November Edition by Motoring News

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NOVEMBER 2020

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The American pair of Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino in the Ford Performance/Monster Energy/Hoonigan Racing Ford Fiesta Rally2 are Sol Rally Barbados ‘20 champions.

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The pair of Andrew Mallalieu and Geoffrey Goddard in the Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5 were the highest placed Barbadian pair.

BLOCK WINS SOL RALLY BARBADOS Pages 3-8

‘Mallalieu, Goddard highest placed Barbadian pair’

Andrew Jones and Lindsey Pilkington in the Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Kepro Veterinary Solutions/Gales Agro/Weetabix/Java Island Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII are the two wheel drive champions.

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MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

David Armstrong, Andrew Croney Safari champions Another new name has been added to the winners’ list of the Barbados Rally Club’s MudDog Chefette Championship. It is that of David Armstrong who joined the prestigious list after winning the November Safari at the weekend, in the company of navigator Andrew Croney, whose name is already on the navigator’s side. Armstrong, who is a cousin of the well-known

fastman and rallyist, Neil Armstrong, is from a motorsport family, and has followed his father Chris Armstrong, whose name was added to the winner’s portfolio in 2012. Driving a Nassco Ltd Toyota Hilux, Armstrong and Croney took second place in route one with 1177 penalties and showed that their performance then was no fluke, by winning route two with 484, on their way

to the title with a total of 1661 penalties. In a victory speech during the prizegiving at the Carib Beach Bar, Tuesday night, Croney said it was a tough safari, and drew reference to the previous new winners of the earlier events of this year and thanked all the 11 crews who contested the day/night event. “The conditions out there were pretty tough. We suffered two flat tyres and

became stuck and were pulled out by the Patels before getting assistance from Stephen Mayers and David Reece and it augurs well for the sport as the camaraderie is high”, Croney noted. He also thanked the organisers, as well as the route setters Chris King and Warwick Eastmond, for a job well done and gave high praise to the marshals for their untireing efforts, especially under the conditions,

and to the competitors for making the event a memorable one. “It was a safari that will be remembered for a long time to come and as we begin to preparation for the coming season and the challenges that will, of course, come with it”, the navigator added. It was also a good showing from the Mendes brothers, Gary and George, in the G & G Sales and Service / Neils Bistro /

Black Diamond Kustomz /Dream Auto Kustomz / Wyndham Auto Services and off road Fabrications / Big Guys Pudding and Souse / Barbados Muffler Center / Lunatics inc Daihatsu Rocky, who gave notice of their intentions when they won the opening route with 797 penalties, then slipped to five in route two, but held on to take second place overall with 1967 penalties. Cont’d on page 10...

November Safari overall winners David Armstrong, right, and Andrew Croney, left, sharing the moment with Mikki Franklin, who presented the prizes at the Carib Beach Bar, Tuesday night.(Picture by treVor Thorpe)

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

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Inside Front

Mallalieu, Goddard highest placed Barbadians

The pair of Andrew Mallalieu and Goeff Goddard kept the hopes of Barbadians high as Americans Ken Block and co-driverAlex Gelsomino defied the odds and drove away with the Sol Rally Barbados 2020 title. Driving the Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5, Mallalieu and Goddard were early overall leaders on the opening day, picking good lines and looked menacing

throughout the two-day event, but evetually finished fourth after returning a time of 57 minutes 04.88 seconds. They were ahead of the inform Roger ‘The Ninja’Hill and Graham Gittens in the Esso/ MaxMeyer Paints/ Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5 who took fifth place with a time of 57 minutes 12.97 seconds. On a weekend of fluctuat-

ing fortunes among the topclass pairs, Block and Gelsomino driving a wellprepared Ford Performance/Monster Energy/Hoonigan Racing Ford Fiesta Rally2, returned a time of 56 minutes 03.19 seconds to take title on a day in which the overall lead changed several times. Cont’d on page 4 ,,,

Americans Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino in the Ford Performance/Monster Energy/Hoonigan Racing Ford Fiesta Rally2 are the Sol Rally Barbados 2020 champions. They returned a time of 56 minutes 03.19 seconds. CRIME PREVENTION TIP:

Do not grow plants or trees that obstruct a clear view from windows and doors. Always ask how tall a plant grows before you purchase it. Positioning plants or trees is key to your safety. (From the Crime Prevention Department of the Royal Barbados Police Force)

Andrew Mallalieu and Geoff Goddard competing in the FIA R5 group in the Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5 were the highest local pair and finished fourth overall with a time of 57 minutes 04.88 seconds.

We make it look like new, when we’re through

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MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Britain’s Rob Swann and Darren Garrod of Wales in the Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC), 75 points.

Testing rally: Lead changes as crews battle with challenges

From page 3 ,,, Early second day leader, Britain’s Rob Swann and his Welsh co-driver Darren Garrod in the Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC after appearing to tighten their grip on the proceedings went wide on the wet and muddy Special Stage #11, the Automotive Art Mt. Brevitor to Four Hills, a 4.40 kls layout, handing the lead to 2018 winners from Jamaica, Jeff Panton and

Mike Fennell (Jr) in the Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC. The Jamaicans held on to the lead and were beginning to consolidate themselves for the task ahead until mid afternoon, when they had run off the Lamberts stage and dropped down the order. But Block and Gelsomino made good use of the mistakes of the those around them and stayed on to win the final stage from Dukes to Vaucluse, St. Thomas and

The inform Roger ‘The Ninja’Hill and Graham Gittens in the Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5 took fifth place with a time of 57 minutes 12.97 seconds. which attracted pairs from Herr’s Chips/AP Jones and ahead of Panton and Pharmacy/Southern Surf the UK, the USA, the Fennell whose time was 56 Caribbean and host country minutes 38.78 seconds. Beach Apartments/Kepro Barbados. Veterinary Solutions/Gales Trinidad and Tobago’s Sol Rally Barbados’20 was David Coello and Barbadian Agro/Weetabix/Java Island run on a ‘contactless’ forco-driver Barry Ward in the Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & mat, with no physical transSubway/Motul Ford Fiesta ferring of time cards R5 rounded out the top six Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII took the two between marshals and comwith a time of 57 minutes petitors, while all unneces23.83 seconds. The husband wheel drive title and were sary physical interaction tenth overall with a time of and wife pair of Andrew one hr. 00.53.22 seconds. between organisers, comJones and Lindsey petitors, support crews, Of the 38 starters, 21 were Pilkington in the Panton and marshals, media and spectaclassified as finishers of the Fennell whose time was 56 tors was avoided. rain-affected two-day event minutes 38.78 seconds.

took the honours in the challenging weather conditions in Barbados being experienced in Barbados over the past five days. It was the American’s first attempt at rallying in Barbados, which was preceeded by a hectic four days of pacenoting followed by a Meet & Greet session at Automotive Art’s, Welches, St. Thomas outlet last Friday. Swann and Darren Garrod finished second with a time of 56 minutes 12.67 seconds Jeff Panton and Mike Fennell (Jr) in the Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC whose time was 56 minutes 38.78 seconds.

