I hope you enjoyed my review of the new Skoda Fabia TSI (below). If a spruced up Volkswagen Polo isn’t your thing however, you could try a McLaren out for size, or enjoy some drifts in a Group B Metro 6R4, or even sample the majesty of a Bentley Flying Spur – they’re all the rage in Chinese Diplomat circles, trust me!
Whatever type of car you’re into, there are loads of review films for you to choose from on my site – why not just spend a few minutes having a browse…if your favourite car isn’t there, drop me a line and let me know and I’ll do my best to rig one up with cameras and take it for a spin. Just for you!
It’s been a heck of a ride so far guys; some of the best cars, and roads ever put together, and it’s all on film. And there’s more to come – watch this space, and thank you – genuinely – for all the support I’ve had so far on this amazing journey!
As I announced below, I’ve been busy filming a review of the new Skoda Fabia, as a pilot for a new project at KCFM. A car review on the radio, you say?! Well, kind of.
Either way, it might have a few less cylinders, a lot less horses, and a more modest price tag than the stuff I’ve been hustling around on camera in recently, but it’s been great to get behind the wheel and in front of the camera again.
And for the rally fans, the film even features footage kindly supplied by Producer Wayne from the Special Stage TV Show.
If you enjoy this review, I’d really appreciate you sharing it on social media – thanks guys!
Yep, this one’s new on me too – it turns out the radio station I present shows for, KCFM is dipping its toe in the water in the world of motoring journalism. A number of car dealers in East Yorkshire have air time to promote their ranges, and so I was drafted in to trial car review films for one of them.
So this weekend saw me getting together with Andy Langford, the tech whizz at Lincs FM Group to pick up the brand new Skoda Fabia to put it through its paces. Andy’s a top bloke, and a passionate all-round photography / film genius, so I was looking forward to teaming up.
Contrary to what I’ve seen other non-motoring outlets do when they try their hand at motoring stuff, I was determined to show that, as a presenter for the Lincs Group, Andy and I could put forward a more professional, robust style of car review film. A credible, polished piece of content for car brands and dealers who want to step up a gear with their marketing activity.
For me there are two types of car reviews that people want to watch; tyre smoking Chris Harris / Top Gear style vids, or films that tell a story. And as DM Keith were handing over their first brand new model Fabia to us, I figured they’d want it back with enough tread on the tyres to satisfy the waiting list of people wanting to get behind the wheel. Plus, I’m honestly not sure how entertaining a 1.2 TSI Fabia would be in full drift-mode. So a story it was…
Don’t get me wrong, this style of film still has to be informative enough to be useful if needed, and has to be honest and objective enough to stand up as a genuine piece of motoring journalism, not just a promo. But above all, to add value it has to be entertaining; a nice mix of history, funny scripting and filmography can turn a simple car review into a piece of engaging content that will result in more exposure. (Of course, this all depends on the quality of said filmography, not to mention the presenter…I’ll leave you to make up your mind on those two when the film arrives, but from what I’ve seen of Andy’s work on the edit so far, I’m looking forward to sharing it with you when it’s finished.)
The work I’ve done with Infiniti Hull, and also Maple Garage (see the reviews here) has shown me that car dealers can be a great source of inspiration for motoring content, and having spoken to a number of car dealers across the UK I’m convinced that this is a concept that has legs…or wheels. I also think there must be further use for motoring films, from high-end car sales to short films; moving away from the review style completely. Peugeot has got the right idea with the new 208 GTI adverts; what’s not to like about classic hot hatches, big snow drifts and helicopter gunships?
So, does anyone have the budget for a series of car chase short films? Excellent…let’s talk!
The Special Stage TV series is well and truly underway for 2015, with a look back at what last year’s BTRDA Championships threw up, and the first round of the Manx Rally Championship, the Chris Kelly Memorial Rally.
Ahead of the first episode of the BTRDA Rally Championship on Motors TV, the Wyedean Rally (read down to see what a spectacle that was!), the Producers thought a little ‘warm-up’ was in order, so tomorrow night, Wednesday 18th February sees us bring rally fans a very special episode of Special Stage Extra – our magazine show which proved to popular over the course of last season.
