Race Report: Round 7, Wexford Stages Rally.

For our first post on the blog we have a race report from the Wexford Stages Rally, we will have a lot more news and updates on the team and championship to come.

After the disappointment with the non-finish on the Mewla, the pressure was really on for a good result in Southern Ireland on this event. Another new co-driver joined the Get Connected/Accident Advice Solicitors team, coming highly recommended by John Stone after recently completing the Mewla in 4^th overall in the Skoda Fabia WRC, 19 year old Elliott Edmondson from Milton Keynes paired up with Damian for the first time.

A slightly hesitant start, including an overshoot at a crossroads on ss1, saw the team arrive in first service after ss2 already 46s down on local crew James and James Stafford in their Darrian T90 GTR. More importantly though, the Focus WRC was leading the championship registered crews, in front of the two main rivals, Paul Bird and Stephen Simpson.

Setting fastest time on ss3 now Damian was confident in Elliott’s pacenote delivery and third fastest time in ss4, second service was reached 47s behind Stafford BUT 22s in front of Bird and 58s in front of Simpson. Stage 5 saw Bird’s retirement from the event after suffering a puncture and the team ended Day 1 54s behind Stafford and 54s in front of Simpson.

These positions remained the same throughout the six stages on Day 2, fastest times on ss7, 8 and 9 only saw the Focus decrease the Darrian’s lead by 4s but increased the gap to Simpson to 1 min 38s. The decision was made at last service after ss10 to back off, settle for 2^nd overall and maximum championship points and cruise through the last two stages.

 

With two rounds of the championship remaining and both Damian and Steve Simpson dropping Round 8, the Patriot Stages in Caerwent to comply with championship rules, the championship will be settled on the Cheviot Stages on Otterburn in October. With 1.25 points being awarded on this round, Damian’s 4 point lead going into the last round could be overhauled, Paul Bird can compete on the Patriot Stages so a strong result there will help his bid for championship honours.

An exciting finale is on the cards….