John and Bruce on SS10 ... Full in car Video
Mann Construction Limited
Chris Kelly Memorial Stages 2013
John kicked off his 2013 season with a trip to the Isle of Man to defend the title he won last year.
With Rob having already accepted a ride with Arron Newby, John only making a last minute decision to enter, a new co-driver was quickly sought. Islander Bruce Craig was free and was soon eager to team up with John and sample a WRC for the very first time.
Friday night saw 3 stages repeated twice covering 48.5 miles
It took John and Bruce a little time to settle in and one or two minor problems saw them drop over 30 seconds on the last stage of the night. Nigel Cannell led the way with a string of fastest times leaving everyone in their wake, John finishing the leg in 4th spot with work to do .....
Saturday was a further 3 stages repeated twice coupled with two short runs through Ramsey totalling 60 stage miles, with plenty of time to make up for lost ground.
The duo quickly found the partnership settling in and set about those in front with 2nd Overall the target. Unfortunately Nigel Cannell struck immediate trouble with a double puncture catapulting John and Bruce up the field to 3rd and soon after into 2nd Spot.
Arron Newby partnered by John's usual Co-Driver Rob Fagg, had by now established a healthy lead, but on the second run trough the 3 stage loop John found his rythum and set his first - and ultimately only, fastest time of the day.
The in car Video of Stage 10 can bee seen below ......
With 2nd place consolidated a steady run through the Ramsey stages saw John bring the duo home to and excellent and well deserved second place and once again on the podium at the winners circle.
Grateful thanks once again to Geoprep - Dean George's excellent motorsport company, Andy Freeman and the rest of the support team, Winy, & Peeky.
Full results can be found here
Next event West Cork in Southern Island.