Special Stage Extra is all about showcasing the best clubman rallying the UK and Ireland has to offer; a chance for events which wouldn’t ordinarily make it onto your TV screens to get a share of the limelight. So we thought it would be a great idea to put together what we think makes British rallying so great – we even got creative with the title – “This is Rallying”.
From the very best in-car footage to the most spectacular near misses (and near saves), to exclusive interviews with current WRC stars and nostalgic looks back to the time we’ve spent with ex British Rally Champions and stars of the future, “This is Rallying” will get you in the mood for the BTRDA, which hits your screens in a couple of weeks.
The best bit of all, if you ask me is that I’ve been able to shine the spotlight on some of rallying’s unsung heroes – we catch up with some of the volunteers behind the opening round of the 2015 BTRDA Championship. And I promise it’s something I’ll make sure we do a lot more of this year.
Rallying is a team sport, and we started with a promise to recognise co-drivers as well as drivers. Now we’re going to include as many of the people behind the scenes as we can catch up with during the year – want to be on TV? Get in touch!
Make sure you tune in tomorrow night at 8:30pm on Motors TV (Sky Channel 447) for “This is Rallying” – I’ll see you there!
This weekend saw the BTRDA Rally Championship – without doubt the most high profile rally series in the UK – fire back up for the 2015 season. I was there to host the TV show, which once again I’m presenting this year on Motors TV, and I was blown away by the spectacle.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that after the final round showdown for the title in both the Gold Star and 1400 categories in 2014, it would be almost impossible to turn up the heat going into the first round of the new season. But then we thought the same for the last three seasons and look what happened!
There was no doubt during our TV interview with reigning Champion Steve Perez, that part of him wished he was at the Wyedean to defend his title. But equally certain, is that every rally fan and spectator lining the stages and the TV screens in 2015 was delighted to see Perez out in the legendary Lancia Stratos. That the car’s – and the Champion’s – season opener was so short lived made absolutely no difference; a Stratos back in anger in the UK is fairy tale stuff.
Thankfully (for the TV crew!) the big talk leading up to the Wyedean, which takes place in the Forest of Dean area of South Wales, was not the weather. Normally threats of snow and ice dominate the chatter in the week before, and the action during the BTRDA opener, but this time the weather took a back seat. Instead the talk of the town was the spectacular entry, which boasted probably the best line-up of rally machinery, talent and profile of any rally I’ve ever been involved with this side of the World Rally Championship.
WRC machines, from older 2 litre monsters to the current crop of WRC, S2000 and R5 dominated the leaderboard, with highly anticipated debuts and returning campaigners, including the likes of previously dominant BTRDA drivers Hugh Hunter, Steve Simpson and Brian Bell, together with the reigning five-time asphalt Rally Champion Damian Cole.
Adding these to last year’s title challengers, including Paul Bird, Dave Weston Jnr and Stephen Petch, and glancing through the rest of the entry, from the 6R4 of Pete Smith to the highly anticipated return of Neil Matthews in his newly Ravenol’d Nova in the 1400s, gave a real flavour of the drama that was to unfold on the first day of the 2015 season.
I’ll leave what actually happened for the TV Show, which you’ll be able to catch on Special Stage in two weeks’ time (stay tuned to Twitter for the exact time of airing on Motors TV), but needless to say the big build-up to the 2015 BTRDA Rally Championship was completely justified with action, drama and explosive spectacle throughout the field.
Just a look around the service area at Chepstow Racecourse this weekend showed how far the Championship has come in terms of profile. Big name sponsors, international teams and competitors, and the world’s leading cars all lined up to kick off the most eagerly-awaited UK Rally Championship season for decades.
And then there was the atmosphere on the stages itself – spectators lined the banks, laybys and verges for miles leading to the stages were full of spectator cars, and the town buzzed with the noise of rally cars and cash registers as the businesses of Chepstow were served a reminder of just what a positive impact a Championship with the profile of the BTRDA can have on the host town.
I’m proud of the part I’ve played in that profile, as a presenter for the Special Stage Rally Review TV series, and I’m looking forward to bringing audiences across the world a taste of what makes British rallying so awesome in 2015.