Suleman Esuf and Asif Suleman in the Express Imports/SY Adam & Son/Prosales/Y Esuf Auto Clinic Ford Fiesta R5

Trinidad and Tobago’s David Coello and Barbadian co-driver Barry Ward in the Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5 placed six with a time of 57 minutes 23.83 seconds.

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

P age 5

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MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

SOL RALLY BARBADOS 2020 Official results Highest-placed non-national 4wd: Block – USA/Gelsomino – USA (1st overall) Highest-placed non-national rwd: Paterson - ENG/Kukula - ENG (15th overall) Highest-placed non-national fwd: not awarded Highest-placed female driver: not awarded Highest-placed female co-driver: Lindsey Pilkington - ENG (10th overall, co-driver for Andrew Jones) Starters: 38 (27 Barbados, 8 International, 3 Regional) Finishers: 21 (13 Barbados, 5 International, 3 Regional) Overall Two-wheel-drive: 1st Jones/Pilkington - ENG; 2nd Corbin/Staffner; 3rd Brathwaite/Hoyte; 4th Archer/Steinbok; 5th Soodeen/Forde

The English pair of Howard Paterson and Sean Kukula, entered in C3 in the Little Bristol Beach Bar/Paradise Surf School/Rallydrive Automotive Mazda RX-8 took the honours for ‘Highest-placed non-national rear wheel drive’ and were fifteenth overall.

Key to nationalities (competitor from Barbados unless shown): ENG – England; JAM – Jamaica; T&T – Trinidad & Tobago; TCI – Turks & Caicos; USA – United States of America; WAL – Wales 1st Ken Block - USA/Alex Gelsomino - USA (FIA R5 Ford Performance/Monster Energy/Hoonigan Racing Ford Fiesta Rally2), 56m 03.19s 2nd Rob Swann – ENG/Darren Garrod - WAL (WRC Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC), +09.48s 3rd Jeffrey Panton – JAM/Michael Fennell Jnr (WRC Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC), +35.59s 4th Andrew Mallalieu/Geoff Goddard (FIA R5 Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5), +01:01.69 5th Roger ‘The Ninja’ Hill/Graham Gittens (FIA R5 Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/ Motormac/ DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5), +01:09.78 6th David Coelho – T&T/Barry Ward (FIA R5 Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5), +01:20.64 7th Paul Horton - TCI/Matt Edwards - WAL (FIA R5 Java Island/HO2 Construction/Sky Motorsports Ford Fiesta R5), +03:05.29 8th Suleman Esuf/Justin Campbell (FIA R5 Express Imports/SY Adam & Son/Prosales/Y Esuf Auto Clinic Ford Fiesta R5), +03:41.53 9th Stuart Maloney/Kristian Yearwood (FIA R5 Rock Hard Cement/Bushy Park Barbados Skoda Fabia R5), +04:46.15 10th Andrew Jones/Lindsey Pilkington (F) – ENG (SM2 Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Kepro Veterinary Solutions/Gales Agro/ Weetabix/Java Island Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII), +04:50.03 11th Neil Corbin/Matthew Staffner (SM1 Nassco/Jason Jones/Emtage Electric/Auto Solutions/Valvoline Toyota Starlet), +06:16.45 12th Jamal Brathwaite/Dario Hoyte (M2 Java Island/Consumers Guaranteed Insurance/Automotive Art/Valvoline/Caribbean Auto Glass/809 Design Associates /TEC Barbados/Stylez Auto Spa/Ellsemere Quarries/Chicken Pen Racing Honda Civic Type-R), +08:29.92 13th Wayne Archer/Moishe Steinbok (H2 Arrow Woodworking/Arrow Construction/D & A Air Conditioning/Archers Hall Design Center BMW 325), +09:18.72 14th Sacha Soodeen/Dwayne Forde (C2 BimmaCup), +12:39.74 15th Howard Paterson – ENG/Sean Kukula – ENG (C3 Little Bristol Beach Bar/Paradise Surf School/Rallydrive Automotive Mazda RX-8), +12:54.86 16th Jonathan Still/Andrew Croney (SM2 Suga Apple Swimwear/Executive Auto Center BMW M3), +13:01.60 17th Nicholas Morley - ENG/Joshua Plaza – T&T (C2 Globank/Spectrum X BimmaCup), +13:07.93 18th David St Hill/Ian Grimes (M3 Tropical Touch/St Hill & Sons Garage BMW M3), +13:59.41 19th Chris Surman - ENG/Zowie Boiston (F) - ENG (GpN Warmstyle Motorsport/Top Performance Services/Ignition Motor Sport/Syvecs Subaru Impreza), +16:32.85 20th Jason Downey/Kristina Pinto (F) (C2 BimmaCup), +16:51.30 21st Fabien Clarke/Arlington Hoyte (SM1 Empire Building & Construction/Giovanni Exquisite Car Rentals/Bovell Auto Repair/RCR Tours/South 7 DJs Suzuki Ignis Sport), +25:07.71 Sunday Cup: 1st Barry Mayers/Ben Norris - ENG (SM2 Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta), 30m 59.90s; 2nd Kurt Thompson/Adam Straker (M3 Glassesco/NKM Clothing/Bio-Beauty/King Ocean Shipping BMW M3 Compact), +01:35.06; 3rd Greg Cozier/Natasha Farnum (F) (C3 Perkins & Son Barbados Rum/Tropical Shipping/Westlake Tyres/Barbados Port Inc BimmaCup Too), +03:08.09; 4th Harold Morley - ENG/Stephen Bell (H2 Spectrum X Porsche 911RS), +05:08.54; 5th Rhett Watson/Bradley Weekes (SM2 Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Leafy Organics/Hankook Tyres/Bajan Pure Water/Power King Batteries BMW M3), +05:23.60; 6th Jason Tull/Hugo Greaves (C1 Devon Star/Dominus PHD/Jay-T’s Auto Services/CA Autobody Repairs/Redline Performance Imports/CST Tyres Peugeot 106 Rallye S2), +05:31.68 Class results WRC: 1st Swann - ENG/Garrod - WAL, 56m 12.67s; 2nd Panton – JAM/Fennell - JAM, +26.11s FIA R5: 1st Block - USA/Gelsomino - USA, 56m 03.19s; 2nd Mallalieu/Goddard, +01:01.69; 3rd Hill/Gittens, +01:09.78; Group N: 1st Surman – ENG/Boiston (F) - ENG, 1h 12m 36.04s SuperModified 2: 1st Jones/Pilkington - ENG, 1h 00m 53.22s; 2nd Still/Croney, +08:11.57 SM1: 1st Corbin/Staffner, 1h 02m 19.64s; 2nd Clarke/A Hoyte, +18:51.26 M3: 1st St Hill/Grimes, 1h 10m 02.60s M2: 1st Brathwaite/D Hoyte, 1h 04m 33.11s M1: no finishers Historic 2: 1st Archer/Steinbok, 1h 05m 21.91s H1: no finishers Clubman 3: 1st Paterson – ENG/Kukula - ENG, 1h 08m 58.05s C2: 1st Soodeen/Forde, 1h 08m 42.93s; 2nd Morley – ENG/Plaza – T&T, +28.19s; 3rd Downey/Pinto, +04:11.56; C1: no finishers

