Jim ClarkInternational Rally HIDDEN ROCK COSTS GASS PODIUM 23-25 May 2008 2007 Pirelli Star Driver winner Darren Gass and co-driver Neil Shanks climbed to third overall on the second round of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, before losing a wheel on a hidden rock at the end of day one. The excellent performance in their prize Mitsubishi Evo IX bodes well for the future events in the series although Darren will have to overcome the disappointment on the next round in the Isle of Man. “I’m really gutted,” said the youngster from Markethill in Northern Ireland, “We were going so well, even after breaking a drive shaft a couple of stages before, but there was a rock in the verge and it took the wheel clean off. We tried to get back to service but the strut broke too and it damaged the wiring loom.” Darren’s times were also hampered by a simple switch fault, which meant the turbo anti-lag device had been intermittent throughout the morning stages. Even so, he and Neil were consistently inside the top five, even going second quickest on the short Langton spectator stage. “The times were there and we’re really looking forward to the Isle of Man Rally,” said Darren, “We were fifth overall last year in the Citroën, so a podium finish in the Evo is definitely achievable.” The stunning yellow and red Pirelli backed car will be repaired in good time for the all asphalt Manx event from the 17th to 19th July, when the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship resumes.
		© Copyright Darren Gass Ralllying 2006					Website by SM Motorsport PR