CONTENTS
ON THE COVER: Photography Lindsay Photo Sport Design Personal Promotions
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WRITTEN IN THE STARS Its been a season of highs and lows, we relive every nail biting moment of the 2011 season.
BEATON ON MULL We chat with Keir Beaton on what it was like co-driving on Mull, and how he faired writing and reading pacenotes for the first time.
SURIVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Make the mistake that rally drivers don’t need to fit at your pearl! We speak to Jamie Rose, the man who makes sure Stevie is fighting fit for every rally.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DRIVEXS 3
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pectating on the penultim ate stage of Tunnocks Mu the ll Rally was p ro bably not ho Stevie wante w d to end his season. But ye in the uncha t, ra cteristically evening, it p calm O rovided a fitt ing end to his ctober behind the w firs heel of the Su baru Impreza t season . As the remai ning crews n egotiated th bumpy roads e narrow in a flash of brig noise, the clo uds in the nig ht lights and loud ht sky interm cleared to re it veal the star s shining brigh tently tly. And of DRIVEXS 4
all the stars shin star cluster w ing that night, the Seven Sisters as shining esp ecially brigh the name of t. In Japan, this star clust er is Subaru, spires the Ja which inpanese car m aker’s logo. say, that Ste Y o u could vie’s season has been mu stars that occ c h like the asionally sho ne brilliantly waters surro on the calm unding Mull that the time the y went unnoti evening. For much of ced, masked but when eve by clouds, rything work ed, when the cleared, the skies y shone brigh tly.
In a season that not only marked Stevie’s debut in a four-wheel-drive car, but also saw four different codrivers, the underlying theme of this year has been adaption. “When you climb into a new car you want to try and maintain a baseline so you can minimise the learning curve as much as possible” explained Stevie. He continues, “Unfortunately this year, with a different co-driver on most events we’ve not had that luxury.”
It was a grounded approach, and it seemed to be paying off, with a string of top ten stage times.
From the season outset the aim was clear, “I’ve only rallied front-wheel drive cars, so we need to learn the Subaru, and the only way to do that is to get miles in the car. We’re not expecting to go out there and be matching Bogie that’s for sure” said Stevie before the Snowman Rally, the Scottish Rally Championship curtain raiser. It was a grounded approach to the season, and on the Inverness event it seemed to be paying off, with a string of top ten stage times to go on to finish the event tenth overall. “Looking back at the Snowman Rally, it was probably the highlight of our year. It was the first time that we had driven the car, and we were setting competitive times in what were very difficult conditions” said Stevie. The team chose to miss the Borders Rally, the second round of the championship when the car needed to be re-wired. “On the last few stages of the Snowman Rally the centre diff wasn’t working, and we had a few other electrical problems. When we got the car back to the workshop we found the micro-switch on the handbrake was accidentally tripping and disengaging the diffs. It was all little things like this, but at the end of the day a small electrical problem could be enough to put us out of the rally, so the team rewired most of the car” explained Brown. The third round of the championship would see the series arrive in Aberdeen for the Granite City Rally, and on the build up to the event Stevie and co-driver Andrew Roughead were looking forward to the event. “We had a good test the day before the rally with George Donaldson and he really helped me to build my confidence in the car” said Stevie. But a strong result in front of his home crowd wasn’t to be, when just four miles into the first stage a rear driveshaft broke putting them out of the event. “It wasn’t actually breaking the driveshaft that put us out the rally, we managed to get the car out the stage and to emergency service, but the spare shafts we got with the car were the wrong size and that put us out.”
would be brake problems that would hamper the crew on the opening stage. “I remember having to left foot brake going down the straights because the pad-knock was that bad, and when we did go for a big stop the brakes just felt like a block of wood” recalls Stevie. On the second stage the gearbox would terminally jam in third gear and end their rally. “That was the lowest point in the season for me. We were putting all this effort into getting the car reliable and it kept breaking.” The Speyside Stages would see a change of surface and luck for the team, with new co-driver Andrew Falconer. The new partnership worked well from the first stage, and the pair posted some strong stage times throughout the day to eventually finish 11th. “I was really happy with our result on the Speyside; we were competing with crews who have a lot more experience in four-wheel-drive cars than we have” says Stevie. The final event of the year would see the team make the short ferry trip to the isle of Mull for the Tunnocks Mull Rally. Using his own pacenotes for the first time in the Subaru, Stevie and co-driver Keir Beaton showed that even in difficult conditions and little experience they could still be competitive. An engine problem would however see the team withdraw from the event. Reflecting on his debut year in a four-wheel-drive car in the Scottish Rally Championship Stevie says “I’d be lying if I said that this year hasn’t been very frustrating. Over the last few years I’ve been used to fighting for wins in the Fiesta Championship on international events, while this year has been all about trying to get to the end of events and learning.” Stevie continues, “but looking back, the mechanical problems is part of the process with a new rally car, because we don’t know what the previous team have and haven’t done. We’ve now overhauled everything on the car, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out in it next year.”
