Manx Motorsport Youth Trust supported Collister Rallying came away from the weekends Swansea Bay Clubman's Rally with a podium finish, to add to that achieved on the previous round. The event marked the start of the second half of the extremely competitive Kumho Tyres Clubman's Rally Championship.

Q&S Motors supported driver George Collister (Grenaby) arrived at the event on a high after the 2nd place achieved on the Mutiny Clubman's Rally and with the news he had won the John Easson Scholarship, which will see him contest the Tour of Mull this year.

The opening stage, Rhondda, proved to be a very tricky affair and the slippery conditions along with the low lying mist, lead to a cautions start to the event for the Manx crew. Despite this Collister along with Integrated Capabilities backed co-driver Rob Fagg (Port Erin) posted a competitive time, but did drop 27 seconds to Dave Brick in a similar Escort.

"There was no traction on the opening stage and I couldn't get into the notes" commented George on arrival at the first service, "Rob was spot on but I just couldn't get into them, the second stage was totally the opposite and I really got into it, hopefully we can build on that now. We have dropped 35 seconds to the leader but it could have been a lot worse."

Heading into the Walters Arena spectator stage, stage 3, Collister and Fagg were lying in sixth place from the Kumho contenders. A strong run through the stage and a second fastest Kumho time over the following Rheola stage enabled the pair to climb one place to fifth.

The last stage of the event was also the longest, 15 miles, and enabled the young Manx crew to post fastest time of the Kumho Clubman's crews and snatch third place in the process, overtaking Tim Pearcy and Steve Magson, the former being the winner of the opening two rounds.

"George drove extremely well in that last stage, and it was probably some of the most committed driving I have seen from him this year," explained Rob, "The event has gone well for us and we just hope the season continues on like this."

The result has boosted the pairing championship hopes, moving them both up to third in their respective championships. With two rounds remaining they are still in the championship chase that looks to be heading down to the wire.

"Despite the retirement on the Astra the season is going just as Rob and I had hoped. I feel I am driving well than I have done before. Rob has not put a foot wrong all year and is doing a great job alongside me, the service crew have been magnificent as well", George told us at the
event finish.

The championship now heads to Scotland for Round 5, the Park Systems Stages on the 11th September. With the current form of Collister Rallying they will go there hoping for another good result to keep them in the championship frame.

Before then though George and Rob turn attentions to their home event the Manx Trophy Rally, part of the Manx International Rally. Although they shall not be competing together due to Rob's commitments in the Silverstone Tyres Ford Rallye Sport Ka Championship with another Manxman Andrew Leece. Alongside George will be Steve Parker of Ramsey who is coming out of retirement for the event and looking forward to it.

Co-ordinator
Robert Fagg Rallying
21/07/2004