Hi all,
Just down from the clouds after a terrific week in Wales, our second world championship event in the S2000. A little more pressure this time as we had acquired a SWRC entry for the event, and moved in with the priority drivers. It was a top class entry, with newly signed Skoda UK driver Andreas Mikkelsen, and championship pace setter Jari Ketomaa on the entry list, it was a perfect opportunity to pace myself against the best S2000 drivers in the world.
We had a great test the weekend before, and with some recent engine developments from M-Sport, I was confident that we could go there and give a good account of ourselves.
The route was similar to last year, some changes, such as 12km of tarmac on Epynt before joining the original Crychan stage, and a new stage to me, Resolfen to replace Rheola which has been struck down by a tree disease.
A good recce and shakedown made way for the most difficult day of the rally in my eyes. Friday consisted of six stages based in Mid-Wales, Hafren (the longest stage of the rally) Sweet Lamb and Myherin. We started with a clean run through Hafren, and Sweet Lamb and were looking forward to rounding off a good morning loop in Myherin. However just 7km into the stage we had a rear puncture, dropping us two minutes. It was a bitter blow so early in to the event, but we tried not to let it affect us too much and we pushed on. We had a better second loop, however we had damaged the rear arch liner after the puncture and this allowed the mud and water to get into the car, leaving us with some soggy feet at the end of the day, but still 5th in SWRC.
Day two was the longest, with a 10km sprint through muddy Radnor (another classic stage new to me) Monument Hill, Four Ways-Crychan, and Halfway (All three based close to the Epynt military ranges). We were quite cautious through Radnor, as it was very tricky, tricky enough to see the demise of rally favourite Seb Ogier. But with really good runs over the Epynt stages, we started our comeback. With Monument Hill catching out third place man Brynildsen, we were up to fourth and getting more into the swing of things. Saturday evening stages brought us into the dark and more progress. Halfway was in complete darkness, and with the absence of the corner pods it was difficult whenever the car was sideways, but still the time was respective. In concentrating so much on what was in front, we hadn't noticed that Patrik Sandell was closing fast after having problems of his own on Friday.
We started Sunday morning one minute ahead of Patrik, and one minute behind third place man Xevi Pons. There were two stages repeated, Resolfen at 30km and the famous Margam stage at just 7km. We had a slow run through Resolfen 1, dropping over 20 seconds to Sandell, however Jari Ketomaa crashed out, promoting us to third in SWRC.We had still taken 20 seconds from Pons so we were still in shouting distance of him. Margam 1, again we took time from Xevi but more importantly Patrik took another 8 seconds, putting him only 25 seconds going into the final loop.
It was the first time in a long time that I had to enter the final stages of a rally and have to push, but I was willing to do anything to keep on the podium. We went to Resolfen 2 and drove the best stage I have ever drove in my life. There were a handful of places where I felt I lost a bit, but everywhere else was 100% and dragging every last drop from the car, and it showed. Patrik only took 6 seconds from us, and at the end of the stage, admitted it was his all too! Another surprise, was toward the end of the stage, we started to catch Xevi, and knowing we were only 40 seconds behind, we pushed that extra bit, and managed to get ahead of him, albeit by just 0.4 of a second. So with just the last Margam stage to go, we had a safe but reasonable run through, keeping ahead of both Xevi and Patrik to secure second in SWRC, and 12th overall.
It was a fantastic way to round off our season. A season plagued with bad luck and misfortune early on, but with our trip to Finland, came the turning point. Aside from the roll in Trackrod, we have enjoyed success after success, with the win in Ulster, qualifying for the PSD Shootout in Sweden, seceding in the PSD Shootout, and now our first SWRC podium.
This bodes well for our new adventure in the WRC Academy in 2011. We had also planned on going to Monte Carlo, but after much thought we have decided that Rally Sweden may be the better option, as I have not done a snow rally before, and at the end of the day, it's the WRC where I want to be in the coming years.
So the winter season is quiet for rallying, but provides the perfect setting for training and recovery before going head first in 2011.
I'll try and have another blog before the new year, but if not, I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and don't drink too much!
All the best,
Craig
Monday 22 November 2010
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Pirelli Star Driver Global Shootout, WRC 2011 here we come!
Hi all, apologies for the absence, hectic to say the least!
Well what a week that was! We travelled to Sweet Lamb in Wales on Tuesday last, for the first of our Pirelli Shootouts. We had prepared well, and with good runs in both the Renault Twingo and Subaru N15, we were confident that we had showcased what we could do. However on the day, it was Elfyn Evans that shone and I wish him all the best in his 2011 BRC campaign.
We kept our heads held high and on Thursday night headed to catch a flight to Salou for the Global Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. Friday was a training day performed by ESP who will look after the PSD training next year. They outlined the different aspects of a professional motorsport career, an interesting day for sure. On Saturday, the driving took place. A 6km gravel stage repeated, and a 2km tarmac stage (on gravel tyres) repeated. No official times were given, but going on the co-drivers stopwatches we were in or around fastest on both. We were second on the road on the gravel stage which didn't help as it was so loose, but we compensated with a big push to make sure the time was still going to be good.
A final nerve racking interview in front of the judging panel, including none other than Michelle Mouton, a rally legend. After the judges had made their decision we were brought to the media room and told who had got through. When they called my name it was just such a flow of emotions I can't describe it. Everything that we had worked so hard for had finally come together.
