FUCHS LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge Round 6 Carryduff

The FUCHS LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge moved over the Irish Sea to Lisburn County Down and got the Down Rally for 52 miles of closed road action over 11 stages. The Rally was based at the Eikon centre, which is on the site of the former Maze prison. 

New registrations were welcomed in the form of Jeff Robinson with Ian Evans and Colin McDowell who brought the hugely experienced Geraldine McBride as co-driver. Jim Brindle brought a new co-driver in the shape of Martin Young, as Sam Bould was recovering from an operation, Suzanna Whalley was making sure Sam was well rested leaving Barry to find a new passenger, Jamie Mactavish. Martin Melling and Lewis Griffiths being the only full regular crew as Heidi Woodcock brought Louise Thomas as her driver for this event with the Mini Girls Rally Team. 

The first loop of 3 stages included Lough Erne, Drumaknocken and The Eikon Super Special Stages, this saw Colin McDowell set the pace, leading from Jim Brindle, with Jeff Robinson settling in 3rd. The second loop was a repeat of SS1 Lough Erne plus both sides of the infamous Hamiltons Folly and a repeat of SS3 Drumaknocken then a final run through The Eikon Super Special. Colin McDowell fancied his overall chances in the rally and dropped a chance of championship points by using a non championship tyre. This allowed Jim Brindle to take the lead, and Jeff Robinson to take second and Louise Thomas to sneak into third. Martin Melling was having subframe mounting problems which slowed his progress and Barry Stenhouse followed close behind. 

The final loop was both Hamiltons Folly stages and a third attempt at the Drumaknocken Stage. Jim Brindle continued his dominance of the stages recalling that his last to Northern Ireland was running 80’s boxing legend Barry McGuigan doing the British Rally Championship with his Race and Competition Engineering concern. All drivers consolidated their positions and it was a credit to the event that in its 60th year, the Mini brand was the well supported with 2 John Cooper WRC minis in the top 3 in the hands of Jon Armstrong and Daniel Harper. Plus all six classic minis finishing the thoroughly enjoyable event. 

FUCH’S LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge Results for the Round 6 2019 

1st Jim Brindle / Martin Young 
2nd Jeff Robinson / Ian Evans 
3rd Louise Thomas / Heidi Woodcock 
4th Martin Melling / Lewis Griffiths 
5th Barry Stenhouse / Jamie Mactavish