Local co-driver Rob Fagg retired from the weekend’s ROUSH Manx National mid-way through the event while lying in 37^th overall and in a very commanding class lead.

Competing alongside British Rally Championship driver Barry Clark, the pair were lying in 52^nd place as then arrived at the overnight halt.   This despite power steering problems and the wrong suspension setup throughout the opening days stages which made the car a handful for Barry to drive.

Overnight the powering steering pump was changed and suspension altered to make the car more driveable and this showed as they produced a clean run through the first stage of Saturday.   This moved them up the leaderboard but a broken rear damper mounting over Druidale on the very next stage hampered their progress, although they did post 40^th fastest time over the stage to move them into 41st.

Disappointment was not far away for Clark and Fagg though, and Stage 10 would be there last when 20 seconds after starting the stage it was all over.   The engine cut out and the car cruised to a halt at the side of the road, investigation found this to be caused by a broken sensor mounting which was unfixable.

“The event has certainly been an experience and an eye opener.   Barry is a talented driver and this was obviously the reason he was selected for the Ford Junior Team last year and is continuing in the S1600 British Championship again this year” commented Rob, “Despite the problems we had during the event he showed great car control and commitment on the stages and I am just disappointed not to have got a result this weekend, but must thank Barry for the opportunity to compete alongside him and wish him luck in the second round of the BRC next weekend.”

This weekend Rob will actually take a well-earned break from rallying after competing for six of the past seven weekends.

Rob would like to thank the following their support: - Manx Motorsport Youth Trust, Integrated Capabilities, Aon (IOM) Ltd, Manx Gas Clark Commercials and www.rallycodriver.co.uk

Co-ordinator
RF Motorsport
11/05/2004