The driveshaft sheered and Louse Cook was out of IOM with no podium champagne.

“I was heartbroken, but I wiped the tears and took a deep breath to remember what I was there for, to learn!”

 Louise’s service crew of only two stayed up until 5.00am to make sure the car was fully reliable for Cookie to drive on day two later that morning. Louise had a good pace throughout the second day. A small off on the first stage due to a pace note error meant a big time loss. The help of some friendly spectators saw Cook eventually pushed back on the road, luckily minus only a front grill.  Cookie continued the education to end the day an amazing 4th overall!

“The rally was very emotional. Dad would have loved to have been out there again, but I knew he was there in spirit. Despite the ups and downs, I have learnt so much. Without my competitive streak getting in the way I soaked up a lot of knowledge from the Manx lanes. I now know how to spot the shiny tarmac, the extreme bumps, drive different lines, manage pace notes in the fog, and so much more. I feel I am a better driver because of it. I hope I can take my new knowledge to the Ulster rally, where the points count.”

The very lucky Promotion 50 top prize winner for the Isle of Man round was local company Gledhill from Aylesford (the cylinder specialist). The Maidstone branch happily entered the Promotion 50 raffle when Louise visited them a few weeks before the rally.

 “I would like to just thank everyone again for all the support. My sponsors have been fantastic and I could never have done this without you. I would also like to congratulate all the Promotion 50 winners so far this season including the most recent top prize winner Gledhill.

I hope I can get enough support to contest the Ulster Rally in just three weeks time.” Said Louise.