The prize is a fully funded drive in a Fiesta R2 in the new FIA Junior Academy, incorporating six rounds of the WRC in 2011. A dream prize, and finally we're back on the world stage.
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground now as we prepare for Rally GB, which is coming up in 3 weeks time. We have acquired an SWRC entry for the rally so a little bit more pressure, but I think we shouldn't be too far away from the pace setters.
Keep posted as I'll be keeping up to date with the preparations for GB!
All the best,
Craig
Well what a week that was! We travelled to Sweet Lamb in Wales on Tuesday last, for the first of our Pirelli Shootouts. We had prepared well, and with good runs in both the Renault Twingo and Subaru N15, we were confident that we had showcased what we could do. However on the day, it was Elfyn Evans that shone and I wish him all the best in his 2011 BRC campaign.
We kept our heads held high and on Thursday night headed to catch a flight to Salou for the Global Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. Friday was a training day performed by ESP who will look after the PSD training next year. They outlined the different aspects of a professional motorsport career, an interesting day for sure. On Saturday, the driving took place. A 6km gravel stage repeated, and a 2km tarmac stage (on gravel tyres) repeated. No official times were given, but going on the co-drivers stopwatches we were in or around fastest on both. We were second on the road on the gravel stage which didn't help as it was so loose, but we compensated with a big push to make sure the time was still going to be good.
A final nerve racking interview in front of the judging panel, including none other than Michelle Mouton, a rally legend. After the judges had made their decision we were brought to the media room and told who had got through. When they called my name it was just such a flow of emotions I can't describe it. Everything that we had worked so hard for had finally come together.
The prize is a fully funded drive in a Fiesta R2 in the new FIA Junior Academy, incorporating six rounds of the WRC in 2011. A dream prize, and finally we're back on the world stage.
I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground now as we prepare for Rally GB, which is coming up in 3 weeks time. We have acquired an SWRC entry for the rally so a little bit more pressure, but I think we shouldn't be too far away from the pace setters.
Keep posted as I'll be keeping up to date with the preparations for GB!
All the best,
Craig
Thursday 26 August 2010
At last, the win!
Hi All,
Two more weekends sucess followed our result in Finland. Firstly, we travelled to Sweden, to take part in the selection rally for the Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. From four, the fastest two drivers got through to the World Final Shootout. We finished second to Sweden, and earned our place. So we are now heading to the final, however the date and location has no been revealed. I am however working hard on my fitness, and other aspects at the moment.
We returned back home to Ireland at the weekend, for the International Rally of Northern Ireland. It was a rally that treated me well last year, as this was where we wrapped up the Irish and UK Fiesta Sport Trophy Titles. Again, a good recce, similar stages to last year. The rally started midday on Friday, and we led from the second stage, right the way into the overnight halt, and into leg 2. Keith Cronin and Gwyndaff Evans, both fell into difficulties, and left me to a clear run to the finish (for a change!). We ended up winning the rally by a minute and a half, and I had finally won my first rally, made more special by the fact it was an International Rally. The feeling of getting the first one out of the way, was amazing. We had worked hard all year long, and battled cruel luck, but finally we had done something I had dreamed of for so long....and now I want more!
At the moment, I'm training hard for the Shootout, and hoping that luck stays on my side!
All the best,
Craig
Two more weekends sucess followed our result in Finland. Firstly, we travelled to Sweden, to take part in the selection rally for the Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. From four, the fastest two drivers got through to the World Final Shootout. We finished second to Sweden, and earned our place. So we are now heading to the final, however the date and location has no been revealed. I am however working hard on my fitness, and other aspects at the moment.
We returned back home to Ireland at the weekend, for the International Rally of Northern Ireland. It was a rally that treated me well last year, as this was where we wrapped up the Irish and UK Fiesta Sport Trophy Titles. Again, a good recce, similar stages to last year. The rally started midday on Friday, and we led from the second stage, right the way into the overnight halt, and into leg 2. Keith Cronin and Gwyndaff Evans, both fell into difficulties, and left me to a clear run to the finish (for a change!). We ended up winning the rally by a minute and a half, and I had finally won my first rally, made more special by the fact it was an International Rally. The feeling of getting the first one out of the way, was amazing. We had worked hard all year long, and battled cruel luck, but finally we had done something I had dreamed of for so long....and now I want more!
At the moment, I'm training hard for the Shootout, and hoping that luck stays on my side!
All the best,
Craig
Wednesday 4 August 2010
Flying in Finland!
Hi all,
What a weekend in Finland it was! 19th overall, and 9th S2000 car home. It was a tremendous experience, and I've learned more in a week than I learned in my relatively short career to date. It was great to have an event that ran so smooth with not so much as one problem. We tested on the Monday, and found an excellent setup, and spent the day at an excellent piece of road, which was very Representative of the rally. Recce started Tuesday morning, and continued until Wednesday evening. We decided to make new notes this year, although we had notes from last year, we felt starting from scratch would be better. On Thursday night the rally started with the Super Special stage, we ended the day 34th overall. Friday started early, and 13 hours in the car lay ahead. We started slowly and chipped away all day with no problems, and we ended the day 24th overall. Another tough day on Saturday awaited us, and we really started to make progress as the day went on. At the end of the event, we were about 15-20 seconds a stage away from the fastest S2000 runners, and mixing it with the middle of the SWRC pack. This was way more than I expected, and I was absolutely chuffed when we finished. I'd like to thank everyone involved in getting us there, especially after the accident in Donegal. It was just what we needed to get back on form, and get the confidence up again. And confidence is what I need for when I travel to Sweden next week, for the first stage of the Pirelli Star Driver shootout. Luckily, I've been selected to represent Ireland by the MSI, at the Snapphane Rally in Sweden. It's shaping up to be an exciting prospect indeed, and I'll let you know more as the event draws closer!
