Wales Rally GB Outing

Despite not appearing on any official entrants list for this years Wales Rally GB, Matthew was still fortunate enough to be able to complete the full National rally route behind the wheel of a rally car. Matthew was fortunate enough to be invited to be part of the Safety car team on the support event of the World Rally championship on the back of his rally experiences so far as well as having completed the official MSA Safety car training course.

'I am honoured to be asked to join the team. It's pleasing for me to be able to combine my love for rallying, my experiences through competing as well as the knowledge gained giving back to the sport over the past 10 years and fulfil such a duty. There is an element of responsibility completing this role, however I am extremely excited to get going.'

Matthew would be navigated through the event by Bryan Hull, a fellow competitor as well as MSA Steward. The scope of the National Zero car is to open up the special stage for the national competitors, with the zero car running 10 minutes ahead of the first competitive car and running at 75% pace to 'warm' the spectators and marshals alike as to what is to come. Even with the zero car being a fully prepared rally car, the car is fitted with the rally radio equipment so the crew have full communication with the rest of the safety car team and rally control to allow for a smooth running of the event.

Speaking after the 2 day event:

'That's my first Dayinsure Wales Rally GB done as part of the Safety Car team and what a pleasure it has been. Extremely grateful for the opportunity to drive the National Zero car on the event and work with such a great team of people. We all have to thank all the marshals and spectators out there for working with us to make sure the event ran smoothly and on time. Equally thanks to Geoff Jones Motorsport for looking after the car. It rally has been an honour to be able to fulfil such a role, something in which I've really enjoyed but also learnt a lot and continue to build that important exposure and knowledge of the 'other' side of our sport. I can only hope to be able to do it all again next year!'

The year is not quite done for Jackson with him once again having the opportunity to put his knowledge and experience to good use by co-driving and guiding Junior rally driver Jonathan Davies through the last 2 rounds of the Junior 1000 Rally Championship, Fairfield Merlin Stages and the Glyn Memorial Rally. Matthew started his competitive driving in the junior championship so it is only apt to be asked back to the series, but this time, on the other side of the car giving guideance and advice to the up and coming driver.

Image: Black Mountain Media