Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge - Rally Isle of Man

As the 2006 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge moves to its third round on the notorious closed-road stages of the Isle of Man, there’s still nothing in it between the leading crews in the highly competitive one-make series for Group N Mitsubishi Lancers – with three drivers tying for third place.

Seven of the eight registered Evolution Challenge teams are making the trip to the island, a figure which represents 22% of the 32-car Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship entry.

As it did in round two, the Jim Clark Rally, Britain’s premier series shares the event with the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Championship, a factor which sees a larger overall entry, although the Irish registered Mitsubishi competitors are not eligible to score BRC or Evo Challenge points.

Round one Evolution Challenge winner, Gwyndaf Evans, is the highest seeded series contender – hardly surprising as the experienced Welshman regularly sets the fastest stage times and is no stranger to the Isle of Man. Evans will be hoping for a better outing than he had on the Jim Clark Rally, as he retired when transmission troubles struck whilst leading the Evo Challenge.

Next up is Jonny Milner, twice former overall winner on the island in 2003 & 2004 and another driver who will be wishing for his luck to change after a number of frustrations so far this season. However, things could be worse as he currently lies second in the Evolution Challenge standings.

An impressive seeding sees Stephen Petch third of the Mitsubishi series contenders. After troublesome runs in the two previous Challenge rounds, Petch entered the recent Swansea Bay Rally and, although a wholly gravel event, did confidence in himself and the car no harm at all by winning the fifth round of the Evolution Cup.

Evo Championship leader Stuart Jones lines-up next. His second place on round one and win last time out see him with a two-point advantage. Even so, Jones will also be looking for a more competitive outing in order to stay ahead and has recently tested the car to ensure he hits the ground running.


Another to have used the Swansea Bay as a means of gaining additional seat-time, is fifth-seed Phillip Morrow. Unlike Petch, the young Ulsterman did not compete but was seen as course car on the South Wales based event. Morrow is another who wants a hassle-free run and intends to increase his focus, having clobbered a bridge and taken a wheel off in the Jim Clark Rally!

In contrast, Neil McCance is enjoying his best Evo Challenge season yet, having posted a second place on the Jim Clark Rally. McCance admits that he might not be the quickest Mitsubishi driver in the series, but if others try too hard he’ll be right there to take advantage of the situation.

Similarly, Connor McCloskey scored his career best Evo Challenge finish last time out, with a third place – even though he had to drive with no brakes for some of the event and will therefore be another who is looking for a clean run this weekend, partnered by his third co-driver in as many events.

Following a host of niggling problems, culminating with a sticking throttle and impact with a tree, former Peugeot Challenge Champion Shaun Gallager has chosen to miss the Rally Isle of Man, but will be back for the Ulster Rally in September.

The International Rally Isle of Man gets underway at 6.00 pm on Thursday from the Douglas TT Grandstand. Five stages take place that evening, followed by a further 12 on Friday and seven on Saturday. The route totals 187 competitive miles – a distance which, combined with the notorious nature of the roads, is going to push both cars and crews to their limits.

The Evolution Challenge offers driver the best prize in British motorsport – the chance to become a Mitsubishi works driver in the British Rally Championship. The series is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart and sees the continued support of its associate sponsors: Walon, Pirelli, PIAA, Speedline Corse, Shell and Mintex.

Rally Isle of Man
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge entries (in start number order)

15. Gwyndaf Evans (Dinas Mawddwy)/Huw Lewis (Machynlleth)
17. Jonny Milner (Huggate)/Nick Beech (Lewknor)
19. Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Williamson (Tow Law) (J)
23. Stuart Jones (Welshpool)/Craig Parry (Llanymynech) (J)
24. Phillip Morrow (Lisburn)/Daniel Barritt (Burnley) (J)
33. Neil McCance (Comber)/Sean Moriarty (Kerry)
43. Connor McCloskey (Kilrea)/Robbie Durant (Bicester) (J)

(J) = Junior driver.

Championship positions after round two
Drivers
1st Stuart Jones - 21 points
2nd Jonny Milner - 19 points
=3rd Phillip Morrow - 15 points
=3rd Neil McCance - 15 points
=3rd Connor McCloskey - 15 points
6th Gwyndaf Evans - 14 points
7th Shaun Gallagher - 13 points
8th Stephen Petch - 12 points

Co-drivers
1st Nicky Beech - 22 points
2nd Craig Parry - 21 points
3rd Daniel Barritt - 18 points
4th Charlie McGinty - 15 points
5th Huw Lewis - 14 points
=5th Michael Wilkinson - 14 points
7th Damien Connelly - 6 points
8th Sean Ferris - 4 points

More at: http://www.evo-challenge.com

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