Teamwoodspeed return to Manby
The team are targeting a competitive return for both the Saxo and 205 at the Manby Motorplex near Louth, for the Opposite Lock Stages Rally in July.
Paul and Mike Woodford have had an entry accepted for the Opposite Lock Rally, which will be the first time the Saxo has been driven in anger since the brothers' troublesome event at Twyford Wood two months ago. Despite the car suffering substantial damage, they still managed 7th in class thanks to what Paul claimed was a real team effort.
Paul said: "The car has undergone a comprehensive re-prep following the last rally, which has resulted in some significant suspension set up changes and repairs to other parts which mean the car will be very different to drive at Manby."
The Woodford brothers' last event at the Manby Motorplex, near Louth saw the Saxo's debut. However the team will be looking for a more positive result at this rally as headgasket failure resulted in a frustrating retirement on SS2 last time at the venue.
Due to Paul's commitments as a TV Presenter for Motors TV, initial plans to contest the ANCC Rally Championship were put on hold, but the Opposite Lock Rally, organised by Slaithwaite and District Motor Club is a round of the ANCC series and reflects Paul's intentions to compete in selected rounds.
Graham Gibbs, co-driven by Rob Young last drove the team's Peugeot 205 on the John Overend Memorial Stages rally at Melbourne, when a wheel stud resulted in retirement. Following this rally, a full rebuilt is in progress and it is hoped the car will be ready in time to enter the Opposite Lock Stages.
The team's lead mechanic and all-round technical guru Tom Hutchings looks set to partner Graham in the hot seat if preparations go to plan. Tom's last event as a co-driver was at Manby in 2009 when he partnered Paul in the Ford Ka.
He said: "It will be great to get back out, and the 205 will be better than ever with a new and improved spec. I suspect it might be a busy day for the team but I'm sure we'll manage!"
Both crews will be looking for a good finish and to put to rest some of the demons that have plagued the team so far this season when they arrive in Lincolnshire later this month.
Further details of the event can be found at www.slaithwaitemc.co.uk. The team's photography sponsors www.rallyaround.co.uk are hoping to be in attendance at the rally and we look forward to showing off their work!
Harewood Hillclimb Yorkshire Trophy 6th August
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