Paul appeared on BBC Radio Humberside in 2014 with James Hoggarth to talk about driving songs. The combination of being a petrol head and a radio presenter means it’s a subject that gets him hot under the collar.
So, following the BBC feature, we thought we’d share with you Woody’s top ten songs you should be driving to, along with Youtube clips so you can sing along. As Paul explained to a radio audience, it does depend on what dashboard you’re staring at, but generally any self-respecting petrol head should be able to recall driving to these ten anthems…
10 Robert Tepper – No Easy Way Out
From the infamous Stallone Lamborghini montage in Rocky 4 comes this thrilling rock song. You don’t have to be a fan of Rocky Balboa to appreciate the song’s rhythm and obvious synergy with a good B-road blast. But it helps.
You can even enjoy it complete with the afore-mentioned movie scene on this link…
9 Feeder – Buck Rogers
From the soundtrack of another great film – this time featuring fighter jets, you just have to listen to the first line of this song to understand why it’s made Woody’s top ten. Oh, and by the way – if you haven’t seen Behind Enemy Lines yet – go watch!
Not many songs start with a line about buying a new Jaguar. We need to treasure moments like this…
8 Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
Ok, it’s low hanging fruit in driving song terms as it, too features a car in the opening line, (though this one breaks down). But this great anthem has another motoring claim to fame – it once adorned the credits of a popular game for the Playstation based on the world’s greatest endurance motor race, Le Mans.
Given that Woody doesn’t have time to play video games anymore, this song not only provides the perfect accompaniment to 7,000 rpm, it’s also a chance to relive his petrol head youth.
Oh, and tenuous car-related fact – the band named themselves after the artist Andy Warhol, who produced a BMW ‘art car’. Enjoy number eight…
7 Alistair Griffin – Just Drive
This isn’t the only Formula One theme song to feature in Woody’s top ten driving songs. But it’s possibly the only one that has featured on Formula One credits for two separate channels; finding fame on the BBC before providing the Sky F1 channel soundtrack.
Alistair Griffin is from Paul’s home county of Yorkshire, and performed a set at a local rally driver’s wedding, so he’s not short of a few petrol head points.
But the biggest pat on the back of all has to be the brains behind the music video. Here’s how Paul suggests the creative meeting went:
“Hey guys, I’ve got a great idea for the video – let’s drive a ’67 Ford Mustang along a road.”
Brilliant…
6 Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
See – we promised Just Drive wasn’t the only song in Woody’s top ten that was made famous by Formula One. This one, though probably owes its entire existence to racing cars, so much so we doubt anyone outside of the band would recognise the first half of the song, (only the end was used in the F1).
One piece of advice from Paul though, as heard on BBC Radio Humberside – don’t hit traffic just as you hit the end part of the song. “That’s a day ruiner”.
Here is the intro of the 1979 South African Grand Prix, complete with Murray Walker sound bite. Thank you BBC Sport. No really – thank you…
5 M People – Search for the Hero
Woody’s number five has – on paper – a pretty rubbish claim to motoring fame; it featured as the soundtrack on the Peugeot 406 launch adverts. Remember ‘the drive of your life’?
Well the slogan might not have been true (not even close! – Woody), but in picking this song, Peugeot did at least award the car with two backs (or was that the 405?) one cool point. Because it is, a cool song…
4 Lighthouse Family – Ocean Drive
OK, so the ‘drive’ in the title of this song refers to a location, not a pastime. But for those with a grand tourer and a penchant for a lifestyle of someone rich and famous, this is a great song to play in the car on a sunny day.
Not many of the entries in Woody’s top ten driving songs are relaxing, chill-out candidates, so Paul’s allowed you this one. Check the weather forecast and the bank balance (in that order) then get it turned up nice and loud…
3 Propaganda – Jewelled
As the title music to the ’90s Top Gear Rally Report, this song reminds Paul of a childhood hero; Colin McRae. For that reason alone (even if it had have been a rubbish song) it belongs here.
