, Tom (from Aberdovey), tested the McKinstry Motorsport WRC Subaru Impreza on Friday morning. After a few small tweaks to the suspension and with the DMACK tyres working extremely well, Tom felt comfortable in the car and ready to challenge for his first Cambrian Rally victory.
But, when he and James (from Hirwaun) arrived at the start of the opening stage – a 6.35-mile run through Alwen Forest – they were surprised to encounter a road that was completely covered in compacted snow and ice. Running ahead of the rest of the field, there were no tyre tracks or indeed any sign of gravel showing through the white carpet that lay ahead of them.
A cautious approach was definitely the order of service and, with very little grip to be had, Tom and James were extremely relieved to make it to the finish of the stage, having stayed on the road and setting third-fastest overall time after a masterly display of car control. However, any measure of performance was somewhat irrelevant, as it was clear from a competitor’s perspective that the rally could go no further.
News then came in that organisers had cancelled the remaining five stages and subsequently instructed crews to return to the service area, where Tom said:
“It was absolutely the right decision to cancel the rest of the event. It was crazy carrying on in those conditions. I feel sorry for the organisers and marshals, as I appreciate just how much work goes into a rally like this. But it was better to take this course of action than to take any risks in conditions that were more in keeping with the Swedish Rally that’s also taking place this weekend.”
“Of course, it was a shame not to be able to put on a good show for my sponsors and supporters, or to make full use of the World Rally Car at my disposal. I’ll therefore have to wait another year before I can complete what I regard as unfinished business on my most local event. In the meantime, I’m contemplating another outing in the Subaru soon.”
Tom went on to thank James for helping him keep the car on the icy roads and his supporters for this event: the Trefeddian Hotel, DMACK Tyres, Walero and Atech Racing. Also to McKinstry Motorsport for making the journey from Northern Ireland for a weekend that was somewhat cut short.
Further news about Tom’s 2017 rally programme will be announced soon.
ENDS
Photo credit: Richard Simpson
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Tom kicks off 2017 by setting sights on local success
Following a highly successful 2016, when he finished runner-up in the MSA British Rally Championship, Aberdovey driver Tom Cave kicks off his 2017 season with the Llandudno-based Cambrian Rally that takes place on Saturday 11th February. The 25-year old is pleased to be starting his year with one of his most local rallies and consequently, is aiming for nothing less than a top result.
In order to enhance his chances of success, Tom has acquired a WRC Subaru S14 from McKinstry Motorsport to contest the event that hosts the first round of the BTRDA Rally Series. Although having never driven the car before and with his most recent gravel outing that of the Nicky Grist Stages in July, Tom’s experience in four-wheel-drive machinery last year is destined to stand him in good stead. Indeed, it’s worth noting that Tom took outright victory in the last BTRDA event he contested, the Plains Rally in May.
Starting and finishing on Llandudno Promenade, this year’s Cambrian Rally features 42 competitive miles split into six stages in the Clocaenog, Alwen and Penmachno forests, all previously used for the Wales Rally GB.
“I’m passionate about supporting events in Wales, especially this one as it’s organised by my car club, so to compete on a rally that takes place only 20 miles from where I live and features such good stages is a perfect way to start the season. It’s also an excellent way to promote my sponsors, including our family business, the Trefeddian Hotel.
Tom’s season takes on a different look to that of last year’s when he got within one place of winning the British title:
“Of course, I did consider continuing in the British Rally Championship this year, as I feel I could have really challenged for the title. But following the cancellation of the opening round – the mid-Wales Stages – it made it a difficult to justify a BRC campaign to many of my sponsors.
“My plans are now to enter a series of selected rallies that will expand my experience and continue to keep me match-fit. As to what events these will be is still to be decided, but I’m really looking forward to what’s going to be an interesting season ahead, especially as I’ll be kicking things off by driving a WRC car on the Cambrian Rally.”
Tom will be joined next weekend by his regular co-driver from 2017, James Morgan from Hirwaun. The car will carry the livery of Tom’s sponsors: Trefeddian Hotel, Dmack tyres, Walero and Atech Racing:.
A test has been organised in nearby forests on Friday 10th February and Tom has extended an invitation to the media to sit along side him as he shakes-down and acclimatises to the Subaru. Those who would like to attend should get in touch with Press Officer Simon Slade: simon@rpmpromo.com / 07966 1535555.