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

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Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners Dane Skeete and Tyler Mayhew, who were seeded at 1 in the Sol/CO Williams Sand & Lime/Automotive Art Subaru Impreza WRC S12.

Rhett Watson and Bradley Weekes in the Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Leafy Organics/Hankook Tyres/Bajan Pure Water/Power King Batteries BMW M3 finished fifth in the Sunday Cup five minutes 23.60 seconds behind the winners.

David Snous, hand upraised, with a section of the crowd at Sailor Gully on Day Two of Sol RB 2020.

Barry Mayers and Ben Norris in the Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta won theSunday Cup.

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MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Neil Corbin and Matthew Staffner won SM1 and was eleventh overall in the Nassco/Jason Jones/Emtage Electric/Auto Solutions/Valvoline Toyota Starlet. They were six minutes 16.45 seconds behind the winners.

The pair of Paul Horton of the TCI and Welsh co-driver Matt Edwards in the Java Island/HO2 Construction/Sky Motorsports Ford Fiesta R5 finished seventh overall.

David St Hill and Ian Grimes in the Tropical Touch/St Hill & Sons Garage BMW M3 finished 18th overall with a time of 13 minutes 59.41seconds.

Suleman Esuf and Justin Campbell finished eighth overall in the Express Imports/SY Adam & Son/Prosales/Y Esuf Auto Clinic Ford Fiesta R5.

Third in the Sunday Cup: Greg Cozier and Natasha Farnum (F) (C3 Perkins & Son Barbados Rum/Tropical Shipping/Westlake Tyres/Barbados Port Inc BimmaCup Too three minutes 08.09 seconds behind the winners.

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Jones ready for battle in final show down A three-way battle is looming in Supermodified 2 (SM2) as drivers, co-drivers and mechanics prepare for the final events of the local motoring season, which will have an international flavour and slated for December 5 & 6. The first will be a double-header speed event organised by the Motoring Club Barbados Incorporated (MCBI) from Oughterson to Sunbury, St. Philip on December 5 and the second, the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) Winter Rally the following day. And much attention will be placed on SM2 since drivers and fans were robbed of the battle between the husband and wife pair of Andrew Jones and Lindsey Pilkington, the new Sol Rally Barbados SM2 champions and arch rivals and former champions Barry Mayers and Ben Norris and Rhett Watson and Bradley Weekes, who were forced out of the overall rally as a result of mechanical problems of varying kinds. In an exlusive interview with Motoring News, Jones said he is ready for the two events, but expressed a degree of sadness that Mayers and Norris and Watson and Weekes had suffered the problems that they had. “You can never predict the future, but it’s hards to have put everything in place made your checks and valances and then as you get to the start line something happens which would put out fo the rally, but that is motorsport and you have to tough and take the bitter with the sweet”, he noted. With an ear of confidence,

Jones, who was partnered by his wife Lindsey Pilkington, who was also the highest placed female codriver, in the Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Kepro Veterinary Solutions/Gales Agro/Weetabix/Java Island Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII, and also took the two-wheel-drive title ahead of pairs such as Neil Corbin and Matthew Staffner and Jamal Brathwaite and Dario Hoyte, said he still gave the rally his best shots and is ready for the rigours of the final events. “It was a good rally with excellent stages, but the rain presented challenges which changed the complection of the two-day action-packed event and also the overall result and the speed event as well as the Winter Rally will be keenly contested as the fellows are rearing to go having completed remedial work”,he added. Admitting that he still enjoyed Sol Rally Barbados despite the absence of the competition from Mayers and Norris and Watson and Bradley Weekes, as he was comparing his times with R5 group on day one and with his rivals were doing in the Sunday Cup, but with the group fully supported for the final events, it has the ingredients of being a keenly contested affair, not only in SM 2, but in both events. “The foreign pairs will want to correct the ills of last month and salvage some pride for themselves as this season, which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, drawn draws to a close”, Jones added.

Page 9

The husband and wife pair of Andrew Jones and Lindsey Pilkington in the Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Kepro Veterinary Solutions/Gales Agro/Weetabix/Java Island Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII. Barry Mayers and Ben Norris, Weekes are still to complete reme“If all goes to plan we should be who will be in the dial with to the BMW M3. ready for the event. We are awaitChefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Weekes said they are still have ing the arrival of the replacement Depot Ford Fiesta have corrected axle issues to take care of, but is parts and as long as they arrive, their problems are only waiting optimistic as preparation goes we should be on the startline” he for the days to pass for the event, ahead for their participation in the added. while Rhett Watson and Bradley doubler-header and the rally.

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MOTORING NEWS NOVEMER 2020

Patel brothers in November Safari top six From page 2 ,,, The pair of Willie Hinds and Wayne ‘ManOut’ Manning in the Black Bess Group Suzuki Samurai, and who won the recently-held Summer Safari, had to con-

tent with third spot after amassing a total of 2004 penalties for the efforts. The experience pair of Stephen Mayers and David Reece in a Toyota Hilux, who took third place respec-

tive in both routes, settled in for fourth place overall with 2044 penalties took fourth place, while the pair of Shaquille Jemmott and Shanice Toppin in the Dream Auto Kustomz /

The Mendes brothers; Gary, right, and George, left, took second place in the November Safari and received their prizes from Mikki Franklin during the prizegiving at the Carib Beach Bar, Worthing, Christ Church.

The pair of Willie Hinds, left, and Wayne ‘ManOut’ Manning, right, finished third with a total of 2004 penalties. The prizes were presented by Mikki Franklin.

