“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 6^thposition, 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.

“This has been the best and worst Rally Barbados for me. It was a case of what worked and what didn’t. The engine worked fine all weekend, which was really pleasing.” The pair did, however suffered a scare which could have ended their rally. “On the penultimate stage, we discovered that there was a crack in the gearbox case. So, for the Super Special, we just tried to ensure we made it to the end.” The cracked gearbox case wasn’t the only mechanical issue they had to combat over the weekend. “We blew 3 turbos, believe it or not. They were all standard turbos – we didn’t even use the antilag.”

As if the mechanical gremlins weren’t enough, driver and navigator both suffered bouts of sickness. On Saturday, my navi was sick – even throwing up in the car! The next day, I was sick and throwing up as well. There was, however, the feeling of sweet success. “Everything we’ve been through has been worth it. A lot of credit goes to the man in the left seat- Orville Bruce. He’s been outstanding. The whole crew has worked hard, we’ve won our group, but we feel like we’ve won the event.”

What’s next for Graeme and his crew? “We’ll do some development and work on the gearbox, engine and get a full Group A turbo. Hopefully most, if not all of it should come together for the Rally of The Sun and Stars.” Red265 Rally Media would like to congratulate Graeme Finlayson, Orville Bruce and their service and preparation on their group win in SOL Rally Barbados and we wish them all the best in future events.

“We had a terrific weekend! We had a bit of a problem initially at the start of the rally. There were some problems with the oil pump after the first 2 stages. After that, we went out there and had some fun.” They certainly did have fun. Just ask those who were at the Content junction of the Canefield stage. On each of the five runs through the stage, Mackay treated the crowd to a feast of donuts. “The adrenaline rush I get from  the crowd is amazing. Crowd input gives us an extra 40 horsepower!”

It’s not just participating in the rally itself, but the overall experience that keeps Allan coming back. “It’s the total package, really. The organization of the event is excellent and the enthusiasm and the sheer numbers of the spectators is overwhelming. Add to that the fact that it’s not that expensive to do: to participate in a 1 day rally in Scotland that covers 40 stage miles costs about £1,000.” Going back to the crowds, Allan can’t speak highly enough of them.  “I just love the crowds. I can’t thank them enough for their support. I’d like to kiss every lady and shake hands with every gentleman who came out and cheered us on.”

Looking to the future, Allan Mackay gave us some insight as to what local motorsport fans can expect. “As it stands, we have a plan in place to be coming here for the next 15 years! Next year, one of my sons will be competing in Rally Barbados with his similar spec Anglia JWRC. Then in 2013, my other son will be here to participate as well.” Aggressive driving, sideways corner exits and impromptu donuts have made Allan Mackay and his Ford Anglia WRC household names in Barbados. Red265 Rally Media would like to thank him for speaking to us and congratulate him and his entire crew on yet another wonderful showing and look forward to seeing them back again next year.

During the 2003 edition of Rally Barbados, the phrase “trio of hot Starlets” became famous, describing the Starlets of Barry Mayers, Jason Parkinson and Cliff Roett as they laid siege to the stages on Day 2, setting stage fastest times and leaving numerous four-wheel drives in their wake. However, Neil Armstrong’s Starlet isn’t just hot…it’s an incendiary device. This Starlet’s story is one of evolution, beginning on Day 1 of Rally Barbados 2006. Neil filled us in “The car was really running very well before it was totaled in RB06 and I could see the potential it had (I was running 8th overall). I felt I owed it to the car to rebuild it but I would have never guessed back then that it would become the beast it is today.” With the Starlet having a special place in his heart, moves were afoot to bring the beast back to life.

Fast forward to 2009 when local motorsport fans got word that Neil’s EP82 was coming back to the stages, but nothing could have prepared them for what they were about to witness. At the Shell V-Power King of The Hill event Neil and his Starlet (dubbed the Pitbullet) being used as Car Zero left the crowd in awe. Sporting a time attack styled body kit, screaming engine and 6-speed sequential gearbox, the beast was well and truly alive. More was to come from this dynamic duo, and 2011 just might see them reach their highest heights yet.