Luckily it’s not a rubbish song, and it usually comes round in the playlist pretty quickly if Woody’s driving. Here it is, complete with a rally photo montage. Thanks Youtube…
2 Cyndi Lauper – I Drove All Night
OK, we’re well aware that Roy Orbison was the original singer of this song. And don’t get us wrong he did a great job, the concept was there.
But Cyndi Lauper brought a few things to the table that made this number more suited to a spirited drive on your favourite bit of twisty tarmac. Namely a sexy beat, a voice that actually makes you want to drive all night, and an eerily raunchy Anne Summers-style Cruella Deville outfit. (Don’t judge me! – Woody)
Ok, so the video’s strange, and Cyndi looks like one of those girlfriends you had that made you think twice before introducing her to your Mum. But it’s a great song, enjoy…
1 Bryan May – Driven By You
Woody would nail any colour to any mast on this claim; this is the best driving song ever written. It helps that it was written – and performed – by one of the greatest rock artists of all time, too.
But what helps more than any of that, is that it was actually written for a car commercial. Ford took their marketing and image seriously enough in the ’90s to commission Mr. May to write them a song. (Perhaps that’s not quite how the story goes, and we’d be delighted to hear from Bryan if he’d like to amend the “record”)
We’ve had to share two clips with you for Woody’s number one driving song. You see, as retro and cool as it is, the Ford commercial has some pretty naff lyrics. But it does feature a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth rally car, which as we’re sure you’ll agree makes it a pretty epic minute-and-a-half.
So to give you a real feel for this song (and its strong connection to arguably the most iconic rally brand ever dreamt up), we’ve included a link to a promotional video for the Escort Cosworth.
This time the lyrics are as they appear on Bryan May’s album, so rally driver Miki Biasion provides the cheese (check that thumbs up!)…
Hopefully you enjoyed Woody’s top ten driving songs countdown. If nothing else, it was an excuse to watch some great Youtube clips.
If you’ve got something to say – agree or not – Paul would love to hear your thoughts…
The British Rally Championship has announced its return to the International rallying agenda in 2016, with a highly anticipated return to four-wheel-drive machinery and a big emphasis on making the series as accessible as possible, as well as aiming for the sort of profile it achieved in the F2 era of the early 2000s.
Paul Woodford interviews Aaron McClure for the Special Stage TV Show
Among the hopefuls as the Championship aims for the profile of its F2 glory days is British driver Aaron McClure. Like Chris Ingram who you heard from recently on here, Aaron is a source of inspiration for young, aspiring rally drivers in the UK, having followed the newly-defined career path blazed by the Junior Rally Series.
In my role as the face of the Special Stage Rally TV Series, I have followed Aaron’s career to date, and I’m delighted to bring you this honest insight from one of UK rallying’s larger-than-life characters, and surely a star of the future…
PW: Aaron, we’ve already heard from Chris Ingram, a Peugeot works driver who started where you did in the Junior rally series. You’re following a slightly different route at the moment, but how valuable was the Junior experience for you?
AM: Even before I started competing the driver and media training I received set me off on the right path. The championship taught me about all the aspects of competition, not just driving but all the steps needed to become a well rounded competitor. The competition was fierce as we all wanted to win. The camaraderie between drivers certainly helped along the way and still continues today!
PW: British rallying is going through a difficult period, with the British Rally Championship suspended for 2015. What, in your opinion does it need to do ready for the re-launch in 2016 in order to regain its place at the pinnacle of the sport in this country?
AM: With the recent announcement of the BRC returning to include 4wd in 2016 I feel that this should be a step in the right direction. My personal view is that the championship should be structured to attract more competitors and provide incentives for each class to allow drivers of varied budgets to take a step forward.
PW: You’ve managed to attract sponsors to support you with your rallying so far, which is a key part of putting any motorsport campaign together. How have you managed to do that?
AM: As we all know finding sponsorship is hard. A professional marketing plan has definitely helped me to provide my sponsors with as much pr coverage as possible. Seeking out a specialist marketing firm to do this has been most beneficial. It might seem a strange thing to spend your budget on but the benefits certainly out way the costs. By providing this I have managed to retain existing sponsors and attract new ones.
