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NEWS

27.05.08 Milton Keynes driver S D Roy and Kent co-driver Bob Stokoe had a successful weekend as they finished 30th overall in round two of the British Rally Championship (BRC), the Jim Clark International Rally (23 – 25 May).

Roy and Stokoe had a relatively trouble-free run across the 160-mile Scottish Borders-based asphalt event in their different but same spec 1800cc MG ZR car, run by M3 Motorsport, as they finished seventh in Class 2 to claim their first points of the season in the championship.

The opening stage of the rally on Saturday morning proved a tricky one for the crew as they spun on a 90 right corner, losing a small amount of time, before later in the test they spun on a tight hairpin right and lost around five minutes as they were stuck in some long grass but they managed to recover and continue with no more problems throughout the day.

Sunday began well for the pair and they survived two spins in stage 15, in which they picked up some minor damage to the rear beam, to go on to reach the finish in Kelso town square and take their first points of the season in the BRC following their retirement from the opening round last month.

“I’m really pleased with the result and to get some points in the championship,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “It’s been a really good weekend, I’ve enjoyed the rally a lot and with the stages being dry they were good fun.

“The new car went very well and I felt comfortable in it but I’m sure there’s more to come from it. We had very few problems throughout the event apart from the spins we had so that’s really positive.”

It was the first time that Roy competed on the full Jim Clark International Rally after spending two years in the supporting lower-powered BRC Stars 1400 Championship. He took 12 points in the Class 2 drivers’ table whilst Stokoe earned 14 points in the Class 2 co-drivers’ standings.

Roy and Stokoe will next be in action in round three of the BRC, the International Rally Isle of Man on July 17 -19.
21.04.08 Milton Keynes driver S D Roy suffered misfortune in the opening round of the British Rally Championship (BRC) as he retired from this weekend’s (18-19 April) Pirelli International Rally with a mechanical problem.

Roy and co-driver Bob Stokoe endured a difficult event in their 1.8 litre CMC-prepared MG ZR, which culminated in them retiring on stage seven of the Carlisle-based forest gravel rally with a gearbox problem whilst they were 43rd overall.

The crew’s event did not get off to the best of starts as they went off in stage one on Friday night and got stuck in one of Kielder Forest’s infamous ditches. They could not get the car out and had to miss the following three stages before rejoining the event on Saturday morning under superally rules with 40 minutes worth of penalties – 10 minutes for each stage missed.

They restarted the event on Saturday and completed stage five, the opening test of the day. Then with stage six cancelled they went straight into stage seven where the gearbox problem struck about a mile from the end when Roy couldn’t find any gears.

“It was a frustrating weekend and I’m so disappointed that we didn’t finish,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “I couldn’t believe it when we got stuck in the ditch on stage one but at least we could restart on Saturday even though we had lost a lot of time with the penalties.

“It’s so unfortunate that our event ended as it did. I was just getting my confidence up in the stage when I felt there was a problem and then I couldn’t find any gears at all so we pulled in. It’s disappointing that we didn’t collect any points in the championship but there’s still six rounds to go and I’m already looking forward to the next rally.”

Roy has made the step up to compete in the main BRC series this season in a more powerful car after spending two years competing in the supporting lower-powered BRC Stars 1400 Championship in a 1400cc MG.

He and Stokoe will next be in action across the tarmac in round two of the BRC, the Kelso-based Jim Clark Rally, on May 24-25.
15.04.08 Milton Keynes driver S D Roy will get his first full season in the British Rally Championship (BRC) underway next weekend when he contests the opening round, the two-day Pirelli International Rally (18 – 19 April).

Roy will be joined by new co-driver Bob Stokoe as he makes the step up to the main BRC series in a more powerful 1.8 litre CMC-prepared MG ZR after spending two years competing in the supporting lower-powered BRC Stars 1400 Championship in a 1400cc MG.

Calcutta-born Roy has done the Carlisle-based Pirelli Rally twice previously but failed to finish the Kielder Forest event last year after damaging his car. This time out he aims to get some championship points on the board from the outset but will not only have to contend with the step-up to international level, a new car and new co-driver but it will be his first time competing in a left-hand drive car.

“I can’t wait to do a full season in the BRC, hopefully it will be good,” Roy said. “A lot of things will be completely new to me, I’ve never done a rally in a left-hand drive car and the new car has more power so we will just have to see how we go on the Pirelli. I have spent time testing with my new co-driver Bob so we’ve got to know each other a little better.

“It will be interesting to see how we come up against the more powerful Citroen C2s in our class, the car is still not fully developed so there’s more work to be done and hopefully more to come from it.

“I’ve always enjoyed the Pirelli and it will be good to do two-days this year as opposed to just the one I’ve done in the past. I’m looking forward to doing the four night stages on the Friday, which I’ve never done before, and the plan is to take it lightly and get to the finish.”

Last season Roy finished fifth overall in the BRC Stars 1400 drivers’ championship and third in the FIA class standings after completing six of the seven rounds.

His 2008 season will start when the Pirelli International Rally begins on Friday 18 April with a ramp in Carlisle town centre at 7.15pm.
04.12.07

Indian driver S D Roy made a successful debut at international level as he completed a tough Wales Rally GB (29 November – 2 December) on Sunday.

Milton Keynes-based Roy and Wisbech co-driver Magnus came home 86th overall in their Creative Media (CMCL) prepared 1400cc MG ZR after three days of action across the forest gravel stages in South Wales.

The first leg on Friday started off well for the pair with the exception of a minor problem with the brakes. As the weather conditions worsened in the afternoon and early evening, throwing up torrential rain and fog, the crew only tackled one stage after two were cancelled and managed to pick-up a puncture on a non-competitive run through one of the tests.

The weather improved on Saturday but Roy and Magnus struggled with the pace a little as they were on the wrong tyres but built up confidence and made it through to contest the super-special spectator stage at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The final leg on Sunday threw up its fair share of woe as the crew survived a spin in the first stage before having a small off in the second. Disaster then struck at the eleventh hour when a mile and a half from the end of the last stage the car expired with a fuelling problem in the ecu (engine control unit) and they had to finish the event under SupeRally rules.