All the best
Craig
What a weekend in Finland it was! 19th overall, and 9th S2000 car home. It was a tremendous experience, and I've learned more in a week than I learned in my relatively short career to date. It was great to have an event that ran so smooth with not so much as one problem. We tested on the Monday, and found an excellent setup, and spent the day at an excellent piece of road, which was very Representative of the rally. Recce started Tuesday morning, and continued until Wednesday evening. We decided to make new notes this year, although we had notes from last year, we felt starting from scratch would be better. On Thursday night the rally started with the Super Special stage, we ended the day 34th overall. Friday started early, and 13 hours in the car lay ahead. We started slowly and chipped away all day with no problems, and we ended the day 24th overall. Another tough day on Saturday awaited us, and we really started to make progress as the day went on. At the end of the event, we were about 15-20 seconds a stage away from the fastest S2000 runners, and mixing it with the middle of the SWRC pack. This was way more than I expected, and I was absolutely chuffed when we finished. I'd like to thank everyone involved in getting us there, especially after the accident in Donegal. It was just what we needed to get back on form, and get the confidence up again. And confidence is what I need for when I travel to Sweden next week, for the first stage of the Pirelli Star Driver shootout. Luckily, I've been selected to represent Ireland by the MSI, at the Snapphane Rally in Sweden. It's shaping up to be an exciting prospect indeed, and I'll let you know more as the event draws closer!
All the best
Craig
Monday 12 July 2010
A compromise in Bulgaria!
Hi all,
Obviously as time progressed, it became impossible to have the car ready for the start of the Isle of Man, and I was forced to give it a skip. It was a really bitter blow, as right from when we purchased the car, I had always said how much I was looking forward to throwing the car at the narrow lanes over there, but it was just not to be. It looked to be an extremely tough event, and credit must be given to Keith and Barry on a great job, and another maximum for them. My co-driver Gareth was out with BRC veteran Gwyndaf Evans in a JRM Evo X and had some bad luck when an off dropped them two minutes and any chance of a three in a row for Gwyndaf. They still managed second place, so more points in the bag.
Our BRC campaign is pretty much gone now, however were going to continue on regardless, as we know that elusive first win can't be far away!
For a while it looked like I was going to be back in M-Sport for the week of the rally, but on Tuesday I was asked to go to Bulgaria as part of the weather crew for the World Team, which I was absolutely ecstatic with! I flew out Wednesday evening, done a quick tour around on Thursday and then the rally started Friday morning. There were lots of early starts, but it was a really interesting job, and I was chuffed to be part of the team. My job was pretty straight forward, but at the same time enjoyable. Reading the temperature, clouds, wind, etc. and reporting back at regular intervals. It gave some time to reflect also, on what's been a pretty dismal season so far, but also look forward to our next event, WRC Rally Finland.
It's going to be a huge challenge for us, with no less than 17 S2000 cars taking part, 10 f those being fiestas. It will be the first time I've competed against other S2000 cars, and my first real gauge as to where I am with this calibre of car.
There is a bit to go yet though, and I still have two weeks work in M-Sport before I leave. I'm in the hydraulics section at the moment, which is interesting work. This section also includes where the dampers are rebuilt, so its really relative to see the inner workings, to understand how they operate.
That's all for now, I'll update closer to Finland!
All the best,
Craig
Obviously as time progressed, it became impossible to have the car ready for the start of the Isle of Man, and I was forced to give it a skip. It was a really bitter blow, as right from when we purchased the car, I had always said how much I was looking forward to throwing the car at the narrow lanes over there, but it was just not to be. It looked to be an extremely tough event, and credit must be given to Keith and Barry on a great job, and another maximum for them. My co-driver Gareth was out with BRC veteran Gwyndaf Evans in a JRM Evo X and had some bad luck when an off dropped them two minutes and any chance of a three in a row for Gwyndaf. They still managed second place, so more points in the bag.
Our BRC campaign is pretty much gone now, however were going to continue on regardless, as we know that elusive first win can't be far away!
For a while it looked like I was going to be back in M-Sport for the week of the rally, but on Tuesday I was asked to go to Bulgaria as part of the weather crew for the World Team, which I was absolutely ecstatic with! I flew out Wednesday evening, done a quick tour around on Thursday and then the rally started Friday morning. There were lots of early starts, but it was a really interesting job, and I was chuffed to be part of the team. My job was pretty straight forward, but at the same time enjoyable. Reading the temperature, clouds, wind, etc. and reporting back at regular intervals. It gave some time to reflect also, on what's been a pretty dismal season so far, but also look forward to our next event, WRC Rally Finland.
It's going to be a huge challenge for us, with no less than 17 S2000 cars taking part, 10 f those being fiestas. It will be the first time I've competed against other S2000 cars, and my first real gauge as to where I am with this calibre of car.
There is a bit to go yet though, and I still have two weeks work in M-Sport before I leave. I'm in the hydraulics section at the moment, which is interesting work. This section also includes where the dampers are rebuilt, so its really relative to see the inner workings, to understand how they operate.
