Engine issues force Brown out of race

STEVE Brown’s final event of the 2022 season was not the success he hoped for, retiring from the Mallorca-based Rally Dijous Bo with engine issues in his Nissan Micra Kit Car last weekend [11-12 November].

The Rochdale driver had headed to the popular Balearic Island in a bid to round out his season on a high, after a quieter spell behind the wheel. Co-driven by Paul Stringer, he would contest the closed-road asphalt event on his second appearance in Mallorca, coupled with a gruelling timetable that included ten special stages on the mountainous roads, all packed into an overnight schedule.

An exciting challenge, even for the experienced local aces, the event would attract an impressive entry and Brown was excited to head back to the island after securing second in class in the 550 Challenge last October, his debut in Mallorca.

And it was a positive start for the Nissan Micra Kit Car driver, setting 24th overall fastest time on the opening stage of the rally. Settling into the uncharted and tricky stages, he would then work his way towards a top 20 place, and a creditable third in the class.

Sadly, on the sixth stage of the event, the engine in the Nissan began to develop an issue, forcing Brown to park up, suffering instant retirement.

“It was a disappointing way to end what had all the signs of a positive run,” said Brown.

“It’s never nice to retire from a rally but everything was starting to come together for us.

“The stages were really unique and not like anything we have back at home in the UK, so it was taking a while to get used to it. But that’s how it goes sometimes, and the Nissan has been very reliable for me, so it just wasn’t to be this weekend.”

Brown now looks to 2023 for his next campaign.

“We have the Winter to get it looked at and fixed but we had planned another outing here in February so we will need to make fast progress. Depending on the outcome, we would like to aim for that return, but we will have to wait and see what happens.”

Steve is sponsored by Fuchs Lubricants, 710 Oils, PIAA, Questmead, Mintex, Brake Prep, and Magnum Motorsport.