[Peter]

Italia-Sardinia 2006 Sportscar Challenge 24-29 September

Congratulations to Mike Messenger and Daan Rens on winning a tough Italia-Sardinia 2006 in their 1800 Zetec SSC. Second overall, and winner of the 2000cc class, after leading for much of the event, was again James Miles in his Turbo Cosworth self made Sportster, with navigator Roger Turner.

Congratulations also to class winners Richard Winter & Nick Pakes taking the 1000cc class in their Smart Roadster. Reuben Alcock & Caroline Alcock, on their first endurance rally, winning the 1600cc class in a Westfield, and Francie Clarkson & Clare Owen winning the over 2000cc class in a Caterham.

The results also show that only first, second, and third placed crews (3rd overall: Gordon Hick and Brad Snow in their 2000 Zetec Fisher Fury) reached every control and attained Gold. The only Silver went to Richard Winter & Nick Pakes, missing one control when an off re-shaped their back wheel. And 5th overall Chris Shanahan and Maggie Gough the only Bronze, missing just two controls. Of the remaining cars, ten were Finishers. This is an impressive achievement considering the level of concentration needed to stay on the route and keep on schedule. Results:

Overall winner: Mike Messenger & Daan Rens, SSC Stylus

2nd overall: James Miles & Roger Turner, Sportster Sevenesque

Class E over 2000cc
Winner: Francie Clarkson & Clare Owen, Caterham CSR 260
Runner-up: Janette Curtis & Andrew Curtis, Marlin Sportster

Class D 1801 – 2000cc
Winner: James Miles & Roger Turner, Sportster Sevenesque
Runner-up: Gordon Hick & Brad Snow, Fisher Fury

Class C 1601 – 1800cc
Winner: Mike Messenger & Daan Rens, SSC Stylus
Runner-up: Chris Shanahan & Maggie Gough, Caterham Seven

Class B 1001 – 1600cc
Winner: Reuben Alcock & Caroline Alcock, Westfield SE
Runner-up: Paul Creighton & Julie Creighton, Caterham Super Seven

Class A up to 1000cc
Winner: Richard Winter & Nick Pakes, Smart Roadster
Runner-up: Ulla McNiven & Solja Salminen, Liege

Spirit of the Event:
Bill Davenport & Nicole Davenport, Lomax 223

Winning Team: ‘Miserable Old Buggers’
Chris Shanahan & Maggie Gough, Caterham Seven
James Miles & Roger Turner, Sportster Sevenesque
Francie Clarkson & Clare Owen, Caterham CSR 260

Peter Rowlinson Trophy, for best performance in a seven type sportscar
James Miles & Roger Turner, Sportster Sevenesque

Guild of Motor Endurance Italia-Sardinia 2006 Sportscar Challenge Results