Paul Woodford storms to 3rd in class on gravel debut
Paul’s first ever forest rally ended with triumph, as the Teamwoodspeed driver co-drove Rally4Real’s Tim Rodgers to 3rd place in North Wales.
The Cambrian, which was the final round of the BTRDA and Rally First Championships was based in Llandudno, with a spectacular finish on the town’s promenade. Paul said:
“The whole experience was fantastic, the atmosphere in the town and on the stages was electric with the amount of spectators turning out to see the action. It was brilliant to read the notes for Tim, who really knows how to drive a rally car, and to be a part of an International rally was really exciting!”
The rally also saw Paul’s first experience of pace notes and road books, and with Tim’s assistance during the week prior to the start the 24 year old had a lot to learn. Tim said:
“Paul had never seen a roadbook or pacenote until a week prior to the event so it was a big big culture shock to him to be in the office managers seat! He did a great job and we had a great last couple of stages when it all clicked together.”
The event started with clutch problems, which saw the Micra pair well down the order. With the clutch fixed after first service, it was back into the forests for the final three stages of the day where both Paul and Tim knew they had a mountain to climb to put the car back into a good position.
To add an extra dimension to the rally, Paul was presenting for a TV programme being aired on Motors TV channel. The entry of a number of WRC stars, including World Rally Championship leader Mikko Hirvonen made the job an exciting one and we’re looking forward to seeing the TV show, which is being produced by Wayne Goldring and the team at MC-Video. Paul added:
“It ended up being a long day – I spent the Friday doing pieces to camera, along with some interviews, as well as getting the car through scrutineering. Then on the Saturday I had to jump out of the car at the finish in Llandudno to do more TV work…still in my race suit! The highlight of the event would have to be my interview with Mikko Hirvonen, who we all hope will be World Champion come Rally GB next week!”
Paul would like to thank his girlfriend Julie, who as ever supported the effort and without whom the result would not have been possible. Also on the list of people to credit the 3rd place to are Tom Hutchings and his girlfriend Sam, Tim, Becky and the whole of the Rally4Real team who worked so hard throughout the weekend.
The experience has thrown wide open Paul’s options for next season as the team decide what direction to take. One thing is for sure, the options are not in short supply.
*Photos taken by Gary Simpson (Songasport), Christopher Brierley and Wayne Goldring*
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