Cancer Research Rally Team "Robbed of Podium"

'We are one of the fastest Daihatsu team's in the country, which is great news for motorsport in the northwest.'

Local rally set up the Rochdale Exchange Cancer Research Rally Team was robbed of a podium finish last weekend. They were contesting the tough Jim Clark trophy night rally in the Scottish Borders.

Driver John Matthews was consistently rapid, with third fastest stage times in his class on stages 5, 8 and 9 of the 10 stage event.

Pioneer Daihatsu Challenge coordinator said 'This shows that John and his team can compete with the best of them.'

John said 'What a rally! Driving flat out legally at night on public roads is every boys dream. Stage 5 was a blinder! Our time was superb, giving the team a real boost in confidence. However I got ever so slightly excited on stage 6 and put the car into a gauze bush in full bloom, having over shot an easy 90 right.

'We skidded on some rubber and were firmly stuck in the undergrowth. The car kept stalling which cost us a blasted minute. We were soon back on the pace though. Every other stage seemed to have a water-splash. We forgot the wipers at one point and I had no idea where to steer - and the roads are very narrow up there.'

Unfortunately the team had brake problems which cost them a lot of time on the last two stages. They finished 5th in class, their best result this year.

John added 'we were hitting over 100 mph in the dark with absolutely no brakes at all. Now that's a challenge I can tell you! I backed off not wanting to trash the car. Two other Daihatsu's were smashed to bits during the night.'

The Jim Clark rally takes place in and around Duns in the Scottish Borders. A special Act of Parliament is needed as it is the only event on mainland Britain to use closed public roads. Drivers are hitting 160 mph on the narrow lanes. This was the team's first ever night event.

'We can be very proud of our result' said co driver Alexis Harper, 'But we should have been on the podium. Being a teeny bit overzealous and the loss of brakes cost us our first podium finish'.

Their next rally is the McRae in Scotland early next month.

John will be available for rally tuition from this Autumn. For detail of how to improve your driving skills contact John direct on 07970 361 840.

Ends

For further information call John on 07970 361 840 or Margaret on 01706 655 726.

Contact John

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