2011/07/02
Article by Glenn Beckles
Photos by Himal Reece (Justbajan.com)
“My game plan will be to try to find a reasonable pace and stick with it through Saturday; Sunday morning will be the time to attack. Fastest two-wheel drive would be a great result.” These words were spoken to us at Red265 Rally Media by local driving ace Neil Armstrong on May 20th 2011. Fast forward to the night of June 5th 2011: Neil Armstrong finished SOL Rally Barbados in 6thposition, and held the crown as fastest two-wheel drive competitor. Mission accomplished? We’d like to think so.
Co-driven by Barry Ward in his rapid Toyota Starlet, Neil had an enthralling battle with Ian Warren in a Suzuki Swift. Every time the Starlet approached the crowds, they heralded its arrival with shouts and screams of delight. As it drove past, they fell silent and listened to the 7age scream up to 10,000rpms, punctuated by sequential gear changes. Just how does Neil feel about his 6th placed finish and fastest two-wheel drive title? “It is a great feeling! We really could not have hoped for a better result, all the hard work and late nights paid off! Rally Barbados takes a toll on the cars, but just how did Neil’s machine stand up to the torment of being driven full-tilt for 2 days? “The car worked very well, we had an issue on one of the early stages where we ran the car too low on fuel and this created a splutter but we managed to make it back to service and did not lose too much time on the stage. We also had major starter motor problems. We went through 3 starters over the weekend, all failing, leaving me no option other than to leave the car idling for the entire day on Sunday while not in service. I am very lucky to not have stalled it on the start line at any point.”
Neil was made to fight hard for his highest-placed two-wheel drive crown though. He was pushed all the way by the then-reigning two-wheel drive champion Ian Warren. Although this titanic battle ended prematurely as a result of warren suffering an accident after lunch on Day 2, Neil really relished the fight. “Ian Warren is a fierce competitor and to be able to take the fight to him was really a thrill.” There was no question that Neil was driving hard all weekend, but did he leave anything in reserve? “No, all my cards were on the table.” With that said, driving ‘balls to the wall’ causes you to tread the fine line between a spectacular driving display and a spectacular crash. Did Neil have any hair-raising moments over the two days? “Too many to mention! We are very lucky to have to car home in one piece.” Looking back over two days of keen competition, what stands out as being the most memorable part of SOL Rally Barbados? “I would have to say that edging out John Powell on the super special at the end of the rally was a moment I will always remember! To end off two long, hard days of fighting for every half second with a win against a World Rally Car was amazing! Also the first cold beer after parking in pit lane at bushy park!”
Red265 Rally Media would like to congratulate Neil Armstrong and Barry Ward on their outstanding accomplishments during SOL Rally Barbados 2011. We’d also like to thank Neil for taking the time to do this follow-up with us. He not also has the crown of the fastest two-wheel drive competitor in Barbados, but the bull’s eye is now on his back. With the motorsport season now at its halfway point, there will be quite a few more events for the chasing pack to try to usurp him. Red265 Rally Media will be there to keep you up to date as the events unfold.