That's all for now, I'll update closer to Finland!
All the best,
Craig
Thursday 24 June 2010
A bad weekend all round...
Hi all,
Last weekend in Donegal started perfect, a great recce, and an excellent start, 6 stages on Friday wen't as smooth as ever, and we ended the day in a comfertable 2nd overall. It was the happiest I have been in a long time with my pace and overall package. However, little did I know when I woke on Saturday morning, that I was arising to one of the dullest days in my life so far.
An average first stage dropped us back to 3rd behind Tim McNulty, but as I learned before, it's best just to leave the WRC boys to it! I went into SS8 Fanad Head with a lot of hope, as it was a stage I really enjoyed from last year. We were having a really good run, as we approached a high speed section of the stage. There was a late medium left followed by a flat right hander. I just cut the inside of the left a little too much and hit a stone and puntured instantly, unfortunatly I could not negotiate the following corner, and we hit a pier of a house at high speed. It was a bitter blow, and again I was denied a great result.
The car was bad, and I dwelled for a while how the team and I were going to be able to afford to get out of this, however soon after, the car became the least of mine or anyones worries. My friend Thomas Maguire, tragically lost his life after an accident while co-driving for another friend of mine Shane Buckley. Thomas was a "sound lad", kept himself to himself, and got on with doing a good job with his co-driving. My thoughts and prayers are with the Maguire family, and also with Shane, who is still seriously ill in hospital in Dublin.
As for myself, we all now need to pull together and try and get us to the start ramp in the Isle of Man
All the best,
Craig
Last weekend in Donegal started perfect, a great recce, and an excellent start, 6 stages on Friday wen't as smooth as ever, and we ended the day in a comfertable 2nd overall. It was the happiest I have been in a long time with my pace and overall package. However, little did I know when I woke on Saturday morning, that I was arising to one of the dullest days in my life so far.
An average first stage dropped us back to 3rd behind Tim McNulty, but as I learned before, it's best just to leave the WRC boys to it! I went into SS8 Fanad Head with a lot of hope, as it was a stage I really enjoyed from last year. We were having a really good run, as we approached a high speed section of the stage. There was a late medium left followed by a flat right hander. I just cut the inside of the left a little too much and hit a stone and puntured instantly, unfortunatly I could not negotiate the following corner, and we hit a pier of a house at high speed. It was a bitter blow, and again I was denied a great result.
The car was bad, and I dwelled for a while how the team and I were going to be able to afford to get out of this, however soon after, the car became the least of mine or anyones worries. My friend Thomas Maguire, tragically lost his life after an accident while co-driving for another friend of mine Shane Buckley. Thomas was a "sound lad", kept himself to himself, and got on with doing a good job with his co-driving. My thoughts and prayers are with the Maguire family, and also with Shane, who is still seriously ill in hospital in Dublin.
As for myself, we all now need to pull together and try and get us to the start ramp in the Isle of Man
All the best,
Craig
Wednesday 9 June 2010
A great weekend!
Hi all,
We travelled to Chesterfield at the weekend for the Rally Show at Chatsworth. The show was sponsored by Kick Energy, and we were invited to bring the Fiesta there to take part. It was a race against time the get the car ready, but all credit to M-Sport, they had the engine ready just in time, and Tom fitted it in Dovenby Hall on Friday.
The weather on Saturday was fantastic, bright sunshine and a really good fun stage was a great crowd pleaser. We had some guest runs in my own car, and then halfway during the day Steve Perez kindly gave me a spin in his Focus WRC, followed by his Datsun Safari car, and last but by no means least his immaculate Lancia Stratos. It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to drive such prestigious cars at a young age, and I can't be greatful enough to Steve for giving me the chance! We took part in event 5, the FIA event, against Steve in his Focus WRC. We led after the first day, but we were no match to Steve on day 2, and we ended up finishing a distant second. All in all, it was a really enjoyable weekend, and I'm looking forward to next year already!
I was in Letterkenny yesterday for an interview with RTE before the Donegal International Rally in two weeks. It's going to be aired next week at some point next week on the sports section on RTE News.
Looking forward to Donegal now, getting myself prepared both physically and mentally, and can't wait for recce to start next week.
I'll be keeping the twitter up to date so keep a look out.
All the best,
Craig
We travelled to Chesterfield at the weekend for the Rally Show at Chatsworth. The show was sponsored by Kick Energy, and we were invited to bring the Fiesta there to take part. It was a race against time the get the car ready, but all credit to M-Sport, they had the engine ready just in time, and Tom fitted it in Dovenby Hall on Friday.
The weather on Saturday was fantastic, bright sunshine and a really good fun stage was a great crowd pleaser. We had some guest runs in my own car, and then halfway during the day Steve Perez kindly gave me a spin in his Focus WRC, followed by his Datsun Safari car, and last but by no means least his immaculate Lancia Stratos. It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to drive such prestigious cars at a young age, and I can't be greatful enough to Steve for giving me the chance! We took part in event 5, the FIA event, against Steve in his Focus WRC. We led after the first day, but we were no match to Steve on day 2, and we ended up finishing a distant second. All in all, it was a really enjoyable weekend, and I'm looking forward to next year already!
I was in Letterkenny yesterday for an interview with RTE before the Donegal International Rally in two weeks. It's going to be aired next week at some point next week on the sports section on RTE News.
