Dan Boardman aims to replicate the class winning form he established in the RBS Manx National rally earlier this year by entering the Rally Isle of Man, this week, round three in the 2006 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.

The event runs over two and a half days with 180 special stage miles on some of the fastest tarmac roads in the world. This is a world famous event, previous winners include Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen and Toney Pond and Boardman is hoping to put his name alongside these all time greats.

"The Manx island roads are extremely technical yet rewarding with open fast and flowing A roads which turn off on to the narrowest of B roads - or rat runs - across fords and 'hairy' big jumps with wonderful scenery. It's one of the only events in which I can drive on the same stages as all the World champions have done in the past," said Boardman. "It's very well organised and a great event to watch too as there is good access to all the stages so there will be thousands of rally fans to lend their support."

After his win on the island in May, he is confident of another class win but is sure the competition will be fierce as this time the rally is part of the British Rally championship. He will again be driving the Suzuki Swift 1300 GTi.

"This will be the biggest and longest event I have done by far. I am more used to the forest events, which are around 40miles in total, the longest forest stage I have done is 12miles but some of the Manx stages are 25miles long. On the longer stages it is more difficult as a driver to keep concentration to a maximum whilst still processing information from the co-driver and car. I have therefore put in a lot of extra preparation before the biggest rally of my career so far," he added.

Boardman is very professional about every aspect of preparation before events and one thing he is especially keen to get right is his pace-notes.

"Fine-tuning the pace notes is crucial to getting the most out of the road and car, there is a lot of detail to take on board whilst travelling at speeds over 110mph including road surface, lines and breaking points so it is critical that I have confidence in our pace notes and in Kev [Haven] the co-driver, delivering the pace notes just at the right time," he explained.

Competing in an international event is a big financial commitment for Boardman who is sponsored by Rossall School and by Preston based Autobreakers, who have supplied him with various parts for his rally cars throughout his career and are helping the team financially.

"It's an expensive sport but it gets a lot of media coverage so if you are imaginative you can act as a marketing tool for commercial enterprises. This year we are taking sponsors' clients out to rallies as VIP guests where they will get to see exclusive behind-the-scenes action as part of the team. Sponsors will also be using VIP guest days as incentive schemes for their staff. In addition to corporate hospitality, the team also offers specialist tuition rally days - a real personal touch," he noted.

The Rally Isle of Man finishes on Saturday afternoon with ramp celebrations at the TT Grandstand and later the infamous after-rally party.

Boardman is also working on plans to contest the BRC next year, competing in the BRC 'Stars of the future' category.


Picture credit: www.manxphotosonline.com