Rallying in Barbados: Top Moments of 2019

2019 was an interesting year for rallying, both on and off the stages. There was a mix of the old and the new, the passing of the torch and even the winds of change. There was drama in good supply too, with some of it sending ripples into 2020. At this moment in time, however, let’s take a look back at the top moments of the 2019 rally season. 1. Introduction of 'Rally Safe'

Following the horrific crash involving Daryl Clarke and Russell Brancker during SOL Rally Barbados 2018, it was decided that the 2019 season would need to take an improved approach to safety. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the club took the stance of implementing proven technology which would not only effectively accomplish this but also enhance spectator consumption of events. The benefits of this technology became no more evident and at the immediate time of the Jeffrey Panton’s crash during the 2019 edition of SOL Rally Barbados. Event organizers were immediately aware of where the crash occurred, how serious of an impact it was and had the capability to warn oncoming vehicles. It is safe to say, that as per usual, the club took the right approach by implementing Rally Safe to its major events.

2. The Return of Traditional Stages and Stage formats:

The return of the famous Vaucluse 90 to the layout of the Canefield stage was hailed by spectators and drivers alike. It’s one of those key landmarks that evokes vivid memories at the very mention of its name. Though it is said that running the Canefield stage through Vaucluse Raceway is more spectator friendly and increases stage mileage, there is no doubt that when Vaucluse 90 is used, it creates an atmosphere that cannot be recreated elsewhere. We hope we get another event using that configuration in the near future.

Another return for 2019 was that of Turner’s Hall. Yes, Turner’s Hall was used this year, and though taking the approach to Apes hill rather than the traditional west coast downhill direction, it undoubtedly became the one of the best stages of 2019. Drivers are indeed insisting that the stage be used in 2020. Tight, twisty and technical, Turner’s Hall truly is a driver’s delight.

2019 saw yet another stage making a comeback. Similar to the Turners Hall Stage, at the former half of the 2019 season, route setters reintroduced the Swanns to Rock Hall stage. In the words of most of drivers, “This stage makes the infamous Dark Hole stage seem tame.”With a series of off camber corners, a near 45-degree incline for the first part of the stage, and a jump that leaves no room for error, this turned out to be a spectator and competitor delight. It goes without saying that we hope either club can add it to their roster for 2020.

3. The R5 debate is over

At the time of its introduction, the R5 class was deemed as the group that would replace WRC. This ruffled the feathers of mostly the misinformed and those addicted to the big power of WRC cars. After witnessing a master class by Elyfn Evans in 2016, the attitude toward the R5 group would change slightly. After some time, the first purchase was made by David Coleho and the skeptics would be able to see R5 equipment in the hand of a traditional clubman driver with most being impressed. The proverbial nail would be placed during and at the end of the 2018 SOL Rally Barbados where Tom Preston and his Skoda Fabia R5 would have been the stars of the show. Preston would have impressed most if not all, enough to see his car later purchased by local driver Stuart Maloney. Andrew Mallalieu took the plunge and got a Ford Fiesta R5 of his own…and looked right at home in his very first event. It would also later be confirmed at the end of 2019 that Jeffrey Panton would be campaigning in Fiesta as well. As of today’s date, it is confirmed that the 2020 season should have at least seven (yes…7) R5s on a given event.

4. Paul Horton: from ruin to rebuild

In the last decade, I don’t think we have come across a competitor who has been as committed to the island’s motorsport product as much as Paul Horton and his Turks and Caicos rally colleagues, namely, Stan Hartling, Pierre Beswick, Ben Hartling and Sam Hartling. Since initially rallying here in a Honda Civic, Paul continued to visit the island on annual basis and in most recent years monthly to compete in our local events. Paul later became quite at home on our stages with his Citroen DS3 which would see him battling with the likes of Jamal Brathwaite on a continuous basis. Paul’s commitment to the sport would be tested even further after crashing out of the Hammer Time event which was mere weeks before the Sol Rally Barbados. Thinking of every option to compete in the event, Paul decided to acquire a similar car and to transplant most of its running gear in order to miraculously be present ahead of the event. Paul would go on to finish second in class out performing his rival Jamal Brathwaite.

The Turks & Caicos Rally Team deserve more than just an honourable mention. The Hartlings (Stan, Ben and Sam), Pierre Beswick and Paul Horton aren’t even seen as overseas competitors anymore, given the commitment which they’ve shown in competing in Barbados. They don’t just come for a Sunday drive, they leave it all out there. It’s a total effort from everyone involved, and they function like one big family. Honourable mention, no. Honorary Bajans,yes.

5. SOL Rally Barbados 2019, never a dull moment.

SOL Rally Barbados 2019 served up a bittersweet spectacle. We knew from the get go that attempting another Rally Barbados win for Panton would be a tall order. Though tried and tested, Panton would start the event with limited seat time and against competition who had won respective events earlier in the year. The pressure would be increased on day 2 after Panton found himself behind Dane Skeete in the overall times, this then opened the gates for an ill-fated all or nothing approach on day 3. With limited stages on day 3, Panton would have to cut approximately 6 seconds on each stage to secure the win. However, this attack would come to a halt on the first stage of the day following a high-speed crash that would record a 10G impact on the car’s Rally Safe device. Though his co-driver Michael Fennell Jr would be shaken and slightly sore, it would be Panton receiving most of the severe injuries which would see him requiring rehabilitation for some months after.

At the end of the event,Dane Skeete would take the overall honors and continue the winning tradition initiated by his father Roger Skeete. Having won the event in his first attempt in the top end of the sport, Dane would go on to impress many far and wide, more so his main sponsor Sol as it would be their first win of their titled event in nearly four years.

6. All clear for WRC Group.

Towards the end of the 2019 season, the decision was finally made to lift the restriction on World Rally Cars manufactured after 2009 to compete locally. Most competitors and spectators welcomed this outcome, with Tom Preston making the announcement that he would be acquiring a 2016 Ford Fiesta WRC and entering it in SOL Rally Barbados. Martinique’s Simon Jean-Joseph has been chomping at the bit to bring his Citroen to our shores and he’s expected to do just that in 2020. Rob Swann has been looking to replace his beloved Subaru Impreza S12B with something a bit newer as well. The WRC group yet still has life.

2019 was an enjoyable year all around for the rallying fraternity. Quality entry lists, the return of iconic stages, innovative safety technology and opening the doors to lure drivers with more modern machinery all combined to make it one of the best years ever. 2020 will have to come good to surpass it, but what has been teased thus far makes it look quite doable. While we look forward to what year brings, let’s not close the book on 2019 just yet. There was as lot of food for the rallying soul.