“I can’t believe the only major problem we had was at the very last minute and we had to finish under SupeRally rules,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “But at least we finished and got a result, I’m happy with that. I am also happy that Brad is not disappointed as he was desperately looking for a finish on this event. He was very helpful throughout and I am very thankful to him for all his help. I would also like to thank to Peter Martin who did the two-day recce with me since Brad could not make it.

“I enjoyed most of the rally, it was really good fun and the most important thing is that we did finish. It was so frustrating that the problem struck when it did but that’s the way it goes sometimes. I’m now looking forward to next season.

“I’d like to thank my team-mates on the event – Luke Pinder and Martyn Taylor – for their help throughout the weekend and for helping us change a puncture. I’d also like to thank fellow driver Matt Beebe for lending me some race gloves after my own gloves failed scrutineering and CMCL for running and preparing the car, which ran extremely well throughout the event until the problem happened in the last stage. A huge thanks goes to all the support and service crews for their help in such weather conditions with the torrential rain and wind.”

Wales Rally GB, the final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), was Roy and Magnus’ last rally for the 2007 season.

22.11.07 Indian driver S D Roy will face his biggest challenge to date when he competes on Wales Rally GB next week (29 November – 2 December).

Milton Keynes-based Roy will be joined by Wisbech co-driver Bradley Magnus as he takes on Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in his Creative Media (CMCL) prepared 1400cc MG ZR.

Roy has contested the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship this season in his MG and finished the campaign fifth overall in the drivers’ table and third in the FIA class standings following seven rounds.

Now he will step up to make his debut at WRC level when he competes on Wales Rally GB with the aim of completing the tough three-day Swansea-based gravel event.

“I want to experience the WRC environment and a big rally, which will give me confidence for future events in the UK,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “My target is to get a finish and, although I want to get a decent result, I will not be pushing too hard as I want to make the most of the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to Rally GB it will be the biggest rally I’ve ever done and will be a great experience. CMCL have been working very hard on the car to make it ready for this event. I am grateful to them for their help.”

Roy and Magnus will start at car number 123 on Wales Rally GB, the final round of the WRC.

The event gets underway on Thursday evening with a ceremonial start in Cardiff before finishing in the city on Sunday.

12.11.07

Indian driver S D Roy ended his British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship season on a high as he finished 31st overall on Saturday’s (10 November) Tempest 2 Rally.

Milton Keynes driver Roy and Wisbech co-driver Bradley Magnus came home sixth in the BRC Stars 1400 series and fourth in class S1 in their 1400cc MG ZR in the seventh and final round.

The crew had a trouble-free run in their Creative Media prepared MG across the 45-mile Aldershot-based gravel event to end their campaign on a positive note as Roy finished fifth overall in the drivers’ championship and third in the FIA class standings after completing six of the seven rounds.

“I really enjoyed the stages but I wasn’t at all happy with my driving,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “The car was fine and ran really, really well but I just wasn’t on form. I was not happy with my times; I was lacking confidence in myself.

“My aim was to ultimately finish and the most important thing is that I did. We had no problems or drama all day.

“I’ve enjoyed the Stars championship this year, I’ve finished every round but the opening one, the Pirelli. To end the season on the podium in the class table is great. I’d like to thank CMCL for their great help in preparing the car and both of my co-drivers this season – Max Hall and Bradley for their help.”

Roy and Magnus will next be in action when they contest Wales Rally GB, the final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), on November 29 to December 2 in their MG ZR.

05.11.07

 Indian driver S D Roy is looking to end his British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship season on a high in the final round, the Tempest Stars Rally, next Saturday (10 November).

Milton Keynes-based Roy will be joined by co-driver Bradley Magnus, who competed with him for the first time on the Trackrod All-Stars Rally in October, in his 1400cc MG ZR for the 45-mile Aldershot gravel event.

Roy heads into the seventh and final round of the BRC Stars 1400 Championship in fourth place in the overall drivers’ championship standings and in second place in the FIA Class table following a consistent set of results this season.

Last time out the crew was sixth overall and third in class S1 in the Trackrod event, and with Roy finishing all but one round so far this year, he wants to make sure his campaign finishes on the best possible note.

“The aim is to put in a good finish on the Tempest,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “Last year I did not finish the event and although I’m not really looking at the overall championship table anymore I want to round-off the season well.

“If I finish the year well it will give me more confidence for next year and I will have got more mileage under my belt. It would be nice to get a good overall finish in the class table but ending the season positively with a result is the top priority for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
 

08.10.07

 S D Roy claimed more points in the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship as he finished Saturday's (6 October) Trackrod All-Stars Rally.

Milton Keynes driver Roy and co-driver Bradley Magnus, who was a last minute stand-in for regular navigator Max Hall, brought home their 1400cc MG ZR sixth overall and third in class S1 in the penultimate round of the series.

Roy returned to the gravel following a six-month absence and the crew – on their first outing together – had a problem-free run across the classic North Yorkshire forest stages on the Pickering-based 68-mile event.

Following the weekend's result, Roy is now fourth in the overall drivers' championship standings and maintains his second place in the FIA Class table following a consistent run of results this season.

"I'm satisfied because I really enjoyed the event but time-wise I could have done a lot better," Calcutta-born Roy said. "I enjoyed the stages, they were really good and I got more confident on the fast straights throughout the day. It was a bit strange getting back onto the gravel but I got used to it.

"I'm happy to have collected more points in the championship and to have finished but there's plenty of room for improvement and I need to be more competitive with my times.

"We had no drama throughout the day. The car ran perfectly and I'd like to thank CMC, who prepare and run it, for that. I'm also grateful to Bradley for stepping in at short notice to navigate."

Roy will be joined again by Magnus when he contests the final round of the BRC Stars 1400 Championship, the Aldershot-based Tempest Rally, on Saturday 10 November.
 

30.09.07

 S D Roy and Max Hall will return to action in round six of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship when they contest next Saturday’s (6 October) Trackrod All Stars Rally.

Milton Keynes driver Roy and Newcastle co-driver Hall will be back behind the wheel of their 1400cc MG ZR on the Pickering-based 68-mile event following a two-month break.

