AFTER all the talking, Sol Rally Barbados 2012 is underway – and as promised, the action was hot and fast from the first stage yesterday.
Englishman Paul Bird, driving an M8-WRC Frank Bird Poultry/Fuchs-Silkolene Ford Focus WRC08, was first on the road and looked ready to finally win the rally that has eluded him since 2008.
Out to stop him was 12-time winner Roger “The Sheriff” Skeete, in his Sol-sponsored Subaru Impreza S12 WRC, with many other drivers also hungry for victory.
Jamaican fans may have a case of heartbreak this year, as it appears that John “Penti” Powell, in his Subaru S14 WRC, seems to have hit troubles along the way.
In the two-wheel drive battle, Neil Armstrong was as fast as expected. Not to be outdone, though, was Bret Clarke, in his Citroen C2, and Ian Warren, in his Suzuki Swift, who must be looking to put last year’s troubles behind him.
Not far off the sharp end, was the ever spectacular Geoffrey Ullyett, whose Datsun 200T seemed to be answering every request from his right foot.
Andrew Jones, in the Ford Escort Mark 2, is now back to his usual sideways self and is thrilling the fans with moves that could see him bring home the entertainer award.
It’s an award that Scotland’s Allan Mackay wants to take from him, although his driving style would suggest he wants to have a good finish in his group.
Also in the thick of things were Irishmen Raymond Conlon, in his Corolla, Glen Campbell, in his Nissan Micra Kit Car, and Martin Donnelly, in his Mitsubishi Evo XI, who are keeping up with the pace in their respective groups.
The father and son team from Britain, Rob and Ross Weir, are newcomers in the event and appear to be taking it easy as they get accustomed to the slippery tarmac.
Not only men are attacking the stages this weekend as the all-female crew of Shannon Kirton and Lisa Roett were giving the men challenges in a Datsun 120Y. They are looking as though they could take the clubman class victory.
