Rallying relatives Neil Harrold and Dennis Sanford experienced a disastrous outcome to their thirteenth rally together. A strong run on the recent Somerset Stages ended somewhat prematurely when a big roll after the flying finish of stage 7 left the Subaru badly damaged but thankfully both crew members were shaken and otherwise unhurt.
Neil and Harrold had not had a chance to test the Space Creator backed car ahead of the Somerset Stages but still arrived in Minehead in confident moods. On their way to the very first stage Neil noticed that the anti lag, which helps provide immediate power for the turbo charged engine, was not working properly. Despite this inconvenience the pair were still on the pace as the quick thinking
3 strong runs through the opening loop of stages saw the Sciotli Chocolates assisted pair return to the first service in the thick of an intense battle well inside the top 40 overall, not bad for a 10 year old production car! Next up was something the pair had been looking forward to all year. The two runs up the Porlock tarmac toll road. This would be the first time that Neil and Dennis had even driven the Subaru in anger on tarmac. Despite a poor start on their second run, and being slowed after the car ahead crashed, the pair set a pair of similar stage times and returned to second service with big grins.
Neil: With no anti lag I’m having to adjust my driving style but it seems to be working. Now I know what the drivers of Group B cars had to deal with. But we’re loving it as the stages are great.
However their strong run in the Subaru would come to a very abrupt halt two stages later. Growing confidence within the car, as the pair worked perfectly, saw Neil and Dennis post a pair of really quick stage times. However, the finish on Stage 7, Croydon, was just before a medium speed right hand bend. Neil crossed the line flat in fourth gear and took almost the same line through the corner as everyone ahead of them. Unfortunately the pair clipped a stump hidden in the grass which flipped the car up into the air and over onto its roof. Still traveling at speed the car rolled over again before smashing into a tree on the other side of the road. Whilst both Neil and Dennis were both understandably shook up they were able to climb out of the wreckage unaided. The stage was halted whilst the medical crews were summoned to the scene where both crew were checked over and given a clean bill of health.
Although the Impreza was badly damaged Dennis was philosophical; this is rallying, it is a dangerous sport and we are always aware of the risks. Fortunately the safety devices built into the vehicle did their job brilliantly and whilst we need a new shell for the car we are both ok. The medical crew and event officials reacted fantastically and we cannot applaud them enough.
Neil added; it is a great shame, obviously, as we were going really well and had been amongst the quickest in Group N for most of the day. These things happen and now we just have to get on with rebuilding the car. I was thinking of re-spraying her anyway!
Obviously this unforeseen mishap has put a dent in the planned budget for the pair, who are raising money for the MS Trust, (www.justgiving.com/renew), and as such has put their planned assault on Wales Rally GB in jeopardy. A new shell needs to be sourced and plans for the next outing will be announced shortly.
For more on the team please visit http://www.ndrrallying.co.uk/
To make a donation to the MS Trust please visit www.justgiving.com/renew