They head into the sixth round in second place in the overall championship standings and second in the FIA class table after claiming consistent results in the four rounds they have finished this season.

Last time out the crew finished sixth overall and third in the FIA class and fifth overall and second in class in the double-header Isle of Man Stars Rally in July and they will be looking to keep their run of solid form going when they swap the tarmac surface to venture back onto the gravel in the North Yorkshire forests to take on the classic stages of the Trackrod All Stars Rally.

“We’ve had a long break since the Manx and I’ve not been in the car but I’m hoping to get some time in the car before the Trackrod,” Calcutta-born Roy said.

“I didn’t finish the event last year due to a problem with the car but I’m targeting a good finish this year and some more points. We’re doing quite well in the championship but there are still two scores to drop at the end of the year so we still need to make sure we collect the points.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out and back onto gravel and I want to enjoy the rally and see where the championship goes from there. They are good stages in Yorkshire which I don’t have much experience on but hopefully it will be a good event.”
 

23.07.07

 S D Roy and Max Hall had a successful weekend as they completed the double-header Isle of Man Stars Rally (20-21 July). Milton Keynes driver Roy and Newcastle co-driver Hall brought home their 1400cc MG ZR sixth overall and third in the FIA class in round four of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship on Friday before finishing fifth overall and second in class in round five on Saturday.

The crew endured no drama as they posted a consistent performance throughout the weekend across the infamous tarmac stages on the island. They did, however, have to battle through without the use of a handbrake on the tight corners and suffered a problem with the brakes on Friday.

Following the results from the two rounds on the Isle of Man, the pair are now in second place overall in the championship table and second in the FIA class standings.

“I’m happy to have got to the end and picked-up the valuable points in the championship,” Calcutta-born Roy said.
“I wasn’t very happy with my times, at the end of the day I realise I can do much better, but I played it safe to reach the finish on both days and the results have put us in an excellent position in the championship, which I’m pleased with.

“The problem with the brakes on Friday dented my confidence slightly but other than that issue the car ran okay and we had a good, smooth run.”

Roy and Hall will next be in action in the BRC Stars 1400 Championship in round six, the North Yorkshire-based Trackrod Stars Rally, on Saturday 6 October.
 

14.07.07

S D Roy and Max Hall are targeting a solid finish when they contest the double-header Manx Stars Rally next weekend (20-21 July).

Milton Keynes driver Roy and Newcastle co-driver Hall will return to action in the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship in their 1400cc MG ZR for rounds four and five of the series across the infamous tarmac stages on the Isle of Man.

Roy claimed his first-ever podium as the crew finished third in round three of the Stars 1400 Championship, the Rally of the Midlands, at the end of June and the pair head into the next two events on the calendar in fourth place overall in the table and third in the FIA class standings.

Now Roy and Hall are looking to build on their success from the previous round and with both the result from Friday and Saturday counting towards the championship, they will not be taking any chances.

“I’m aiming to finish on both days and to get the points,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “I’m going to push harder but with a little bit of caution as it’s a double round. I want to get a good clean finish but improve on my result and times.

“I’m looking forward to the rally. I did it last year and really enjoyed it. I feel a bit more confident as I’ve got some experience across the stages, which are tricky and technical, but it’s one of my favourite rallies so hopefully we can have a good run and the weather will stay dry for us.”

The Manx Stars Rally will see the crews compete over 100 stage miles in two days and starts from the TT Grandstand in Douglas on Friday morning.
 

25.06.07

 Indian driver S D Roy claimed his first podium as he finished third in round three of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship, the Rally of the Midlands, this weekend (22-24 June).

Roy and co-driver Max Hall safely brought home their 1400cc MG ZR to claim 16 points on the series leaderboard as they also ended-up second in the FIA class and 31st overall on the three-day tarmac event.

The Milton Keynes driver had a relatively smooth run across the 100 miles of competitive stage action on the Nuneaton-based rally. On Saturday morning the crew nudged an Armco barrier on the Mallory Park test but only picked-up superficial damage to the front panels of the car, which did not affect their performance other than losing them some time.

A problem with the limited slip differential hampered them somewhat throughout the rest of the event from Saturday afternoon but Roy’s main aim was to complete the rally and collect the championship points on a rain-soaked final day on Sunday after seeing several of his series rivals drop out.

“On Sunday I did not want to take any chances in the rain,” the 33-year-old Calcutta-born driver said. “Four cars had already retired and I knew I could get some good points in the championship if I got round, so I did not want to risk anything on the slippery surface and I took it a little cautious.

“It made me go a little slower but I’m happy to get the finish and the points. I’m also really pleased to get my first podium finish ever on a rally.

“I enjoyed the event and we had a good run except for the incident with the barrier and the problem with the diff but we got round which is what matters and the stages were good fun.”

Roy will next be in action across the tarmac of the Isle of Man-based Manx Stars Rally. The event is a double-header as it forms rounds four and five of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July.
 

18.06.07

 Indian driver S D Roy will return to British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship action when he contests round three, the Rally of the Midlands, next weekend (22-24 June).

Roy notched-up his first points of the season in the series on the previous round, the Jim Clark Stars Rally in May, as he finished fourth overall and currently sits in sixth place in the Stars 1400 Championship drivers’ table with 15 points.

The Milton Keynes driver will return to the wheel of his own 1400cc MG ZR after using a hire car in round two and is aiming to boost his position on the leaderboard with a strong finish on the Nuneaton-based 100-mile tarmac rally.

“I need to be a bit cautious as I want to collect more points in the championship,” the 32-year-old said. “I’m sixth in the standings which I’m happy with but now I need to build on that and get another good result.

“I’m looking forward to it and to being back in my own car. I’m feeling confident as I did the rally last year and it went well. It’s a good event with some great stages around Mallory Park and at the MIRA test track, which I enjoy. It’s also not too far from home which makes a nice change.”

The three-day event begins with a sprint stage in Hinckley town centre on Friday evening and will finish on Sunday afternoon in Nuneaton town centre.
 

