February 2002

Having won RALLYE SUNSEEKER for the past three years, MARCUS DODD makes the short trip across from his home in Poole to Bournemouth next weekend with his new Subaru Impreza WRC in an attempt to extend his domination of the event. However, as is ever the case, Marcus will not have everything his own way because, in a superb entry of 95 cars, 48 of the top 50 are four-wheel drive!…

As the opening round of the Kumho National Championship, Rallye Sunseeker brings the cream of national rallying talent down to the south coast for the largest annual motorsport event in the area. Leaving the start ramp in the Square in Bournemouth right behind Dodd at 8.15 on Saturday morning will be the runner-up for the past two years, KENNY McKINSTRY, in another Subaru Impreza. McKinstry was National Rally Champion in 1999 and has his sights firmly set on denying Dodd a hat-trick of titles this year.

The rally also sees the return of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge for its second year. The cars are all prepared to Group N 'production' specification and JEREMY EASSON, former winner of the Privateer's Cup on the Network Q Rally of Great Britain, is likely to be one of the front-runners this time around.

Leading the two-wheel drive challenge is GUY WOODCOCK in his Ford Escort RS2000 who is co-driven by the Clerk of the Course of the Manx National Rally - the third round of the Kumho-backed series - JOHN SKINNER. Their main opposition for class honours is likely to come from the Hyundai Coupe of CRAIG MIDDLETON, son of 1989 National champion GRAHAM who, himself, starts at No.12 at the wheel of a Toyota Corolla.

Formula 1 TV commentators - and Sunseeker regulars - TONY JARDINE (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO6) and LOUISE GOODMAN (Peugeot 106) will be spending their last day in the UK contesting the event. They both fly out to Australia on Sunday to begin preparations for the first race of the season the following weekend. Louise will have 'Top Gear' presenter VICKI BUTLER-HENDERSON in the co-driver's seat on what will be her first actual rally. Also making their debut on the special stages will be 'BBC South Today' presenters ROGER JOHNSON & ROGER FINN who will also be sharing a Peugeot 106.

Joining Louise Goodman to swell the ranks of lady drivers are ANDREA HALL (Ford Escort Cosworth), who will be navigated round the route by journalist ALYSON MARLOW from Southampton, SHELLY TAUNT (Ford Ka) and SUE HEDLEY (Vauxhall Corsa).

A full entry list and spectator information are included with this bulletin.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS:

The Rallye Sunseeker Press Office will be situated in the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel (Tel: 01202 557702 - Ext: 129/130) and will be open during the following times:

Friday 22nd February: 11.00 - 22.00
Saturday 23rd February: 07.00 - 22.00

For further details, please contact the Rallye Sunseeker Press Officer, Andrew Haill - Tel: 0121-313 1416/Fax: 0121-313 1105/E-mail: andrew.haill@tinyworld.co.uk - before Thursday 21st February.

Once again, Rallye Sunseeker has its own radio station - broadcasting on 87.9FM, Rally FM will be on air, 24 hours a day, between 17th and 24th February in the local area. Up-to-date rally news, reports and results will keep everyone informed of developments throughout their stay in Bournemouth.