Duke Stages Rally, Douglas, Isle of Man Thurs 20/Sat 22 September 2012

Continuing his excellent run of results which has seen him win the last three events he has contested in the Pirelli-sponsored TEG Sport Group N Subaru Impreza outright, 17-year-old Arron Newby was back in action in the car where he once again impressed as he recorded a superb fifth place finish on the three-day Duke Stages Rally.

Running to the same format as the traditional Manx International Rally, which comprised of three days of action and over 180 stage miles around the tricky tarmac lanes, and with a very strong entry list, Newby, who had recruited the experienced Manx co driver Rob Fagg for the event, got off to a great start by posting a top ten time on SS1 on Douglas promenade.

Despite the very wet conditions and his lack of experience in the car in the dark, Arron, who had additional sponsorship from Sunoco fuels for the 26-stage event, made the most of his visit earlier in the year which had seen him finish in 11th place and win his class in his Skoda Fabia, to hold 13th at the overnight halt on Thursday after four stages.

With damp roads still in evidence for Friday's 12 stages, Newby continued to attack and as things dried up in the afternoon, the Lancastrian from Carnforth upped the pace to set a string of top four times, including a third fastest on SS11 to move himself up to sixth on Friday night.

Saturday dawned dry and Arron upped his pace over the remaining ten stages, which included setting second fastest time on SS24 to hoist himself up to an amazing fifth place at the Douglas finish on Saturday afternoon, just 15 seconds off fourth and also as the first non-Manxman home.

Arron Newby:

 "This is by far my best rally and result to date, I just love the Subaru and I'm getting faster by the mile in it. The atmosphere of the event and response from the other competitors and marshals on the island was second to none; it's proper rallying and how it should be. I intend to come back next year for the 50th anniversary Manx and see what I can do with another 12 months' experience in a four wheel drive car. I would like to say a big thanks to Pirelli and Sunoco fuels, not forgetting my co driver Rob who did a great job, but also to the TEG Sport team once again as they gave me a well turned out car which ran faultlessly throughout the event."

Stuart Newby, Team Owner:

 "It's been a fantastic weekend and to come here and finish fifth overall in a Group N car, at only 17 years old, is outstanding in my eyes. The organisers of the rally did a fantastic job getting all that mileage in and closing all the roads, as well as keeping the entries and ferries at a low cost. Pound for pound, it's the best rally we have done so far, and got Arron's best result by far! We can't wait to come back next year and hopefully he can put the car on the podium."

Results

1 S Quine/R Skinner (Mitsubishi Lancer E6) 2:25:14.7

2 N Cannell/M Cannell (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) 2:26:00.0

3 G Collister/J Craine (Mitsubishi Lancer E3) 2:28:02.2

4 S Kelly/E Kennaugh (Mitsubishi Lancer E7) 2:28:38.4

5 A Newby/R Fagg (Subaru Impreza N11) 2:28:53.9

6 A Leece/G Fargher (Mitsubishi Lancer E6) 2:29:15.8