WEAVER TAKES ANOTHER PODIUM IN ICY CONDITIONS AT GOODWOOD

It was another podium spot for Bembridge’s Richard Weaver at this year’s South Downs Stages rally at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit – an event which saw a number of firsts for the 6 Isle of Wight crews taking part.  It was one of the largest cohorts of Island drivers and co-drivers descending on the mainland for the same event in decades, each facing very icy conditions as the action got underway in sub-zero temperatures yesterday morning (Saturday). Richard Weaver, co-driven by the experienced Steve McNulty, was hoping to replicate his 2019 win – this time in his new Ford Fiesta R5. But a last-minute reserve entry from Chris West in a rapid 306 Maxi gave Weaver tough competition from the outset. Throughout the day Weaver was chasing the 12 seconds that West had taken on a rather icy SS1, securing stage wins along the way, but it wasn’t to be with Richard and Steve finishing the day 23 seconds off the top spot, securing a very respectable 2nd place overall and 1st in Class E. It was Dean Long’s first outing in his newly-acquired Subaru Impreza, co-driven by Barney Lower. Despite it being the first competitive outing for the new car – a significant upgrade on Long’s previous Subaru – the times set on each special stage were impressive. Sadly, a mistaken note meant that they completed an extra lap on the 1st stage of the day. This saw the Island crew fall down the pack to finish 22nd overall and 6th in Class E. The event proved to be a good shakedown though with knowledge built of where improvements can be made for the 2024 season. Wayne Hole and Chris Wilson’s day almost ended prematurely when they smashed through a number of chicane barriers on the approach to a 90 degree right turn. Thankfully, the damage to their Ford Escort Mk1 was minimal and they were able to continue, securing 16th overall and 4th in Class C. Seeded 16th, John Peck swapped his Escort Cosworth for the Mitsubishi Evo this time out. Sadly, a crash on 1 of the nighttime stages saw his rally come to a dramatic end. John wasn’t the only Peck taking part in Saturday’s event as his daughter, Heidi, took to the driving seat of her Ford Fiesta for her first ever rally. Building the pace through the day, Heidi and co-driver Jon Barrett successfully finished in their Level Detailing-sponsored motor taking 46th overall and 6th in Class A. Goodwood regulars Kevin Richardson and Katrin Herold had another tidy drive in their historic, Island-reg Mini Cooper, finishing 38th overall and 4th in Class A. Richard Weaver travelled north overnight to take part in the Donnington Stage Rally at Donnington Park, Leicestershire today (Sunday). He will be co-driven by Cat Lund – and no doubt eyeing up another podium place.