Marty McCormack had spent all year chasing and winning titles in his little Citroen but confessed that one of his favourite rallies in the whole calendar was The Roger Albert Clark (RAC).

Marty earned his reputation for raw talent and speed from his first attempt at the RAC in 2007 when he finished fourth overall. In 2008 he was competing for the top of the leader board with Malcolm Wilson, matching and beating him on some of the classic stages before suffering suspension damage and retiring from the rally.

The 2009 RAC started in Pickering on Friday evening with Marty & Phil setting fastest time on the first stage and staying in the top three with Gwyndaf Evans and Steve Bannister for the 2 remaining stages that evening. Saturday morning showed a similar top 3 until Marty had a spin on Stage 5, dropping him down to 4th in class. He fought back immediately with a fastest time on Stage 6 and 2nd fastest on Stage 7 before his engine give up the ghost on Stage 8.

It was a great opportunity missed and Marty commented on his return to Carlisle "I have been looking forward to this rally all year and I know I have left a lot of disappointed fans out on the stages. I feel robbed of the opportunity to show my true pace! We are heading home now with a very disappointed crew but the determination is still there to come back and win this rally"

Marty would like to thank his navigator Phil Clarke for his expertise, time and commitment to the team all year, his service crew for the event, John Moynihan, Alan Bolton & Molly Taylor for their time and effort and Thomaseen for the hot grub!

Martin would also like to take this opportunity to thank, Outdoor Services, Millers Oils, Carella, Ace Fixings, PPP Salvage Auctions, TFR Refrigeration and all the other people who contribute in any way.
(Photo by Marcus Andrews Photography.)

Regular updates on Marty's progress throughout the year can be obtained at www.martymccormack.com