ENDS
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Tom secures second place in British Rally Championship
Tom secures second place in British Rally Championship following perfect performance on Isle of Man
Tom Cave, together with co-driver James Morgan, delivered a perfect performance on the Rally Isle of Man to secure second place in this year’s MSA British Rally Championship.
From the moment the seventh and final round of the season started on Thursday (15th September) evening through to its conclusion on Saturday afternoon, Tom from Aberdovey and James from Hirwaun never put a foot wrong and reaped the rewards of their efforts, not just for this event, but for the whole of the 2016 season.
With fellow Welshman Elfyn Evans claiming the BRC title on the previous round in Northern Ireland, Tom went to the rally knowing exactly what he had to do in order to retain his second place in the championship.
Goal number one was to finish – not an easy task over a total of 167 competitive miles split into 20 stages on roads that have a reputation for the demands they put on cars and crews. Goal number two was to score enough points to stay ahead of the four other crews that could challenge for the runners-up spot. But that wouldn’t be easy either, as double points are awarded for the last round of the championship.
Focused and determined, Tom set off for the first of Thursday evening’s three stages with the aim of staying out of trouble, but at the same time not lose time to his rivals. And that’s exactly what he did, getting back to Douglas for the overnight halt, not only second in the BRC standings, but second in the overall event behind Evans.
Friday was to be the longest day with 11 stages planned. Throughout it, James kept a close eye on the stage times of the crews that mattered and Tom adjusted his pace accordingly. Another faultless performance by car and crew meant they skillfully maintained their BRC position by the end of the day and now held third place, with Manxman Mark Higgins – who wasn’t registered for the BRC and therefore not taking any points – now heading the field.
For Tom and James and the Spencer Sport team, they knew that Saturday’s six stages were to be the most important of the season. The team gave Tom the best car they could, whilst inside the Fiesta it was a case of 100% concentration and no mistakes for the remaining 60 stage miles. But Tom and James were in the zone and an exemplary drive on the final day saw them cross the finish line at the TT Grandstand having maintained position behind Evans – who had retaken the lead – and Higgins.
After the rally, an elated Tom said: “I’m really pleased we were able to maintain such a good pace throughout the rally and I was able to push when we needed to push to stay ahead of our rivals.
“Second in the BRC is the best outcome we could have hoped for, not just for this event, but for the season overall. We always knew it was going to be tough to beat Elfyn and we were up against so many top drivers. But I’ve had a great team around me and that has made such a difference.
“Not only have Spencer Sport given me a car that’s performed faultlessly throughout the year, but James’ and the team’s support and commitment to what we needed to achieve has been incredible. Testimony to this is the fact that we are one of only two crews in the whole of the British Rally Championship field that has scored points on all seven rounds.
“I would therefore like to thank James for his work inside the car, the team for their work outside it, plus all of my sponsors and supporters, including the Trefeddian Hotel, Michelin and team boss Jamie Jukes for letting me drive his car! It’s been a fantastic season.”
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Tom fights back to take top-ten result in Ulster
Tom fights back to take top-ten result in Ulster and holds second place in championship
A fight back through the field to 10th overall on day-two of the John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally was the best result that Tom Cave and co-driver James Morgan could hope for, considering the issues they had to overcome on day one. Following a puncture and a broken driveshaft on Friday, they climbed 13 places on Saturday and, in doing so, scored enough points to retain second place in the MSA British Rally Championship standings.
A successful test during the week leading up to the event meant that Tom and the Spencer Sport team had the chance to set up their Fiesta R5 for the Northern Irish roads. It meant they put themselves in an excellent position to challenge for a podium place and keep the race for the BRC wide open.
Representing the sixth round of the MSA British Rally Championship, the Derry/Londonderry-based event featured three stages run twice on Friday afternoon. This was followed by a further four stages run twice on Saturday that combined, provided an overall competitive distance of 134 miles. But it was the weather rather than the distance that caused drivers the biggest challenge before the start at Friday lunchtime, as the intermittent rain made choosing the right tyres a lottery.
A considered start, bearing in mind the slippery conditions, saw Tom and James emerge from the first stage in fifth place overall, but then about three miles into the eight miles of stage two something hidden in the grass at the side of the road punctured the front off-side tyre. Choosing to drive the rest of the stage rather than stop and change the wheel saw only 30-seconds lost and, with a further 12 stages still to go, a chance of yet another podium position was still on the cards at that point.
However, a fairly innocuous spin – which was perhaps inevitable in the conditions – was to cause a far bigger issue to that of the puncture. With the car sideways on in a narrow section of road, it required some quick thinking by Tom to get the Fiesta pointing in the right direction again. As he spun the car round under power, something happened to the car’s front near-side driveshaft that meant the Fiesta was reduced to two-wheel-drive.
