RALLY NEWS NO.1      Kelso..scrutineering..Friday morning..



Blazing June it cerainly isn't, but this Jim Clark Memorial Rally, put back from its normal date, promises hot and heavy action just the same. The Formula Rally battle, particularly between Martin Rowe in his Ford Puma and Justin Dale in his Peugeot, has built up to fever pitch over the last few events. Each driver/car combination seems to have its strong points, while
Rowe will be looking to Pirelli to give him the tyres for an extra edge.This weekend's competition here in Berwickshire presents yet another new Formula Rally challenge, with its unique closed road special stage format.


David Higgins in the Volkswagen Polo should go well in these conditions, having, like Martin Rowe, cut his rallying teeth on the Manx asphalt stages.  Frenchman Patrick Magaud has the opportunity here to settle down, get to know the stages. The Ford 'works'driver should be quick. Mats Andersson professes to enjoy these stages. His Proton is developing more power, so perhaps the current Super 1600 British Champion can break a barren spell and take some of the Jim Clark awards back to Sweden on Sunday.Certainly his co-driver Claire, on her home patch, will be giving Mats every encouragement. Formula Rally Super 1600 privateers such as Martin Sansom (Peugeot), Max McKillen and Paul Wedgbury in their Saxos, youngster Ian Barrett, Simon Maugher, Boston based Irishman Liam Brady, they all have a point to prove as well.


Behind the Formula Rally contenders, John Indri in his Metro 6R4, closely followed by Irish drivers Tim McNulty (Subaru) and Peader Hurson(Toyota Celica GT4), should provide their own brand of fireworks on this run up to Guy Fawkes night! Marcus Dodd was listed as No1 seed but has withdrawn. Late entries such as Steve Fleck (Subaru) and Barry Johnson (Impreza WRC) should also be in the thick of the action. The National Rally has plenty of interest throughout the 100 plus field, with a big GpN and class battle promised.  Incorporated in the National also are the Volkswagen Polo Challenge contenders. Clive Wheeler has built up a good points lead and could clinch the title this weekend,with its œ14,000 prize money, even with the Banbury  Rally still to come. David Bateson is the only driver who could deprive the Sussex man of the crown. GpN on the rally could be interesting as well, with Ryan Champion running a Lancer, as is Nigel Hicklin, and these two could give the local drivers a run for their money. The Army team running at the back provide their special blend of magic.


Non-starters from the advertised list in the programme include Gethin Jones from the Formula Rally, Marcus Dodd, Tim Ball(10), Keith Robathan(16) & Graham Butler(19). In the co-driver department, Julian Nangle is sitting with Tim McNulty,Tony Cope with John Cope and Guy Wickham with Ian Dixon. More late entries include - Willie Boniwell, Adrian Charlton, Lorna Smith, Simon Wallis, Ashley Reid, Ian Logan & Mike Ramsey. All in all, much interest promised. There are sure to be lots of stories, particulary after tonight's 15 mile very fast stage in the darkness, as well as the early morning tests, which are sure to be very slippy. More news later..BRIAN & LILZ PATTERSON





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TC