Todds Leap BRC Ulster Rally 2011 – National

Pete and Drew Gibson managed a fantastic 5th overall and first in class on the Ulster National Rally on what was there first visit to Ireland.

The Thursday recce went well as 4 stages were repeated to give an 8 stage event. Many amendments were made to the organisers notes to try and ensure a safe run in the absence of any local knowledge.

Saturday morning saw Pete on the pace from the start but maybe a bit too hot in the cool and damp of stage 1 Langford Lodge where a grassy moment gave a stern reality check but still netted them their first top ten time. A change to more suited tyres at first service gave them 8th fastest on the 15 mile Slieve Galleon stage but near disaster struck when the gearbox played up on stage 4 and a missed gear contributed to a substantial off with a puncture and body damage. Lady luck shone on the boys however and a separate incident to car 1 took the limelight and allowed them to limp out of the stage with bent rear suspension and body damage. A frantic 30 minute service followed and a repeat of the first stage was given much respect. The boys got their heads down on Tardee 2 and posted 4th overall time, a pace they retained to the end to pick up the class win and 5th Overall.