29.05.07
Indian driver S D Roy enjoyed success in round two of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship as he finished fourth overall on the Jim Clark Stars Rally on Saturday (26 May).

 

Roy and co-driver Max Hall brought home their 1400cc MG ZR in fourth spot and third in class one of the event following 95 miles of competitive action across the closed public roads in the Scottish Borders and claimed maximum class points.

 

The day did not run entirely smoothly for Milton Keynes-based Roy as the driveshaft broke on the first stage, losing him a large amount of time, but he made amends throughout the rest of the event with a solid drive to claim his first BRC Stars 1400 Championship of the season after he failed to finish the opening round, the Pirelli Stars Rally, in May.

 

"It's great to get my first points and finish of the campaign," Calcutta-born Roy said. "Apart from the driveshaft breaking on the first stage, which didn't get us off to the best of starts, I enjoyed the event.

 

"It was great to get back out onto the tarmac again after quite a long break and the stages went well, they are very fast and flowing."

 

Roy will next be in action in round three of the BRC Stars 1400 Championship across the tarmac of the Rally of the Midlands on Sunday 24 June.
 

21.05.07

 Indian driver S D Roy has his sights set on scoring points when he contests the Jim Clark Stars Rally next Saturday (26 May).

Milton Keynes-based Roy and co-driver Max Hall will be back in action in their 1400cc MG ZR for round two of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship, which they are contesting this season, in the Scottish Borders.

Roy suffered misfortune on the opening round of the series, the Pirelli Stars Rally, in April as he failed to finish after picking up terminal damage to the car following an off on stage five.

But he now returns to the championship for the 100-mile tarmac rally determined to put the disappointment of the previous round behind him and get some points under his belt.

“I’m all set for the Jim Clark. I want to get a good finish and have a smooth run after not finishing on the Pirelli,” Calcutta-born Roy said.

“I was very disappointed not to finish the first round and now my target is to get my first championship points of the season. I’m a lot more confident on the tarmac now and I did the rally last year so I know the stages a little and that experience gives me a bit of an advantage.”

The Jim Clark Stars Rally HQ is based in Kelso and the event uses closed public roads in the Scottish Borders.

Following on from the Jim Clark, Roy will next be in action in round three of the BRC Stars 1400 Championship, the Rally of the Midlands, on Sunday 24 June.
 

23.04.07

Indian rally driver S D Roy suffered misfortune on his return to the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship as he retired from the opening round, the Pirelli Stars Rally, on Saturday (21 April).

Roy, who lives in Milton Keynes, and co-driver Max Hall were not having the easiest of runs on the 60-mile Carlisle-based Kielder Forest event after a gearbox problem struck on stage two in their 1400cc MG ZR and continued to blight their performance.

However, it was an off on stage five, the Shanks 2 test, that ended the crew’s day prematurely. They had been lying in eighth place overall and fourth in class F14 before the infamous Kielder ditches got the better of them as they slid off the road and picked up terminal damage to the car. Both Roy and Hall were uninjured.

“It was a really frustrating day,” said 32-year-old Roy. “Stage one ran smoothly but then we got a problem with the gears in stage two, the gearbox just seemed to go bang. There was nothing we could do to fix the issue in the first service so we struggled with them throughout which caused us to lose some time.

“The off happened just after a corner in stage five where we lost grip and just went off into the ditch. We were both okay but the car was sufficiently damaged that we could not continue unfortunately. I’m disappointed as I really wanted to get a finish and some points in the first round but now we must look forward to round two.”

The BRC Silverstone Tyres Stars 1400 Championship is a mixed surface series which consists of seven rounds across the UK including two on the Isle of Man.

Roy, who finished-up eighth overall in the Stars of the Future drivers’ championship and fifth in the FIA Class drivers’ standings last year, will next be in action across the asphalt on the Jim Clark Stars Rally on Saturday 26 May.

 

16.04.07

Indian rally driver S D Roy will return to contest the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars 1400 Championship this season starting with the opening round, the Pirelli Stars Rally, on Saturday (21 April).

Milton Keynes-based Roy, who finished-up eighth overall in the Stars of the Future drivers’ championship and fifth in the FIA Class drivers’ standings last year, will be back behind the wheel of his 1400cc MG ZR for the 60-mile gravel event, which uses stages in Kielder Forest, with new co-driver Max Hall.

The 32-year-old had a successful shakedown a couple of weeks ago as he finished first in class N1 on the Yorkshire-based North Humberside Forest Rally and he is targeting a solid result on the Pirelli Stars Rally to get his BRC campaign off to a good start.

“My aim for the Pirelli is to have a smooth run, get a good finish on the first round of the championship and to get some points on the board,” said Roy, who has been competing in rallying since 2005. “This season I want to have 100 per cent finishes, which I know is not always possible in rallying, and to improve on my results from last year. There is going to be some tough competition out there this season so it’s not going to be easy but I will be trying hard.

“I did the Pirelli last year and it’s an event that I enjoy. I’m a lot more confident with the car now and I’ve had a lot more experience. We had a good warm-up on the North Humberside which was some valuable practice as I had not been in the car since November.”

The BRC Silverstone Tyres Stars 1400 Championship is a mixed surface series which consists of seven rounds across the UK including two on the Isle of Man.

Following on from the Pirelli Stars Rally, Roy will next be in action across the asphalt on the Jim Clark Stars Rally in May.
 

12.02.07

 British Rally Championship (BRC) 1400 Stars driver S D Roy will embark on a totally different driving experience when he takes part in the 19-day Himalayan Challenge in September to raise money for charity.

Milton Keynes-based Roy will be joined by his friend Deepak Nemani, who has no previous motorsport experience, in the navigator’s seat as the pair aim to raise £5000 for the Indian children’s charity CRY – Child Rights and You on the gruelling driving marathon.

The 32-year-old, who finished eighth overall in the Stars of the Future series last season, will take to the wheel of a standard 1400cc Rover 25, supported by Creative Media Communications, for the event.

The Himalayan Challenge begins in London on September 1 and finishes at the Taj Mahal on September 19. There are 60 crews taking part but there is no overall winner classified and the cars used are relatively standard without expensive modificiations.