Group B winners Shaquille Jemmott, right, and Shanice Toppin, second from right, as they received their prizes from Mikki Franklin. Black Diamond Kustomz were fifth overall with 3583. Toppin was also took the prize for the highest placed female, while two sixth places respectively in the two routes, helped them to

take the title at stake for Group B competitors. The Patel brothers, Abdullah and Bilal, in the Patels Equipment & Hardware / NiLight LED Lights / Aquarius Faucets Mitsubishi L200, rounded

out the top six with 4003 penalties. They were ninth in route one with 2935 penalties and fifth in route two with 1248. Eleven pairs contested the Safari over 135 kilometres.

vvMOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Page 11

Dane Skeete and co-driver Tyler Mayhew in the Sol/CO Williams Sand & Lime/Automotive Art Subaru Impreza WRC S12B are the Flow King of the Hill chgampion 2020.

Dane Skeete, Tyler Mayhew keep King of the Hill title in Barbados

The Flow King of the Hill title is staying in Barbados. Dane Skeete and co-driver

Tyler Mayhew in the Sol/CO Williams Sand & Lime/Automotive Art

Subaru Impreza WRC S12B, kept the Barbados flag flying as he got the bet-

Jamaicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeff Panton and Barbadian co-driver Jason Cozier in the Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC took second place with a time of one minute 42.96 seconds.

ter of a three-way battle of the topclass drivers. Skeete returned the fastest time of one minute 42.92 seconds; 400 hundredths of a second better than a determined Jamaican, Jeff

Panton and Jason Cozier in the Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC, whose time was one minute 42.96 seconds. It was a see-saw battle of the topclass drivers who

traded fastest times during the four runs on the 3.3 kilometre course which started at Golden Grove, St.Philip. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;td on page 12 ,,,

Page 12

MOTORING NEWS, NOVEMBER 2020

Mayers, Norris take two wheel drive crown

Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood in the Rock Hard Cement/Bushy Park Barbados Skoda Fabia R5 were the fastest R5 pair and finished fourth overall with a time of ome minute 49.09 seconds. From page 11 ,,, In brilliant sunshine and watched by a large and fully masked crowd, Rob Swann,

the leading European contender of recent years and Welsh co-driver Darren Garrod in the Blue Sky

Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC had to be content with third place

overall with a time one minute 44.22 seconds, while Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood in the Rock Hard

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Page 13

Trinidad and Tobago’s David Coelho and Barry Ward in the Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5 finished eighth 04.81 seconds behind the winners.

The pair of Barry Mayers and Ben Norris in the Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta took the two wheel drive crown with a time of one minute 45.86 seconds and were sixth fastest overall. Cement/Bushy Park Barbados Skoda Fabia R5 was the first of the FIA R5 pairs and grabbed fourth spot with a time of one minute 45.09 seconds while Roger ‘The Ninja’ Hill and Graham Gittens in the Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5 were fifth with a time of one minute 45.70 seconds. Barry Mayers and Ben Norris in the Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta placed sixth and took the honours for the fastest two wheel drive with a time of one minute 45.86 seconds, while Andrew Mallalieu and Geoffrey Goddard in the Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5 stayed on course and took seventh spot with a time of one minute 46.45 seconds. Trinidad and Tobago’s David Coelho and Barry Ward in the Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5 picked good lines throughout the day’s action and returned a time

of one minute 47.73 seconds and finished eighth overall and ahead of the flamboyant Andrew Jones and his wife Lindsay Pilkington in the Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Java Island Coffee/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Weetabix Ford Escort MkII and posted a time of one 47.98 seconds as another fancied pair; Rhett Watson and Bradley Weekes in the Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Leaf y Organics/Hankook Tyres/Bajan Pure Water/Power King Batteries BMW M3 who rounded out the top ten with a time of one minute 48.01 seconds. As the pairs prepare for Sol Rally Barbados this weekend, motorsport insiders, speaking to reporters at the presentation at Bushy Park last night, said the results has set the tone for a one of fiercest battles in recent motorsport history. Sol Rally Barbados ‘20 will be decided over 19 stages on Saturday and Sunday.

Sign and drive, don’t drink and drive,,,

Rob Swann and Darren Garrod in the Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC, finished third, 01.30 seconds behind the winners.

FLOW KING OF THE HILL 2020 Results

Rhett Watson and Bradley Weekes in the Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Leafy Organics/Hankook Tyres/Bajan Pure Water/Power King Batteries BMW M3 rounded out the top ten with a time of one minute 48.01 seconds.

Key to nationalities (competitor from Barbados unless shown): ENG – England; JAM – Jamaica; T&T – Trinidad & Tobago; WAL – Wales 1st Dane Skeete/Tyler Mayhew (WRC Sol/CO Williams Sand & Lime/Automotive Art Subaru Impreza WRC S12), 1m 42.92s 2nd Jeffrey Panton – JAM/Jason Cozier (WRC Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC), + 00.04s 3rd Rob Swann – ENG/Darren Garrod - WAL (WRC Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott All-Inclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC), + 01.30s 4th Stuart Maloney/Kristian Yearwood (FIA R5 Rock Hard Cement/Bushy Park Barbados Skoda Fabia R5), + 02.17s 5th Roger Hill/Graham Gittens (FIA R5 Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5), + 02.78s 6th Barry Mayers/Ben Norris - ENG (SM2 Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta), + 02.94s 7th Andrew Mallalieu/Geoff Goddard (FIA R5 Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5), + 03.53s 8th David Coelho – T&T/Barry Ward (FIA R5 Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5), + 04.81s 9th Andrew Jones/Lindsey Pilkington (F) – ENG (SM2 Herr’s Chips/AP Jones Pharmacy/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/Kepro Veterinary Solutions/Gales Agro/Weetabix/Java Island Coffee/Weetabix/The Shore Club Turks & Caicos/Hankook Ford Escort MkII), + 05.06s 10th Rhett Watson/Bradley Weekes (SM2 Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Leafy Organics/Hankook Tyres/Bajan Pure Water/Power King Batteries BMW M3), + 05.09s

First in C1: Jason Tull and Hugo Greaves in the Devon Star/Dominus PHD/Jay-T’s Auto Services/CA Autobody Repairs/Redline Performance Imports/CST Tyres Peugeot 106 Rallye S2. They were 2 minutes 14.15 seconds behind the overall winners and finished 37th overall.

Page 12

MOTORING NEWS, NOVEMBER 2020

Mayers, Norris take two wheel drive crown

the leading European contender of recent years and Welsh co-driver Darren Garrod in the Blue Sky

Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC had to be content with third place

overall with a time one minute 44.22 seconds, while Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood in the Rock Hard

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Page 13

Trinidad and Tobago’s David Coelho and Barry Ward in the Subway/Motul Ford Fiesta R5 finished eighth 04.81 seconds behind the winners.

