National journalist roars to third in Monte Carlo countdown
Daily Mirror’s Byron Young finished third overall in the ‘Scandinavian’ weather-hit Kall Kwik Yorkshire rally, only his second ever event. Navigating for Sky Sports motor sport expert Tony Jardine the pair battled temperatures which plunged to minus 11. In blizzards and axle deep snow they slithered through the forests of the Yorkshire moors in their intensive triple rally bid for Young to earn his international co-drivers licence, in time for the Monte Carlo Rally in January.
Competing in three night rallies in seven days the duo must finish each event to gain vital upgrade signatures to be allowed to contest the sport’s jewel in the crown event notorious for snow, ice and challenging night stages in the French Alps.
The Yorkshire Moors based Kall Kwik Rally gave the journalist a taste of the rigors he can expect on the legendary Mediterranean rally. At the Kall Kwik Rally finish in Pickering on Saturday night, Young commented, “This was the rally where it really began to dawn on me just what I have taken on. Through the mayhem the conditions caused; changed routes and stages, we as a team just got stronger and faster. If we’d made the slightest slip on some of the stages we would have been straight into a snow bank, deep in a forest, miles from anywhere in the dead of night at sub zero temperatures.
“With the car Olly Marshall’s team provided and Tony’s driving I always thought we could mix it with the front-runners if I got my bit right but to get a trophy on my second rally is a real buzz.
“I’ve got to say a big thank you to all the marshals. They were totally professional and despite the numbing conditions all I ever saw was smiling faces. Thanks to them.”
York based ProSpeed team led by Olly Marshall provided a perfectly prepared Ford Fiesta rally car which never missed a beat from Friday night to Saturday night. The team celebrated their best ever result with Jardine in some of the most challenging rally conditions the country has ever seen.
Tyre choice was critical in the treacherous mix of snow and ice. Olly Marshall said, “With temperatures so low and grip coming at a premium Kumho provided their softest compound forest tyre but even they struggled for grip as did everyone else. However, a tactical tyre change overnight from a small source of winter stock proved a tactical masterstroke.”
In Saturday’s final six stages Jardine and Young climbed overnight from ninth to third overall at the finish. Jardine said, “Having competed in the World Championship Swedish Rally in February, I felt at times like I was back there. The conditions were identical. It was Sweden in Yorkshire. I’m honestly delighted to have notched up my best-ever result.”
For the ProSpeed team’s double-header next weekend, which the media duo must finish, snow is expected for both the Grizedale Stages in the Lake District on Friday and Saturday (3-4 December) and the Galloway Hills Rally in Scotland the next day. Both events will provide the team with vital pre-Monte Carlo experience.
For further information please contact Jardine International on +44 (0)20 8607 3900.