by Glenn Patterson

Last updated at 15:23, Friday, 17 August 2012

Laversdale rally driver Barry Lindsay has reached the final of a national rally star competition and is in with the chance of winning a fully funded drive in an M-Sport Fiesta R2 rally car.

Barry Lindsay

Lindsay is one of six finalists in Castrol’s Search For A Rally Star competition and will face a series of challenges at the annual Rallyday event at Castle Combe race circuit tomorrow.

Castrol teamed up with Motorsport News to launch their search for a rally star. Entrants had to send information as to why they should be chosen – with driving performance, local motor club involvement and commitment all being considered.

All six finalists will fight it out on Tarmac and gravel rally stages with their driving skills assessed by M-Sport’s Estonian WRC driver Ott Tanak. Then they will be grilled by judges including Ford Racing senior manager Gerard Quinn, Donald Smith from Castrol and Motorsport News editor James Attwood.

The winner will be announced by Ford’s top WRC driver Petter Solberg and will receive tuition and testing from M-Sport before being let loose in Castrol’s Fiesta R2 rally car on the Cambrian Rally in north Wales in October.

Lindsay, who is fresh from an eighth place on last weekend’s Tyneside Stages at Otterburn, believes he’s in with a good chance. But it won’t all be down to driving skill. Judges will be interested to find out how he has helped his local Spadeadam Motor Club.

“I’m really looking forward to the final on Saturday and it will be great experience,” said Lindsay. “

“I’ve never been to Castle Combe before and don’t know the track but that doesn’t matter too much – I plan to really go for it and give it my best shot. If I can do well in the driving then I think I’ve also got a good chance with the other elements.

“The judges will be quizzing us on the efforts we’ve made to promote our local clubs and how we’ve helped organise events and demonstrated commitment to the sport. I’ve been editor of my motor club magazine, membership secretary for 20 years, competition secretary and helped organise, and marshal on, lots of club events over the years.

“It’s really important to be proactive in the club and to try and motivate other members when it comes to organising events. Spadeadam Motor Club has over 70 members and runs everything from autotests, 12-car rallies, and the Countdown navigation rally. We’ve also got club meetings every month so there’s always lots to do.”

Lindsay has competed in rallies since 1993 and, apart from one event, has always had his father Michael in the co-driver’s seat. However, for the final, Caroline Lodge will accompany him as a club representative to give details on Lindsay’s efforts.

“The Cambrian Rally is a fantastic event and I’ve always wanted to do a rally in Wales. The forests used by the event feature some classic stages with fast, flowing gravel roads adding to the enjoyment. I just hope I can put in a strong performance and clinch the prize on offer. Whatever happens, I will certainly enjoy the experience.”

The final is just one of several attractions at the Rallyday event. Ford’s Petter Solberg will be entertaining spectators in his Fiesta WRC and there will be a host of rally car displays, trade stands, demonstration runs and a main stage where rally stars will be interviewed.

Also this weekend is the penultimate round of the MSA British Rally Championship. The series is back after an 11-week break with Rally Northern Ireland, based at Antrim, offering competitors 122 miles of action over today and tomorrow. Carlisle’s Peter Taylor won’t be taking part, however, due to work commitments. But he has indicated a new car, to replace his aging Renault Clio R3, is on the way and he does plan to tackle the Mull Rally in October.

First published at 14:09, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk