Rally-Driver.com: Stobart Isle of Man win and Second in S1600

Stobart Isle of Man win and Second in S1600
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Julian on 07 August, 2006 12:00:00
 
The Stobart VK Rally Teams were one place short of dominating the top step of
the podium in the third round of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally
Championship with Stobart VK Subaru Team driver Mark Higgins winning the GpN
class and Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team driver Barry Clark taking a strong
second place in the S1600 class.
Reigning BRC champion Higgins was untouchable over the three days of the event
held on the same world famous tarmac roads as used by the motorcycle TT races to
come home almost four minutes ahead of nearest rival, Guy WIlks.
“All credit to the team, they gave me a fantastic car, it hasn’t
missed a beat all rally,” said Higgins, co-driven by Rory Kennedy.
“We had to go fast from the beginning and make a lead as if you hang
around here it’s gone.”
Barry Clark in the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team drove a considered rally
and really found his rhythm as the event progressed.
“The event went well and we really turned a corner with the
Fiesta’s set-up,” said Clark, co-driven by Scott Martin. “The
rally went to plan, we built a nice cushion and were never really threatened. It
would have been nice to have Roman there to judge the pace.”
Julian Reynolds in the second Stobart VK Subaru developed his car during the
course of the event, his first time in the Isle of Man for nine years, moving
into the top ten. It was a rewarding rally for the Welshman who has limited
four-wheel drive tarmac experience, despite which he was able to set the second
fastest stage time in class on SS21, with only Higgins quicker.
“We had a few moments on the last stage but the rally went really well,
it was very enjoyable,” said Reynolds, co-driven by Paul Spooner.
“We tried to get the set-up and the tyres right and there was only one
stage where we really pushed and the time was good. We’ve learnt a lot
for going to the Ulster.”
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team driver Roman Kresta endured one of his
shortest ever rallies after having an off on the event’s very first stage
on Thursday evening. Although Kresta and co-driver Petr Goss were unhurt the
same could not be said of their car. “There was a jump and we had a big
compression on the landing, the rear slid about and then bang, it went so
quickly and it was a big accident,” said Kresta. “I have a sore neck
and sore ribs and that was the end of the rally for us.”
Round four of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship takes place on
September 1-2 with the Ulster International Rally where both Stobart Motorsport
Rally Teams will be in action. The Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team and the
Stobart VK Rally Team will be in action this coming weekend with OMV ADAC Rallye
Deutschland.
Further information on Stobart Motorsport can be found at
http://www.stobartmotorsport.com