Team Stevie Browns debut season in a four-wheeldrive car has been a baptism of fire, but Stevie says this year will only make the team stronger for the 2012 season. “Yes we’ve had problems this season, With new driveshaft’s and suspension freshly overhauled by Ohlin, the team were optimistic about the but we’ve always bounced back because instead of only tarmac rally of the championship, the Jim Clark giving up – everyone in the team has just worked Reviers Rally. Joined by new co-driver Craig Chapman harder, and I’m sure everyone’s hard work will pay the team arrived in Dun’s for the high speed event. It off.” DRIVEXS 5
THE CHALLENGE IS SIMPLE. COMPLETE 1 LAP OF THE NURBURGRING AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. FASTEST WINS. he legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife has become infamous among car manufacturers around the world. Once the naught to sixty time of a sports car was the holly grail of performance bench mark figures. Now drivers demand more, and so the Nurburgring Nordschleife has become the new proving ground.
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With 170 corners, and covering 28 kilometres, its little wonder Sir Jackie Stewart rather affectionately named the circuit ‘The Green Hell’, and why even today, it is still widely regarded as one of the most demanding purpose built race facilities in the world. So, you want a slice of the action? Your challenge is simple, all you need to do is complete one lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Gran Turismo 5 in Arcade time trial mode, using the Ford Focus RS WRC for your chance to win an official Ford M-Sport Fleece. Get your time in before January 30th 2012 for your chance to win. Terms and conditions apply.
THE CHALLENGE
TRACK: Nurburgring Nordschleife CAR: Ford Focus RS WRC 07,08 TYRES: Racing Soft
TIME: Email us a screen grab (or picture) of
your time to info@steviebrown.co.uk before the 30th January 2012 for your chance to win an official Ford M-Sport Fleece.
here’s something special about the Tunnocks Mull Rally. It’s difficult to say what it is exactly, or if its one thing in particular. It could be the warm welcome from the island residents, or the mini-adventure in just getting there, with two ferry crossings and a route of the narrowest roads in the world, lined by sheep and highland cattle grazing at the road edge. One thing however is for certain, the Tunnocks Mull Rally remains one of the most difficult and demanding rallies in the world. Having made the mammoth journey, Keir Beaton arrived on Mull to co-drive for Stevie less than 48-hours before they would start the rally. Not only would this mark the first time Brown and Beaton would work together, but would also see the first time the 23-year-old Invernesian co-driver would write and read pacenotes. Yet despite his inexperience of pacenotes, at the rally finish Stevie confirmed Beaton as one of the best co-drivers he has worked with. Beaton began his co-driving career as soon as he possibly could, and having turned 14 he quickly began to make a name for himself in local navigational rallies, regularly beating more experienced crews. At 16-years-old he was old enough to start his stage rallying career, and hasn’t looked back since. He sights his career highlight to-date finishing the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) Rally of Scotland second Scottish crew, and hopes to one day reach the top level of the sport at the World Rally Championship or IRC. We caught up with Keir after he had a chance to recover from the Tunnocks Mull Rally to find out his thoughts on pacenotes, Stevie and Mull.
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of the speed in the section, so they tended to flow more.
It’s fair to say Mull wasn’t a great event for you and Stevie, but what would you say was your high point? Yeah the result wasn’t great because of the problems we had, but I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a rally as much. Stevie and I gelled very well together and had a great laugh, and even with the problems we had with the car we were able to carry an amazing amount of speed through the corners. And of course the party at the end was good! They say a co-drivers job is to keep the driver calm and under control. Did you have to do much of that on Mull? No, not at all. Stevie was very calm and he was always in control and neat.
How did you find reccing on Mull and having to write pacenotes for the first time? It was actually easier than I thought it was gong to be. Stevie’s got a lot of experience in writing his own So, easy to co-drive for then? Because it was the first time I was using Stevie’s notes, and the notes that we wrote were good, so I notes it took a little while for me to fully understand could take a lot of comfort from that. them, but that’s to be expected. Other than that, yes How did Stevie’s pacenotes compare to the route he was very easy to co-drive for – it was fun and notes that you’re used to? enjoyable. With pacenotes they do exactly what they say on the tin. We were able to carry more speed without taking This year there were some long road sections, how any real risks, and that helped boost my confidence. did you keep entertained? I wasn’t really looking forward to the long drive to How would you describe Stevie’s notes? the arse of Mull for the southern stages, but it passed It’s almost like a gear system with 6 fast and 1 slow, really quickly because we chatted most of the time then with plus and minus to help define the line. He and had a great laugh. also uses additional calls to get the clarity in the fast From all the drivers you’ve sat with, was there anystuff, and almost descriptive notes to describe the thing that stood out as different with Stevie? slower corners. They were actually easier to read He is very easy going and laid back, and there is a lot than route notes because it gave a better indication of potential there considering the few miles he’s had in the Subaru and what he’s achieved so far in the car. He was also the most professional driver I’ve sat with, and it’s easy to see him in the WRC or IRC, I think he would do very well there in the right opportunity.
