Continuing with our look at the various classes and group classifications for Rally Trinidad 2016, we take a peek at the four unique qualities currently within the Group N category. Five drivers ranging in ages 24 to 102, spanning 3 different nationalities, Past Overall Drivers Champion (the youngest to win the title), a former UK Drivers Champion and multiple event winner, to the defending class winner and second place overall in Rally Trinidad 2014. This Group has it all.
Stuart Johnson and co-driver Lee Quesnel go into this weekend the favourites to repeat as Class Champions and the bold prediction could be made that this duo may end the weekend on the overall podium for Rally Trinidad, they are that good. Known for his refined driving style and one who takes care of the car, “Sobbie” as he’s known, runs a very tight team who ensures that his Subaru STi N12 is always running at full strength.
Winning the Drivers Overall Championship at the tender age of 22 among a sea of more experienced drivers is no small task, but in 2014, that’s exactly what Craig Sumair did. He did the double by taking Group honours as well and went on to represent the Club at the FCB Sport awards. Co-driven by the very experienced Trini-Bajan Joshua Plaza, for a second year, this team driving their Mitsubishi Evolution 9 will the greatest challenge to Stuart and Lee, and a keen contest should develop for the two days of stage racing.
From the very young to the very mature… His given age is 102 years old but with the spunk of a teenager… UK national Harold Morley, co-driven by Shiva Maharaj, is the Club’s oldest competitor but is one of, if not, its most treasured. A former UK Rally Champion and many a rally overall winner, Harold has been rallying since the 1960’s and though a resident of neighbouring Barbados, he prefers the smooth gravel stages of Trinidad versus the tarmac stages of Barbados. Their Subaru Sti N16 is one of a few examples in existence ..and casts a great sight as it moves through the gravel stages. His dry wit keeps the Club entertained and Harold can be counted on always to give a humorous perspective of things.
Hailing from far away Suriname, Radj Pershad, is another overseas driver who has made the gravel stages of Trinidad his preferred choice of racing. Like Harold, Radj lives outside of Trindad and flies in just to compete in the year’s racing, a commitment for which the Club thanks these two gentlemen.. this is but a testament of the attraction of our country’s gravel stages. Piloting his Subaru STi N12 and co-driven byShuravi Mallian, son of his previous co-driver – Mukesh Mallian – Radj has taken the title of the Club’s most exuberant driver and can always be counted to give the fans and photographers a few moments that will always stay within their memories.
Rounding out the Group, a stalwart of the TTRC, Kumar Ramdass, returns to competitive rallying for the first time in years. His weapon of choice is a Mitsubishi Evolution 6, Craig’s former Championship winning car. He will be co-driven by Sanjeev Samaroo, his nephew.. and could play spoiler should any of the other 4 Teams make a slip up over the weekend. Up next, the final chapter in this four part series, the fastest cars on the stages, Group A, and of course John “Penti” Powell’s M Sport Ford Fiesta R5.
Rally Trinidad starts on Thursday 17th March with event’s briefing and launch to be held at Bootleggers On The Avenue from 7:30pm. The action begins on Friday 18th with official start and display carded to take place at the Mosportt Bar and Grill in Caroni from 4:30pm. Gravel action begins on Saturday 19th at two locations. The morning’s stages will be in Preysal, on the very fast and flowing “Snake Stage” from9am. The afternoon will see the teams move across the highway and enjoy the gravel at the “Jack and Jill Stage” in Milton Couva from 1pm. The action continues on Sunday 20th with the teams tackling the 8km infamous “Bronte Stage” from 9am. The closing “Super Special” starts at 1pm, held in Reform, close to Brian Lara Stadium and will be a crowd favourite, with its huge jump and many twists and turns.
