The Malcolm Wilson Rally is always a popular event and this year was no different with over 150 competitors and a large reserve list.

  Alistair Tough had coaxed his old navigator Dee Addison out of retirement as regular codriver Ally Mackay was competing with John Morrison.  Dee suffered a back injury some 18 months previous but was keen, although apprehensive to get back into the hot seat.

On the start ramp Alistair explained " This is one of my favourite events.  The stages suit my driving style and the organization is exemplary. I have great respect for the man himself Malcolm Wilson and it was the highlight of my rally career to win this rally outright in 1997.  I'm also chuffed that Dee has dusted off his helmet and I have no doubt that he will soon be up to pace.  Although this is basically a test rally for us trying different Mapping Strategies, Brakes and Suspension settings on the new car - I am, none the less here to try and get a decent result"

It started snowing just before they entered the first 3 mile Hobcarten stage but the BARDON Aggregates / Ross-Shire Engineering sponsored car was on a mission stopping the clock at 2.56 - one of only 4 cars to be under 3 minutes - the other three being state of the art WRCs  (World Rally Cars)

Dee commented " No problems, Navigator is up to his usual high standard but driver thinks he's going round Tesco's"

The crew set off on stage 2 at the same blistering pace but about halfway through the 6 mile Combe stage the new type brake pads they were testing overheated resulting in severe brake fade and their rally very nearly ended.  " It was a tight right 8 into a hairpin left and when I braked for the right 8 it was like being on ice - no brakes.  I managed to bang her down a couple of gears and chucked it at the corner, scrabbling round with the back wheels over the edge and we removed all the posts and tape etc. at the hairpin.  We were very lucky and just cruised through to the end of the stage dropping a fair bit of time."

Dee's comment ?  " Should be some good piccies from that"

There was no time to change the brakes in the short road section so the crew tackled the fast Wythope stage with Alistair saying that he would "save" the brakes for the end of the long fast 130mph straight  !!

The brakes were changed at service and the crew found themselves in 5th place overall and leading Grp N.

The TEG Sport car was flying through the next 12 mile stage in Grizedale when suddenly the engine died. Alistair was gutted " We lost a fair bit of time because of the brakes but we were only 3 seconds behind Roger & Dave so decided to have a right good go.  I'm really starting to get to grips with the car and it did everything it was asked but the stage was very rough and on landing over a crest/jump we hit something very hard with the underside of the car.  The engine cut out and would not restart.   Dee had taken his belts off and was getting out of the car to warn the next competitor when I tried again to reset the electrics and this time the car started. Dee got back in but as we got going I could see the next car coming.  He never caught me but crossed the flying finish about 10-15 seconds behind us.  It must have cost us 40-45 seconds at least although Dee reckons that it was over a minute considering the pace we were at. Och well, at least we got out and are still here"

At service they were surprised to find that they were still in 7th place but had lost the class lead.  An upbeat Dee said " We are only 17 seconds behind the class leader and 20 miles to do it - it's not over yet"

Second run through Hobcarten saw them once again break the 3 minutes on 2.56 and a virtually trouble free run over the remaining stages saw the crew return to Cockermouth in 5th position overall and a convincing class win.

" It's been a bit of a fraught day but we've learnt a lot and this set's us up good for next weekends Border Counties Rally.  TEG Sport are planning on changing the complete wiring loom and all things electrical that might have caused the car to stop and hopefully that will solve the problem.  It's been great getting Dee out on a rally again and we've still had a good days fun “

Dee's final comments ??  " It's the first time I've met the TEG boys but Alistair has got a great team around him and this car is fantastic - I only did this as a one of event but I really enjoyed it and I think there is going to be some sweet talking at home over the next few days."

Result : 5th. o/a 1st in class
Next event : Border Rally 18th March

Picture: Alistair Tough / Dee Addison - Malcolm Wilsom Subaru Impreza
Courtesy of Ian Hardy   http://www.ianhardy.net/