With
a few days to go, immense anticipation is building within
the motorsport fraternity. At this moment I would like to
pause to pay my respects and extend my condolences to the
Roett family. Richard "Red Mout Ru" Roett will be
sadly missed. He was a jovial person who was beloved by all.
The rumour mill has been spinning with extreme velocity, emitting
brain-teasing titbits to tantalise die-hard and casual motorsport
fans alike. Rumours of Cosworth, Focus and Impreza WRCs have
been flying around, coupled with those of prospective overseas
entrants for this year's Rally Carnival. One can be sure of
one thing, however, the upcoming motorsport season will be
action packed and keenly contested. Whether you attend events
as a casual spectator, or a true die-hard who can't resist
the urge to view first hand the best of what Bajan motorsport
has to offer, your plate will be full.
If last year could be used as a benchmark, this year should
surpass it quite comfortably. With new machinery and drivers
stepping in class and group, this season should provide plenty
of action and intense competition. Each event will be keenly
contested and hard fought, keeping spectators on their toes.
Roger
"His Hottness" Mayers in his Automotive Art sponsored
Ford Escort Cosworth WRC was the toast of 2002, erasing and
making new records at the first speed events of the year.
He posed a clear and present threat to favourites Paul "The
Surfer" Bourne, Roger "The Sheriff" Skeete
and Trevor "Electric Micey" Manning. The Texaco
Havoline All Stage Rally was also an event to be remembered,
with Roger Skeete winning it an unprecedented 9th time. Roger
Mayers was 2nd and Barry Gale was 3rd. Trevor Manning, (who
lead overnight by some 26.5 seconds) was leading up to the
lunch break, but a broken drive shaft at the first stage after
lunch saw him lose out on winning his 2nd All Stage Rally.
Manning however did manage to make it to the Super Special
Stage at Vaucluse International Raceway, where he thrilled
the crowd with his spectacular driving. Manning's title of
"Loose Surface Specialist" was well defended after
convincing victories at Black Bess and two thrilling wins
in the "handicap" races in the two final Sunbeach
Rallysprint Challenges.
Speaking
of the Sunbeach Rallysprint Cup, the winner of that series
was Roger Marshall in his Toyota Starlet. He drove well, even
though not making it to the latter rounds of the handicap
round, his consistency in the group races was enough to secure
the championship. The Vaucluse race track has seen may close
finishes since it's opening, and each round of the Sunbeach
Rallysprint Cup had its share of heart-stopping drama. From
Brian "The Iceman" Gill in his Group N Subaru Impreza
defeating Paul "The Surfer" Bourne in his Subaru
Impreza WRC, to the classic finish between Barry "BNTL"
Gale in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI and Trevor "Electric
Micey" Manning in his Evo V, there was non-stop action.
Up to this day, improvements are being made to the track,
as well as suggestions being put forward to add a little more
variety to the Rallysprint Cup for 2003.
With all of this having been said, all that's left to be
done is to grab the coolers and umbrellas, call up your buddies
and head off to where the motorsport action is. Whether it
is a single venue event, double header, all stage rally, rallysprint
or racing at Bushy Park, you will not lack any excitement.
More likely, you'll be craving for more, wishing for the next
event to hurry up and come. I'll be there for sure, and you
should too.
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