BRITISH Touring Car Championship ace Rob Collard took fifth overall in the clubman's category of the Hampshire-based South of England Tempest Rally last weekend.
Though more used to racing on the track, in a car he had never driven in anger prior to the opening stage, and with a co-driver he only met on the morning of the event, Collard, pictured, set top six class times on seven of the 12 stages.
Having originally intended to enter the longer International category of the Tempest, licence problems forced Collard and co-driver Dave Webb into the clubman's section and in his new Group N Subaru Impreza Collard was soon on the pace in the forests, two of the stages passing right by his Eversley home and business.
"That was really good fun," exclaimed 2003 Independent BTCC champion Collard at the end of the Tempest.
"My goal was to finish, so to be fifth in class was great. Compared to what I am used to, at club level this seems a relatively cheap sport, and I'm now trying to find other events we can do over the winter."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article