Morrison switches seats for gravel run

Rally co-driver Emma Morrison will switch to the driver’s seat for the first time on gravel on the Nicky Grist Stages, her first event driving in 13 years.

Morrison, who has competed in World and European championship rallies as well as international events, will drive a RF1.6 class Volkswagen Lupo on the Builth Wells event on Saturday.

“It’s my first gravel rally driving, and although I’m rather nervous I’m really looking forward to seeing what the drivers’ seat feels like,” said Morrison.

“It all came about when it looked like I was going to be free for a large part of the season. I spoke to my husband’s co-driver and fellow Army Rally Championship competitor Jon Quintrell, who was also sitting the year out while building a new MG ZR for George [Emma’s husband] and him to use next year.

“The plan was hatched to find a car and rally that we could do together. A chat with John Goff and the offer of a car was quickly accepted.”

Goff, who has run the Rallyme team in various forms since the late 1980s and has been regularly commended for his work in grassroutes rallying, announced that he would be selling the business in a shock move last month.

The team will complete the 2018 season, with Goff supported as usual by mechanic Jim Smith.

“The car will be entered by Rallyme,” added Morrison. “Thanks to John Goff for his support in his final year before retiring from running his business.”