ANDERSON HEADS FOR OTTERBURN

County Durham rally driver Chris Anderson is hoping his run of bad luck will end as he makes the short journey north for the E.W. Motor Services Lindisfarne Rally on Sunday (13th September).

The 18-year-old maintenance engineer from Butterknowle near Bishop Auckland has suffered misfortune on the last couple of events in his ex Guy Wilks Ford Puma S1600, the latest being on the recent Stobart Rail Pendragon Stages Rally which saw him and Durham co-driver Chris Thirling retire early on when the wheel studs sheared.

But with the previous transmission problems hopefully now behind them, the pair are hoping for a trouble free run on what will be their third attempt at a multi-venue event in their MSR Motorsport-prepared and Wilkinson Maintenance Ltd, John Cullerton & Sons and Bell's Truck Sales-sponsored car.

Following a year's absence from the Otterburn Military Ranges, Tynemouth and District Motor Club have organised a route which will consist of ten special stages totaling around 100 miles and the event is also a qualifying round of the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship which Anderson is contesting this year also.

Speaking today, team owner Stuart Anderson said: "The car has been repaired and Chris is all ready to go again. Our aim is to finish his first rally on pacenotes as so far, every outing on pacenotes has led to a retirement. Chris loves the multi venue events as opposed to the single venue but just needs a finish to get him over the hurdle and gain that experience, he enjoys working with the pacenotes, he loved the three stages on the Pendragon, particularly Warcop where he was on the rev-limiter in sixth gear on one of the stages. His start position is 78 and I think he would aim for minimum of top 40, and in top five in class, all being well, as there is some stiff competition."

Looking to the future, Stuart commented: "We will take a view on the next outing at Otterburn after this weekend, as it evidently gets very hairy in October up there, after that it will be The Christmas Stages for the start of next season and better luck we hope!"

There is no spectator access although marshals are required for the safe and successful running of this event and anyone who is able to assist with marshalling, radio or setting up, please click on to the marshals page at www.tynemouthmotorclub.co.uk.

Picture attached (courtesy of Ian Hardy) Chris Anderson in action in the ex Guy Wilks Ford Puma S1600
ENDS