TERRY Martin and Brandon Smith’s attempt to win the Jack Neal Memorial Rally went up in smoke when the exhaust exploded halfway through the event.
Martin, from Clitheroe DMC, and driver Smith had made a great start in their Darrian, posting joint fastest time on the opening stage at Blyton, Lincolnshire.
“We put some harder tyres on for the second stage, but had a slight off as they hadn’t warmed up properly,” said Martin, who lives in Blackburn. “That cost us ten seconds, then on SS3 the exhaust split open filling the cockpit with smoke. With no time to repair it, the exhaust then virtually exploded on SS5, which caused a fire.
“We think the carbon fibre box wasn’t up to the job, so we’ve now fitted a stainless steel one ready for this weekend’s Roskirk Stages at Wigan.”
Overall victory went to Dave and Alice Tinn in their Proton, with Simon Mauger and Stuart Andrews second in their Metro 2.6. The Jack Neal Rally is held annually in memory of the well-respected East Lancashire scrutineer.
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