Tom Cave heads north next weekend for the next event in his 2009 programme, the Jim Clark Rally. And he takes with him renewed energy and optimism, following a superb result on his recent asphalt debut, the RDP Welsh Rally, which he finished fourth in class at his first attempt on the famous Epynt stages.
Tom will be using a new pace note system which he trialled successfully on the RDP Welsh Rally, in partnership with co-driver Phil Pugh on that occasion. In addition, he will be using his own Group N Ford Fiesta ST following an extensive re-preparation program by Davies Motorsport, the company set up by ex-ProDrive technician and Number Two mechanic for former world rally champion Petter Solberg.
The combination of this new pace note system, which he will need to work on with returning regular co-driver Gemma Price, the success on the RDP Welsh and the rebuilt Fiesta has filled the 17 year-old from Aberdovey with enthusiasm and energy for the next event in his 2009 programme, designed to develop his learning curve on some of rallying’s most iconic events.
Next weekend’s rally, the third round of the British Rally Championship, is the only UK mainland tarmac event to feature closed roads and is considered one of the UK’s most iconic rallies. Based in Kelso in the Scottish Border region, it is famed for its fast asphalt roads and changeable weather, meaning that Tom and Gemma will have their work cut out, to record a representative finish. However, Tom is quick to point out that as only his second all-asphalt rally, the finish is key.
“The objective for us next weekend is to get to the finish and maximise our tarmac experience,” said the 17 year-old. “I’m hoping that the experience we gained on the RDP rally over the Epynt stages, will serve us well here. We will be using the pace note system I trialled on that event with Phil on the Jim Clark and Gemma and I will be spending several evenings working on the system in the run-up to the event.
“I’m really looking forward to this rally; it feels like a fresh start for me, with Davies Motorsport looking after the car. I’ve spent some time in the workshop with the guys as they’re quite close to home and they are a really good bunch, so I’m feeling good for the event.
“I know the level of competition will be high, since it’s also a round of the Irish Tarmac Championship. I also know that two of the UK Fiesta runners, Craig Breen and Kris Hall will also be out, so we’ll start with a safe pace and increase our speed and keep an eye on their times in relation to ours.”
This event has a special significance for Tom, as his father Peter, the inspiration for his rallying, competed on the event three years ago, just before Tom started his competitive career in Latvia. “I’m really excited about driving on the same stages as I last saw my dad competing in his Subaru,” Tom explained. “The roads look fantastic; fast, bumpy and very challenging and it’s another amazing experience to be able to compete on an event of this stature.”
Based in the town of Kelso, this year’s Jim Clark Rally features an extremely challenging itinerary. The event begins with a ceremonial start in the centre of Edinburgh on the evening of Friday 22 May followed by six stages in the falling light, with the first crews not arriving at the end of leg service until gone midnight.
The second leg is even tougher, with an early start followed by no less than 11 stages throughout the day, ensuring plenty of opportunity for action. After starting the first stage at 8am and 235 competitive kilometres, the crews are expected to arrive at the finish ramp in Kelso at 6.20pm.
