Rally car racing is a family tradition (From Penarth Times)

Rally car racing is a family tradition

A VALE OF Glamorgan man is all set to take on the fast and furious world of modern car rallying.

Graeme 'Jimbo' Jones of Sully Road, Penarth has a lengthy history of rallying in his family, and he is not going to let the side down.

He has just bought a Peugeot 106 rally car and is about to embark on the newest level of his hobby.

He said: "I started rallying at a very early age. It began with motorcycle and trail bike racing and then progressed. My father Richard rallies classic cars and I've been his co-driver for quite some time."

But there is one huge difference between classic car and modern car rallying.

Jimbo said: "In classic cars, if you reach a point in the race before you're meant to, you get penalised for driving too quickly. But with modern car rallying, you have to go for all-out speed."

There are points in the race which make allowances for driving on the highway. If the driver gets to the next stage too quickly, he is penalised for breaking speed limits.

Jimbo said: "You have to have a regular DVLA licence before you can apply for a competition licence. But there is no way a decent driver would ever jeopardise either his licence or the good name of motor sport." Competition

From next year, people who want a competition licence from the Motor Sports Associations (MSA) will have to go to rally school and get a signature to say they are competent.

Jimbo said: "I think this is a good idea. I went to a rally school myself about five years ago, and picked up a few good tips. But it just comes down to experience."

Socially, Jimbo is known for his easy-going nature; one of the lads, and up for a bit of a laugh. But that all changes when he gets behind the wheel of his car.

He said: "As soon as I strap myself in, my whole aspect changes. I'm serious about my sport. It's a buzz. There's no doubt in my mind that it gets your frustrations out in a controlled environment. You have to stop the adrenaline when you go out on the highway, but I think it makes you a better driver."

Many conditions rally drivers face prepare them for harsh weather. He added: "When you're driving down a gravel hill in excess of 80mph, with the back and front of the car going in different directions, you soon learn how to handle it. It's like balancing a car on a knife's edge. Driving in the extreme wet and icy weather is nothing to me now."

Jimbo's car is set for standard road use, taxed, insured and MOT-ed, but with a difference.

He said: "I drive a Peugeot 106 Group N car, which competed in the 1998 Network Q rally, and came in the top six of its class. It's like a production car, but with all the necessary modifications for stage rallying and enhanced performance."

And 'necessary modifications' doesn't just mean sticking a spoiler on the back. It means improved suspension and brakes, safety features like fire extinguishers, bucket seats and five-point harnesses. And most importantly, a roll cage around the inside, which will stop the roof collapsing in the event of an accident.

Jimbo added: "Basically, it's anything that will help get you and your car fast and safe down forest tracks."

Modified

The car has to be modified for the different events it goes in for. There are only two main types of surface to drive on; forest and tarmac. But it means the car has to have the whole set up changed for each event. And as for Jimbo and his co-driver, they will kitted out in one-piece flame retardant suits.

He and his co-driver Richard Perry have known each other for years, but this will be the first time Richard has been in a rally car.

Jimbo said: "We have a friend who is a co-driver in the Hyundai Team. He's already said he's willing to give Richard pointers and I know he'll get the hang of it quickly. But I trust Rich and that's the most important thing."

For a spectacular example of rally driving, look out for news on the Network Q Rally, coming to Cardiff between November 22-25. For more information, telephone 01327 850291 or visit the website at www.networkq.co.uk