07/12/2025
South Down Stages
And the second event for the new car and the last event of the year for the crew of Dean Grimes and Martin Corbett
Just 1 week after the torrential rain of the Castle Combe stages it was very similar conditions at the start of the day but unlike last week conditions did improve throughout the day.
Goodwood was the venue and the first time that Dean had driven at the iconic venue for 32 years, so the first stage was more of a sighting lap to be able to have a better understanding of the venue whilst running on not the best tyres for the conditions and as a result of this the crew dropped down through the rankings due to a poor start.
Stage 2 and the crew now starting to understand the conditions were able to start learning the car in different conditions against some very quick and well seasoned crews on this event.
Stage 3 and the crew were able to change tyre choice to some end of life Michelins but were able to start pushing a little harder and were surprised to have set the 2nd fastest time.
Stage 4, another decent time set with a third fastest time.
Stage 5 and the tyres had certainly given there best and from looking at the times the cars gearing was not set for circuits, the car is set for short gearing and on a circuit with a lot of high speed sections time was being lost and this became apparent when the times came in for this stage.
Stage 6 and much the same as Stage 5, just not quick enough for the conditions and more time lost.
Stage 7 and the first if two stages in the dark, despite having the amazing corner pod lights from Exposure Lights there was just not enough lights in comparison to other crews around us but we were there gathering valuable experience in the new car and learning how the crew can improve.
Stage 8, and the final stage in the dark, this time with a little more knowledge of the curcuit and what to expect with the limited lights that the car had, the crew were able to push a little harder again.
overall the event was another great learning experience in the new car and to finish with a 5th overall and a 2nd in class was a okay result.
full thanks must go to the team: Dickie, Rob and Nathan for their help throughout the day and the support that we had from supporters and spectators that attended the event
Final thanks to the sponsors
DG Construction Group Ltd Exposure Lights and the marshals.
Unfortunately due to surgery for Dean in January, the crew are having to take a step back in the new year for a short period during convalescence but will be back with a entrance later in the year……
Keep following for more updates!