There have been many changes throughout the local motorsport fraternity, and Neil has embraced such change. No longer competing in Super Modified 9, he has stepped up to Super Modified 10. What brought about this change? “The main reason for the change is that the car was too heavy for S9, I would always be at a disadvantage when compared to a rear-wheel drive starlet or similar car that could be built bang on the weight limit and of course more power is never a bad thing. For me the lines between the S groups are blurred, my group is anyone in a two-wheel-drive car so being bumped up into S10 was not a big deal for me.” What provides this extra power, you may ask? “Last year’s engine was your off the shelf Atlantic spec 4age, this one is much the same just built around a 7age bottom end with a few tricks.” There’s also the issue of a colour change. No longer is the EP82 grey, but it is now matte black, and without a sponsor’s livery “Well, I’ve got some new sponsors so I’m not sure if it can be called the Pitbullet again this year…” Judging from his escapades during the Shakedown Stages, “The Grim Reaper” would have been a perfect choice.

While everything seemed to go quite smoothly for the Shakedown Stages, spectators had no idea that preparation for the event went right down to the wire. “The prep for the warm up rally was very last minute with the engine only landing in Barbados on the Wednesday before the event. It started for the first time around 2am on Saturday morning and drove for the first time around 9pm on Saturday night. Miraculously the car did not have a single issue and I believe it could have done another 12 stages the next day. Huge thanks to Alan and “Chippy” Bayne and Barry Ward for making it happen.” Looking ahead to Rally Barbados what is Neil’s strategy? “Rally Barbados is a unique beast; I love it and hate it at the same time. My first goal of any RB is just to get to the end. If you can get to the finish without any major issues, you will have a result you can be proud of. 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. There is a lot of hype surrounding the two-wheel drive cars this year and I think there are at least 5 guys who could win the title. It’s going to be a very interesting two days.”

Spectators will be in for a treat when Rally Barbados rolls around on June 4^th and 5^th. Neil Armstrong and his Toyota Starlet will be part of the equation to ensure that. However, one question still lingers with fans…Is there another phase in the evolution of this personification of automotive beauty? “Maybe some changes to the rear suspension but that’s it, this is the final evolution.” Red265 Rally Media would like to wish Neil all the best, not only for Rally Barbados but in all of the events to come. We’d also like to thank him for taking the time out to speak to us and share the story in his labour of love. Stay tuned to Red265 Rally Media within the coming days as we count down to the Shell V-Power King of The Hill and SOL Rally Barbados.

Saturday, June 4

0930 Start Greenland Agricultural Station
SS1 Field Insurance Pickerings 1 (3.90km)
SS2 Automotive Art – Sol Orange Hill North 1 (3.80km)
SS3 Karcher Canefield North 1 (5.00km)
SS4 Field Insurance Pickerings 2 (3.90km)
SS5 Automotive Art – Sol Orange Hill North 2 (3.80km)
SS6 Karcher Canefield North 2 (5.00km)
SS7 Field Insurance Pickerings 3 (3.90km)

Service and lunch halt Greenland Agricultural Station
Total stage distance, leg 1 – 29.30km

SS8 Automotive Art – Sol Orange Hill South 1 (3.80km)
SS9 Karcher Canefield South 1 (5.00km)
SS10 Automotive Art – Sol Orange Hill South 2 (3.80km)
SS11 Karcher Canefield South 2 (5.00km)
SS12 Automotive Art – Sol Orange Hill South 2 (3.80km)
SS13 Karcher Canefield South 3 (5.00km)

Total stage distance, leg 2 – 26.40km
Total stage distance, day 1 55.70km
Sunday, June 5

0930 Restart Bushy Park
SS14 Red Bull Malvern West 1 (6.20km)
SS15 LIME Kendal North 1 (6.0km)
SS16 Red Bull Malvern West 2 (6.20km)
SS17 LIME Kendal North 2 (6.0km)
SS18 Red Bull Malvern West 3 (6.20km)
SS19 LIME Kendal North 3 (6.0km)

Service and lunch halt – Bushy Park
Total stage distance, leg 3 – 36.60km

SS20 Red Bull Malvern East 1 (6.20km)
SS21 LIME Kendal South 1 (6.0km)
SS22 Red Bull Malvern East 2 (6.20km)
SS23 LIME Kendal South 2 (6.0km)
SS24 Sol Aviation SuperSpecial at Bushy Park (1.00km)

Total stage distance, leg 4 – 26.40km
Total stage distance, day 2 – 63.00km
Total overall stage distance – 118.70km

