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Rally of the Midlands |
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| BEEBE
STILL ON TOP AFTER TARMAC DEBUT
Matt and Richard dominated round 5 of the scholarship, winning 12 out of 18 stages, and notching up another win in N1 Class in their MG ZR 105.
"Most of the mileage was at MIRA so we knew that this was where the rally would be won or lost. This meant we attacked from the very start in a bid to gain an advantage which nearly cost us dear as we left the road on stage two onto some grass and turned the MG into a high speed lawnmower cutting the grass with the front spoiler. "Apart from this the first loop went well with us winning all four stages, The team from North Warwickshire College checked the car over after our excursion and it was back out for another loop at MIRA and Merevale. After another service it was back to MIRA were we again set fastest time and extended our lead to 1min 14secs as we returned to Trinity Motors to end the day. "The MG proved again just how fast it can go and towards the end of the day we got used to slick Silverstone tyres and having loads of grip. It was great fun to really start throwing the car into corners at high speed knowing the MG ZR would get round without any problems.” "Day 2 was more for the spectators so it was just a case of keeping a steady pace and putting on a good show for the crowds that had turned out to support the MGs with flags and air horns. "The stages were great fun to drive with loads of spectators which meant that we tried a bit too hard at times and had a half spin at Bramcote and slid sideways into a straw bale at Arbury but we got to the end very happy with the way things had gone. "Richard and myself finished 35th overall, first in class and first of the scholarship competitors, MGs finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th overall and took top spot in 6 different classes so it was a very successful weekend for the Midlands manufacturer. "We extended our lead at the top of the points table and learnt a lot about how changing tyre pressures and suspension settings will affect the car's handling so for us it was a very successful weekend as well. "All the scholarship MG ZRs once again ran faultlessly and surprised a lot of people with how fast these little 1400cc flying machines are, with there powerful engine and fantastic handling beating cars that should be a lot faster. I am looking forward to seeing all the action from the weekend on Sky Sports Max Power and Channel 4 Rallyzone, so look out for it. There will be some exciting in car action." Matt Beebe Championship positions after
round 5: |
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