We were recovered back to service at Charterhall and m3motorsport fitted a replacement gearbox - but with ratios for gravel rather than tarmac, top end speed would suffer by 15mph. At least though, we would be there for the first competitive stage on Saturday morning.
Saturday morning started with dry weather unlike the damp conditions of last year so we raced off the line into SS1 - Abbey St Bathans, determined to set minimum times from the outset.
The car was performing well, despite the frustration of the compromise gearbox until a series of left/right/left chicanes five miles into the stage. Negotiating the final chicane, before another very fast straight, the front nearside wheel nuts sheared and with one wheel drive, we were sidelined.
Once the car was recovered back to Charterhall service area, Gareth was reunited with Phil Pugh, Guy Wilks’ co-driver, whose rally had also been cut short with their well publicised fire to their works Mitsubishi. While Gareth and Phil headed back to Wales I was relegated to the role of spectator.
We did consider continuing on the Sunday under SupeRally rules but knowing that the gravel gearbox ratios would prevent us from setting competitive times and without championship points at stake the car was put back onto four wheels and loaded onto the trailer ready for home.
Adam Gould was blistering quick in the Renault Clio that Justin Dale had campaigned two years ago and George Thomas put in a typically gutsy drive to lead the Citroen drivers home.
Thanks to every one for getting me to the
Jim Clark International Rally: Gareth my co-driver (sorry we did not have such a good event as last year), Hankook Tyres, m3motorsport, AVO Suspension, Garwood Motorsport Services, Joanne and Emily for my five days away and finally to Mum and Dad (sorry we only managed 5 competitive miles).
My next outing will be my home event, the Rally of the Midlands, from June 20-21 in and around Nuneaton and Hinckley. It will be Emily’s first rally supporting her Dad. I hope I can make her proud.
Matt
For more information on Matt Beebe visit his personal website:
http://www.mattbeebe.co.uk/ or simply
CLICK HERE.
