Top rally co-driver Rob Fagg faces a new challenge on his home event, next weeks Rally Isle of Man, guiding one of the fastest men ever witnessed on the islands famous closed roads!
After tasting success for the past two years on the event, being part of the fastest crew outright, the 36 year old will make the step out of the TEG Sport Subaru Impreza four wheel drive and into a DEN Motorsport built Vauxhall powered rear wheel drive Escort MKII.
While the car is impressive itself, the driver's Island pedigree (and fame) is still more so, albeit on two not four wheels.
The news that TT superstar Michael Dunlop will return to the scene of so many triumphs has the islands rally fans eagerly awaiting his appearance.
The 11-times TT winner's rally career is only just getting started however. Dunlop contested the Donegal International Rally back in June for the second time and although he did not finish the event, and suffered some issues when running, the bug had obviously bitten and the chance to compete on the famous stages the Manx has to offer was too much of a draw.
With that in mind Dunlop moved to ensure he complimented his own ability, that of Barry McKenna and the Den Motorsport team by securing multiple and reigning Manx Champion, former British and Canadian Champion co-driver Fagg to guide him round the 170 stage miles over two and a half days.
“Originally I turned down the seat with Michael as plans with Arron (Newby) were unclear, but as the closing date for entries got closer it was decided we would miss the event” explained Fagg. “At that stage I thought I would be watching from the hedges, but as word got round we were put in touch and an agreement reached to compete together.”
The challenge this year will be to get Michael round and not so much pushing for outright honours, but the pressure will certainly be the same if not more, but one Rob is looking forward to.
“It will certainly be an experience to sit alongside Michael but it will bring its own challenges with the challenge of the Manx roads” commented Rob. “Michael is still a relative novice in rallying and listening to being told what to do as opposed to being alone like when on the bike. Hopefully I can help his learning and we can work together to reach the finish of one of the most testing events in the UK rallying calendar."
The event gets underway on Thursday evening with crews going head to head on the Villa Marina spectator stage before tackling a further three stages on the east side of the island in the fading light and possibly darkness.
Following an overnight halt the crews will resume Friday for the longest day of the event totalling just shy of 95 competitive miles. Those miles including the famous Little London and Druidale sections, as well as two runs through the islands ancient capital Castletown.
Saturday brings the event to a close but not before another 64 miles are contested with the final stage offering Michael the chance to drive on some familiar roads. The stage running across the mountain from the Bungalow to Brandywell and later on from Cronk-na- Mona back to the TT Grandstand.
"It'll be quite a thrill to be able to say I've competed alongside Michael Dunlop as we raced along the famous Glencrutchery Road", says Rob. "But I'm also very aware that is the final mile of this long, testing event. Bring on the challenge!"
Rob is supported in 2015 by Robert Graham & Co Quantity Surveyors, Nicky Grist Motorsport (www.nickygrist.com) and Fastime Stopwatches (www.astopwatch.com).
Photo - Rob during his time competing in the Canadian Championship.