Motorsport fans can expect an even greater level of excitement and satisfaction for the 2011 edition of SOL Rally Barbados. During a Media Conference held today at the Hilton Hotel, details were given with regard to the innovation and initiatives which had gone into this year’s activities. SOL Rally Barbados Chairman Barry Gale expressed his amazement at the response to the committee’s aim of attracting more two-wheel drive entrants. “We had made a particular effort from early to target two-wheel drive cars from Europe, and it’s definitely paid off. We have trophies for the top 10 two-wheel drive cars, while the highest placed front-wheel drive crew and highest placed rear-wheel drive crews will have their fees reimbursed. Added to that, out of the 16 cars that qualify, 8 of them are newcomers to the event and they’re bringing some really different and exciting cars.”

The SOL Group has embarked on a second three-year title sponsorship deal with SOL Rally Barbados. Andrew Niles, General Manager of SOL Barbados Ltd, remarked on the growth and results that this partnership has wrought. “SOL Rally Barbados attracts thousands of fans, scores of local and overseas journalists and plenty of tourists to our shores. SOL is happy to be able to contribute to the overall development of Barbados in this way.”

From the spectator’s side of things, there is plenty of food for thought and loads of action to look forward to. Night stages have returned, so too has the Bushy Park Super Special – but it’s not just the same old show. There’s also a new venue for the Shell V-Power King of The Hill, which throws a twist at how Automotive Art Canefield, by far the most popular stage of SOL Rally Barbados will be run. Shell V-Power King of The Hill come off on May 29^th and will be run from Hangman Hill to Lion Castle. There will be one practice run and three official runs. As a result of King of The Hill’s route utilizing a portion of the Canefield stage, a remodeling of sorts has been done to the stage route, with the stage starting Content, St.Thomas.  As for the SOL Aviation Super Special at Bushy Park, this event will bring the curtain down on the two-day event. What’s refreshing about this year’s approach is that it will be run under floodlights, with the first pair of cars set to leave the start line at 6:15 pm. There will only be one timed run for this year’s rallysprint-style format – there’s also the small matter of seeing who catches the most air over the bridge!

Here’s a look at SOL Rally Barbados by the numbers:

Ø  100 crews on the provision al entry list – an event record

Ø  Drivers or co-drivers from 14 countries (Barbados included) with Australia and Germany being represented for the first time

Ø  40 International drivers or co-drivers, of which 20 are new to the event

Ø  10 female competitors – one driver, nine co-drivers

Ø  23 Special stages to be contested; 13 on Day One at three venues, 10 on Day Two at two venues

Results

If you’ve got an eerie feeling that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you’re not alone. You share that feeling with thousands of local motorsport fans. What’s the reason for this, you ask? Responsibility lies squarely at the feet of the Motoring Club of Barbados Inc’s (MCBI) Speed Event to be held at Malvern on Sunday April 17^th.  This event has explosive packages and titanic battle prospects throughout the field of entrants, and Sunday morning can’t come soon enough.

Roger “The Sheriff” Skeete will compete in his first event of the season. With his Subaru Impreza WRC S12 all refreshed and ready to go, Skeete will be looking to make it a three-way battle between himself, Roger Hill and Sean Gill. Gill showed considerable pace in his Suzuki SX4 WRC at the season opener at Ellesmere where he enjoyed an intense battle with Hill in his Toyota Corolla WRC.

Brett Clarke will also be making his 2011 debut in his recently acquired Citroen C2. “The car’s been painted and is just waiting for the stickers to be applied, which will be done tomorrow. After that, there’ll be one last spanner check, checking of all fluids and such and then it’s off to the event on Sunday. I’m feeling pretty good and looking forward to driving the car. Once the car’s reliable and I get seat time, this season should be pretty good for us.”

Josh Read will be behind the wheel of his Toyota Starlet, which adds more intensity to the battle for two-wheel drive supremacy. Owen and Sammy Cumberbatch will be out in full force with their BMWs, so too will Logan Watson. Sideways entertainment will be provided by Andrew Jones in his Ford Escort MkII and “The King of Swing” Stewart McChlery piloting a Ford Escort Mk I.

Sunday’s event promises to be action-packed and unforgettable. Red265 Rally Media will keep you up to date on the happenings. Spectators please heed the advice of Marshals and Safety Personnel. Best of luck to everyone participating on Sunday! 

