Next time we’ll get the valve out
With reference to Martin Walsh's report on the scrutiny failure of three of the top Group N cars on the Cork 20 Rally (Irish Examiner, Oct. 8), I, as one of the competitors affected, take issue with the word "cheating," which I consider to be over the top in this context.
It gives the impression we were out to deceive for our own gain. No true.
If we, as a crew, wanted to deceive we could have easily removed the offending item in the ample time (90 minutes) from the last stage near Midleton to the rally finish in Cork.
Not only did we willingly present the car as usual for post event scrutiny, but our mechanics actually removed the item for the scrutineer's inspection.
We were surprised when they pointed out the problem as, in my view, this item a short piece of hose with a valve which alters the way power is delivered, butting out flat spots makes the car safer to drive.
It has been used by many of these cars in Irish, European and indeed World championship rallies in the last few years.
It's a pity the scrutineers who discovered the offending item didn't notice it when they checked the car before the start of the rally; it would have saved us a lot of time and embarrassment.
However, we accept the part did not conform to regulations and readily accepted the stewards' decision.
It is easy for some to say that our performance on the 'Cork 20' was due to the offending valve, but we hope soon to be at the Fastnet Rally in Skibbereen where we will ensure that the car meets all technical requirements.
What then if, with the offending item corrected, some of the doubters still can't match our performance. Where will they look for answers? To themselves perhaps!
Congratulations to the Munster Motorcycle and Car Club on running a well organised and demanding rally.
Jerry Hynes,
Knockbarry,
Buttevant,
Co Cork.