For Calcutta-born Roy it will be a journey back to his native India and he and Deepak aim to raise funds for CRY on the drive through the backing of sponsors and the public.

Roy said: “It’s going to be a massive challenge and unlike any of the stage rallies I have previously done in the UK, it will be a totally new adventure.

“We want to raise as much money as we can for CRY, our target is £5000, and we want to do this through the backing of corporate sponsors and the public. Some of the money will go towards funding our drive but the majority of it will go towards the charity and it will either help a specific project or go towards a needy child.

“I’m sure we will have lots of fun on the trip as well but it will not be easy, it is a long journey over some tough terrain.”

As well as the Himalayan Challenge, Roy is also planning to return to competitive stage rallying with the BRC 1400 Stars Rally Championship this season in his 1400cc MG ZR rally car, the first round being the Pirelli Stars Rally on April 21.

Prior to that he hopes to compete in the Malcolm Wilson Rally on March 3.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Roy on the Himalayan Challenge should contact him via email on: sdroy@btopenworld.com.

 

13.11.06

India-born rally driver SD Roy endured some misfortune in the final round of the British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series as he failed to finish the Tempest Stars Rally on Saturday (November 11).

Milton Keynes-based Roy and co-driver Richard Mills suffered an accident on stage 12 of the Hampshire-based gravel surface event in their Ontrack Systems-backed 1400cc MG ZR when they hit a parapet on a narrow bridge midway through the test and sustained substantial damage to the car, ending their rally earlier than planned. Both crew members were unhurt in the incident.

It was Roy’s second successive retirement in the Stars championship after a mechanical problem brought a premature end to the previous round, the Trackrod All-Stars Rally in October, and his third non-finish in the series this season.

“We had quite a dramatic day all round,” said 32-year-old Roy, “We had some problems earlier on in the day before the accident after we went off into a ditch.

“I found it frustrating as I was getting more confident in the car and then we hit the bridge. It’s a very disappointing way to end the season as I wanted to end it on a high with a good result, especially after I didn’t finish the penultimate round. But now I will be having a bit of a break over the winter and I will be raring to go again for next year.”

Roy, the only Indian competitor in the BRC this season, finished-up eighth overall in the Silverstone Tyres Stars of the Future drivers’ championship with 71 points and fifth in the FIA Class drivers’ standings with 40 points following all six rounds.

He plans to return to the series next season in his MG ZR with the first round being the Pirelli Stars Rally on April 21. Roy will also be competing in selected rounds of the BTRDA (British Trials and Rally Drivers Association) 1400 Championship next year.

 

04.11.06

Milton Keynes-based rally driver SD Roy is aiming to end his British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series season on a high when he contests the final round, the Tempest Stars Rally, next Saturday (November 11).

India-born Roy will return to the wheel of his Ontrack Systems-backed 1400cc MG ZR after suffering disappointment in the previous round of the championship in Yorkshire on the Trackrod All-Stars Rally when the driveshaft broke on stage three, bringing his event to a premature end and with it no more points on the championship table.

Roy will also be reunited with regular co-driver Richard Mills, who missed the Trackrod event due to work commitments, when he takes part in the 50-mile Hampshire-based gravel surface Tempest Stars Rally for the first time.

The Stars of the Future drivers’ title is out of reach after Welshman David Meredith clinched the honours in Yorkshire but Roy still wants to end the season on a positive note.

“I just want to have a good finish on the Tempest after the disappointment of the retirement on the previous round in Yorkshire,” 32-year-old Roy said.

“I am not too worried about the championship table now, my only target is to end the series with a good result. I have enjoyed my first year in the championship and have endured the usual highs and lows expected in rallying but now I just want to finish it off on a high.”

Heading into the Tempest, Roy is seventh on the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future drivers’ leaderboard with 71 points and fourth in the FIA class standings with 40 points.

 

09.10.06

Milton Keynes-based rally driver S D Roy suffered misfortune on his return to British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series action as he failed to finish the Trackrod All-Stars Rally on Saturday (October 7) due to a mechanical problem.

Calcutta-born Roy retired following stage three of the event based in the North Yorkshire forests near Pickering after the driveshaft on his Ontrack Systems-backed 1400cc MG ZR packed-up.

Roy and co-driver Dan Surridge had been running well in the penultimate round of the championship, as competitors returned to a gravel surface after two outings on tarmac and a two-month break, before the problem struck on the Gale Rigg test, ending their rally prematurely.

The Stars of the Future drivers’ title is now out of reach after Welshman David Meredith clinched the honours in Yorkshire, but Roy is still hoping to end the season in a good position in the championship after not scoring any points this time out.

The 32-year-old said: “I’m really disappointed not to have finished the Trackrod as I was looking forward to getting back out on to the gravel and improving my result from the previous round in the Isle of Man and bettering my championship standing.

“Mechanical problems happen in rallying though and I now just have to look forward to the final round of the championship and to getting a good result then to consolidate my final place in the series.”

Roy will next be out in the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future when he contests the final round of the series, the Tempest Stars Rally, on Saturday 11 November in his MG.

 

02.10.06

 Indian rally driver S D Roy will return to British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series action following a two-month break when he contests next Saturday’s (October 7) Trackrod All-Stars Rally.

Milton Keynes-based Roy will be back behind the wheel of his 1400cc MG ZR joined by Dan Surridge in the co-driver’s seat for the penultimate round of the Stars championship as it makes a return to gravel for 70-miles of competitive stages in the North Yorkshire forests.

Roy was last in BRC action at the beginning of August in the Isle of Man Stars Rally where he finished ninth overall and sixth in the FIA class on the fast and narrow asphalt tests.

He recently contested the Plains Rally as a one-off event to build-up his confidence on the loose ahead of the final two rounds of the Stars of the Future following an accident in his previous outing across the surface on the Swansea Bay Rally in July. The 32-year-old finished 122nd overall and second in class A6 in an Innovation Motorsports-supported 1600cc Peugeot 206 in the mid Wales-based event.
Now Roy is ready to get back into championship action on the gravel and improve on his performance as the Stars of the Future series nears the end of the season.

