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Corkill and Fagg out of luck
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Last weekend saw the fifth round of the Dunlop/Wonago.com
MSA British Historic Rally Championship take place on the
Isle of Man and hoping to put local knowledge to full use
was 21 year old Connor Corkill, but unfortunately his
challenge was over almost before it had even began.
Corkill and co-driver Rob Fagg were once again out in the
4HIRE.CO.IM backed Ford Escort MkII which they have
campaigned throughout this year. The car had undergone some
much needed panel work prior to the event following a small
roll last time out on the Mid Wales Stages back in June.
With hopes high for the pair’s local round of the series the
pressure was certainly on them to turn there strong show of
pace on the gravel in 2010 into a first victory in the
Historic series.
The Isle of Man Historic Rally got underway from the famous
TT Grandstand in the islands capital Douglas under a cloud
of mist which was sure to make the early running a challenge
for all crews. The opening test was one for the spectators
and a short blast backwards along the TT course for just
under a mile. With nothing to gain but all to loose a slow
and steady approach was taken and showed as they posted the
12th quickest time.
The event then moved onto the real test as crews tackled
some of the most demanding and challenging tarmac stages in
Europe.
For Connor and Rob though it was not long before they were
in trouble, six miles into the 12 mile Dog Mills test, the
gear
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leaver
snapped leaving less than an inch still connected to the gearbox.
Following a minute’s time loss while they searched for a gear, the
pair were able to get the car into second gear and continue the
stage at a much reduced pace.
Following the stage the pair were able to evaluate their options and
gain the use of third gear in addition to second to tackle the
tricky Druidale stage. They would complete this but in total over
the two stages they would drop around seven minutes and with it any
chance they had of challenging for honours on the event. A service
followed and the team were able to resolve the issue giving the crew
full use of the gearbox again as they headed out for the next loop
of stages but that damage had been done and it was obvious to see
the disappointment for Corkill.
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Connor and Rob tackle the famous Castletown stage
Photo
courtesy of
Writtle Photographic
(http://www.writtlephotographic.co.uk) |
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“We had really high hopes for this event and came into it on the
back of some strong showings on the gravel” explained Connor, “It’s
a big disappointment not only for Rob and I but also the team who
worked so hard to ready the car after the accident on the last
round. We now go out and have some fun and try and set some good
times without taking any silly risks.”
Twelve stages remained on the opening day and straight from service
the Manx pair showed what they were capable off as they posted the
third quickest time just 2.6 seconds off the pace. Over the
remaining stages they would set top five times but despite this they
would lay 9th in Category 3 and 15th Overall.
With nothing major to gain the objective for day two was to have fun
and bring the car home in one piece, any place gains were going to
be a bonus. After setting a number of top five times during the day
including the second fastest time on the final 13 mile stage
finishing back at the TT Grandstand, Connor and Rob fought back to
finish 9th Overall and 7th in Category 3. This
being despite almost three minutes of road penalties after they were
late out of the final service due to a clutch change.
“It’s been a tough evet for us and not gone as we would have like
but Connor has driven with a mature head and we have reached the
finish with the car in one piece, despite the poor conditions”
explained co-driver Fagg at the finish, “We have the thank are lads
and the guys for XS Racing for getting us back out at final service
a great job.”
Next
up for Connor and Rob is the Harry Flatters Rally on Sunday August 1st
when once again they will be in the 4WD and Van Centre backed Ford
Escort MkII. This will start a busy time for the pair as they
contest the fourth round of the Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally
Championship, the TDL Forest Stages the weekend afterwards with the
Ulster Historic Rally following quickly afterwards. |
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Media
15/07/2010
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