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Jason turns on Manx magic to get onto podium
publication date: Jul 15, 2010
 | Builth Wells based rally driver Jason Pritchard
enjoyed his best ever finish in the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally
Championship when the 22 year old survived treacherous conditions during
the International Rally Isle of Man to bring his North Road Garage, FCS
Lasermail and Total Impreza Magazine-supported Subaru Impreza N2010
home third overall and first privateer. |
Pritchard, who has enjoyed success in a two wheel drive Citroen on the
island before, arrived in the host city of Douglas on the back of his
first ever outright tarmac victory on the non championship Mini Epynt
Stages but was conscious that the unique nature of the Manx lanes would
test his ability to the maximum.
And, with changeable weather added to the mix, the 2010 event would be
the most difficult challenge yet for the reigning R2 British Rally
Champion.
A strong but clean run on the Friday stages saw Pritchard and co-driver
Robbie Durant settle into a comfortable pace and as the day progressed
the pair rapidly moved up the leaderboard and consolidated themselves in
third position overall. By the end of the opening leg, consisting of 13
high speed tests around the island, the young duo held a narrow 16
second advantage over current championship leader Jonny Greer. Saturday
morning would prove the most tricky of Pritchard’s career as torrential
rain and heavy fog made every decision all the more crucial. Pritchard
revelled in these conditions and quickly pulled away from his rival to
return to the ceremonial finish fifty seconds ahead and a fantastic
third overall on his first ever Rally Isle of Man in a four wheel drive!
"This is a really big moment for me. Out of all of the BRC events this
is the one where everyone especially wants to go well and so to finish
on the podium is amazing," he said.
"The weather conditions were so changeable, the trickiest I’ve ever
driven in, but the car was faultless. Robbie was perfect on the notes
and the guys in service did a top job on the car."
The next round of the 2010 Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship is
the Rally Northern Ireland which takes place on the bumpy lanes around
Antrim over the weekend of 20 and 21 August.
This event is the penultimate rally in the 2010 series and whilst Jason
currently lies fourth in the overall standings Robbie is actually
second, a mere point off the top spot, in the co-drivers championship! | | | |
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