Looking forward to Donegal now, getting myself prepared both physically and mentally, and can't wait for recce to start next week.
I'll be keeping the twitter up to date so keep a look out.
All the best,
Craig
Monday 31 May 2010
A bitter blow
Hi All,
Midway through last weekend, I had visions of writing this with a big grin on my face, acknowledging my first BRC win, but it was cruelly taken away from me.
We were leading the rally, and feeling the most confer table I have ever felt in the car to date. The rally started really well, with four fastest stage times from six, and we were ahead by 12 seconds, to Keith Cronin, come the end of leg one. Leg two, started with a further three fastest stage times, then on SS10, Swinton, disaster struck. A terminal engine fault occured and we were forced to retire from the rally, a bitter blow. Every effort is always made to ensure the durability of the car and it's components, but occasionally things malfunction and shatter dreams, as demonstrated on Saturday. It was extremely hard for me to take on board what had happened, but I must now gather my thoughts and move on to Donegal in two weeks. In the meantime, I will be attending the Rally Show at Chatsworth this weekend, so please do come and support a great event, and hopefully my own car will be in attendance.
All the best
Craig
Midway through last weekend, I had visions of writing this with a big grin on my face, acknowledging my first BRC win, but it was cruelly taken away from me.
We were leading the rally, and feeling the most confer table I have ever felt in the car to date. The rally started really well, with four fastest stage times from six, and we were ahead by 12 seconds, to Keith Cronin, come the end of leg one. Leg two, started with a further three fastest stage times, then on SS10, Swinton, disaster struck. A terminal engine fault occured and we were forced to retire from the rally, a bitter blow. Every effort is always made to ensure the durability of the car and it's components, but occasionally things malfunction and shatter dreams, as demonstrated on Saturday. It was extremely hard for me to take on board what had happened, but I must now gather my thoughts and move on to Donegal in two weeks. In the meantime, I will be attending the Rally Show at Chatsworth this weekend, so please do come and support a great event, and hopefully my own car will be in attendance.
All the best
Craig
Tuesday 4 May 2010
A good time in the lakes!
Hi All,
Back home after a really promising weekend in Killarney, for the Rally of the Lakes. The rally worked out perfect, we took Saturday steady in the tricky conditions, building confidence after the Circuit of Ireland crash, having a good go at Molls Gap, and we were 5th overall overnight. Sunday was better for us, the confidence was starting to come back. A fastest time over the famous Carragh Lake stage was a real boost for us, and with Tim McNulty exiting late in the day, we were satisfied with out 4th overall. However on the last stage, disaster struck for my good friend Alastair Fisher when he slid wide and damaged the wheel on his car, allowing us to snatch 3rd overall at the last second! Not the way we wanted to do it, but rallying can be a cruel sport at times. This result leaves us lying third in the Irish Tarmac Championship, and Alastair sitting pretty at the top of the table. It's still early days, but it's shaping up to be an exciting finish to the season!
I know have a three week break to the Jim Clark Rally in Scotland. I'm going to try and knuckle down on my fitness and try and prepare as best I can, as I feel the tarmac rally's ahead are going to be the toughest in my British Rally Championship campaign. I have my twitter set up on my Blackberry now so you should notice the tweets coming more regular!
All the best
Craig
Back home after a really promising weekend in Killarney, for the Rally of the Lakes. The rally worked out perfect, we took Saturday steady in the tricky conditions, building confidence after the Circuit of Ireland crash, having a good go at Molls Gap, and we were 5th overall overnight. Sunday was better for us, the confidence was starting to come back. A fastest time over the famous Carragh Lake stage was a real boost for us, and with Tim McNulty exiting late in the day, we were satisfied with out 4th overall. However on the last stage, disaster struck for my good friend Alastair Fisher when he slid wide and damaged the wheel on his car, allowing us to snatch 3rd overall at the last second! Not the way we wanted to do it, but rallying can be a cruel sport at times. This result leaves us lying third in the Irish Tarmac Championship, and Alastair sitting pretty at the top of the table. It's still early days, but it's shaping up to be an exciting finish to the season!
I know have a three week break to the Jim Clark Rally in Scotland. I'm going to try and knuckle down on my fitness and try and prepare as best I can, as I feel the tarmac rally's ahead are going to be the toughest in my British Rally Championship campaign. I have my twitter set up on my Blackberry now so you should notice the tweets coming more regular!
All the best
Craig
Monday 26 April 2010
Back on Form!
Hi All,
A good time was had in Turkey I must say! It was nice to go to a rally with no pressure and put the disappointment of the Circuit of Ireland behind us. We were having a great event, and lying 16th overall and leading the fiestas by 6 minutes on Saturday evening when a rear hub sheared bringing an end to a promising run. We ended up re-joining under SupeRally rules and finished second fiesta, but I was still happy with my pacenotes, and I am confident to return next year in the S2000.
And then the the toughest challenge, getting home! I hopped on the M-Sport coach home outside the Green Park hotel at 5pm on Monday and travelled non stop until I reached the shakedown for the Pirelli at 3pm on Thursday! It was an adventure travelling thru Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, France and finally Britain! I was wrecked tired and after shakedown we went and done the first day of recce straight away. Recce commenced again on Friday morning and the rally finally begun on Friday evening. Immediately there was a problem with dust, and running first on the road became a huge advantage, and we ended the evening 30 seconds off the lead. We had a good run all day Saturday pulling time from Gwyndaf Evans, all the way to the last stage where we had the gap whittled down to 4 seconds. I was quietly confident that we could do the business but 4 miles into the stage we got a puncture and dropped 3 mins. What made it all the more harder was that the leader stopped on the last stage, potentially giving us second or indeed a victory, but unfortunately it was not to be. However I was still very happy to be on the pace, and we set the majority amount of fastest times in the rally.
