Manx rally driver Andy Leece has declared himself ready to go ahead of next weekend’s International Rally of Wales, the first round of the 2005 British Rally Championship. It is an exciting time for the 21-year old as he makes his debut in the series, but Leece says he has every confidence in the car, the team and his new co-driver, Simon Lassam.
“I’m definitely ready for the challenge,” said Leece. “We accept that we have a lot to learn and it might take some time to perfect everything, but we are already working together really well. The encouragement we received from the fans and other competitors at BRC Live last weekend has made me even more positive about the year ahead.”
Andy, Simon and the Autosport Technology team that will prepare and run their Renault Clio rally car throughout the year were present at BRC Live, the Championship’s showcase launch event in Nuneaton on Saturday. The general public were able to meet the team, get their autographs, look around the car and even sit in the driver and co-driver’s seats – something which proved extremely popular with fans, young and old alike.
Before the start of the Rally of Wales the team will undertake a test session in the car at the Forest Experience Rally School near Newtown. The test will be Leece’s first real chance to find the limits of the Renault Clio and he plans to spend much of the day adjusting suspension settings to suit the flowing Welsh forest stages and getting used to his new car.
The International Rally of Wales starts from Dolgellau on Saturday 23rd of April morning before taking in eight long stages in Dyfi, Hafren and Myherin forests over the next two days. Leece & Lassam will complete reconnaissance of the stages and make their own pace notes the day prior to the event.
“This will be the first time that Andy and I have made pace notes together, so we plan to put some time into perfecting that at the rally school”, explained co-driver, Simon Lassam. “We’re delighted with the car and the way everything has gone up until now, but the hard work starts in earnest in Dolgellau – time to see how we compare with our rivals out on the stages.”
Going into the season, Andy & Simon are seeking sponsors and investors to help them fund their campaign. Any interested parties should visit the team web site for further details: andyleece.co.uk
Andy Leece is supported by the Forest Experience Rally School Mark Higgins Rallying, Extralube ZX1 N.A. Fargher Newsagent, The Isle Of Man Sports Aid Foundation, The Manx Motorsport Youth Trust (mmyt.co.im), Speedline Corse and Öhlins
