Important Points in Ireland for Edwards
Posted on April 12, 2016
The run up to the event was not plain sailing for the Swift Group backed driver though, an engine problem was found during preparations for the event forcing a full rebuild for the Mitsubishi Evolution 9 as Colwyn Bay's Edwards faced his first international event on the Emerald Isle. “It certainly adds to the pressure; we have every confidence in the car but this engine rebuild has denied us the opportunity to go testing. It’ll be our first time on Irish tarmac in this car and with some new DMack tyres to get used too.”
The event set off from a damp Belfast on Friday morning and despite getting the car ready in time for the event a seized fuel pump was to deny Edwards, partnered by Will Rogers, the opportunity to tackle a competitive stage on the opening day. “It’s disappointing; the car was running fine but just cut out before we got to the first stage. The part will take minutes to replace and we will be allowed to restart tomorrow. As frustrating as it is, there are still championship points on offer and that is our focus.” Explained Edwards.
Day two was to see the Welshman in a buoyant mood, setting times comparable to the more advanced and expensive R5 classification cars featuring in the European Rally Championship, Edwards once again demonstrated his driving prowess with a positive attitude towards the day’s stages. “It is great to be in amongst the quicker cars here, proves the kind of package the Mitsubishi can offer and the quality of the DMack tyres in what are very difficult conditions. As more cars travel over the tarmac roads, the more mud and dirt gets pulled out and they’ve performed well today.” Said Edwards.
Despite not gaining the overall position the team had hoped for, thanks to the regulations allowing them to rejoin on the Saturday stages, the Morris Lubricants backed team took points for second in class and retain their lead in the BRC2 Category of the British Rally Championship. With only three weeks until the third round, Edwards’ preparation firm ME RallySport will return the Mitsubishi to gravel specification for the the Pirelli Carlisle Rally.
Images courtesy of Colin Service
