Dale back on top in the Borders
The final leg of the Jim Clark Memorial Rally kicked off in the early hours of this morning with spectacular results for Peugeot Sport UK and works driver Justin Dale. Dale who suffered yesterday with grip problems proved the Jim Clark Rally wasnt to beat him when he set 10 of the fastest stage times out of a possible 14 stages today, ensuring his win for the Super 1600 category in his works Peugeot 206.
Delighted Justin Dale commented: We struggled with grip a bit this morning but the weather changed this afternoon and allowed us to keep a steady pace. It was hard out there this weekend and we have had our fair share of problems with the new set-up. Its good to have won this event again for Peugeot.
After a battle with MG's Gwyndaf Evans, Dale charged ahead of the former British Rally champion early on in the Scottish Borders taking the fastest stage time from Evans by 0.8 seconds. Blackadder and Ayton proved tough for Dale but he soon regained the fastest stage times from Evans into the tough stage of Chirnside.
The Jim Clark Rally has been the first opportunity the Peugeot Works team have had to use and develop their Peugeot 206s after the new tarmac parts from France arrived only a few days ago.
Dale led the rally from stage 9 to the finish, albeit with a slight oil problem. Through sheer determination, team and car excellence Dale wins the 4th round of the British Rally Championship.
Peugeot UK Motorsport Manager, Mick Linford commented: We are obviously pleased with Justins result. Its great considering we only received the new revised suspension set-up from France last Wednesday.
13th July 2002
