Just how competitive will this year’s battle for the overall Motorsport UK Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship title be? Well, pretty intense if you ask Neil Roskell, who predicts that there won’t even be time for a brew!
But he’s prepared to forsake his favourite cuppa (well, the odd one anyway) in pursuit of a title that he has come so close to winning.
The Blackpool ace finished third in his first attempt at the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship in 2021 and a very close second in both 2022 and ’23.
He’s been the epitome of consistency, which has sometimes worked against him when the scores to drop calculations have come into play.
Neil knows he must win more rounds to win the title, and this is his aim for 2024.
And guiding him to what he hopes will be his first drivers’ title is non-other than the 2022 Protyre Asphalt winning co-driving champion Dai Roberts, as they launch their challenge in their Michelin-shod ND Civils/Lomand Plant Hire/Hauraton Drainage Products/Witham Motorsport Ford Fiesta Rally2.
“I’m fed up with finishing second, so I’m going all out and giving it my best shot,” says Neil.
“I was happy with my pace last year, although I was disappointed not to win a round of the championship. I’ve been consistent, but I have to win more rounds.
“This year I need to get my head down and come out of the blocks straight away.”
With big wins on the 2021 Tour of Epynt, 2022 Manx National and in Clacton in 2023, it’s hard to believe that Neil only started rallying in 2019. Forget most of the 2020 season because of Covid, and that gives him very little experience compared to his title rivals.
“That’s where I’m struggling,” admits Neil.
“I’m competing against some drivers who have fifteen years or more competition experience and who have come up through the junior and two-wheel drive ranks. I’m on the ragged edge sometimes, whilst they can carry speed in areas where I just haven’t the experience of doing so in smaller cars. But I’m learning and enjoying it.
“I’m also doing the British Rally Championship this year so the car will have to run with a 32mm restrictor or some events. That will reduce its power a little, so I’ll just have to get hold of it and drive it faster!
“I’m looking forward to this year’s Protyre Asphalt Championship. With the likes of Callum Black, James Ford, Mark Kelly, Steve Wood, Hugh Hunter and a load of other drivers, it’s going to be a very difficult championship to win.
“So I’ll have to push on every event and get my game up.
“It’s going to be flat out from the word go – there won’t be any time for a brew!”
A big thank you to Ben Lawrence for the image of Neil Roskell/Dai Roberts on the 2024 East Riding Stages.
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