Brad Cole is aiming to return to the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship on the final round of the series, the Hills Ford Stages (14/15 September), after breaking his arm on the Manx National Rally.
The Somerset driver, who finished a career-best seventh overall and second in B13 in 2022, had made a great start to this year’s series and was once again challenging Darren Atkinson for the class title.
Brad was tied for seventh place overall and second in class going into the final stage of the Manx (having finished 12th overall and second in class on day one) when his gorgeous Ford Escort Mk2 unexpectedly stepped out of line and clipped a wall.
Whilst co-driver Dan Petrie was uninjured, the steering wheel was ripped out of Brad’s hands so sharply that it broke his arm. Despite this, Brad refused to go straight to hospital as he didn’t want the ambulance to leave the stage and potentially cause the stage to be delayed.
“I didn’t want to ruin everyone else’s days rallying just for my arm,” said Brad.
“It wasn’t too bad. They had some painkillers in the ambulance, and I was happy watching the rally to be honest!
“The rebuild has started on man and machine.
“I might be wrist to shoulder in a cast, but that won’t stop me making brews and cracking cans of lager for boys in the shed!
“I’m humbled by the amount of messages that I’ve received since our accident halfway through the last stage of the Manx. It means the world when you’re sat at home with your feet up.
“There’s a certain rally in three different shires to be ready for, so I best get busy.”
Brad’s car is prepared by Trick Motorsport and supported by Hydroline Solutions Ltd, EBG East Budleigh Garage and Performance Vehicle Engineering – PVE – Mapping, Remapping and Dyno.
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