Manx Motorsport Youth Trust supported Robert Fagg travelled across to Belfast to compete alongside JT Warnock on the Roy Haslett Preparation Clubman Stages at Bishopscourt last weekend.

This was the first rally Rob had competed on in Ireland and with good conditions for the event he was really looking forward to it. "After the good run JT and I had at Easter he invited me over to compete on one of his local events. Well here I am and looking forward to the day ahead and hoping for a good finish at the end of it" Rob told us.

From the 55 entries there was a variety of machines ranging from the Sidney Meeke built 4x4 2Litre Corsa to a Nissan Micra. The event would take place over 4 stages repeated twice totalling 25 miles offering some tight twisty sections as well as some fast straight sections.

Throughout the day they would struggle with tyre choice, this resulting in a lack of grip and loss of time. On the first stage JT would struggle to keep the power down, as a lack of grip from the tyres would just leave the wheels spinning. After the service with a different compound of tyre on, the car proved to be more stable and enable some competitive times to be set.

At the end of the event after steadily climbing the leaderboard they would finish 14^th Overall and 4^th in class, 25 seconds of 3^rd. With the quality of cars in the event this was a good result and will hopefully lead to the pair teaming up in the future. JT is already considering the trip over to the Isle of Man to contest the Duke Stages, but Rob will be alongside regular driver George Collister for that event and unable to compete with JT

Rob’s attention now turns to preparations for the Manx Trophy Rally beginning on the 1^st August. The event is the 6^th round of the Ford Rallye Sport Ka Championship in which Rob has been competing in this year.

Thanks for continued support goes to: Manx Motorsport Youth Trust, Integrated Capabilities, Manx Telecom, Manx.net, Aon (IOM) Ltd and www.rallycodriver.com

Co-ordinator
RF Motorsport
18/7/03

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