August 2009
As I write this I am sitting on the boat on the way home from the Ulster International Rally, and much like the rally itself its not exactly smooth sailing. Retiring on the opening stage of the event wasn't in the script, and provided me with one of the biggest disappointments in my driving career. On arriving in Ireland we were greeted by monsoon downpours, and the prospect of a very wet rally seemed to be a foregone conclusion. But come Friday the dark clouds had been replaced with blue sky and sunshine - things we're looking up.
Unknown to us an unsuspecting right 3 halfway through the opening stage would claim our hopes of challenging for a top 3 position in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy. We had the corner noted as muddy but, we were carrying a fraction too much speed and slid wide into a bank. The impact wasn't big, but it was enough to bend the bottom arm enough that we couldn't get a replacement wheel on. Despite some desperate roadside repairs we had to admit defeat and re-start the event in super rally.
We thought our event was bad, but it could have been a whole lot worse judging by the amount of cars that had been rolled into an unrecognisable bundle of scrap metal. This made the decision to drive for the finish of the super rally an easy one. We had nothing to gain, and with a dent in the front wing from our earlier off we didn't want to add anymore!
I'm not one to wallow around thinking about if, buts, and maybes and going forward things are looking busy. We've got to decide if we're going to do the Trackrod Rally, we could potentially claim third in class in the BRC but budget will be the main factor. Meanwhile slightly further ahead we've got the Tunnocks Tour of Mull coming in October and we're still working to secure the budget for the IRC round in Scotland. So if you've just won the lottery and are looking to splash some cash give me a call!
I tried my hand at a spot of TV work with the Brick and Steel Ecosse 205 Championship on the Speyside Rally. Keep an eye on You've Been Framed as there were plenty of out takes which have been said to be working their way there! (I don't mind providing I get the cash!) It was good experiencing things from the other side so to speak, and it was interesting working with the guys doing the championship.
Anyway, that's the ferry about to dock so I'm off. Feel free to drop me a line info@steviebrown.co.uk at any time.
Stevie
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