“My main aim for the Trackrod is to better my result from the last round as I didn’t do very well in the Isle of Man on the asphalt,” Calcutta-born Roy said.
“I need to do better in Yorkshire and get a good finish and some decent points to pull me up the championship table. I’m going to go all out on the Trackrod and I’ve put myself in a better position now that I’ve got my confidence back on the gravel after doing the Plains.

“I’ve never done this rally before and I’ve never competed in the North Yorkshire forests but I think I’ll enjoy it as I prefer gravel to tarmac.”

Roy is currently sixth overall in the Stars of the Future drivers’ standings with 71 points and fourth in the FIA drivers’ class table on 40 points as he heads to Pickering following four rounds of the series.
 

25.09.06

 Milton Keynes-based rally driver S D Roy had a successful one-off outing in an Innovation Motorsports-supported Peugeot 206 on the Plains Rally on Saturday (23 September).

Calcutta-born Roy, joined in the car by co-driver Aggie Foster for the first time, brought home the 1600cc Peugeot 122nd overall and second in class A6 following 45-miles of competition across forest gravel stages in mid-Wales.

The dry conditions meant that grip was at a premium on the marble-like surface and Roy experienced three or four spins throughout the event. In stage seven he hit a bank on a left hairpin, picking up no major damage to the car, but bending the steering and he had to continue through the final two stages with the problem as well as driving the final test, stage nine, in the dark.

But Roy, who has only been competing in rallying for a year, achieved his aim of bringing back his confidence on gravel following an accident on his last outing across the loose, the Swansea Bay Rally in July, ahead of the final two rounds of the Silverstone Tyres British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series which he is contesting this season in a 1400cc MG ZR.

“I enjoyed the rally and I enjoyed driving a different car,” 32-year-old Roy said. “I found the 206 very nice to drive and it was a really good car but what wasn’t so great was the lack of grip on the stages.

“I’ve built up my confidence again on gravel, even though we did have a bit of drama with some spins and hitting the bank. My main objectives on the Plains were to bring back my confidence and to try the car out and learn even more when it wasn’t a championship round for me and I have done that.

“It was the first time I have worked with Innovation Motorsports and they were a great crew to work with and they prepared the car well. Their crew were very helpful throughout the entire weekend.”

Roy will next be in action in his MG ZR across the North Yorkshire forest gravel stages on the Trackrod All-Stars Rally, the penultimate round of the BRC Stars of the Future championship, based at Pickering, on Saturday 7 October.
 

18.09.06

 Milton Keynes-based rally driver S D Roy will have a one-off outing in an Innovation Motorsports-supported Peugeot 206 on the Plains Rally next Saturday (September 23).

It has been nearly two months since India-born Roy was last in competitive action across the asphalt on the Isle of Man Stars Rally in August behind the wheel of his 1400cc MG ZR.

He will now use the Plains event, based in Welshpool, to boost his confidence over the forest gravel stages ahead of the final two rounds of the Silverstone Tyres British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series, which he is competing in this season.

Roy suffered an accident in his own Peugeot 205 Gti in his last outing across the loose in round four of the Hankook 205 Challenge, which he was also taking part in this year, the Swansea Bay Rally at the end of July.

The car was ruined in the incident and Roy, who has only been competing for a year, has opted to use a more powerful 1600cc 206 model on the Plains Rally, which is also a round of the 205 Challenge, to gain some valuable experience and will be joined in the car by co-driver Aggie Foster for the first time.

“The 206 will be the most powerful car that I have driven so far and I just want to get some more experience,” 32-year-old Roy said.

“I want to get a good and positive result, even though it’s no longer a championship round for me, and bring back my confidence on gravel following the accident on the Swansea Bay.

“I want to get some practice in before I go out and do the Trackrod All-Stars Rally and the Tempest Stars Rally as well, which are both gravel events and rounds of the Stars of the Future championship.”

Following the Plains Rally, Roy will next compete in the penultimate round of the BRC Stars of the Future series in the Trackrod All-Stars event on Saturday 7 October in his MG ZR. Following that he will be doing the final round of the Stars championship, the Tempest Stars Rally, on November 11th.
 

07.08.06

 SD Roy posted a consistent performance on his driving debut on the Isle of Man to finish-up ninth overall in the Isle of Man Stars Rally (4-5 August).

Indian driver Roy, who lives in Milton Keynes, and co-driver Richard Mills brought home their Ontrack Systems-backed MG ZR sixth in class F14 following two days of competitive action on the fast and narrow asphalt stages across the infamous public roads on the island.

Roy, who has only been competing for a year, experienced little drama behind the wheel of his car throughout the event. The opening two stages on Friday evening were somewhat of a baptism of fire for the 32-year-old given that the wet and misty conditions were making the surface slippery and vision difficult, but Roy finished safely across both tests.

The rally, round four of the Silverstone Tyres British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series, was then reduced from nine stages to just six on Saturday following various incidents and hold-ups.

“It was a very good experience to compete on the Isle of Man,” said Calcutta-born Roy. “They were nice stages and I enjoyed the event.

“I am, however, not entirely happy with my performance as I know I can do better than I did. When we set off on Friday though the conditions were terrible and I didn’t want to take any chances, I needed to finish and just wanted to get to the end on Saturday.

“All of the stages were tough, it’s very easy to go off there. I think it’s the toughest rally I’ve done so far and I’m pleased to have got to the finish and to have picked up more points in the championship.”

Roy now lies in sixth place overall in the Stars of the Future drivers’ championship with 71 points after picking up 19 points on the Isle of Man. He is also fourth on the FIA Class drivers’ leaderboard with 40 points.

The crew will next be in action in their MG ZR in the Stars of the Future when the series makes the switch to a gravel surface with a visit to the North Yorkshire forests for the penultimate round, the Trackrod Stars Rally, on Saturday 7 October.

27.07.06

 Indian rally driver SD Roy has his sights set on a top five finish in the Isle of Man Stars Rally next week (4-5 August).

Milton Keynes-based Roy and co-driver Richard Mills will return to action in their Ontrack Systems-backed 1400cc MG ZR for the fourth round of the Silverstone Tyres British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series to take on 90 miles of stages on the infamous Manx asphalt public roads.

