Further-down the field a strong entry in class R2 promises to be entertaining. Vesa Mikkola led for a large portion of the opening round before mechanical problems dropped him back and should be at the head of the pack. Lorna Smith won the Pirelli International at the wheel of her Suzuki Swift and following a recent trip to Ireland to perfect the tarmac settings on their cars both Lorna and her team-mate James Wozencroft should go well.
Amongst the Citroen C2R2’s, round one winner Jason Pritchard recently contested the Manx International and is confident that his car is set up correctly for the
Jim Clark. Both George Thomas and Jamie Hickman will be hoping to avoid trouble and get some solid points on the table.
Matt Beebe, who won R3 in 2006, had used a Citroen C2R2 on the Pirelli International, but due to problems outside his control he has switched back to his trusty MG ZR160 for round two.
Fin McCaul, the only person to contest the Pirelli in a diesel, faces stiff competition from two Irish interlopers, both at the wheel of Skoda Fabias’ whilst the ever entertaining Landrovers are also entered.
In the Stars class round one winner Mike Harris Junior has had no chance to test between events, whilst fellow C2 driver Mark Gamble recently dominated his class on the Manx and is therefore happy with his setup.
Both Richard Sykes and Luke Pinder will be hoping to have slightly better runs as well. Sykes led the last round early on, before mechanical problems dropped him back to third in class, whilst Pinder retired early on.
The 2007 Jim Clark International Rally begins on Friday night with two short spectator stages around Langton before the crews tackle two long and tiring days of high speed rallying along closed public roads around Kelso, in the South of Scotland. The ceremonial finish, back in Kelso on Sunday night, should be a welcome sight for all the surviving competitors.
