Search results

STEVE FLECK is the Paperclix Jersey Rally champion after 15 years of trying – but the 2004 event will undoubtedly be remembered for the tremendous efforts of Jersey’s Jeremy Baudains and Ian Blandin .Baudains, a winner in 1992, was 38 seconds behind in second place, but his achievement in pushing the UK winner so hard, in one of the toughest ever Jersey Rallies, will long stay in the memory.Driving the same Escort Mk II in which he won 12 years ago, albeit with with a new engine and gearbox, he and Blandin squeezed every last drop of skill and local knowledge out of themselves over 30 testing stages on Friday and Saturday.It was a classic example of an underdog driving at the limit against far superior technology – Fleck having the advantage of four-wheel drive, active suspension and 60 bhp on top of Baudains’ Escort.Said Baudains, a 39-year-old self-employed carpenter and builder: ‘When the English boys come over in their better cars, it pushes you to drive harder, but you’ve got to know your limit – and drive right on it.I make that my best performance in Jersey.’ Navigator Blandin was also delighted.He said: ‘They were the worst conditions I’ve faced in 20 years of rallying – it was slippery everywhere.But the crowds were great -and we’ve got to say a huge thank you to the public for their support and understanding.’ The flame-haired Fleck, in his Subaru WRC rumoured to have come with an on-the-road bill of £200,000, was still, along with navigator Tony Ettilnecer, a popular winner, but he conceded: ‘The local boys really pushed me hard.’ At the non-race stage finish in New Street, St Helier, Fleck added: ‘Jersey is one that I’ve always wanted to win.Its lanes and its atmosphere make it unique.And it’s also a good party night!’ His navigator, Tony Ettilnecer, echoed the comments of many drivers and officials when he said: ‘This is a fantastic rally and what makes it fantastic are the efforts of the organisers, marshals, police and the Jersey public.’ The top two local hopes, reigning champion Chris Le Bonniec and former champion Dean Le Bailly, both exited on the Friday, the former with engine failure in his new Ford Focus WRC.This had left Baudains as the only realistic local hope, behind overnight leader Eian Pritchard, in his Group A Subaru Impreza, together with Fleck.Pritchard was an early victim on Saturday’s stages, leaving Fleck a clear leader – a situation he maintained throughout the day’s 15 stages.Despite the wet conditions, often interspersed with blinding sunlight, 44 cars from the 74 starters finished, with Paul Cooper in his Metro 6R4 claiming third spot, just over two seconds behind Baudains.The rally, of course, did have its usual spectacular moments, non more so than when Rob de Ste Paer rolled his Escort MkI at Grève de Lecq – right in front of his own house.Undaunted, he restarted to finish in 15th.Andy Le Marquand competed well in his Vauxhall Corsa, finishing second in his class, while Paul Vibert embarrassed a lot of Escort drivers with the pace he set in his 1,300 cc model.finishing a brilliant eighth overall.Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club officials are extremely grateful to those whose help and assistance made the event such a success.And Baudains, who is a regular top-ten finisher in the rally, thanked all his many sponsors – underlining what a vital part they play in motor sport.