PW: All competitors dream of making driving a career, being signed by a top team and competing at the top level – even I do that sometimes (!). But you’re following a route and in 2015 you’ll be taking on some of the best drivers competing in the UK in the BTRDA Series. At what point did, or will you stop seeing rallying as a hobby and start treating it as a serious career aspiration?
AM: As you say it is possibly every driver’s dream and it will always be an aspiration to me. Since starting rallying this has always been what I have really wanted to do. In reality it certainly isn’t easy to achieve but I always try and put myself in a position ready to take the next step forward in my aim to reach the top.
PW: Why the switch from two to four wheel drive?
AM: Like most competitors in the UK, I anticipated the move in the BRC back to include 4wd and after driving a fwd from the start I thought it would be beneficial to gain some experience in a different class ready for 2016.
PW: Most rally fans only see what happens on the stages, or what you put on social media. Behind the scenes, how much work goes in to putting a championship campaign together?
AM: Most of my spare time and money is taken up with rallying. Whether it be working in the garage on my car or working with MCR Marketing, one of our rallying partners on sponsorship and marketing, there is always something that needs doing. As this is a family run team we do all the preparation and repairs at home. It isn’t only my time either, I do have loyal team members who give up their time to help and support me, I definitely wouldn’t be able to do it all on my own.
PW: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome during your rally career so far, and how did you approach it?
AM: Everything in rallying can be seen as a challenge, from finding budgets to getting to the start of each event. The biggest challenge for me was first stage nerves, it took at least the first stage for me to calm down and find my driving rhythm. As I got to the end of the juniors I was fortunate enough to get a place on the MSA AASE course and was able to seek the advice of a sports therapist. After taking his advice and putting a plan into place I was able to gain more confidence and keep my nerves more under control.
PW: How do you feel things have gone so far – are you ahead or behind where you’d like to be at this point in your career?
AM: After leaving the juniors my aim was to try and make a progressive move each year and I think I have achieved that. My short term goal was always to try and compete in the BRC by using the BRC Challenge as a stepping stone. I always saw the challenge as a 2 year plan but was able to bring this forward a year. The next step was also a 2 year plan, the first year to gain experience in a new car, learn to make pacenotes and gain knowledge of events and then use the second year to try and win rally two. Obviously with the cancellation of the BRC in 2015 the plan had to be changed so I am not able to say if I’m ahead or behind really.
PW: Colin McRae and Richard Burns captured the imagination of the British public in a way that no-one since has been able to. Do you think we’ll see a return to that wide-spread popularity for a British driver again?
AM: I feel that the sport doesn’t get the publicity it deserves. Everybody knew who Colin and Richard were whether they were rallying fans or not as the BRC and WRC had mainstream coverage. With rallying coverage being harder to find this has had an effect on its appeal to a wider audience. Hopefully we will see a return to this as the WRC is on the rise again with more teams and sponsors becoming involved. I hope this happens as there is a great crop of British drivers coming through the WRC ranks.
PW: You’ve had a few different co-drivers so far. In the past co-drivers used to move around a lot at the top level, whereas now many crews will stay together throughout their careers. What’s your view of the way this should be?
AM: I think in an ideal situation it would be beneficial to have the same co driver throughout, but obviously co-drivers face the same obstacles as drivers with budgets and time. This therefore is sometimes impossible. In my opinion trust in each other is the most important aspect of a good working relationship and if you can find this with any co-driver then it shouldn’t hinder your performance.
PW: Finally, can you give one piece of advice to aspiring drivers – something realistic that they can actually work or keep in mind before even getting in a rally car?
AM: As serious as rallying is it is important for the whole team to have fun and enjoy every experience along the way.
Aaron McClure was talking to Paul Woodford ahead of his switch to four-wheel-drive in the BTRDA Rally Series in 2015. (Read down for Paul’s Q&A with Chris Ingram.)
Don’t forget, you can join in the conversation on Twitter – follow Paul or Aaron and get involved.
A step up to R2 for McClure
Paul Woodford interviews Aaron McClure for the Special Stage TV Show
With the future for British rallying looking brighter than ever, with the profile of the BTRDA rally series and the announcements made today by the MSA about the British Rally Championship, it seemed like an opportune moment to bring you closer to one of the UK’s brightest young stars.
