Despite a non finish on the Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally, Damian Cole has confirmed he will return to the rally next year. The Isle of Man event was a qualifying round of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship(BRC).
The Hereford based Welshman was very impressed with the format of the International event on his first visit to the rally. Cole was driving his ex works Toyota Celica ST205, in place of his regular mount, a Subaru Impreza World Rally Car following his retirement on the Quinton Stages.
Cole and Irish co-driver Martin Brady found the forced change in machinery causing some problems on the opening tests on Thursday evening.
"The set up on the Toyota was not right for the Island and took several visits into service before it felt better over the bumps. We also had a problem with the steering where some bolts had worked loose."
The pair were 38th overall after the first leg with their problems. On the second leg the pair had a steady run to move up the leaderboard to 24th place. Only to have to retire on the road section after the first stage on Saturday morning.
"On Friday I felt the car was wheel spinning in 5th and 6th gear and discovered we had a gearbox leak going onto the clutch. The ACE Motorsport guys done a good job to keep us going on Friday and we just planned to just get a finish on Saturday. Over the opening test on Saturday morning it was evident that the problem had got a lot worse and were sure it would not do the remaining competitive mileage. It was a shame as I think the Manx is the best rally I have done so far in my career and I will certainly return."
Cole will now turn to the Welsh Tarmac series on Sunday 8th August 2004 for the SGC Printing Harry Flatters Rally 2004. Damian will use his Darrian T90 GTR along with last years winning co-driver, Gwynfor Jones on the Epynt classic. The rally will be Cole's third event in a different car and to aid his transition from four wheel drive to the 2.5 litre rear wheel drive Darrian power he will conduct some asphalt testing ahead of the rally.
"I haven't used the Darrian for a while, so the mileage is really just to get used to driving the car again. Having campaigned the Subaru all year apart from the forced change to the Toyota on the Manx, a few miles in the car before the rally will be necessary."
As for Triple Welsh Tarmac Champion's prospects on the Mid Wales event.
"We will have a go on Epynt, We won't be going up there to come second, but there is some very good competition contesting the rally."
The rally commences early on Sunday morning with special stages throughout the day before returning to the Brecon Theatre around 17.30. Spectator access will be via the A40 turning up to the Epynt Ranges at Lywel.
Damian/Martin were supported on the Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally by O2 & Get Connected!, Welsh Automotive Forum, Matador Tyres, ACE Motorsport and Maximum Attack Promotions.