Sign and drive, don’t drink and drive,,,

Rob Swann and Darren Garrod in the Blue Sky Luxury/Marriott AllInclusive raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC, finished third, 01.30 seconds behind the winners.

FLOW KING OF THE HILL 2020 Results

Page 14

Motoring News 3 Tranquility Drive, Greenpoint, St.Philip Barbados. West Indies. Tel. (246) 823-1117/423-0353 Founded January 17, 1997

E-Mail: motoringnews34@gmail.com Website: www.motoringnewsonline.com

ß MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020 Editor: Trevor Thorpe Reporters: Frederick Ferraro, Justin Weir, The Onlooker Pens, Regional & International: JMann, Electronic Services Inc. Advertising: MN Advertising, Photography: MN Pix Clix, Lindsay Farmer, Warren Gollop, Corey Reece, Simon Slade, treVor Thorpe, justbajan.com, Colbert Goddard. Motoring News is a monthly publication covering local, regional and international motorsport and the automobile industry. It is circulated worldwide.

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Hyundai moving to robotics Korean automaker Hyundai is moving into billion dollar deal to acquire a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics, the robotics company, the maker of those unsettling four-legged robots that terrify and delight YouTube browsers.

Ford Mustang E coming

The new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an allelectric, four-door, batterypowered SUV that'll eventually have up to 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque. More than that, the new Mustang Mach-E is going to force the world to rethink just what it considers a Mustang. Is it a two-door performance coupe or convertible powered by internal combustion? Or is it a four-door performance SUV with the potential to beat the Tesla Model Y at its own game? ¿Por qué no los dos? I'd argue it doesn't really matter. What does is that the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is quite good and pays appropriate homage to its nameplate. This is a Mustang like you've never seen before. Bucking the tradition of muscular two-doors, the all-new Ford Mustang Mach-E is a four-door electric crossover. But this isn't meant to be the tree-hugger's Mustang—the Mach-E emphasizes performance and technology.

Those quadrupeds as a whole, likely have little to do with Hyundai Motor's automotive aspirations, but you can bet the automaker is after the robots' software. Boston Dynamics, long ago mastered the creation of walking, running, leaping, and all-around horrifying legged robots. It also works on autonomy—with those robots possessing autonomous capabilities not unlike, well, self-driving cars or factory vehicles. That AI capability looms large in Hyundai's eyes. Whereas self-driving cars and trucks don't feature in any nightmare-inspiring YouTube videos that we know of, in which they're bearing down on humans less intelligent or dexterous than themselves, Hyundai and a bevy of other automakers are hoping to deliver such vehicles to non-terrified customers in the coming years, as well as lean on them for use in factory settings. Boston Dynamics' programming know-how and experience in the field could prove invaluable to Hyundai in making a Sonata that can pick your drunk self up from the bar—whenever you can go to those again, of course—and shuttle you home safely sans driver, or even to produce automated forklifts and the like. Boston Dynamics already has a "mobile robot for warehouses" coming for 2021.

The robot dog coming to Korean automaker. Hyundai's cost to acquire that know-how ain't cheap. Its $1.1 billion outlay gets it an 80-percent stake in Boston Dynamics, while the

outfit's current suitor, Softbank, will retain 20 percent. (Softbank purchased the outfit from Google's parent company Alphabet

some years ago.) Will Hyundai play around with legged vehicles, though? We doubt it, even though Hyundai did reveal a few

All-new rear-engined Porsche 911 GT3 Cup coming

bizarre walking, four-legged mobility concepts in 2019. It was notably less unsettling than Boston Dynamics's Spot.

From the Nürburgring to Sebring, WEC to IMSA, the hunchbacked, rear-engined 911 GT3 Cup is an extremely familiar sight at racetracks around the globe. Porsche says the GT3 Cup is the world's best-selling race car, and the company just pulled the silk off of its newest incarnation: the seventh-generation, 992-based 911 GT3 Cup. Now, this best-seller is wider, stronger, and faster than ever before. Porsche says the new car, derived from the street-legal 911, is up to one percent faster per lap than 991.2-based GT3 Cup; around which track isn't clear, so we think the automaker is referring to a general projected average here. "So what?" you might be thinking. While just one solitary percent of one solitary lap doesn't sound that incredible, when added up over the course of dozens (if not hundreds) of laps, it makes a huge difference.

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Motoring News Business Centre ...

The Toyota Yaris GR: A compact package with a punch

Page 15

Business Centre ...

The Toyota GR Yaris: It comes with 268 hp for the JDM-spec model.

The Toyota GR Yaris. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hot hatch with plenty of promise. Revealed at the this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tokyo Auto Salon, the Toyota GR Yaris features all-wheel-drive, a six-speed manual gearbox, and 257 horsepower (in the case of the European version, but 268 hp for the JDM-spec) in a compact package weigh-

ing just 2,822 pounds. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is brand new and along with 272 lb-ft of torque, it becomes the most powerful three-cylinder engine ever fitted to a road car. It all sounds like a muchneeded boost for what is an otherwise modest hatchback, and with a 0-62 mph

sprint time of under 5.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 143 mph, it's sure to be a riot to drive and isn't far off the pace of the Honda Civic Type R. Toyota is keen to make sure that the little Yaris can handle all of that power so has also added two Torsen limited-slip differentials while you'd expect this to

add unwelcome weight, the three-door GR's use of carbon fiber polymer and aluminum in its construction balances out the beefed-up suspension components. Other modifications include a new double-wishbone rear suspension and a rear track that has been widened over the standard Yaris. Using the 4WD dial, switching between Normal, Sport, and even Track driving modes is child's play, with the Sport mode chang-

ing the front/rear torque distribution from 60:40 to 30:70. It would be disappointing if the GR didn't look the part as well, but Toyota has seemingly spent just as much time on the design. The end result is something far removed from the ordinary Mazda-based Toyota Yaris hatchback for the UK. The aggressive detailing includes 18-inch alloys and gloss black trim, and even the roofline is lower (by 3.6

The cockpit of Toyota Yaris GR.

inches) to give the GR a more distinct profile. Broader bodywork, dual exhaust outlets, and GR badging are further touches that turn this into a properly desirable pocket rocket. In Japan, it'll cost an equivalent of US$36,100 for the First Edition model, and in all likelihood, Japan is where you'll need to go to experience the GR. No plans have yet been announced to bring the hottest Yaris to the USA.

