Belgian ace Snijers to relive Manx wonder-drive

[manxrallyfan]

Just received this email - Gutted that I will not be there for it!

Belgian rally star Patrick Snijers will next week return to the stages on which he scored a legendary Rally Isle of Man victory in 1988…

…and he’ll do so back at the wheel of the BMW E30 M3 that took him to what is widely acknowledged as one of the great drives in British rallying history!

Snijers and co-driver Dany Colebunders contested the event as part of their challenge for the FIA European Rally Championship, and came into the event second in the standings behind Italy’s Fabrizio Tabaton for Lancia.

It was said at the time that the Manx terrain was so specialised, and the leading British and Irish crews so experienced here, that no driver could even hope to challenge on their first appearance. The Belgian duo soon dispelled that myth!

In a dominant display the pair swept all before them in the factory Prodrive machine, with a spectator pleasing sideways display of supremely committed driving. While Tabaton could only manage fourth place, they eased off on the final day to record a 21-second win over the Ford Sierra Cosworth of Jimmy McRae, what was then the closest finish in the history of the event. In truth however there was a far wider margin between the two, the BMW fastest on 25 of the 39 high-speed stages.

Patrick’s return comes courtesy of Evo magazine, who are making a feature article about the drive, and Prodrive, who are providing the genuine BMW M3.

The visit will feature the unique spectator stage at Castletown on Friday night, a stage that had been relatively newly-introduced to the event in 1988, with its now famous backdrop of the Castle, harbour side and town square run.

It’s one of the must-see features of this Rally Isle of Man – the words ‘Snijers’, ‘Prodive BMW’ and ‘Castletown’ set the pulse racing. Quite simply be there!

Roads close at 6.20pm for the always popular stage, which is a double-run for the crews of the International and Historic events. Please therefore arrive early and park sensibly.

Want to see, and hear, why Patricks drive is still talked about – click here:
Patrick Snijers amazing '88 Manx!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkYx3mHSR5Y

PRESS INFORMATION: 2nd July 2010

[bruvs1]

looking into this , wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ptrs14]

Why oh Why do they leave it ubntil the last minute to announce..
Unlikely to be able to get across for this...would move heaven & earth if poss

Anyone going ?

[bruvs1]

my sentiments too ptr,!!! found out saturday, by accident!!, been ringing round for ferry, can get there but have to be back for sunday so getting back saturday which is booked up, is near impossible, bad p.r by the rally organisers imho. know anyone with a helicopter ptr?

[Ptrs14]

my sentiments too ptr,!!! found out saturday, by accident!!, been ringing round for ferry, can get there but have to be back for sunday so getting back saturday which is booked up, is near impossible, bad p.r by the rally organisers imho. know anyone with a helicopter ptr?

If only !.....spent Thurs / Friday at Goodwood...if I'd of known, I would of passed on Goodwood for the IOM, esppecially as this will be a one off..
Lets hope there is some decent video footage

[bruvs1]

we were at goodwood sat/sun, had a good time had my pic taken with jean ragnotti boy can he drive !!