Well the 2025 rallying season has come to an end for both Shaun and Richard. The final event of the year which has been a staple event for the past few seasons was the South Downs Stages, based at Goodwood Motor Circuit. This year however was slightly different to normal as Shaun voluntarily gave up his seat to say thanks to a team member that works tirelessly behind the scenes. The team member in question was Henry Smith, who helps to develop the notes for Richard and Shaun during the preparation period ahead of closed road events. Henry is a petrol head through and through and with his interest in rallying growing ever bigger Shaun felt it was only right that he had a go in the silly seat.....not that Henry had much choice in the matter.
So without further a do here is an insight into what it was like to not be in the silly seat and help a total novice through the event that lay ahead. Due to the nature of the event there was very minimal preparation needed beforehand from a co-driver, so the basics such as fuel calculations and key timing was completed, but this is all that was able to be done in the run up to the event. The main components of making sure that Henry was able to compete was obviously making sure that he had all the correct gear and licensing so with the help of Shaun, Richard and Max (Richards son), he was kitted out and the license was applied for well in advance. Many a message and call were exchanged in the run up to the event which showed the ever so evident nerves that were building within Henry. Nerves calmed and nurtured, it was rally week and Shaun had the task of managing the logistics for the team and Henry to ensure plain sailing of the event so to speak. However, the journey to the event was far from this with what should have been a 3 hour journey taking double that due to multiple road closures due to poor weather, accidents, flooding and more! The likelihood of Shaun arriving at the hotel on Friday evening was getting slimmer and slimmer as the flood water was going up over his bonnet in his car and the roads becoming increasingly worse, but as ever he was stubborn and persevered to arrive at the hotel much much later than planned. Anyway, Shaun was there and ready for the day that lay ahead on the Saturday, so it was time for bed!
Less than 8 hours later and it was time to head to Goodwood Motor Circuit for the rally. After a quick check out of the hotel, the whole team headed off...including a very quiet and nervous looking Henry.....or was it the early morning start???
Upon arrival to the circuit it was time to unload the rally car and get into the scrutineering queue. Whilst one member of EDSL did this with Rich and Henry, Shaun helped to set up the service area and ensure that everything was in place so that there was nothing to worry about for Henry throughout the day. All safety checks and noise tests were completed in good time and then it was time to take Henry to his first rally HQ. At rally HQ Henry was able to hand his process card in from the safety checks, but also check if there was any bulletins on the official notice board, alongside double checking his start time. Swift organisation from the events organisers meant this was quick and stress free, so it was simply a case of ensuring the belts were sorted in the car before crew briefing and ahead of stage 1.
8.30am and a prompt briefing from the organisers was had. By now the nerves were really building for Henry but Shaun was there to guide him through step by step ensuring he wasn't at risk of checking into time controls too early and that he knew the roles of a co-driver. Yes people believe that co-drivers just say where to go and others even think a sat nav would be more effective, but those people simply don't know the true goings on of a rally and the importance of a co-driver. A co-driver does so much behind the scenes and effectively runs the show....all whilst almost becoming a nagging wife/partner to the driver for the day and Henry took this extremely well.
Anyway, onto the stages and SS 1 was an eye opener for sure. Grip levels were low due to overnight rain, but also a damp track with a hint of drizzle in the air. Nevertheless Rich and Henry came into service 2nd overall, just 9s behind the lead. A quick de-brief and a chance for Henry to catch his breath again, but also stop shaking due to such a high adrenaline rush and it was time for SS 2.
SS 2 was a repeat of the first stage, so the objective was clear....try to take time out of the leaders and continue the battle right to the very end. A mega push from the boys saw them take the lead by 13s and Henry take his first ever stage win!
A stage win under their belts and the lead in hand, so the mood was high. The next pair of stages were slightly different and with the weather clearing up slightly it was time to swap tyres and maintain the lead. Unfortunately Car 1 who was laying 2nd overall retired within service thus giving Rich and Henry an extended lead of 27s heading into SS 3. Although this a good chunk of time in hand the boys stuck to their own rally and kept in the groove to increase their lead even further and took another stage win.
The weather was ever changing throughout the day, but this did not phase them and with no mistakes from Henry on the splits they had built up a 1 minute 27s lead with a total of 5 stage wins from 6 that had ran, before the 2 final night stages. So with a new challenge ahead it was time to bolt on the lights and see what they could do on the final 2 lights....
Turns out that they were able to increase their lead even further and take the win by a whopping 1 minute 51s! This is a true testament to the development and progression from Richard in the C3 Rally2 over the past 18 months. This was his first ever rally win and funnily enough his first overall motorsport victory since 1984!!!
Of course it wasn't just Richard's first win, but also Henry's and on his first ever event too! What a way to experience rallying for the first time but also receive thanks from the whole team for all the hard work that goes on in the background, thank you Henry!
Shaun came away from the event incredibly proud of both of them and is now eagerly awaiting the 2026 season to begin. Alongside this he is also on the hunt for a regular seat for Henry so that he can continue his rallying career and gain further experience. A top co-driver in the making for sure, due to his cool, calm and collected nature on the stages over the weekend!
2026 season in coming!
Add comment
Comments