Ullyett is new champion Page 16

Daniel Ullyett is the Sectus Technologies champion driver of the 2020 Barbados Karting Association (BKA) championship. Ten year old Ullyett, the son of local ace Geoffrey Ullyett rattled up 371 points during the competition. He is also the grandson of 1960’s Barbados Rally Club (BRC) group champion George Ullyett. The younger Ullyett beat last year’s champion Adam Mallalieu, with 364, into second place. Looking bask at the compe-

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

tition Ullyett said it was not all plain sailing as the sport was plagued by the caronovirus Covid-19 Pandemic and he is looking forward to having a full season next year. “It was a tough year, but I was able to hold off the competition and take the title. It is a great feeling”, he noted. Calem Maloney finished third with 344 and ahead of Mark Thompson who scored 334 and took along the EasyKart 125CC MastersClass, while Aeden Bruce with 281 was fifth

and Blake Thompson sixth with 281 to round out the top six. Female driver Kayleigh Catwell was ninth overall with 232 points as Donche Blackman sealed the top ten with 222. BKA’s competition secretary Geoff Ullyett in his remarks at the end of the season thanked all the drivers who took part in the competition in the 2020 BKA championship and congratulated the class champions along with the new BKA champion driver Daniel Ullyett.

New Barbados Karting Association champion driver Daniel Ullyett. Barbados Karting Association Inc Championship 2020 Sectus Technologies 2020 Driver Championship 2020 Results by Round

Daniel Ullyett piloted the Ullyett’s Machine Shop kart to victory in the Sectus Technologies BKA 2020 championship.

Kart # 60 CC Easykart Daniel Ullyett Aeden Bruce Blake Thompson Donche Blackman Kaleb Catwell Jaydn Braithwaithe Rayhan Delair Jacob Mustor

10 300 8 71 96 617 67 98

100 66 72 73 50 0 59 56

100 78 50 2 60 46 0 0

100 78 58 67 35 59 0 0

71 59 77 80 48 45 0 0

371 281 257 222 193 150 59 56

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

371 281 257 222 193 150 59 56

1 5 6 10 11 12 24 25

2 9 7

56 66 0

72 64 0

51 0 54

72 0 64

251 130 118

1 2 3

251 130 118

7 16 19

125 CC Easykart Masters Mark Thompson 81 Kyle Catwell 260 Kurt Thompson 90 Suleman Esuf 289 Barry Mustor 90

100 54 32 84 34

72 64 0 0 0

81 57 38 0 0

81 57 66 0 0

334 232 136 84 34

1 2 3 4 5

334 232 136 84 34

4 9 15 21 27

125 CC Easykart light Adam Mallalieu 79 Calem Maloney 70 Kayliegh Catwell 65 David St.Hill 84 Sebastien Thompson 25 Scott Stollmeyer 265 John Kelly 76 Jaden Thompson 9 Justin Campbell 221 Benjamin Moore 277 Justin Harris 286 Shaqulle Wallcott 46

100 84 48 0 0 0 12 0 14 72 41 0

100 84 72 42 62 61 43 0 0 0 0 14

64 92 73 43 62 63 0 39 66 0 0 0

100 84 52 61 19 0 64 56 0 0 0 0

364 344 245 146 143 124 119 95 80 72 41 14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

364 344 245 146 143 124 119 95 80 72 41 14

2 3 8 13 14 17 18 20 22 23 26 28

100 CC Easykart Aaron Blackett Jayden Thompson Logan Stollmeyer

Adam Mallalieu driving the Terra Caribbean kart is second this year with 364 points.

1 2

Overall Class Overal championshi postion TotalPositio Total

New Creta unveiled at Courtesy Garage MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Covers came off the new Hyundai Creta at local dealers Courtesy Garage recently. It comes with five new BS-VI compliant powertrain options -- 1.5 litre petrol and diesel powertrains mated with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and 1.4 litre turbo petrol which comes with seven speed dual clutch transmission, available for

system (8 speakers), among others. The new Creta comes with various features such as voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof, advanced LED headlamps, blue link connectivity features, electric parking brake, Bose sound system. The SUV will also have drive and traction modes, air purifier, two step rear seat reclining, paddle

shifters and remote engine start. Launched in 2015, Creta established its supremacy as a highly aspirational brand among customers globally. An export milestone by the automaker was achieved by the model in India is a testimony of Hyundai's undeterred focus and commitment to become a leader in the industry.

Page 17

Hyundai Sales Manager Roger Maxwell with the new Creta.

Page 18

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Nissan News...

Nissan Ariya. A strong EV contender from the Japanese automaker.

Nissan Ariya: An in-depth look at new EV SUV

No bones about it, the 2022 Nissan Ariya is one of the most significant Nissans of the past 25 years, or even longer. This is not to say for sure this electric car will be a roaring success, as the very specific market for nonTesla EV crossovers costing less than US$50,000 is still as of yet unproven and rather unpopulated. But forthcoming EVs like the Ariya, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the VW ID4 will determine if there's a nascent untapped well of electric-car customers ready to adopt, or if EVs will continue to be toys for upperclass city folk. In reality, we reckon the answer is somewhere in between as these new EV crossovers find moderate—

but not wild—success in both the upper and the continually shrinking middle class. That's what Nissan hopes, at least—the beleaguered automaker needs a win, regardless if it's this new Ariya, the forthcoming new Z car, or the soon-to-be rejiggered Infiniti brand. Of all these endeavors, the 2022 Nissan Ariya stands out as the most forwardthinking and cohesive product, something that's particularly apparent after recently spending some extended time with the prototype in a closed-studio environment. 2022 Nissan Ariya: The Full Picture As is most often the case in this industry, pictures are deceiving. The new Nissan EV appears very much as a mid-size analog to the cur-

rent Murano, with high shoulders and a somewhat tapered profile. It's smaller than you think; according to brand reps present at this walkaround, the Ariya is Rogue-sized, giving it a dimensional footprint slightly larger than the future Audi A4 E-Tron, and a bit smaller than the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y. Regardless, it has presence, especially with smooth, glossy exterior surfaces and an origami-ish anodyne profile that would look very much at home on a Blade Runner set or humming through the streets of Neo Tokyo. Hey, don't just take our word for it: Nissan claims the Ariya wears a design penned from the ideals of "Timeless Japanese Futurism."

Another view of the Ariya from Nissan.

Dates set for BARL’s new season

The Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL) is preparing for the 2021 season. Word of this came from chairman Stefan Hinds who told Motoring News that the Covid-19 Pandemic had severely affected members. “Our members were looking forward to the competition first event had to rescheduled from Easter, but unfortunately the economic impact post covid prevented them from competing in the October Tribute Race Meet, but interest is still high and we are now refocused on our first race meeting for 2021 being our traditional Easter Monday race meet”, he noted. He said the club was contented with its first race meet in seven years despite

and drivers has been high and corporate partners are already in place to be a part of the BARL package for 2021. “Interest in BARL’s activities has been good with corporate partners looking to come on board for the 2021 season, and also for some members/parties who were unsure if we could or would ever have a race meet again, or comfortable with our plans and objectives”, Hinds explained. He said that race dates have already been set for the new season and combined with the Wheels and Heels dexterities and Time Attacks, they are expecting an exciting 2021 and members are eager to get rolling.

