Skoda Rally Blog

The usual #1 in my rallying calendar (how blase do I sound?) is looming. I’ve just come back (early) from Switzerland, having – once again – done my back in. It was ropey when I went, and then it got worse while I was there, although ironically not while I was boarding, but at other times. Anyway, I’m currently flat out, with a super-sore back. Hopefully this will calm down in the next week, as I have quite a few things to do to the car –

Change the engine and box
Buy and fit new harnesses (FIA homologated ones became compulsory at the beginning of the year, and the current ones are out of date)
Replace the bushes in the front wishbones – this is one area that the car seems vulnerable to, and as we’re running in Wareham forest twice, I think they will get one hell of a pounding. Plus I think everything needs a check up front, as this will be where the hits are mostly taken.
Fix the fuel gauge
Get a rev counter
Get an intercom
Fit a new fire extinguisher (4.0 litre, FIA homologated, for WRGB)

So, there’s a fair bit to do yet. Our only realistic competition is the Beckett brothers in their Favorit – all the other cars are way quicker, the only other N1 ones being a Proton and an MG ZR which will be a lot quicker, both driver and car-wise…..