The Aberdovey driver did a great job of nursing the car through the day’s remaining two stages, but frustratingly, over four minutes was lost and he and James – from Hirwaun – ended the first day in 23rd place. A great effort by the Spencer Sport team during the evening service halt saw the Fiesta back to 100% for Saturday’s eight stages and it was now down to the two Weshmen to claw back as much of the deficit as possible.
Setting a series of front-running stage times – two of them second fastest – Tom and James had a trouble-free day on Saturday and battled their way back through the field to end the event tenth overall and eighth of the British Rally Championship crews. Whilst this hard-earned position was enough to keep them in second place in the championship stands, fellow Welshmen Elfyn Evans and Craig Parry won the event and in doing so secured the 2016 BRC title with one round remaining.
“We were really pleased with our pace on Saturday, but Friday’s problems lost us so much time”, explained Tom. We’ve never finished outside the top four in the British Rally Championship this season, so we’re of course disappointed not to do so again and to lose our chance of battling for the title on final round.
“I really must thank the Spencer Sport team for doing such a great job and for fixing the car on Friday evening. It ran faultlessly on Saturday. The whole team pulled together and we all did the best we possibly could in the circumstances.
“I must also congratulate Elfyn and Craig for winning the event and therefore become BRC Champions. They would have been difficult to catch on the final round whatever happened this weekend, so for us to retain our second place in the championship is as much as we could have hoped for.”
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Storming performance on Nicky Grist Stages secures double second place for Tom
For the second time in as many events, Tom Cave from Aberdovey and his co-driver James Morgan from Hirwaun have scored an impressive second place on an MSA British Rally Championship round and in doing so move up to second in the 2016 standings. Adding to the significance of their result on this weekend’s Nicky Grist Stages Rally, were the extremely wet conditions over both days, coupled with the format of the event that featured gravel stages on Saturday and Asphalt stages on Sunday – a factor that was to reveal which crews were the best all-rounders.
The eight gravel stages on Saturday followed by 10 asphalt stages scheduled for Sunday all took place on and around the Epynt military ranges, the area being one of the only locations in the UK that is capable of hosting a mixed-surface event such as this year’s Nicky Grist Stages. Consequently, with a total of 45 competitive miles followed by 59 miles respectively, as well as for the drivers and co-drivers, the event was to provide a true challenge for the service crews – who would have to change suspension set-ups on Saturday night.
Conditions notwithstanding, Tom made a perfect start and set the fastest time on the opening stage, beating all his main championship rivals: David Bogie, Fredrik Ahlin and Elfyn Evans. Tom continued to hold the top spot until stage three, when current championship leader Evans took the lead when Tom and James were slowed by an overshoot.
However, although ahead of second-in-the-championship Ahlin, Tom and James’ challenge for championship places was eased when the Swede retired on stage two, meaning he had to restart on Sunday under Super Rally regulations but with a series of time penalties applied.
But for Tom and James, the remainder of Saturday’s competition saw them go on to deliver a committed and controlled performance that served to consolidate their second place. Consequently, they pulled away from the rest of the pack and, at the conclusion of the eight gravel stages, they were 52-seconds ahead of third-placed Desi Henry and 48-seconds behind Evans.
Although the rain had eased off in on Saturday afternoon, it was to come back with a vengeance during the course of Sunday morning’s asphalt stages. Initially the roads that crisscross the military ranges were in reasonable condition, but as the weather deteriorated they became more and more slippery, especially with mud being pulled out onto the road as cars cut the tighter corners. Whilst this is not usually such a big an issue for the front-runners, the multi-use of the roads meant that grip levels changed from stage-to-stage.
But that didn’t phase Tom and James as they continued to maintain their pace and underpin their second place. Although their stage times didn’t reflect it, they admitted they were not pushing too hard, so that if anything were to happen to the leader, they would be in a perfect position to take advantage of an opportunity, should it arise.
However, following an incident involving another competitor – fortunately without any serious consequences – and due to the subsequent delay, the rally organisers decided to cancel the final three stages that meant the top three positions remained unchanged.
Following the two days of intense competition and, having dealt so well with all the challenges that were presented to him, Tom was understandably pleased with his weekend’s work when he was interviewed at the finish in Builth Wells:
“We know Elfyn (Evans) was going to be difficult to beat this weekend, so it’s great to be the best of the rest. I’m very pleased that we have been able to score our second second-place in succession and to move up to second in the championship standings.