2011/03/16th
Article by Glenn Beckles
Photos by Kirk Watkins

Andrew Mallalieu is a Barbadian motorsport legend.  Whenever his name is mentioned, spectators who have witnessed his driving displays start to stroll down memory lane. After being away from the competitive aspect of motorsport for over a decade, Andrew Mallalieu has made a return. When his name popped up on the entry list for the Motoring Club of Barbados Inc’s (MCBI) Double Header at Ellesmere, more than a few eyebrows were raised and hearts skipped a few beats. Red265 Rally Media caught up with Mr.Mallalieu at the service area during the lunch stop of today’s event.

Just how long has Andrew Mallalieu been out of action? “The last rally I did was the Texaco All Stage rally was in 1997, so that’s fourteen years. I’m back having some fun. I don’t know for how long, but I’m going to have some fun for the next few weeks and see how we get through in Rally Barbados and see what other rallies we do from there.” While he was away from the forefront of the motorsport scene, Andrew wasn’t totally removed from the sports – he was actually working behind the scenes. “I’ve spent fourteen years working on the sport as president of the BMF (Barbadian Motoring Federation). Actually, I agonized a bit as to if should compete this year. I’m amazed to see how much the sport has grown since I was last a competitor.”

Andrew Mallalieu is revered for his exploits behind the wheel of Suzukis. Upon his return he has chosen a new steed…a Subaru. What influenced this choice? “I’ve had a couple WRXs and road-going STIs. I love the cars they’re really great. From what everyone had told me it was a very good car and was available at a very decent price. To be honest, I bought it without any intention of competing. I was planning on having a nice STI, but then I quickly learnt that it was not a car that you could drive on the road regularly. We changed up a few bits – installed a new roller-bearing turbo. It’s best spec that you can get in Group N spec. We put on the best Group N brakes that you can get for it, because us old boys may not be the most daring, but as least we can stop quicker than others. Truthfully the car’s an extremely good car. We had a gentleman come down from England and map the engine with the new turbo and fuel that we’re using. We went up to Bushy Park and the car’s extremely quick. It was faster around Bushy Park than I was in my Suzuki when I first went around there!”

There’s no doubt that tongues were wagging when Andrew’s name appeared on the entry list. Some may have even questioned his ability to ‘still have it’ after being off of the scene for such an extended period of time. Just what are his intentions upon his return? “Well goal number one is not to hit the car, goal number is not to hit the car and goal number three is not to hit the car. In all seriousness though, it’s left-hand drive so learning to drive left hand drive is interesting. I think that the learning curve on that is over. Understanding where the corners of the car are from the left seat as opposed to the right seat is important as well. Truthfully my goal is to have fun. I don’t have any aspirations to win Rally Barbados or anything like that. I think I’ll be entertaining. Truthfully, I’m participating, I don’t think competing would be the right word – yes, I’m participating.”

So with the car all stickered up, entry confirmed and all that was left to do was arrive and drive, were there any nerves before Sunday’s event – even as he was at the start line on Sunday morning? “Well there weren’t nerves while I was on the start line. However, I don’t know how much sleep I actually got last night! I was wondering if it was the right thing to do. It’s a little different when you’re 18, 19 years old and there’s no wife, children, mortgage or business and people relying on you. At 46 years old with four little children running around, I was really wondering if it was the right thing to do. Make no mistake, these cars are extremely quick and Todds to Ellesmere being the first stage to be out doing is no laughing matter. This stage is probably the most technical stage that we have in Barbados and has a history of accidents. So I think last night there was a fair amount of nervousness. However, once that you put on that suit, strap on those belts and put on that helmet there are no more nerves.”

After placing 6^th and 5^th overall in the Easterly and Westerly runs respectively in Sunday’s double header, it’s safe to say that Andrew Mallalieu knocked off quite a bit of rust. He was particularly impressive in the ‘esses’ by Todds junction for the post-lunch runs. The motorsport fraternity as a whole can’t wait to see what else is in store for the coming events. Red265 Rally Media wants to thank Andrew Mallalieu for his time to give us this exclusive interview and welcomes him back to the front lines of Barbadian motorsport.

