Close But No Cigar

There was just over 1 second in it at one point. From ACP and myself to Travis Pastrana it couldn't have been much closer. With Tanner in his increasingly rapid Evo X another handful of seconds behind us, it was flat out, nothing else would do.

Stage start in the NorthWest. Mountains, sunshine and tough competition.....!

Ken Block had already sufferd the effects of a punture and retired with broken suspension, but then we lost a rear tyre, spun and had no choice but to limp to the end of the stage. That, as they say, was effectively that.

There we have it, 100% flat out for 2 days and missed the podioum by less than 3 seconds. However those that kept up that pace and didn't get dramas thouroughly deserved their champagne.

Although it was a very hot and dusty rally, a big enough cut on that corner and you got wet...

As I reported previously, that was the first of a string of events over the next month. A tough one to start at that. Although we didnt bring home the points we wanted, I did bring back some sunburn and jet lag as per usual.

Im back home now, and trying to stay awake to get back in to UK time ASAP for this weekend. I head up north tomorrow, ready to start the recce for the Jim Clark Rally on Thursday.

Then, just as soon as i've got back into GMT, its off to Canada and to the Rocky Mountain Rally in this car

In just 24hrs i'll be back to the British Championship and some classic tarmac roads with Kris Hall in the Fiesta ST. Bring it on.

Here and Now!

Last couple of weeks have been fairly plain and straightforward really, no travelling and not much to report! But heres a brief update anyway.

- Leaving my phone in the hotel in Belgium wasn't my smartest move, still not recieved it and they promised they sent it back. Right.

- Instructing at the London Rally School kept me out of trouble for a few days. I find it good fun to share my experience and point people in the right direction down a stage!

- Im starting to build the wiring harness for an 2009 Impreza Turbo Diesel 24hr Endurance race car. Yes, you read it right, an oil burner. It will have the WRC body work and do over 170mph so its no ordinary old smoker.

- Almost had a last minute rush to the Isle of Man, not to compete but to lend a hand to a recently injured friend. Will save the competing over there until the International rally in a couple of months.

-Watched my first full 90minutes of football in well over a year. Arsenal lost. Dammit.

- My plans for the next few weeks are pretty crazy and I think there are two possible approaches. Plan every detail; each flight, every different rule and regulation ( at least 3 different championships in 4 weeks); every tyre option and fuel level, every hotel for each different city and country, every stage recce'd, notes made and car set-up needed, and so on. Or just kind of go with the flow, make sure I make the first plane and let it all happen!!!

Hmm, best re-fill the printer.... 4 international rallies, 4 weekends.....here we go.

Either way, pics and write ups on here!!! Soon!!!