DAVID EVANS
“‘Jesus Christ Kris’ doesn’t tell you where to go!”
Stand up Kris Meeke. It’s definitely an option. If the whole rallying thing falls through, stand up is definitely an option.
Meeke’s Rally Mexico car park moment (he struggles with using the adjective ‘magic’ before it…) was – officially – the most memorable of the season. That was the word from the WRC Gala in Sydney last week.
Well, if that Derramadero diversion was the most memorable moment of the season, then the Northern Irishman’s acceptance speech for the award was the most memorable of the WRC Gala.
Shane Jacobson was hosting the evening. He used to present Australian Top Gear, but is probably better known as Kenny from the film, Kenny.
Kenny’s a film about a portable toilet rental company. And it’s very funny. And so is he. And so is Meeke. Having just watched an onboard he could quite happily live without ever seeing again, Meeke took his place next to Jacobson and relaxed.
“It was a mistake rather than a magic moment,” he said. “I still cringe every time I see that, but I think it’s one that will live in the memory of the WRC for quite a while. Thanks to Paul for those wise words…”
Those wise words? I’ll remind you, just as the C3 WRC dived through the hedge and into the car park, Nagle cut the notes and went route one. “Jesus Christ Kris!” Meeke continued: “He was a passenger just as much as me. None of us was in control and ‘Jesus Christ Kris’ doesn’t tell you where to go! Anyway, sorry for the really long speech…
“… I was just out to the toilets and I was standing next to a Finnish guy taking a pee and he said: ‘That guy’s really funny, but I can only understand 50 per cent of what he says.’ I said: ‘Don’t worry, the other 50 per cent is pure sh*te.’”
The place went mad and as Meeke exited the stage, Jacobson couldn’t help but doff his hat. “I’d like to thank my co-host…” I’m a week late with this, but congratulations to WRC Promoter and Rally Australia for a great night out Down Under last week. Suited, booted and a glass of champagne in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge felt a world away from the dirt, dust and tinnies of Coffs Harbour – but both sides of Australia’s WRC round worked a treat. And now, to the other matter for comment. He’s staying. Just as grateful as I am for the news that our champion will remain in place next season, I’m equally appreciative of an end to this drama. Two months ago, Ogier told me in no uncertain terms it wouldn’t linger on until the end of the season. He’d had enough of that last year. No, this time, if a deal could be done, it would be done early.
In fairness, he beat last year’s announcement by two whole weeks.
Regardless of the chronology, like I said, I’m delighted for Ogier and for M-sport. There was a huge element of this year that was thrown together at the last minute.
The champ’s preparations for the season ahead were well short of ideal, yet look what he and the team put together. Imagine what 2018 might hold with more solid foundations.