McLachlan Rallying

Dalby Forest Stumps Championship Hopes

McLachlans Crash Out of DeLacey Forest Stages

 

DeLacey Stages - 15th November 2003

The 205 Challenge Overall Championship went down to the wire with five possible victors going into the last round. As one of those five, the McLachlan team had good reason to contend the last round in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.

Heavy rain immediately preceding the event meant that the tracks were treacherous and unpredictable, but Richard set a good pace remaining in the top 5 fastest on every stage throughout the day. By the last stage the team had secured a 5th place position in both the event and the championship having a comfortable margin on the next driver and just needed to get to the end to secure the championship points.

However a double bump on a fast straight within half a mile of the finish set the car hurtling off the track, and after sliding along the edge of the tree-line for 200 yards the car crashed to a halt on a large tree stump. With the front suspension torn off, the team's event and championship were over.

After having the car towed out of the stage, Richard said "We were very lucky not to roll the car but even so the shell is beyond repair. Its been a great season and to end like this is very hard to take but at least we're both OK"

The team now have some decisions to make as to whether to build another car for next year's championship. A key factor will be funding, and any sponsorship would be very welcome.