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Dodd sets the pace in thrilling opener for Hankook Gravel Rally Championship |
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Sunday, 25 February 2007 |
South coast rally driver Marcus Dodd ensured a thrilling start to the Hankook Gravel Rally Championship recording his fifth Rallye Sunseeker win and taking maximum points on the opening round.
Together with co-driver Andrew Bargery, Marcus set the fastest time on nine of the 14 high speed tests on the Bournemouth-based event, setting the pace in his Hyundai Accent as the rally moved from the seafront on Friday night into the forests on Saturday.
While Marcus’ WRC car took top honours in the main category, the drive
of the day came from Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge driver
Phillip Morrow who was fourth overall and first in Group N.
Together with co-driving brother Simon, Phillip produced an outstanding
performance against more powerful machinery and was delighted with the
result.
“I hadn’t expected to do so well on this round so it is a great start
to my season,’’ said Phillip who now looks forward to the second round
of the Hankook GRC and Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the
Border Counties rally.
The series began in style with two special stages through the
Bournemouth Winter Gardens and along the seafront with the Hankook GRC
attracting thousands of spectators.
And the fans were back on Saturday to see the championship contenders
bid for the first points of the season in the forests of Hampshire and
Dorset.
“Rallye Sunseeker produced an outstanding start to the Hankook GRC with
some great battles throughout the field,’’ said Hankook Motorsports
manager Mike Patterson.
The Hankook GRC moves to Scotland next month for the Jedburgh-based Border Counties Rally which takes place on March 24.
Further Information is available at the Championship Website: www.gravelrally.co.uk
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