So here we are, the final round of the Mini Rally Challenge at the famous Cambrian Rally, also the final round of the British Rally Championship the whole event was sent to be a show down. Once again our Minis were first over the block this time in the company of the legendary Stig Blomqvist in a classic Mini Cooper S sandwiched between Tom Hynd and John Day.
The Cambrian is notoriously testing and SS1 proved to push our crews. Gareth Humphreys and Adam Burkill our 2024 R53 overall champions found themselves upside down in a ditch bringing their rally to a swift end before it even began, both have walked away unscathed and settled in as spectators for the rest of the morning. Oliver Waggett and Chris Pattison unfortunately mis judged a tightening corner just before the flying finish and ended up on their side, despite getting the car back on all four wheels and attempting to continue it was apparent they had bent a control arm as the wheel was locked and their fate was sealed to spend the rest of the rally in the same way as Gareth and Adam . Our final DNF John Day and his hero of a co driver Dan Evans who stepped in after a no show, got to the end of SS1 only to find his alternator had failed and the car was draining power. Ady tried is best to get the car going but it wasn’t to be and they pair were also out for the day.
The Cambrian finishes on the promenade of Llandudno, a brilliant back drop for a final awards ceremony. Jack Birch and Mike Jode walk away with another win rounding off their 2024 campaign nicely. Followed by Andrew Downward and James Coutts, who had their own drama to navigate. They were working until the small hours replacing a crank pully after shredding an alternator belt after sound check. It very much looked like they were going to have to withdraw until a chance conversation with someone at the Motorsport lounge led to them being put in contact with someone who has the part they need. Just to prove going the extra mile pays off as it means the pair took home second spot. Paul Green and Emma Cooper occupied the final spot on the podium the first outing for this particular car, however it isn’t Pauls first gravel round, a really solid finish. The R53s were lead by Mark Jones and Mick Munday, a pair who are regularly proving their speed in the forest and I suspect it won’t be the last time we see them on the top step. In second, Jacob Neal and Russel Thompson finding their grove again in the forest and putting in some solid fast times throughout the morning and finally Guy Butler and Dan Nieroda took away 3rd.
Unfortunately although they set good times throughout the day both Tom and Sue Hynd and Julian fouquet and Julia Perry had on stage punctures meaning although they could continue after a quick change it did mean an end to their campaign for the top spot of their relative classes was passed.
Again another brilliant event for the Mini Rally Challenge, rounding off a great season of close racing. A huge thankyou to all of the competitors, their families and friends for supporting the championship and helping to create the close community we are becoming known for. Of course also a massive thankyou to all of the marshals and event organisers, without whom there would be rallying full stop. We are incredibly grateful for your hard work and commitment.
We will see you all in 2025…… event announcements coming soon, watch this space.
Comments