West Yorkshire based rally driver Luke Pinder took a measured approach to last weekend’s Bulldog International Rally of North Wales, the opening British Rally championship event. For the last three seasons Pinder has retired on the opening round. “We have generally had to play catch up all year as a result, so it was important to get some points on the board.
For 2009 the 25 year old from Shipley is competing in the “Swift Sport Cup” a championship for 1600cc Suzuki Swifts. The cars are all mechanically identical so the emphasis is on driver ability.
Pinder struck a late deal to acquire one of the cars, collecting it just over a week before the Bulldog. “We are encouraged that we were on the pace despite the lack of time with the car. We had a very brief test last week in order to shake the car down and at least have some idea of what it would do when we got to the first corner. We had some base suspension settings and just had to go with them for the Bulldog”. Pinder also had a new co-driver in the vastly experienced Leeds based Restaurateur Peter Scott. “Peter was excellent; his pace note delivery was spot on, this inspired confidence and allowed me to explore what the Swift could do.”
Pinder / Scott finished the opening round in 2nd position in the Swift Sport Cup. “We managed to set 3 fastest times out of the 6 stages so given some more time in the car I think we can refine it to suit my driving style”. Several test sessions are planned before the next championship round, the Pirelli International on 17/18th April. The rally uses the notorious Keilder forest complex. The Friday night stages will be run in the dark.