The crew were classified fourth in the previous round of the championship, the Jim Clark Stars Rally in the Scottish Borders in July. Roy, who has only been competing for a year, also picked up his first piece of silverware as he received the award for being winner in class one.

The result elevated 32-year-old Roy to fifth place in the overall drivers’ standings in the Stars of the Future championship with 52 points heading into the fourth rally of the six round series and he is upbeat ahead of his third outing across the tarmac surface.

“My target is to finish in the top five and to be even more competitive and closer to the other MGs,” said Calcutta-born Roy, the only Indian competitor in the BRC.

“After doing two tarmac rallies I feel more experienced and I’m confident heading into the Isle of Man Stars Rally. Going into the fourth round I am in a good position in the overall standings in the championship and in my class and I hope to add some more points to my tally.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about the Rally Isle of Man and have been told to just follow the road as it is narrow and fast but I am looking forward to experiencing the legendary stages.”
 

24.07.06

 Indian rally driver SD Roy suffered misfortune in the fourth round of the Hankook 205 Challenge, the Swansea Bay Rally, on Saturday (July 22) as he failed to finish following an accident.

Milton Keynes-based Roy and co-driver Martyn Taylor were on stage two of the event, the Resolven test, which is also used on Wales Rally GB, the British round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), when their Peugeot 205 Gti left the road before hitting a tree head-on and coming to an abrupt halt.

Roy and Taylor got out of the car but were airlifted to a nearby hospital shortly afterwards for check-ups with Taylor being kept in for two nights for observation.

The car caught fire following the incident and burnt out. It is the second time in succession that 32-year-old Roy has not finished in the 205 Challenge this season after a clutch problem meant he retired from the Mid Wales Stages in June.

“It was a dramatic day for us but all that matters is that we’re both alright,” said Calcutta-born Roy. “I was shocked by the accident. We were about to turn a fast right hand corner but the car got dragged to the left and off the stage into the forest.

“The car is completely burnt out and was reduced to ashes inside but I’m going to see if I can borrow a car or maybe if it is possible, get it rebuilt, as I hope to do the remaining two rounds of the Challenge. I’m just glad that both Martyn and I are okay though.”

The next round of the 205 Challenge is the Otterburn Stages Rally on September 9 followed by the Plains Rally on September 23.
 

18.07.06

 Indian rally driver SD Roy is targeting a solid finish in round four of the Hankook 205 Challenge, the Swansea Bay Rally, on Saturday 22 July.

Milton Keynes-based Roy suffered his first DNF in the series in the previous round, the Mid Wales Stages in June, following a clutch problem on his car but had made an impressive start to the season after posting good results in rounds one and two.

Now, reunited with his Peugeot 205 Gti, 32-year-old Roy, who has only been competing in rallying for a year, is looking to put the misfortune of the last round behind him and get more points on the Challenge leaderboard when he tackles the 45 miles of gravel stages around Swansea and the Vale of Neath.

“I’m confident of getting back out there after the DNF in the last round,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “My first aim for the Swansea Bay is to finish and get some important points in the 205 Challenge.

“The series is highly competitive and I want to push harder and start improving my times. I have never done the Swansea Bay Rally before but I am looking forward to my first time out there.”

Roy is currently 16th in the Novice 1600 class in the 205 Challenge series with 75 points heading into the fourth round.

Following the Swansea Bay Rally, Roy will next be in action back behind the wheel of his Ontrack Systems-backed MG ZR in round four of the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series in the Rally Isle of Man on August 4-5. He will next compete in the 205 Challenge on the Lindisfarne Stages in Otterburn on September 9-10.
 

10.07.06

Indian rally driver SD Roy claimed fourth place overall on the Jim Clark Stars Rally on Saturday (July 8) following a consistent performance in his Ontrack Systems-backed MG ZR.

Milton Keynes-based Roy also took his first piece of silverware in only his second outing across the tarmac surface as he received the award for being winner in class one and gained more valuable points on the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series leaderboard and in the MG ZR Championship.

The Jim Clark Stars Rally, round three of the Stars of the Future, saw a high rate of attrition with just four of the 14 starters being classified.

But Roy, who has only been competing for a year, and co-driver Richard Mills posted solid times throughout the 75 miles of stages as 32-year-old Roy made his debut on the closed roads around Kelso and the Scottish Borders and brought home the Creative Media Motorsport-built MG safely with no major drama.

“I’m really pleased to have ended-up fourth and to have got some more points in the championship,” said Calcutta-born Roy. “I’m really happy on the tarmac now. It was a very good experience being my first time out on the closed public roads and I had a great day.

“We played it a bit safe on the last stage so we could make it to the end of the event and didn’t take any chances. I am a lot more confident on the tarmac and I’m looking forward to the next round in the Isle of Man as I now have more experience.”

Roy now lies in fifth place in the overall standings in the Stars of the Future drivers’ championship table after collecting 29 points on the Jim Clark and lies third in his class.

The crew will next be in action in the MG ZR in round four of the Stars of the Future series on the asphalt of the Rally Isle of Man on August 4-5.
 

29.06.06

 UK-based Indian rally driver SD Roy will venture out across the tarmac for only the second time when he competes in the Jim Clark Stars Rally on Saturday July 8.

Roy, who lives in Milton Keynes, will be back behind the wheel of his Creative Media Motorsport-built MG ZR for round three of the Silverstone Tyres British Rally Championship (BRC) Stars of the Future series, which he is contesting this season along with co-driver Richard Mills.

After taking up rally driving in mid-2005 and mainly competing across gravel stages, 32-year-old Roy will have his second outing on tarmac after he completed the Rally of the Midlands in June and gained some valuable experience on the surface as he finished 25th overall and sixth in class.

Calcutta-born Roy, the only Indian driver competing in the BRC, finished seventh overall and third in class on the previous round of the Stars of the Future, the Pirelli Stars Rally in May, after failing to finish the first round of the series, the Astra Stages Rally.

Now, at the halfway point of the Stars championship and with 23 points on the leaderboard, Roy is upbeat ahead of the Jim Clark Stars Rally, which uses 75 miles of tarmac stages around Kelso and the Scottish Borders.