“It’s also satisfying to know that we’ve been the most consistently placed crew so far, having scored a top four position in all five rounds. That 100% finishing record is in no small part down to the reliability of the car that once again, ran faultlessly throughout this event and I have to congratulate the Spencer Sport team for all that they do to make this happen.
“I must also praise our Michelin tyres that worked exceptionally well on both the gravel and tarmac surfaces and in such changing conditions. Thanks also go to my co-driver James for his great work inside the car.”
The sixth round of the MSA British Rally Championship takes place in six weeks time when, for the second time this season, competitors will experience Northern Ireland asphalt, this time for the Ulster Rally on 19th & 20th August.
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Impressive 2nd place in Scotland gives Tom BRC boost
Tom Cave and his co-driver James Morgan did their title hopes no harm at all this weekend, when they recorded their best ever MSA British Rally Championship result this season with a second place in round four, the RSAC Scottish Rally. The value of their performance was doubled by virtue of Tom playing his joker and consequently, he and James scored twice as many points than they would have done otherwise.
An inspired outright victory on last month’s Plains Rally, followed by a good pre-event shake-down with the Spencer Sport Fiesta R5 last week, meant that Tom arrived in Dumfries for the start of the Scottish Rally in positive mood and ready to resume battle for the BRC title.
Then fourth in the championship standings, he knew he would be up against some tough opposition, namely Fredrik Ahlin, Elfyn Evans and Josh Moffett, who were also in Fiesta R5s – and at that point holding the top three positions in the championship respectively – plus local driver David Bogie in a Skoda R5, who had also played his joker for this event.
The rally, round four of the British Championship, comprised a route featuring a distance of 62 competitive miles split into eight stages within the forests close to the host town of Dumfries. The road surface and character of the stages is quite specific to the region. However, it didn’t take Tom long to acclimatise to the unfamiliar territory and consequently, he set the third fastest time on the first stage, just behind Evans and Bogie.
Another third fastest time through stage two meant he and James entered the first service halt in fourth place, albeit just 0.6s behind Ahlin who had edged ahead. But on the next stage Tom felt the car lose power and, although setting the third fastest time on stages three and four – and still in third place due to Ahlin’s retirement on stage four – the Fiesta was definitely in need of some attention at the lunchtime service halt.
The problem was quickly traced to a faulty regulation FIA turbo-boost pop-off valve and, between the Spencer Sport and M-Sport engineers, all was fixed before Tom and James embarked on the afternoon’s stages.
With his Fiesta restored to full power, Tom went in pursuit of Bogie and Evans and was third fastest again on stage five, before setting the second fastest time on stage six. With organisers cancelling stage seven, suddenly it was all down to the final stage – a 10.64-mile run through a forest referred to as Mount Joe.
An epic drive resulted in Tom setting the quickest time through the stage, 4.5-seconds faster than Evans – a performance that secured him and James a hard-earned second place. Although making it through the stage, unfortunately for Bogie, a broken radiator meant he didn’t make it to the finish, which meant that Desi Henry inherited the final podium position.
“This result just goes to show that it’s not over until it’s over”, said Tom at the finish. “When the engine started to lose power we feared our challenge might be over, but a great job by the Spencer Sport and M-Sport engineers meant we were back in contention. We really pushed hard in the afternoon to make up for any lost time and I’m extremely pleased to have set the fastest time on the final stage and to have taken second place.
“I feel sorry for David (Bogie). That was really though luck, especially on his home event. Getting through the final stage and then not being able to make it back to the finish is the most frustrating thing that can happen, as all the hard work’s been done.
“It’s great for us to have gained a good haul of points on this event. Everything is going in the right direction at the moment: the car and the team, plus James and I as a partnership, so things are looking good for the remaining three rounds. I have to thank Spencer Sport, M-Sport, James and all of our supporters, especially Michelin and Tim Hoare for providing us with excellent tyres, advice and technical support.”
The result in Scotland makes Tom and James the most consistent of all top-four BRC crews, being the only pair to finish and score on all rounds so far. Consequently, they now move up to third in the championship standings.
There’s now just a two-week break before the next event in the MSA British Rally Championship calendar, which takes place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July. The two-day mixed surface Nicky Grist Stages Rally features gravel on the first day and asphalt on the second, over roads on and around the Epynt military ranges near Brecon in South Wales.
IMAGES COURTESY OF JAKOB EBREY PHOTOGRAPHY
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