ROSKELL IS FAULTLESS ON MANX CHALLENGE
The Manx Rally proved to be every bit as challenging as previous editions as this iconic rally returned after a two-year absence. Some tried and failed but through it all came Neil Roskell and Andrew Roughead for a classy win in their Ford Fiesta R5.
Though the entry of 70 cars was down on what the event deserved, this was still a win that showed just how far Roskell has come in his relatively short rallying career. He took the lead on the opening stages as Friday evening moved into darkness and delivered a faultless performance in the lanes on Saturday to complete his first Isle of Man victory.
One hundred and 10 miles of classic Manx lanes lay in wait for the crews, but out even before the start went pre-event favourites Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke and their Ford Focus WRC when the pulley on the crank timing belt seized as they headed for the shakedown stage. It was a devastating blow to the crew.
Pritchard’s non-start left the way open for neighbours and friends Roskell and Andrew Bowen (Fiesta S2000) to dispute the early lead but their battle ended on SS6 when Bowen’s engine blew.
Roskell tool a 1m20s lead into Saturday and stroked it home to win by over four minutes “That was only my second time rallying in the dark and this event is another level,” said Roskell.
“I’m still learning!”
When Gareth Edwards crashed his Escort Mk2 out of the rally on Saturday’s opening stage, up into an incredible second place went young local ace Rory McCann in his Honda Civic, once again showing his potential in the frontwheel-drive car. However, as Saturday progressed he was hunted down by another local crew George Collister and Ian Postlethwaite in their BMW 328 and on the final stage Collister pulled back seven seconds to grab second place by less than three seconds. Results
Organisers: Manx Auto Sport Ltd When: May 13-14 Where: Isle of Man:
Championships: FIA Celtic Trophy, HRCR Stage Masters, Welsh Historic, ANWCC, SD34 Stages: 14 Starters: 67.
1 Neil Roskell/Andrew Roughead (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h33m52.3s; 2 George Collister/Ian Postlethwaite (BMW 328i) +4m37.8s; 3 Rory McCann/Paul McCann (Honda Civic); 4 Stewart Morrison/Kerrie Macgillivray (Ford Escort Mk2); 5 Richard Fishleigh/Jason McCullough (Ford Escort Mk2); 6 Gary Leece/Sarah Coole (Ford Escort Mk2); 7 Chris Simmons/Andrew Moss (Darrian T9GTR); 8 Ben Crump/Ian Beamond (Ford Escort Mk2); 9 Andrew Dudgeon/Shannon Bridson (Honda Civic); 10 Oliver Davies/Benn Innes (Ford Escort MK2).
Class winners: Philip Shaw/Macklin Wilson (Vauxhall Nova); Dudgeon/Bridson; Andy Duggan/Kayleigh Duggan (BMW E30); Morrison/ Macgillivray; Fishleigh/McCullough; Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Whiteley (Mitsubishi Lancer E3); Dave Holland/Neil Gater (Ford Fiesta R5); Tony Shields/Neil Bye (Ford Escort Mk1); David Pedley/Grace Pedley (Ford Escort Mk2).