Andre Corbin in the CA Body Toyota Corolla was among drivers at the October event. all the challenges faced by the pandemic, and although the groups were small they produced tight, clean and competitive racing. Hinds said that from the events of this year a champion driver, as well as group champions would be crowned and the interest among members

Buckle Up; Wear your Seatbelts

Danny Croney was among the drivers showing good form during BARL’s October meeting at Bushy Park.

Page 20

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Industry News...

Next Mercedes EV 2021 Hear that gentle hum slowly rising to a steady whine? That's the forthcoming tsunami of German-developed electric vehicles rushing toward the horizon as part of a global push toward electrification. Across the board, it seems every German automaker is finally shaking the diesel soot from its boots and gearing up sales skirmishes against one another—alongside a fullfrontal assault on Tesla. As part of this rising wave, Mercedes-Benz just outlined its timetable for its EQ-line of EVs. While Mercedes-Benz's EQ sub-brand is technically already in production with the EQC, the company's latest push for EQ is centered around new EVs built on a bespoke platform (as opposed to the EQC's rejiggered GLC-Class bones), the first of which is already in production ahead of its January 20th debut. This will be our first look at the EQA, an electrified analog to the Mercedes-Benz GLAClass. Tailing this will be the EQB, an electric equivalent to the GLB-Class. Both EQA and EQB will share factory floor space with the GLA, GLB, and A-Class at MB's Rastatt plant in Germany. The Tesla Model S-baiting EQS is next on MB's EV list, and it conceptually occupies the space where an electric S-Class would be. Instead of gluing batteries to the existing S-Class, the EQ-only architecture gives way to a design closer inline with the CLS-Class and its four-door coupe-like looks. Production of this (presumably) handsome EV begins sometime in the first half of 2021. Not one to leave any Deutschmarks on the biergarten table, MB's smaller EQE arrives soon after the flagship EQS to stare down the Model 3 and Model S, fitting size-wise somewhere between both (and serving as the electric equivalent to the E-Class). Look for production to kick off some-

Mercedes-Benz just outlined its timetable for its EQ-line of EVs. time in the second half of 2021. If you—like many buyers—are more of an SUV or crossover person, then your interests may be piqued by the promised SUV variants of the EQE and EQS sedans. Serving as electronexpending parallel-universe alternatives to the current GLE- and GLS-Class SUVs. Both new high-riders arrive sometime in 2022 and exeunt through the double doors at MB's Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. Not much is known about Merc's new leaner, greener EV lineup, other than what the automaker is willing to let slip. If we had to guess, we expect the ranges, charge times, and power to be close—but not match— the best that Tesla has to offer. Also, if the Neo Tokyovibes of the EQ brand isn't your thing, Mercedes already announced its intention to electrify or hybridize its AMG and Maybach subbrands, so expect a silent, instant-torque variant of your favourite Merc varietal

in the near future. A growing number of carmakers offer electrified transportation, and Mercedes-Benz enters the fray with the 2021 EQC.

crisp acceleration that's part of the package with many luxury EVs. Its cabin looks appropriately deluxe, with high-gloss plastics, attractive textiles,

Tesla-badged competition. Overall, the EQC's blend of Mercedes-Benz opulence and eco-friendly electrification make it an attractive pick for green-minded luxu-

Finger-tip controls inside. The EQC is a compact SUV that seats five, and it shares much of its body structure with the gas-powered GLCclass. Its fully electric powertrain delivers quiet performance, along with the

and modern design. Though final EPA figures haven't been announced, early estimates place this SUV's driving range at around 200 miles, which is shorter than that of its

ry-SUV buyers. What's New for 2021? The Mercedes-Benz EQC is all new for the 2021 model year. The Mercedes-Benz EQC's Progressive trim comes with

enough standard features to keep most luxury-SUV buyers happy, and it delivers this at a starting price that's lower than that of some rivals. All models come with a sunroof that lets natural light into the cabin, and rain-sensing wipers are on hand to keep the windshield clear on stormy days. A power liftgate is also standard, along with LED headlights. Within the cabin, you'll find amenities such as heated seats and SiriusXM satellite radio. The more expensive Premium and Advanced levels add features such as a wireless device charger.

Buckle Up; Wear your Seatbelt

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Page 21

Industry News...

New XTrail coming next year The new Nissan Rogue will be rebadged as the X-Trail and receive different engines when it arrives in Europe and the Caribbean next year. Nissan North America has revealed the first official images and details of the new Rogue SUV, which would become the next-generation Nissan X-Trail when it arrives in Europe next year with some changes to its engine range and specifications. The exterior pictures confirm the car’s design, previously shown in patent sketches and leaked images, with the newcomer taking some design inspiration from the latest Nissan Juke. The front end gets a new, larger trapezoid shaped grille with an active shutter for better aerodynamic efficiency, at either side are new-look split LED headlights. The SUV’s flanks get stronger, more angular shoulders than on the current model, while the overall shapes of the rear lights and boot lid have clear links to the old car - the details just look fresher and more angular than before. Interestingly, the new Rogue is actually slightly smaller than the current car - Nissan has cut 39mm of length, and Rogue/X-Trail sits ever so slightly lower, too. As has been the case with

previous generation versions of the car, some small exterior design changes could take place before the Rogue’s design comes to Europe in X-Trail form. Inside, like in the smaller Nissan Juke, the next XTrail will move its infotainment touchscreen - now measuring up to nine inches - onto the top of the dash as a ‘floating’ that serves as a central part of a large scale interior overhaul. This display is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which features a choice of different graphical readouts for the driving information. A 10.8-inch head-up-display will also be offered and the dash itself sits above a centre console that’s both taller and wider than in the current car. Wireless Apple CarPlay is set to feature as standard on the Rogue, alongside leather seats, but UK specifications are a long way off being finalised, given that the car has not yet made its European debut. Nissan has only revealed the new Rogue as a five-seater, though seven-seat versions of the X-Trail have been offered since the introduction of the current model. Engines and gearboxes The cabin features a smaller automatic gear selector electronically controlling a

The Nissan X-Trail will receive different engines when it arrives in Europe and the Caribbean next year. CVT transmission - the only gearbox type available in the North American Rogue. Nissan will probably offer the manual and seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearboxes used in the latest Juke when the Rogue becomes the X-Trail for Europe. The engine line-up is expected to look quite different too. In America, just one engine has been touted from launch in the form of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 179bhp. European petrol models could feature smaller engines, but the future of diesel in the X-Trail has to be called into question, especially when Nissan could look to leverage technology from Alliance partner Mitsubishi to create a plug-in hybrid version of its largest SUV for Europe. Nissan has already confirmed that production of the next Nissan X-Trail will move from Sunderland to the company’s main production facility in Kyushu, Japan. The company cited production optimisation, Brexit uncertainty and “changing emissions regulations” as motivators for the upheaval.