“I’m pretty confident about going out on the tarmac with the car after Rally of the Midlands,” said Roy.

“I’m looking to improve on my overall position from the last round of the series and hopefully push for a better class finish as well. I’m very happy though and after the second round I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”
 

27.06.06

 Indian rally driver Supradip Dey Roy suffered disappointment in round three of the Hankook 205 Challenge, the Mid Wales Stages rally, on Sunday (June 25) when a mechanical failure meant he did not finish.

Milton Keynes-based Roy had been struggling with a pacenote problem throughout the early stages of the gravel event before his rally was ended prematurely in stage seven when the clutch went on his Peugeot 205 GTi.

It brought an end to Roy’s 100% record in the challenge after claiming solid finishes in rounds one and two earlier this year and after completing two rounds of the series last season. But the 32-year-old, who has only been competing in rallying since mid-2005, refused to be too disheartened by his feat.

“It’s my first DNF in the challenge and I’m quite disappointed with how the event went,” Calcutta-born Roy said.

“We had a difficult start to the rally with pacenote problems and I had just begun to drive extremely well in stage seven when four miles into it the clutch broke.

“But at this stage in my rally career I’m still gaining experience so I have to take positives and that I completed yet more mileage on the gravel. I was happy with my driving and I’m now even more confident across the gravel ahead of my next event.”

Roy will next be in action on the gravel in round four of the 205 Challenge, the Swansea Bay Rally, on July 22. Before that he will be competing in the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series across the tarmac in his MG ZR in the Jim Clark Stars Rally on July 8.

20.06.06

 Indian rally driver Supradip Dey Roy will be back behind the wheel of his Peugeot 205 GTi when he contests round three of the Hankook 205 Challenge, the Mid Wales Stages rally, on Sunday 25 June.

Roy, who lives in Milton Keynes, is competing in selected rounds of the challenge this season alongside other rally commitments. He finished-up 63rd overall in round one, the ERO Oak Leaf Stages at Wilbarston, and 51st overall in the second round, the Twyford 2WD Stages in May.

Calcutta-born Roy, who only began rally driving in mid-2005, will now take to the 45-miles of gravel stages in the Mid Wales forests in his own-built 1600cc 205 hoping to claim another solid result in the series.

“My aim for the rally is to get another good finish under my belt and also push for a good result in class E2, which will be highly competitive looking at the entry list,” the 32-year-old said.

“It would be nice to make it three finishes out of three in the series. I am also hoping to gain yet more experience across the forest gravel stages. I’m still learning everytime I go out on a rally and I’m looking forward to getting back in the Peugeot as it has been nearly two months since I last competed in it.”

Following the Mid Wales Stages, Roy will next be out in his MG ZR in the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series on the Jim Clark Rally on July 8. He will return to 205 Challenge action on the Swansea Bay Rally on July 22.
 

13.06.06

 UK-based Indian rally driver Supradip Dey Roy made a successful debut across the tarmac as he brought home his MG ZR 25th overall in this weekend’s Rally of the Midlands (9-11 June).

The 32-year-old, who lives in Milton Keynes, finished fifth in the MG ZR Championship and sixth in class one on the event as he swapped forest gravel stages to venture out across the asphalt for the first time.

Roy, who has only been competing in rallying since mid-2005, and co-driver Richard Mills had a spin on the final stage but otherwise endured little drama on the event.

They enjoyed a competitive battle with experienced MG driver Steve Graham throughout the rally but eventually ended-up 24 seconds behind Graham on the leaderboard.

“We had a good battle with Steve Graham and there was just a couple of seconds between us heading into the last four stages,” Calcutta-born Roy said. “But a spin for us in the last stage meant we lost about 10 or 11 seconds, we couldn’t make up any time and he finished ahead of us.

“It was a good rally and I feel very confident now on the tarmac. It was very hot and I was toasting in the car but I had a really good time. I’m more than 100 per cent confident now for the Jim Clark Rally.”

Roy will next be in action behind the wheel of his Creative Media Motorsport-built 1400cc MG ZR in the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series across the tarmac of the Jim Clark Rally on July 8.

He will also be taking part in the Mid Wales Stages Rally on June 25 in his Peugeot 205 as he is also competing in the Peugeot 205 Challenge this season alongside his commitments to the BRC Stars of the Future and MG ZR Championship.
 

 05.06.06

UK-based Indian rally driver Supradip Dey Roy will venture out into the unknown when he competes across the tarmac for the first time in his MG ZR car on this weekend’s Rally of the Midlands (9-11 June).

Roy, as he is more commonly known, is the only Indian rally driver competing in Britain and is this season campaigning his 1400cc MG ZR in the British Rally Championship Stars of the Future and the MG ZR Championship in what is only his second year of rallying after he took up the sport in mid-2005.

So far this year the 32-year-old, who lives in Milton Keynes, has had three outings in his Creative Media Motorsport-built MG ZR, notching-up a good result in his last event, the Pirelli Stars of the Future Rally in May, when he finished seventh overall.

Roy will be accompanied by regular co-driver Richard Mills when he swaps forest gravel stages to make his debut across the faster tarmac on the Rally of the Midlands, a round of the MG ZR Championship.

“I’m looking forward to going out on the tarmac for the first time but I’m also slightly apprehensive as it’s a completely different surface for me,” said Roy, who is originally from Calcutta. “Our aim is to be competitive with the other MGs and the other cars in class one on the rally.”

The Rally of the Midlands will provide Roy with some valuable practice across the tarmac prior to the third round of the Silverstone Tyres BRC Stars of the Future series, the Jim Clark Rally on July 8, which uses closed public roads in the Scottish Borders around Kelso.

“I want to get some tarmac experience ahead of the next round of the BRC Stars of the Future which is the Jim Clark Rally, so it’s important that we get some good mileage under our belts this weekend,” Roy added.

As well as competing in the BRC Stars of the Future and the MG ZR Championship, Roy also takes part in the Peugeot 205 Challenge, the next round of that series being the Mid Wales Stages on June 25.

 

 05.06.06

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