Thirteen Days : Group B!

Flow King of the Hill and Sol Rally Barbados are like a rally fan’s Christmas, so we’ve decided to give you that thirteen day countdown, featuring all 13 groups. Today’s focus is on Group B, and what an interesting group it is. Let’s take a look.

England’s Andrew Costin-Hurley is pretty much the first name down for Group B every year, and his Ford Puma Evo is a fan favourite. What’s so special about a Ford Puma? Well, this one is rear-wheel drive and has a 2.0 turbo heart. Definitely not what you’re accustomed to, is it? Andrew is rather consistent, and is always in with a strong shout to top the group at the end of the rally (5 group wins is testament to that). Sticking with the Ford moniker, we have Barbados’ Calvin Briggs in his Ford Sierra. Briggs’ cars have always been a handful, and this one is no exception. Will his local knowledge be an advantage? Now, here’s where things get a bit interesting in the shape of New Zealander Nick Marshall’s Ford Fiesta S3000. That’s right, S3000. This car is probably the Frankenstein of the group, due to the fact that there’s a Nissan 3 litre V6 tucked away in the engine bay of the Ford Fiesta S2000 body. Did I mention it’s four-wheel drive? While Nick has driven here before, this car presents a totally different challenge. With a short wheelbase and 420bhp on tap, can Nick tame this beast? No doubt it will be a bullet on the straights, but how will it behave in the corners?

Another eagerly anticipated car is the Darrian T9 GTR, driven by Britain’s Brandon Smith. It’s been a while since we’ve last seen a Darrian on our stages, and this 2.5 litre Millington Diamond-powered machine is sure to be a hit. Having competed last year, Brandon does have some previous experience to draw upon. Robin Hamilton is bringing a car that any rally fun will love...an MG Metro 6R4. The last time a Metro has competed in Rally Barbados was 2001, and they caused quite a stir (there were 3 back then). This icon of the Group B era could very well take Robin to the group win.

Jonathan Still’s BMW M3 made its debut in last year’s edition of Sol Rally Barbados and it set the place alight...literally. Just ask anyone who was at the Bushy Park Superspecial. “Stillo” as he’s known, has looked impressive so far this year, and it would take a brave person to discount his chances of winning the group. He also entertains the crowd as well, being one of the biggest personalities not only in Group B, but the rally on a whole. Keeping with the theme of BMWs and entertainment, we come to the consummate showman...Geoffrey Ullyett. The idea of Geoff in an M3 and the potential sideways entertainment as a result is the perfect recipe for euphoria. Will he be sideways from the get go or will he just drive hard and go for the win? We all know what the masses want. Orry Hunte is bringing some front-wheel drive flavour to the group in his Mitsubishi Lancer. Orry can send it broad with the best of them, so don’t be surprised to see a Scandinavian flick or two to get he back of the Lancer out of line.

Group B is a melting pot of engineering, creativity, personalities and entertainment. There's something for everyone in this class.Pick a winner...if you dare. Stay tuned for more previews and content as we get closer to the biggest and best rally in the Caribbean.