Next weekend we return to tarmac and possibly the most famous rally in Ireland, the Rally of the Lakes. Were running 3 on the road so no pressure!
Ill try and update again after the recce.
All the best
Craig
A good time was had in Turkey I must say! It was nice to go to a rally with no pressure and put the disappointment of the Circuit of Ireland behind us. We were having a great event, and lying 16th overall and leading the fiestas by 6 minutes on Saturday evening when a rear hub sheared bringing an end to a promising run. We ended up re-joining under SupeRally rules and finished second fiesta, but I was still happy with my pacenotes, and I am confident to return next year in the S2000.
And then the the toughest challenge, getting home! I hopped on the M-Sport coach home outside the Green Park hotel at 5pm on Monday and travelled non stop until I reached the shakedown for the Pirelli at 3pm on Thursday! It was an adventure travelling thru Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, France and finally Britain! I was wrecked tired and after shakedown we went and done the first day of recce straight away. Recce commenced again on Friday morning and the rally finally begun on Friday evening. Immediately there was a problem with dust, and running first on the road became a huge advantage, and we ended the evening 30 seconds off the lead. We had a good run all day Saturday pulling time from Gwyndaf Evans, all the way to the last stage where we had the gap whittled down to 4 seconds. I was quietly confident that we could do the business but 4 miles into the stage we got a puncture and dropped 3 mins. What made it all the more harder was that the leader stopped on the last stage, potentially giving us second or indeed a victory, but unfortunately it was not to be. However I was still very happy to be on the pace, and we set the majority amount of fastest times in the rally.
Next weekend we return to tarmac and possibly the most famous rally in Ireland, the Rally of the Lakes. Were running 3 on the road so no pressure!
Ill try and update again after the recce.
All the best
Craig
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Another blow..
Hi all,
I went to Dundalk last weekend, hoping to put the dissapointment of last weekend behind me and move on, but unfortunatly the worst happend. Whilst having a good run on SS3, we got caught out on a high speed section and had a fairly substancial accident. Fortunatly both myself and Gareth are fine, but the car is going to need some attention before its next outing at the Pirelli International rally.
However we are now conentrating our efforts on the WRC Rally of Turkey in two weeks. It's kind of excitng getting back into the ST car again after such a long absense, and I'm looking forward to getting going! Its a learning excersise with the hope being getting a good recce done so that we can retourn next year in the S2000 car, and be prepared. At the same time, it will still be a serious matter.
Keep an eye here as I'll update again soon!
All the best
Craig
I went to Dundalk last weekend, hoping to put the dissapointment of last weekend behind me and move on, but unfortunatly the worst happend. Whilst having a good run on SS3, we got caught out on a high speed section and had a fairly substancial accident. Fortunatly both myself and Gareth are fine, but the car is going to need some attention before its next outing at the Pirelli International rally.
However we are now conentrating our efforts on the WRC Rally of Turkey in two weeks. It's kind of excitng getting back into the ST car again after such a long absense, and I'm looking forward to getting going! Its a learning excersise with the hope being getting a good recce done so that we can retourn next year in the S2000 car, and be prepared. At the same time, it will still be a serious matter.
Keep an eye here as I'll update again soon!
All the best
Craig
Sunday 28 March 2010
Bitter Dissapointment
Hi all,
Well what a dissapointing start to the 2010 BRC season. After all the hard work and effort our rally ended after 2 stages when a fuel pipe corroded and broke in the fuel tank. We were lying second overall behind eventual winner Keith Cronin at the time, and I felt that there was a lot more left to go.
However we have to get over it and prepare for the Circuit of Ireland this weekend. It's looking like a fantastic rally this weekend with a 20 mile stage scheduled to run in the dark, so it's an exciting prospect!
I'll update further in the week
All the best
Craig
Well what a dissapointing start to the 2010 BRC season. After all the hard work and effort our rally ended after 2 stages when a fuel pipe corroded and broke in the fuel tank. We were lying second overall behind eventual winner Keith Cronin at the time, and I felt that there was a lot more left to go.
However we have to get over it and prepare for the Circuit of Ireland this weekend. It's looking like a fantastic rally this weekend with a 20 mile stage scheduled to run in the dark, so it's an exciting prospect!
I'll update further in the week
All the best
Craig
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Turkey bound!
Hi all,
A small snippet of interesting information. We have done a deal with Castrol Ford Team Turkey to compete in Rally of Turkey WRC round in April in one of their Fiesta ST's. It's a step back in car, but a great oppertunity to get to see the stages and make good pacenotes for when we return in years to come! All the bags are packed for the weekend and I'm just getting myself ready to set off and get the ferry, and I'm really excited about the prospects ahead! This is the first time the car will be seen in Britain competing, and I'm itching to get going!
Keep an eye on twitter, I'll keep it updated, I promise!