Chris Ingram is someone whose career I’ve followed from his early Junior 1000 days through my work hosting the Special Stage Rally TV series. When the news broke that Ingram would be a works driver with Peugeot UK last year, those currently following in his footsteps will surely be doing so with more motivation. And I can imagine as a result there are plenty waiting in the wings.
Here’s what was on Chris’ mind when we spoke about his career, his future and his views on the bigger rallying picture…
PW: Chris, you’re the first driver to come through the new route in British rallying – from the Juniors to a works drive with top manufacturer. How much would you put your success down to the opportunity to get out and compete from a young age?
CI: The junior series is the ideal starting point for young rally drivers. The cars are very equal and it is very cheap and fun with no pressure!
Getting seat time in a rally car at the age of 14/15 is the best practice you can possibly get, especially racing against a dozen other kids in similar cars with the same power!
PW: Even rallying in the Juniors can be expensive – for anyone thinking of entering on a budget, is it a genuine level playing field, or does money still talk even at that level?
CI: There will always be cases of people with a huge budget, spending lots of money on brand new tyres and fancy suspension, that’s motorsport, you just have to get over it.
In 2011 I proved a ‘dad and lad’ team could win the junior championship. We turned up to each event without even touching the car with a spanner beforehand (because we are clueless mechanics!), and it held together perfectly.
At the end of the day the Junior cars are pretty much standard road versions aside from the suspension and safety features, so you don’t necessarily need a team of mechanics or a brand new 15 plate car to compete!
It is definitely as fair as motorsport gets.
PW: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your journey to the International stage? And what did you do to overcome it?
CI: The biggest challenge was definitely going out to Europe as an 18 year old to try and take on vastly experienced drivers on their home patch.
Some drivers find it difficult to drive out of their local stages and comfort zones, but luckily I can go just as fast on rallies far from home now thanks to the experience I have in the ERC so far!
PW: At what point during your rally campaign so far did you start to think that you could actually make a career out of it – of course you had to have belief from the start, but when did it start to become a realistic aspiration?
CI: When I finished junior rallying and started the proper stages, I wanted to give myself 3/4 years working hard to chase my dream.
It was probably at the start of my 3rd year of rallying last season when I realised I could really go for a career in the sport. It was in the ERC Junior championship when I first started to show my speed against works drivers such as Jan Cerny and Stephane Lefebvre despite being a lot younger than them.
PW: Sadly, we’ve lost our two British World Rally Champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns. Do you think you, or any other current British driver could ever emulate their success and capture the imagination of the public in quite the same way?
CI: It is obvious that the sport is missing the new burns or mcrae to bring it back to the public.
Hopefully Kris Meeke can challenge VW this season as he definitely has a similar spectacular style to McRae!
It’s my dream to follow in their footsteps but at the age of 20 I’ve got a long way to go but also a lot of time in my favour!
PW: It’s a fact that despite the efforts of Special Stage and other TV series, there is a lack of rallying on mainstream television. Who is missing the trick – television channels or the various governing bodies responsible for the championships?
CI: In the UK the championships/series don’t appeal to modern audiences. I’d like to see the btrda rename the championship just to help the public understand what the hell it is!
2015 will be quite a difficult year for the British national rallying but hopefully the msa will bring back a successful BRC for 2016.
In my opinion wrc Wales and ERC circuit of Ireland are huge successes which more UK competitors need to embrace and stop hiding from top competition.
On that note the MSA need to reduce the number of smaller events to get people doing the same rallies… And ban 4 wheel drives from single venues!
PW: Let’s move on to your exciting new challenge with Peugeot – how did you find out the news about the drive, and what went through your mind?
CI: A lot of discussions happened behind the scenes between Peugeot UK, Peugeot Sport and some other influences. I was invited to the Peugeot Citroen PSA headquarters to discuss the potential of Peugeot UK returning the sport with myself.
It all happened very quickly and within two weeks I was competing in a european championship event with a brand new official Union Jack 208 R2!
PW: These days being a motorsport star is much more than just the driving. We’ve all seen that you can drive and bring the car home for a result, but what else is it that you have to do to be in the picture for a works drive?
