Mull Rally 2023
Mull Rally 2023
Happy to report that all 4 of WMD cars completed the Mull Rally but not without its dramas.
First off and into the night’s stages were Andy Woodward and Harry Stubbs Starting the night the crew were lying 25th overall and 5th in class and the possibility of 3rd in class was on the cards.
First two stages went very well and we were now up to 23rd and on the pace catching 4th in class; however it was not to be because in the very next stage the right rear damper snapped causing the crew to limp though the next 10 miles of the stage. Losing 4 minutes after stopping to check the issue, they made it to the end of the stage. Damage was then assessed at the end of the stage and they still had a 7 mile stage of Mishnish lochs to complete before service and Andy said to Harry ‘are you okay to push on in here to try and stop losing too much time’ which they did, only dropping 13 seconds to Chris in the Clio!
So all hands on deck at service, 2 new rear dampers (fitted great work by the team!) and into the final loop, no issues and setting a 16th overall in the 16 mile stage. The boys happy to get to the finish in 33rd overall and 8th in class.
Next into the night were the hard charging Chris Woodward and Josh Beer starting the night 37th and 9th in class.
The guys were looking at climbing back up the order after their costly spin at the end of leg 2. Crew and car were all working well, the only issue for them was a tyre that had ripped which was changed at service and had caused no time loss. Chris struggled to find a good rhythm through the final loop reporting back that tiredness had kicked in, but still set consistent times and finished a very well deserved 28th overall and 7th in class.
Ian Woodward and James Campbell Rallying were having a really good rally and looking forward to the evening stages.
Ian’s confidence was on a high after a good run over the afternoon stages, a very big moment with a bridge in the first loop soon shattered that and Ian backed off slightly with his eyes on the prize of getting to the finish with a good result finishing 37th overall and 10th in class.
John Woodward and Kevin Ikin gave the new Escort a great debut result taking second in the H2 class and 41st overall.
Car ran faultlessly all weekend other than a few minor things needing tightening up and a slight exhaust issue.
Getting used to the historic escort will take some time with John being used to driving a lot more modern version, reporting back struggling with the H pattern gearbox at the hairpins and no powersteering. The notes also need to change as in some places they don’t seem to work with the historic car. But a great result for a brand new car and the pair delighted with the result.
Overall a top weekend and to get all four cars to the finish is a massive achievement on its own! Big thanks to James Thomas, Chris Leach, Jonny Brereton, Jim Symms, Andy Puttnam and Pete Hill for looking after the cars and crew over the weekend.
Also thanks to Tom Bowen, Jen Simpson and Alison Woodward for their support!
Big thanks to all our Mull family who accomdate us every year and we love to see you guys Riona Kangley Gerry Kangley Graham Davidson Liz Davidson.
Lastly thanks to everyone that make Mull Rally happen for us organisers,Marshall’s,medics,radio Crews, Recovery crews your work is very much appreciated.
Till next year
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