Craig
A small snippet of interesting information. We have done a deal with Castrol Ford Team Turkey to compete in Rally of Turkey WRC round in April in one of their Fiesta ST's. It's a step back in car, but a great oppertunity to get to see the stages and make good pacenotes for when we return in years to come! All the bags are packed for the weekend and I'm just getting myself ready to set off and get the ferry, and I'm really excited about the prospects ahead! This is the first time the car will be seen in Britain competing, and I'm itching to get going!
Keep an eye on twitter, I'll keep it updated, I promise!
Craig
Monday 22 March 2010
Another podium!
Hi all,
Mayo wen't well last weekend, another positive days testing preparing for the Circuit of Ireland rally. We were experimenting with some different parts which altered the top end speed of the car, and I feel it didn't suit the stages on the day, but this was the time and place to try it! I had an interesting week at M-Sport working on some small jobs on Henning Solberg's car that was being prepared to Jordan, which was good experience. I had a chilled weekend at M-Sport, a calm before the storm if you like. As you know the first round of the BRC is on this weekend, the Bulldog. I am so eagerly awaiting the rally as it's going to be my biggest challenge to date. We're running 5th on the road, so no doubt as to what people are expecting from us! All I can hope for is that I deliver the results from the effort that me and the team of people around me are putting in. There is some real cracking stages, taking in some familiar forests from Rally GB, so hopefully my prior knoledge will give me some help! Keep an eye out on the twitter, I'll do my best to keep you posted.
All the best
Craig
Mayo wen't well last weekend, another positive days testing preparing for the Circuit of Ireland rally. We were experimenting with some different parts which altered the top end speed of the car, and I feel it didn't suit the stages on the day, but this was the time and place to try it! I had an interesting week at M-Sport working on some small jobs on Henning Solberg's car that was being prepared to Jordan, which was good experience. I had a chilled weekend at M-Sport, a calm before the storm if you like. As you know the first round of the BRC is on this weekend, the Bulldog. I am so eagerly awaiting the rally as it's going to be my biggest challenge to date. We're running 5th on the road, so no doubt as to what people are expecting from us! All I can hope for is that I deliver the results from the effort that me and the team of people around me are putting in. There is some real cracking stages, taking in some familiar forests from Rally GB, so hopefully my prior knoledge will give me some help! Keep an eye out on the twitter, I'll do my best to keep you posted.
All the best
Craig
Friday 12 March 2010
Onwards to Mayo!
`Hi all,
Just a brief update, back home since yesterday and I'm glad of a good night's sleep in my own bed! I'm leaving to go and pick up Dai from the port shortly and make our way to Mayo for the rally this weekend. Im looking forward to getting back out on tar, and in competition, as Galway seems so long ago now! It's looking like it's going to be a tough rally, with all the usual National Rally Championship competitors out in force. It seems ironic that people that played such a key role in Dad's National Championship win in 05' are now my main opposition here this weekend, so it will be interesting to say the least! Looking forward to it, and eagerly awaiting the start!
I'll try and tweet as much as I can and keep you all updated!
All the best
Craig
Just a brief update, back home since yesterday and I'm glad of a good night's sleep in my own bed! I'm leaving to go and pick up Dai from the port shortly and make our way to Mayo for the rally this weekend. Im looking forward to getting back out on tar, and in competition, as Galway seems so long ago now! It's looking like it's going to be a tough rally, with all the usual National Rally Championship competitors out in force. It seems ironic that people that played such a key role in Dad's National Championship win in 05' are now my main opposition here this weekend, so it will be interesting to say the least! Looking forward to it, and eagerly awaiting the start!
I'll try and tweet as much as I can and keep you all updated!
All the best
Craig
Monday 8 March 2010
Off to a good start!
Hi All,
Apologies for the delay, its bein a busy few weeks once again!
We've had a lot of events going on over the recent weeks, coupled with my new job at M-Sport, so it has been exciting times. Firstly we had the launch of our new Fiesta S2000 at Belline Estate in Piltown. This was a fanastic day, and I must hand it to my PR manager Trevor McGrath for putting on a sterling show and gave the year a very professional start!
The day following the launch we took part in the forestry championship test day in Cork. It was a great day to learn the car and get mileage under my belt in the new mount, and I can assure you that I enjoyed it immensely!
Two days later we had our first tarmac test in the car prior to the Galway International Rally. All I can say is that I'm still in awe of what the car can do on a piece of road that I have driven all my rally cars on before. We spent a long day there testing all components and finding the best compound of Pirelli tyre, and I felt very confident with where we ended up.
And then we headed to Galway, for what was to be a tremendous weekend. A good solid start, led to a steadily increasing pace, resulting in 2nd overall, and the first non-WRC car home! It was a dream start to the year, in possibly the most difficult and challenging events of the year. It was nice to get the reward back for all the hard work everyone put in during the preceeding weeks and months, and it really sets up what looks to be a very good year!
Finally yesterday, we performed course car duties on my local rally, the Wille Loughman Memorial. The main aim was to get a good setup for the rapidly approaching Bulldog International rally in just three weeks now! I feel we achieved this, and I was really pleased with where we ended up in the end, and I would like to thank Barry Duggan and his team for allowing me to get perfect test miles in the new car.
Next weekend I am competing in the Mayo Stages rally, a round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, and it will be Gareth's brother Dai that will Co-drive, as Gareth is on holidays, (well for some!). It will be the first time that I have done a round of this championship that my dad played such a vital role in over the last ten years, so It's nice to get out and do a round of a chamipionship that he won previously!