Here’s the master Plan, keep Barbados spic N’ Span. A message from RMJ Agencies, Castrol & Goodride Tyres driveTime and the Courtesy Garage RPM Report

Page 22

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

F1 News ....

Seven times F1 champion Lewis Hamilton

Team principals vote Hamilton their #1 driver of the year

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been collecting accolades left right and centre in 2020 – and he’ll need to clear room in his trophy cabinet for one more, as F1’s team principals have voted him their number one driver of the year. The ten team principals were asked to submit their list of the top 10 drivers of the year, under the proviso their individual ranking would remain anonymous. Drivers were given scores based on the current F1 points system – 25 for the top driver down to one for 10th in each list – and then those scores were combined to create a ranking. For the second successive year, Verstappen – winner of the final race of the sea-

son in Abu Dhabi - finished runner up to Hamilton, despite having failed to beat Valtteri Bottas to that position in the drivers’ championship. Charles Leclerc completed the podium, as he did in 2019, only this result is more impressive given he did not take a single victory or pole position, but instead earned praise for outperforming a very disappointing Ferrari. Daniel Ricciardo came in at fourth, one place higher than his position in the drivers’ standings, the Australian giving Renault two podiums before he heads for McLaren next year. Sergio Perez, currently without a drive for next year, was fifth, having claimed the first victory of

his career after nearly 200 Grand Prix starts. George Russell may have failed to score any points for Williams, but his form in the back-of-the-grid car, coupled with his stunning stand-in performance for Mercedes when Hamilton tested positive for Covid-19, has earned him a top-six spot in the eyes of team bosses. McLaren duo Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz are next up, the team mates pushing each other hard all season, which in turn was a key factor in the team taking third in the constructors’ championship – their best finish since 2012. Bottas pushed Hamilton hard early in the season, before his championship threat evaporated.

The Finn scrapes into the top 10 in ninth, level on points with Pierre Gasly who had his best season yet and scored his maiden victory. The Team Principals who took part in the vote (in alphabetical order) were: Cyril Abiteboul, Christian Horner, Simon Roberts, Andreas Seidl, Guenther Steiner, Otmar Szafnauer, Franz Tost, Fred Vasseur and Toto Wolff.

Safety first, wear your seatbelt

Auto & Commercial Guide

MOTORING NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

Page 23

Days of Motorsport

Date

Event

Venue

Barbados Rally Club Dec. 14

BRCWinter Rally

Dec. 13

BRC Autocross Champ’ship Bushy Park

Islandwide

Motoring Club B’dos Inc Dec.5

Speed event

Oughterson to Sunbury

B‘dos Auto Racing League Nov 15

Time Attack

Bushy Park

MudDogs Safari Championship Nov 14 -

For Sale

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Barbados Karting Association Nov 8

Karting Race Day

Bushy Park

B’dos Association of Dragsters & Drifters TBA

Drag Racing

Bushy Park

Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc Nov 15

Race Meeting (BARL & BPMSI) Vaucluse Motorsport Raceway Club

Call 424-4798

Digital maps of Barbados for Garmin GPS receivers. Available from Atlantic Computers.

The Courtesy Garage RPM Report Wednesdays at 12:45 pm only on 98.1 The One.

Nassco BRC MudDogs Safari

Nov 28 Nov 29/30

RallySprint (VRMSC) – Vaucluse Raceway Rallycross (VRMSC) – Vaucluse Raceway

Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Car Club Nov. 8

Int race meet

Temeri

NACAM Rally Championship 2020 Nov 26/27

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Reigning BRC Autocross champion Christopher ‘Teach’ McFarlane who will be at the wheel of the GoodYear Tyres Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 FQ 300 will be after a record sixth AutoCross title.

Titles up for grabs in BRC AutoCross championship A record sixth champion driver’s title for Christopher ‘Teach’ McFarlane and Motoring News trophies for the top rookies. Those are some of the ingredients that will make up the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) final AutoCross at Bushy Park as drivers and the respective technical spe-

cialists work around the clock putting final tweaks in place for the event scheduled for Sunday starting at 9am. Series coordinator and Clerk-of-the-Course Geoff Goddard thanked Motoring News for supporting the rookie competitors as they are the future of motor sport

in Barbados, but cautioned that all persons attending Sunday’s event will have to adhere to the Covid 19 protocols of wearing a mask, hand sanitizing and also listing their name and contact numbers for the purpose of contact tracing if necessary. Reigning BRC Autocross

Published by Motoring News, 3 Tranquility Drive, Green Point, St. Philip, Barbados,West Indies:

ENTERTAINING ENTER TAININ AINING A NOVEMBER 2020

Page 24

Ramon Moore in a Toyota Corolla 1500 leads the rookie standings with 30 points. champion Christopher ‘Teach’ McFarlane who will be at the wheel of the GoodYear Tyres Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 FQ 300 will be after a sixth title and despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects it has had on the motorsport this year. “It was a shortened season because of the Caronavirus, but all the drivers are rearing to go and Sunday’s action should be a keenly contested affair”, McFarlane noted. He admitted that he was able to stay active by taking part in a recent BimmaCup event and although a little different, he is looking forward to a good day’s racing at Bushy Park on Sunday.

Tel. (246) 823-1117

Apart from the competition among the top-class drivers, competition is expected to be extremely keen among the rookie drivers after four rounds have been settled the title chase is headed by Ramon Moore in a Toyota Corolla 1500 who has 30 points, five more than second place Damian Sobers who has 25 and who will be taking on the opposition at the wheel of the Sobers & Sons Auto/Lucas Oil Products Toyota Corolla FX 2000 rear wheel drive. It is understood that Liam Rondon who is tied in third place on 23 points with Joseph Tseu in the Carters PitStop Daihatsu Charade 1300 will miss the day’s

action, elevating Jason Brandford in the order with 21 points. Series coordinator Geoff Goddard said Sobers, Rondon and Joseph have only contested three rounds during this year and have each scored a win which has placed early points leader Ramon Moore under some pressure after his win in round one. “A total of 16 rookies have scored points this year, including two females, and this is a good sign for the future of Autocross events as points awarded to the rookie competitors are taken from their finish position in the classes in which they are entered”, Goddard noted.

(E-mail: motoringnews34@gmail.com)