TINN TAKES CONTROL!…
David Tinn/Giles Dykes, in their MEM Proton Satria, not only conquered Otterburn at the weekend, with an outstanding win, but also took their first MSA Asphalt Rally Championship victory.
A warm welcome awaited contenders in the Championship on Otterburn for the Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally, organised by Whickham & District Motor Club and Hadrian Motor Sports Club. Competitors were treated to fast, flowing but tricky stages that were slightly damp and slippy in the morning, following a cloud burst over the ranges.
Right from the word ‘go’, David and Giles met the demands of the ranges with an outstanding
performance resulting in taking the lead early on. As the cold started to set in on the final leg, the crew were welcomed back to the finish control to receive their winners’ medals and an array of people wanting to take photos. David reported that “the car had been faultless all day, and he thanked the organisers for a good event and his service crew for keeping the car running all day”.
Challenges came from Richard Clews in the Subaru Impreza. Richard had been nursing an old reoccurring injury during the day, but it didn’t impede too much on his performance. Overall Championship winners Damian Cole/Paul Morris chose to take their MK2 Escort to the event, a lovely sound emanating from the distant hills. Damian remained in 5th position for most of the day, but was able to claw it back to 3rd overall – and maximum Millington Rear-Wheel Drive Challenge points! Well worth the long trip.
Bristol driver Oliver Hopkins had a good competitive drive during the day taking him to a credible 5th O/A in the championship and 2nd in the Class N4 Drivers award. Meanwhile Manxman Stu Bainborough battled through bales and several fences to bring his Mitsubishi Evo 6 home with a huge smile from both driver and co-driver.
A good result came from our youngest driver, William Hill in his Ford Fiesta, despite sliding off early on. He was quickly back on the tracks and making up the time he had unfortunately lost. Mention must be given to Phil Bruce, who had sold his car prior to the event and was delivering it to its new owners on the way home, so a steady run from Phil was what was required. I’m sure I can speak on behalf of all his fellow competitors in wishing him all the best for his forthcoming training.
A good battle on the day ensued with Richard Milbank in the Vauxhall Corsa and David Smalley in their Vauxhall Corsa, the result could have gone either way, but Richard took the B9 award by 3 points. He commented going into the final stage that “he was feeling more nervous now than he was on the start line in the morning”.
A disappointing non-start for Bob Fowden/Ashley Trimble who had gearbox problems prior to the start in the morning. Ashley was vying for 2nd in the codrivers’ championship.
Kevin Harbour proudly told me that he had competed on every event in the championship and the little Peugeot had held up throughout them all. He did say that it was touch and go for this event as they were still working on the car late in the week. Kevin left at 3am in the morning to get to the venue ready for the start, so if wanted during service breaks could be found resting his eyelids!
Report – Jane Evans
2016 Championship Roll Of Honour : Click Here
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS tables following the Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally have already been circulated – if you have any queries, please contact the Championship Coordinator before 12 noon on Tuesday 18th October when they will go FINAL.
AWARDS PRESENTATION & DINNER DANCE – Saturday 12th November.
Circulated with this Bulletin is the ‘Roll of Honour’ detailing all the award winners from this year’s MSA Asphalt Rally Championship. As previously announced, the Awards Presentation will take place at Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield, and we hope to see you all on 12th November. Once again, the relevant booking forms, for both tickets & accommodation, are available HERE.
2017 MSA ASPHALT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Due to reasons beyond our control, the calendar for the second half of next year’s Championship is still in a state of flux! Obviously, nobody yet knows whether the Jim Clark Rally will be given the go-ahead, but the organisers have stated that, should the necessary permissions not be in place by Christmas, there wouldn’t be sufficient time to put the event on….. What we can say is that our 2017 season begins with Port Talbot Motor Club’s Tour of Epynt on Sunday 12th March, before moving on to the Manx National Rally (5th/6th May). The Jim Clark National Rally will be a one-day affair and is scheduled to run on Saturday 27th May, while the ALMC Stages takes us over to Trim, in Co. Meath, on Sunday 2nd July.
Rest assured, as soon as we have further information/dates, we’ll be in touch again. As the season is now at an end, it just remains for us to say ‘thank you’ for your support of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship during the year – we sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves and we look forward
to seeing you out and about again in 2017.
THANK YOU!