Most notable among those 2004 performances was the title of Kumho Tyres Clubman Co-drivers champion alongside George Collister who he follows as the award winner. In addition Rob co-drove for Ford Rallye Sport Ka Champion Andrew Leece, finishing fourth in the co-drivers standings, and rounded off the year by contesting the Phillips Tour of Mull for the first time as well as taking a top seven finish on the Grizedale Stages with Dougi Hall in a Mitsubishi Evo 6.

After being presented with the Colin Shimell Trophy and his prize of five free entries to events in 2005 Rob said, ‘To win this award is very special to me, mainly because the panel of judges are so closely involved in the sport. I’d have to say a big thank you to all of the drivers I competed with last year, particularly George Collister and Andrew Leece, who are both very talented and gave me the opportunity to achieve the results I have. A lot of people have helped me to get as far as I have so far in the sport and this award is as much credit to them as it is to me.’

Thanks go to Druidale Motor Club, Manx Auto Sport and the Manx International Rally for their continued support of the award and the offer of free entries.