Roger “The Ninja” Hill and Sean Gill shared the spoils as they were both in winner’s row after contesting the Motoring Club of Barbados Inc’s (MCBI) double header. Drivers faced a stern test on what has been said to be the most technical and challenging stage in Barbados – Ellesmere. Hill drove his Toyota Corolla WRC like a man possessed throughout the event, and won the pre-lunch session with a fastest time of 1 minute 18.38 seconds. ‘The Ninja’ signaled his intent from the practice run, and left spectators stunned with his commitment in each and every twist, turn and corner of the course. Gill, driving his Suzuki SX4 WRC on local tarmac for the first time was less than a second behind Hill in the morning session, but turned the tables, claiming victory in the post-lunch session. His fastest of the three official runs being 1:18.22. Gill looked quite comfortable in the SX4, and they will pose a very viable threat to the established order in the WRC group.

Mark Hamilton returned to four-wheel drive competition, this time behind the wheel of the ex-Barry Gale Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. Hamilton made himself right at home, taking the fight to Group N champion Geoff Noel. These two had an enthralling battle all event long, with nothing more of a fraction of a second between them in each run. Andrew Mallalieu in a Subaru Impreza WRX returned to competition after a 14 year layoff and gave a pretty good account of himself. In the final run of the day, Mallalieu made two marvelous turns in the “esses” just after exiting the Todds junction, much to the delight of the spectators.
Cliff Roett was blisteringly quick in his Toyota Starlet. Even though he only completed two runs during the event, he placed third overall in the morning session. Norman Catwell was quite rapid in his Peugeot 205. Apart from his committed driving, fans thoroughly enjoyed the Pug’s engine note and the crisp gear changes. Jason Cozier made a return to the tarmac after a seven year absence and had quite a battle going with Jamal Brathwaite. Cozier’s Peugeot 205 was less than a second quicker than Brathwaite’s Mitsubishi Colt throughout the morning’s runs, setting up Brathwaite to exact revenge in the afternoon. This wasn’t to be, however, as the Colt suffered some mechanical problems. Paul Horton continued to impress in his Honda Civic, and Edward Corbin was ‘Mr.Consistent’ in his Daihatsu Charmant. The Watson brothers put down solid displays in their BMW M3. They even let the back hang out a bit, and the acoustics from the M3’s straight six weren’t half-bad either.

If Sunday’s event is anything to go by, the 2011 season will be full of action and excitement. What’s more intriguing is that there are quite a few competitors to enter the fray. Well done to all those involved in Sunday’s event, and we look forward to even better things as they year progresses. Red265 Rally Media will keep you informed….stay tuned.

Results
   

Sean Gill will be driving his Suzuki SX4 WRC locally for the first time, after his impressive showing in Rally Jamaica last year. Gill has been doing some testing at Bushy Park during the week and fans eagerly wait to see the machine in action.  Mark Hamilton has stepped up to Group N in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. This will be his first venture into the four-wheel drive group. Rhett and Logan Watson will be getting their first competitive outing in the ex-Jonathan Still BMW M3. They too have conducted some testing at the Bushy Park racing circuit and will be on a fairly steep learning curve, but excited none the less. Local racing legend Andrew Mallalieu returns to the racing scene after a lengthy absence from the sport. He will be behind the wheel of the ex-David Williams Subaru Impreza WRX. His return has created quite a buzz within the local motorsport fraternity, and undoubtedly all eyes will be on him tomorrow. Red265 Rally Media will have a feature on Mr.Mallalieu within the coming days, so stay tuned.

Cliff Roett and Josh Read will be locked in a heated battle come Sunday morning. On the heels of his outstanding display of driving at the first Barbados Auto Racing League’s (BARL) first race meet of 2011, Roett will seek to continue his fine form. Read is a tough competitor, and his Toyota Starlet is as good a machine to take the fight to Roett as any. Sunday also marks the second event for “The Coolie Stig” Avinash Chatrani piloting his ex-Neil Armstrong Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI. Leader of The Chicken Pen Racing Team Norman Catwell returns to action as well, so spectators are definitely in for a treat.

Spectators are asked to exercise safety and caution and adhere to all instruction given by Marshals and other safety personnel. Red265 Rally Media wishes all competitors the best of luck tomorrow and for the remainder of the 2011 season. Stay tuned for developments as they happen.

This event is a double-header speed event comprising of one practice and three official runs in one direction, after which the course will be reversed and consist of one practice and three official runs in the other direction