Andrew Bushe evoked memories of Tony Pond, Russell Brookes, Jimmy McRae and Dessie McCartney when he flew over the Isle of Man stages in a Vauxhall Chevette HSR.
And despite it being 20 years since Andrew last rallied on the island, he and co-driver Geraldine McBride finished sixth in a bumper Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship BTRDA Historic Asphalt Cup field on last weekend’s Manx National Rally.
And with no power steering to help manoeuvre the heavy Chevy, it proved to be a good physical workout for the 46-year old from County Down, Northern Ireland as well.
And after a fast and trouble-free run Andrew finished 53rd overall out of the 170 starters.
“We were happy to finish the Manx National Rally in one piece, with no major dramas and a great weekend’s craic,” said Andrew.
“There was a busy time with a few wee problems leading up to the event, including a master switch having to be replaced before shakedown, and we started Friday a little unsettled and lacking commitment.
“A bit of a reset on Saturday and we were setting more respectable times, and I was really enjoying it. It’s just a pity we lost a few of Saturday’s stages due to cancellations, but the classic Manx test over Druidale and the Baldwins was truly epic. It was a dream to drive the HSR over some of the fastest asphalt stages.”
Andrew hopes to return for Round 6 of the Protyre Asphalt Championship, his home Down Rally on 22 August.
Andrew is supported by Rallyretro, Carryduff Tyre Centre, Adams Transport, McMurray Tractors Ltd, GSM-Sport and Superdrive Motor Sports Centre.
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