Northern Ireland Rally Junior Kris Farrell brings us this great report summarising his recent two forestry events as part of the Hankook MSA Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

7^th August: Dogleap Stages

For my first time out on gravel, a cautious approach was taken. We took the first loop of stages at a steady pace, as we built confidence on the loose surface. On return to service we found that we were coming third in the class! We decided to continue at the same pace and take no chances; we did not want to throw away valuable championship points! Our confidence was certainly starting to grow, and during last service, news came through that the class leader in the championship had retired from the event. This meant a finish would move us into the championship lead! We left service brimming with confidence, and had a very tidy run on the seventh stage. But unfortunately on the road section towards the last stage, the main selector pin in the gearbox sheared off, leaving us unable to select any gears.  This meant we could not start the final stage, and subsequently had to retire from the event. It was very disheartening, considering the mature approach we took to our first forestry event, and to be so close to leading the championship. However this is rallying I suppose, and we must remain positive and move on to the next event…

11^th September: Lakeland Stages

With the added pressure of ‘home event’, and a non-finish in the Dogleap, a step up in pace was needed. And from the start a more aggressive approach was taken. Two really good runs on the opening two stages, and swapping times with more experienced competitors! The Solo Petroleum backed Proton never handled better and was a joy to drive! We were really ‘on the pipes’ on the eleven mile third stage; second fastest; and only eight seconds off the leader, despite hitting a heavy shower and experiencing some brake fade!

Up to 38^th overall, and having a real good battle at the top of the class, the rally was really looking promising. However, the car had started to handle badly towards the end of the stage, and on investigation I noticed that two wheel studs had sheared off the front right wheel! The plan now was to proceed cautiously through the fourth stage to service, but, about half way through the stage, the loose wheel pulled us off the road. There was very little damage to the car, but we were unable to get out of the ditch. A disappointing end to the day, after such an encouraging start…

With only three rounds left, hopes of winning the championship are all but over. But nevertheless we will continue to do our best, and see what luck throws our way! Next up is the Bushwhacker Rally, 25^th September, where a decent points finish is needed.

Photo Credits :
http://www.kgrallypics.com/

Hankook FlickR