Sansom Volunteers On Sunseeker As Fowle Bids Farewell

Rallye Sunseeker news release

There are some changes taking place at Rallye Sunseeker International, in the management team. Sadly 2011 was the last event for Matt Fowle who is stepping down from his role as Chief Marshall (Volunteers Manager). Having been present on the event in one form or other since 1986, Matt has been the driving force  in coercing the massive team of volunteer marshals to turn out year-on-year.

Up until 2001 Matt marshalled at various points on the event, in those days the opening round of the National Rally Championship, and would have seen stars such as Richard Burns, Marcus Dodd and Kenny McKinstry  compete.  Then in 2002 he took over the role of Chief Marshal from Dave Walton and over the following 9 years has seen the rally grow to where it is today as the opening round of the MSA British Rally Championship.

Speaking to Rallye Sunseeker Matt said " During my time as Chief Marshal the event has seen over 10,000 officials signed on, and over the course of the years many of these have now become very good friends. But don't worry I will still be there in 2012, but this time I will be doing the event and taking part in the Historic Class in my Mexico. I know I will be in for a great rally, because I have seen at first-hand how  hard the team behind Rallye Sunseeker work. Next year Les Samson will be taking over my role and having known Les for many years  I know it will be safe in his hands and I wish him luck." When asked what he would see as his personal highlight he went on to add "I have seen the event change and grow over the years and it has been good to play a part in that. The stages at Avon Park were lost so the event took in the Wareham forests, and that was a success. The sea front stage moved from early Saturday morning to become a Friday night spectacular, and that brought rallying to the South coast public. This has now been replaced by the razzmatazz of  the Pool Quay start, which was amazing last yea- over 7000 people turned up. All I want to do is thank EVERYONE who has helped me over recent years"

Les Sansom, is a well-known figure in the world of rallying in the southern parts of the UK. Les spoke to Rallye Sunseeker and told us " the very first time I came out on the event it was called The Mazda Winter Rally and that was back in 19something or other!  So when the team asked me to take on the post of Volunteer Manager (or Chief Marshal as I've always known it) I have to admit to some trepidation about following two masters of the role in Dave Walton back in the eighty's and ninety's and then my good friend Matt Fowle who has performed minor miracles for the last eight years.  Certainly some large footsteps to follow I'm sure you'll agree and my grateful thanks go to both of them for the help and guidance they have given me over the years- my role in later years being a Stage Commander. Rallye Sunseeker  has a superb team of people behind it who have ensured that it has reached the top, as round one of  the MSA British Rally Championship."

Finally, Les said " please thank the outgoing "Volunteer Manager" Matt Fowle, for all of his efforts by e-mailing me at marshals@rallyesunseeker.co.uk  and at the same time volunteering your services once again; you can also mention which stage you would prefer to marshal. I hope you continue to support Rallye Sunseeker and make this best rally in the MSA Championship again.  I really need your help in my new role and will try my utmost to manage the task as well as my predecessor, so please get in touch with me or your regular stage commander soon."