We were able to carry speed without taking any risks
DRIVEXS 8
ave a look through the motorsport history books, and it quickly becomes apparent that it’s only recently that drivers have started taking fitness and psychology seriously. Think back to the days of James Hunt partying late into the night before racing several hours later, or the iconic pictures of the 1976 World Champion leaning on the pit wall smoking a cigarette. It wasn’t until the arrival of a young, and little known race driver named Michael Schumacher that people began to sit up and take notice, and perhaps realise for the first time that the fitness of a driver could greatly affect the outcome of a race. When Schumacher first arrived on the F1 circuit, the young German was at his peak, both behind the wheel, psychologically and physically. He was always the last driver to leave the track at night and the first to arrive, his focus and commitment were clear, and the seven time world champion set the bench mark both on track and off track for other drivers to follow. It was during his time with the MSA British Rally Academy Elite scheme, that Stevie Brown first became aware of the importance of both physical and psychological preparation during, and in between rallies. “It was Robert Reid who summed it up for me, he said to us ‘it doesn’t cost you anything to get fit, and yet it could make the difference between winning and losing” explained Stevie. With even the most simplistic of influences having a significant impact to an athlete’s
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performance, it quickly becomes apparent that poor preparation can make the difference between spraying champagne and standing in the middle of a wet and muddy Welsh forest wondering where it all went wrong. “When you consider being even slightly dehydrated can reduce overall performance by as much as 20%, it makes you think about how much of your overall performance you’re not using if you’re not as fit as you can be” said Stevie. We caught up with Stevie’s trainer Jamie Rose, the man responsible for ensuring Stevie is fighting fit to start every rally. We get an exclusive insight in to
what training a rally driver involves.
It can make the difference between spraying champagne and standing in the middle of a wet and muddy Welsh forest wondering where it all went wrong. DRIVEXS 10
Why is it important for a rally driver to have a good level of fitness? Rally driving requires a wide range of skills and abilities so we need to focus on a wide range of training techniques. We need to make sure Stevie goes into each event feeling strong and for him to know he has the cardiovascular fitness go maintain a high level of concentration. What kind of training do you focus on to get him ready to race? We are currently focusing on hypertrophy (building muscle). Cardiovascular training is also an important area and helps Stevie concentrate for longer periods while strength training allows him to cope with the stress put through his body while driving the car. What do you think is the most important aspect of training? Due to the high skill level involved in driving, every part of training we do is beneficial. Stevie has also been doing boxing. This is good for him to do due to the coordination, foot work and reaction time required. Injury could stop the season in its tracks, what injuries are rally drivers prone to, and what measures do you take to avoid them? There is a high standard of in car safety in rally driving. An important aspect to focus on is core training. This ensures that the deep muscles supporting Stevie’s spine are strong to prevent any injuries. The neck is another important area, however the HANS device helps protect the neck in an accident. Stevie took part in a 10k race earlier this year. Did you inspire his interest in taking part? Stevie came up with the idea to run the Baker Hughes 10k. I thought it was a great idea! Targets are important while training to keep you focused so the Baker Hughes was a fantastic idea. This also allowed Stevie to help work on his cardio fitness. Do you see his competitive side come out during training? Stevie is very focused and determined when it comes to training. He always pushes himself and wants to be the best! This is great from a training point of view as I know he will give 100% each session and I know how to motivate him. You recently experienced sitting in a rally car with Stevie for this first time, how would you describe the experience? Driving in the rally car was a great experience. I was really impressed with the acceleration of the car! It was great to see Stevie in action and see how all the training we had done benefit him! The reaction of Stevie while turning corners was what impressed we most!
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KETTLEBELL TRAINING
uaranteed to work up a sweat, Kettlebell training combines cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training in-one. It uses a weight resembling a cannon ball with a handle, with various weights from 1.9kg to 79kg. Unlike traditional dumbbells, the kettlebell's center of mass is extended beyond the hand. This facilitates ballistic and swinging movements. By their nature, typical kettlebell exercises build strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs, and shoulders, and increase grip strength. Here is a basic exercise to get you started...
STEP 1 Start with your Kettlebell in front of you on the floor. Pick up the bell with one hand, keeping your back straight and head up (bending your knees). Straighten your legs quickly, and as you rise swing the kettle bell up.
STEP 2 Try to keep your arm straight as you swing the Kettlebell. Lead each of your swings with your thumb pointing ahead. When the weight reaches your eye level let the weight fall in between your legs again.
STEP 3 When the weight swings between your legs, repeat the process. Perform 5 sets of 1 minute durations with 30 second rest periods between each set. To make it more advanced you can swap hands at the top of the swing.