RALLY ACTION returns to Bronte!
By Jacqueline Alexis – TTRC PRO
The Trinidad & Tobago Rally Club is proud to present its 6th High Speed Stages event on Sunday 19th September – same location, same course as the last rally – BRONTE! The drivers are looking forward in eager anticipation to competing on the 19th.
They so enjoyed running this route on the previous occasion – August 22nd - that the Club is doing a repeat. The John Powell / Nicholas Telfer duo took the podium finish in the 4WD group in 35 minutes and 4.85 seconds with their Shell Helix / Intercontinental Shipping sponsored EVO IX. Jamaican Bobby Marshall and Trinidadian co-driver Anand Awai in their Singer sponsored Mitsubishi Colt sealed the fate of the 2WD category in 40 minutes 14.48 seconds. Powell said “…the course is a technical one and I enjoyed it immensely..” It is 7.8 kms long and passed through some of the most scenic parts of the southern stage with blind crests, straights, corners and ditches.
An alternate Service Park was constructed at the last minute due to heavy rains causing some structural damage to the usual location. This paid off handsomely as a beautiful vista was presented to the spectators at the new upper level location. The rally cars could be seen coming over the far crests, drifting round corners and powdering ridges with their dust plumes. The route passed some 50 meters from the Service Park and the marshals had their hands full in controlling the crowd that flocked to that corner.
Although rain fell the previous day and made the Service Park slushy and muddy, the rally started in sweltering heat that gave way to some showers for a brief spell in the afternoon. The day began with 20 eager competitors – 12 in 4WD and 8 in 2WD – with Dr. Mark Williams holding down Car 0 in his EVO V. Clerk of the Course – Scott Sheppard – maintained the timeliness of the event that was filled with lots of action in both 2WD and 4WD categories and a couple of incidents. There was a fair level of attrition as mechanical issues eventually claimed 7 cars throughout the day.
The Rally Club sends thanks to all sponsors – Stag, Ultra Lubricants, Tropical Power, Illuminat, Red Bull, Dasani Water – all our hard-working officials and marshals, especially those drivers who were not competing and came out to marshal, media personnel, all competitors and spectators / well-wishers.
RESULTS
4WD category, 2-N class
1st - John Powell / Nicholas Telfer – 35 minutes 4.85 seconds
2nd - David Coelho / James Harris – 37 minutes 45.51 seconds
3rd - Robert Cadiz / Jason Costelloe – 38 minutes 23.12 seconds
4WD category, 3-A class
1st - Gobin Mahadeo / Graveney Dindial - 40 minutes 16.58 seconds
2WD, 2-3 class
1st - Bobby Marshall / Anand Awai – 40 minutes 14.48 seconds
2nd - Donald Gopaul / Michael Dinnoo - 41minutes 53.54 seconds
3rd - Roger Mckenzie / Joshua Plaza - 46 minutes 14.59 seconds
2WD, 2-4 class
1st - Rezan Mohammed / Arshad Mondro – 40 inutes 30.01 seconds
2nd - Shelford Robinson / Rajesh Jairam – 47 minutes 6.06 seconds
3rd - Ansel Ali / Ken Mohammed – 49 minutes 3.798 seconds
OVERALL
1st - John Powell / Nicholas Telfer – 35 minutes 4.85 seconds
2nd - David Coelho / James Harris – 37 minutes 45.51 seconds
3rd - Robert Cadiz / Jason Costelloe – 38 minutes 23.12 seconds
BEST TEAM
Shell Helix - John Powell / Nicholas Telfer and Rezan Mohammed / Arshad Mondro