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Isle
of Man Sports Aid Foundation recipient Rob Fagg made a successful
return to competition alongside Shropshire’s James Wozencroft on
last weekend’s Astra Stages National Rally in the Dealer Team
Suzuki Ignis Super 1600. The 2005 British Rally Championship Stars
of the Future Champions were using the event as a warm-up prior to
contesting the Tesco 99 Octane British Rally Championship that
starts next month.
With only one previous outing in the distinctive yellow Ignis back
in November, a test session had been planned to work on the car
set-up, but, after a late decision to change engines, this was not
possible. Despite this initial set back the young crew were looking
forward to spending time in their 2006 car.
The
opening two stages through Alwen forest saw a steady approach as
James blew away the cobwebs after a 3-month break from competition.
This left the MSA British Rally Elite member and Rob lying in 18th
place. Stage 3 was the longest of the rally at 12 miles, and,
despite a spin dropping them around 10 seconds; they still recorded
the 14th fastest time and the 16th fastest on
the next in the slippery conditions. At the service halt the pair
were in a very creditable 16th place overall.
“The
cars running really well, although I was far too cautions on the
first two stages. We are here for a test to learn about the car and
get some stage miles under our belt. The conditions are really
suiting the 4WD cars. We’re
going ok in the fast stuff but out of the slower corners we are
struggling to find the grip. I am really looking forward now to the
second half of the event, especially the next two stages, as we
should be able to push harder,” explained Wozencroft during
service.
Push
they did, setting 12th and 11th fastest times
through the Penllyn and Llangower stages respectively. The time in
Llangower was particularly impressive considering that the times
between 5th and 11th were only covered by six
seconds, and this including four World Rally Cars!
The
final three stages of the event were repeats from earlier on in the
day and with Wozencroft now becoming familiar with his Dunlop shod
Suzuki and the conditions, confidence was beginning to show. Despite
the slippery stages suiting the 4WD cars, someone forget to tell
James. With times just outside the top ten on stages 7 and 8, an
impressive display through 9 rewarded them with 7th
fastest and finish the day in 9th place overall and 1st
in class.
“Today
has been all about learning for James and I, that’s what we have
done”, commented Rob at the finish in Llangollen. “The car has
run without a problem and the tyres worked well in the conditions.
We changed some settings at service and they seem to have improved
the car but there is a long way to go before we have the ideal
set-up. Despite only his second time driving the car, James showed
good pace in the latter part of the event.
We’re looking forward to the Pirelli Rally in May.
Hopefully we will get a good test before then to work on the
set-up”,
Next
up for James and Rob is the Matador Welsh Rally, which is being used
to give James more competitive miles on tarmac. With three rounds of
this year’s British Championship on tarmac this will provide an
excellent opportunity for James to find his feet on the surface.
For
2006 Rob has also received continued support from the Isle of Man
Sports Aid Foundation and has been awarded the Isle of Man Steam
Packet Scholarship.
”The support I received during 2005 from the foundation really
helped me towards achieving my goals and more last year”,
commented Rob. “Without it I do not think it would have been
possible. The foundation has backed me all the way and I am looking
forward to continuing my association with them in 2006. Last year I
received the Isle of Man Bank Scholarship and I would like to thank
them for their support and interest, I hope they feel some reward
from my achievements during the year.”
Rob
is supported in 2006 by the
Isle of Man Sports Aid Foundation, Isle of Man Steam Packet, Isle of Man Bank
and
www.Mexperience.com
Media
06/04/2006
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