On a seperate note, work at M-Sport is going well, and I am slowly settling into my new surroundings, whilst learning more and more with each day. I'll keep you informed of anything new and exciting going on with my placement as time progresses!
For now, I must catch my flight back to Manchester for a short weeks work before Mayo next weekend!
All the best,
Craig
Apologies for the delay, its bein a busy few weeks once again!
We've had a lot of events going on over the recent weeks, coupled with my new job at M-Sport, so it has been exciting times. Firstly we had the launch of our new Fiesta S2000 at Belline Estate in Piltown. This was a fanastic day, and I must hand it to my PR manager Trevor McGrath for putting on a sterling show and gave the year a very professional start!
The day following the launch we took part in the forestry championship test day in Cork. It was a great day to learn the car and get mileage under my belt in the new mount, and I can assure you that I enjoyed it immensely!
Two days later we had our first tarmac test in the car prior to the Galway International Rally. All I can say is that I'm still in awe of what the car can do on a piece of road that I have driven all my rally cars on before. We spent a long day there testing all components and finding the best compound of Pirelli tyre, and I felt very confident with where we ended up.
And then we headed to Galway, for what was to be a tremendous weekend. A good solid start, led to a steadily increasing pace, resulting in 2nd overall, and the first non-WRC car home! It was a dream start to the year, in possibly the most difficult and challenging events of the year. It was nice to get the reward back for all the hard work everyone put in during the preceeding weeks and months, and it really sets up what looks to be a very good year!
Finally yesterday, we performed course car duties on my local rally, the Wille Loughman Memorial. The main aim was to get a good setup for the rapidly approaching Bulldog International rally in just three weeks now! I feel we achieved this, and I was really pleased with where we ended up in the end, and I would like to thank Barry Duggan and his team for allowing me to get perfect test miles in the new car.
Next weekend I am competing in the Mayo Stages rally, a round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, and it will be Gareth's brother Dai that will Co-drive, as Gareth is on holidays, (well for some!). It will be the first time that I have done a round of this championship that my dad played such a vital role in over the last ten years, so It's nice to get out and do a round of a chamipionship that he won previously!
On a seperate note, work at M-Sport is going well, and I am slowly settling into my new surroundings, whilst learning more and more with each day. I'll keep you informed of anything new and exciting going on with my placement as time progresses!
For now, I must catch my flight back to Manchester for a short weeks work before Mayo next weekend!
All the best,
Craig
Sunday 31 January 2010
And so it begins....again!
Hi all,
Hope the Christmas season treated you all well. Santa was very kind to me, he happened to leave a Fiesta S2000 at the foot of the tree!
M-Sport is going well, I've spent a week and 3 days working there so far, mainly in the Fiesta R2 building section. Interesting to see the work behind the car that gave me so much success last year. I was then kindly given the opportunity to do ice notes for Daniel Barry on the IRC opener in Monte Carlo. It was a very tough week, even for ice crews! It was a great chance for me to see the stages without the expense of competing, and I am truly greatful to the Barry Motorsport team for giving me the chance to do it.
On Friday the 29th January our new Fiesta S2000 was launched. At the launch in Belline Estate, our new sponsors were announced:
Kick Energy
Castrol
Pirelli
Suirway Forklifts
It was a great day, and a lot of effort was put into it. I must thank my PR Manager Trevor McGrath and his team for putting on such a great show.
On the day, Billy Collins and Don Butler launched the Craig Breen Rallying supporters club. I was truly flattered by this gesture, as both Billy and Don were two men I would have wathced with great awe in my younger years, and to see both of them behind me is great. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
And so to Galway, we tested the S2000 for the first tine yesterday at the Forest Test day in Cork. It was a good oppertunity to get used to the car, and it was soo much fun! We have a two day tarmac test on Monday and Tuesday so there will be where the real work starts!
It's like waiting for Christmas and I can't wait to get the recce underway for Galway and get the 2010 ball rolling. It's going to be a great year, get behind me!
All the best
Craig
Hope the Christmas season treated you all well. Santa was very kind to me, he happened to leave a Fiesta S2000 at the foot of the tree!
M-Sport is going well, I've spent a week and 3 days working there so far, mainly in the Fiesta R2 building section. Interesting to see the work behind the car that gave me so much success last year. I was then kindly given the opportunity to do ice notes for Daniel Barry on the IRC opener in Monte Carlo. It was a very tough week, even for ice crews! It was a great chance for me to see the stages without the expense of competing, and I am truly greatful to the Barry Motorsport team for giving me the chance to do it.
On Friday the 29th January our new Fiesta S2000 was launched. At the launch in Belline Estate, our new sponsors were announced:
Kick Energy
Castrol
Pirelli
Suirway Forklifts
It was a great day, and a lot of effort was put into it. I must thank my PR Manager Trevor McGrath and his team for putting on such a great show.
On the day, Billy Collins and Don Butler launched the Craig Breen Rallying supporters club. I was truly flattered by this gesture, as both Billy and Don were two men I would have wathced with great awe in my younger years, and to see both of them behind me is great. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
And so to Galway, we tested the S2000 for the first tine yesterday at the Forest Test day in Cork. It was a good oppertunity to get used to the car, and it was soo much fun! We have a two day tarmac test on Monday and Tuesday so there will be where the real work starts!
It's like waiting for Christmas and I can't wait to get the recce underway for Galway and get the 2010 ball rolling. It's going to be a great year, get behind me!
All the best
Craig
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