by Geoff Mayes
Gordon Nichol and rally instructor turned co-driver Jane Nicol are all set for what must be the biggest challenge of their careers when they tackle the opening round of the all-new Suzuki Swift Sport Cup on the Pirelli International Rally this weekend.
Nichol, affectionately known as 'Gogsie', was one of the very first drivers to commit to the series and despite minimal time testing the Production spec Suzuki Swift, is confident that his four years of competing in the 205 challenge, as well as selected outings in an MG ZR in 2007, should help him adjust to the Suzuki quickly enough to be on the pace from the opening round.
Gordon's co-driver, 'Janiebabes', is a top notch driver herself. After co-driving Gordon to a class win on the
Jim Clark National Rally last May Jane switched seats and piloted a Mitsubishi Evo 5 on the Revivers Rally on the Sunday. In fact Jane, the 2003 Ecosse 205 champion, only began co-driving after she was dared to swap seats by none other than the late, great
Colin McRae.
The pair are presently the only crew representing Scotland in the distinctively International flavoured championship and will compete against teams from both the British Isle and Europe, with a total of seven crews so far registered. The winner of the six-round series, which includes rallies in Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland and England, will win a fully funded works drive in a Suzuki Swift Super 1600 on the end of season Wales Rally GB.
"Both Jane and I are really looking forward to this new season. It is the first time either of us have contested the British Rally Championship, and so things like doing a recce are all new to us," he noted.
"We only received the car recently and as budget is tight, we've not had the opportunity to go testing as much as we'd like to.
"The championship is really well promoted with a dedicated slot on TV, and we both have the support of our local papers and radio stations so hopefully we can raise the budget as we go along.
