Super Rally relief for Gibbs and Young at Manby
Graham Gibbs and Rob Young finished their first ever rally together in a new car on the Bill Cammack Trophy Rally, thanks to Super Rally rules.
Even getting to the start of the first stage of the rally, at Manby Motorplex near Louth, looked unlikely when wheel and tyre trouble caused delays, as Graham explains:
"Some of the wheels we got supplied with the car don't fit very well, and that coupled to a puncture on a brand new tarmac slick tyre caused us to go over the time limit for starting our first stage. Very frustrating!"
Despite this, Graham and Rob, assisted by team mechanic Tom Hutchings managed to get out for one stage in the morning. However, due to going OTL (over time limit) in service, the pair were forced to withdraw from the main results and rejoin the afternoon stages under Super Rally rules.
With limited time to prepare the Mi16 powered Peugeot 205 GTI prior to the rally, the pair were pleased with a finish. As the conditions improved throughout the day Graham, who hasn't competed in a rally car for over 20 years built up his confidence and by the end of the final stage the pair appeared to be getting to grips with the powerful little Peugeot.
With a brand new Quaife gearbox and a few development issues to resolve, the 205 is very much a work in progress, and Manby was a batism of fire for London-based product designer Rob. Swapping his i-Mac for a race suit he took on the role of co-driver for stepfather Graham to complete the two car entry for Teamwoodspeed.
Paul Woodford, who had been watching the action from the service area following his own retirement from the event earlier in the day said:
"Rob has had a lot to take in, and despite a few problems with the car this morning he's kept his head down and got the job done. It's been great to at least have one of our cars finish today and it's a shame we couldn't have still been in the running later in the day to see how our stage times compared. They've both enjoyed themselves today and that's the main thing - we're all looking forward to getting out again!"
The team would like to thank AB Motorsport and Cottingham MOT Centre for their support building up to the event. With plans under way for the repaired Citroen Saxo of Paul Woodford to be entered into an event at Cadwell Park in late March, we'll bring you news of the next event for Graham in the 205 GTI when we get it.
For full results from the Bill Cammack Trophy Rally see www.billcammackrally.co.uk and for photos from the event visit Teamwoodspeed's photography sponsor www.rallyaround.co.uk .
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