Can you imagine what was going on in Malcolm Wilson’s mind just before the Welsh wizard, Elfyn Evans, crossed the last timing beam yesterday at Wales Rally GB?
The culmination of decades of work, the unending late nights, the faith in young drivers and an unquivering commitment to the Blue Oval has paid off.
Big time.
Motorsport can really deliver a high far greater than any trip a drug addict can endure. To capture the FIA World Manufacturers Championship for Ford and crown the World Rally Drivers’ champion at the same time is truly remarkable. Sebastian Ogier and Julian Ingrassia’s decision to drive for the UK based M-Sport team truly vindicated.
Make no mistakes here, this is one of the best overall victories by any rally team. Ever.
A private team has shown a clean set of heels to the might of Citroen, Hyundai and Toyota, testimony that cash is not always the key ingredient.
There is no doubt for me that driver ability plays a bigger part in these results than ever. The three M-Sport drivers last weekend delivered big time for the team and paid back with a fairy tale result that will top the rally history books for some time.
So, it’s becomes our turn. The championships are run and won, but the second place in the driver’s championship remains unresolved.
Tanak (Ford) and Neuville (Hyundai) now go head-to-head at next month’s Kennards Hire Rally Australia to fight out second place, and Tanak has a point to prove as he jumps to Toyota for 2018.
The construction of the Destination NSW Super Special Stage is well underway and crowds will be able to see the best WRC and Aussie Championship cars up close and personal in one of the most picturesque settings of any Super Special globally. Entry is from 2pm on Friday and Saturday.
Why not take the time to congratulate the teams at the Service Park? Free admission means that you can bring the family and have some fun there too. Plenty of stuff for big and little kids!
Kennards Hire Rally Australia Clerk of Course, Wayne Kenny, oversees the building of the Destination NSW Super Special Stage last week.
See the rally at Raleigh Raceway on Saturday morning. It’s the effortless way to spectate. Rally fans, of course, are catered for with fantastic spectator points around Coffs Harbour.
Sunday sees the Wedding Bells Rally Village again with multiple viewing locations and the last stage of the rally will be televised worldwide. The Power Stage will more than likely see who comes second in the WRC drivers’ title.
While all this world rally action is on, the race will be to crown our own Australian Rally Champion. Will Nathan Quinn, the sentimental local rally hero, pull it off, or will the hard charging Molly Taylor take the spoils of victory for the second year running?
They both deserve it, but only one can win the championship. Expect others to upset their champagne sprays.
Take the time at the Rally Show on Thursday in Coffs Harbour to get a souvenir, even a selfie with your favourite teams. No other world level sport lets you get this close to the stars!
You and your mates do not want to miss the best motorsport action there is. Mates Rates end tomorrow, so save 50% and book today. Thank me later for this tip! BOOK HERE.
In any event, whoever wins will deserve the accolades of our sport, the fans and the community. One thing is for certain – rallying is the winner here!
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