Manx co-driver Rob Fagg (Port Erin) teamed up with Shropshire driver James Wozencroft at the weekend to compete in the Cumbria based Malcolm Wilson Rally and take their second victory in the BTRDA Silkolene 1400 Championship series.

In only their second competitive outing in the Thompson Suzuki backed Dealer Team Suzuki Ignis, Wozencroft and Fagg were looking to continue the development of the new partnership and learn about their new machine in preparation for the British Rally Championship ‘Stars of the Future’ series. After victory on the opening round of the championship the pair went into the event as the team to beat and would be up against stiff opposition from the 1400 regulars as well as some quick newcomers to the series.

The young BRC hopefuls set out their stall from the opening stage posting fastest 1400 time, 23 seconds quicker than main rival and second fastest Neil Weaver, this despite a spin on one of the tight hairpins. Quick clean runs over the Grizedale North and South stages saw the lead extend  to 1 minute 39 seconds, but after Weaver had experienced problems it was now Nathan Crewe in second.

A mature approach to the remaining four stages saw the pair maintain their lead and

not take any unnecessary risks as others behind them gave chase, led by fellow Ludlow resident George Thomas, who finished the event in the runners-up spot and emerged second in the championship.

“Today we picked up from where we left off in Chepstow. The car felt good and the notes coming from Rob gave me the confidence to commit 100% and I think this showed in the stage times over the opening three stages” commented a delighted James. “The partnership is getting stronger over every mile we done and this can only boast well for the upcoming events. The car also felt good and the developments made between events have made it more competitive. It’s been a great start to the season for the team.”

Wozencroft and Fagg continue to head the championship tables in the Silkolene Oils backed BTRDA National 1400 series. Continuing their championship campaign they will be contesting the North Humberside Forest Stages at the start of April.

Robert Fagg
08/03/2005