CI: Aside from the driving and results, I find it very important to present myself well on social media, trying to build audiences and also by being careful and saying the right things.
Social media is very important to manufactures nowadays to reach new people or potential customers.
Being a friendly and approachable person is also very important for PR events outside of rallies.
PW: You’re into your first full season with Peugeot, having got the news during 2014. Is there a plan you’re following with the team, or is it a case of put each season together one at a time for now?
CI: We have a three year plan and we are aiming very high!
We will fight to win the Junior ERC this season, which would provide us with the perfect and logical step to the four wheel drive 208 R5 car.
After gaining enough experience of four wheel drive the ultimate plan is to become the youngest ever european champion with Peugeot in the next few years
PW: You’ll be sharing the iconic Peugeot name with Craig Breen in 2015, as he competes in the Peugeot Academy Team. As you’ll both be under the spotlight, which of you is under the most pressure – you because you want to prove yourself against an experienced International driver, or Craig because he’s got a new pretender to the throne?
CI: Craig is very busy with his own season and is under the Peugeot rally academy banner, whereas Peugeot UK like to have their own team.
He is in the level above at the moment driving the R5 car, so I think he has a bit of pressure to get wins now he has so much experience. However there is also some pressure for me to do the job and win the Junior championship so I can take the step from R2 to R5!!
PW: Finally, can you give one piece of advice to aspiring drivers – something realistic that they can actually work on, or keep in mind before even getting in a rally car?
CI: The best advice I could give to aspiring rally drivers is; to get as much seat time in a rally car as possible when starting, the more KMs the faster you will be!
Also, try and drive slow cars as fast as possible before jumping to the fast ones 😉
Peugeot UK rally driver Chris Ingram was talking to Paul Woodford ahead of the 2015 Autosport Show.
Don’t forget, you can join in the conversation on Twitter – follow Paul or Chris and get involved.
(Photos provided for publication by Chris Ingram, with thanks)
As a classic car enthusiast, owner, driver, reviewer, talker (etc. etc.) I have been watching with pleasure the appeal of classic motoring widen, and the values shoot up over the last ten years or so.
Turning up in a 20 year old Ford Fiesta garners a bit more respect now than it did when I had one as a first car, I can tell you! But I’ve also noticed with alarm, the corresponding rate of classic vehicle thefts.
Paul Woodford
As a victim of classic car crime in the past (the car itself was well-secured, but everything un-boltable was unbolted), and having suffered at the hands of a ‘specialist’ insurer who was less than specialist in customer service terms when the worst happened, I know all too painfully how distressing it can be.
Frankly, I’m fed up of sharing Facebook posts and Tweets about Mk1 Escorts and Minis that have been stolen. It’s not that I mind sharing them – I wish I could do more – it’s just that I resent their existence in the first place.
I won’t go as far as to say that motoring enthusiasts are a nuisance to politicians and police forces, but I think it’s a fair assumption that hunting down our pride and joys is not a top priority for the people who decide where to spend public money.
So we need to take action into our own hands, and by that I mean taking steps to ensure classic cars are as difficult to steal as possible.
Here’s an articlethat, if you can look past the terms dashing Ferrari, rakish Jaguar and humble Ford Escort I think is worth a read if you’re as concerned about this as me.
We all love a good “barn find” don’t we. And I’m not talking about the EBay specials; ’90s cars no-one really wanted anyway left to rot at the bottom of someone’s garden. If you read my previous post on the subject, you’ll see it’s a label I’m fierce to defend, in a classic car sense.
Well I have some good news for “barn find” lovers – I think I may have come across the find of the century. It’s tipped as the Porsche that Google didn’t know existed, and if you believe the stories you have to wonder if many people at Porsche did, either.
It’s called the Porsche HLS, it looks like something out of Thunderbirds, and I want one. Badly.
Unfortunately for me, they only ever made one, and judging by the photos you’d probably have to sweep most of it up. But it’s a great story, and we all like one-off supercars, right?
You can read the full story here, and there’s also some fascinating photos for you to mooch through, too.
Paul Woodford 
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