Kimpton Rally Driver James Grint is looking forward to getting back out on to the stages this weekend and get his BTRDA Rally Series Production Cup challenge back on track.
James was caught out on a slippery stretch of tarmac on the last round of the championship, the Dukeries Rally, posting his first non-finish in the BTRDA this year. The off caused quite a bit of damage to the Greased Lightning backed Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 and the team have faced a race against time to get the car ready in time for the next round of the championship, the Nicky Grist Quinton Stages.
“The Dukeries Rally was a huge disappointment. We went off in a spot, which seemed to catch quite a few out. The car didn’t appear too badly damaged at first but a punctured radiator put us out of the rally.
“When we got back to the workshop and the strip down began we realised the true extent of the damage. The guys down at Marshall Panelcraft did a fantastic job and quickly got the car on the jig to get the front end straight again.
“The car was finished early this week and we’ll be shaking it down before the start of the Quinton Stages.”
There is a change in line-up in the British Racing Grint team for the event, with James being partnered by experienced co-driver Patrick Walsh.
“Patrick’s got so much experience – he’s sat with some of the best drivers in the country and abroad and I’m really hoping to tap in to this experience and knowledge to help me improve.
“It’s a one off at the moment – let’s see how things go.”
James is thankful to his sponsors Greased Lightning, Pirelli Tyres, Motul Oils, Performance Friction Brakes and the fantastic work by Markshall Panelcraft and Lechler Paint to help get the car ready and back out on the stages in time.
You Can follow James’ progress on his Facebook Page British Racing Grint and on his website www.brgmotorsports.com.