Trip 08 CITROËN Sm RALLY
footnote
After the Tour Auto, I had to drive the Rally SM home from the south of France, and was able to synchronise with Martyn and Dale for a run exploring Burgundy. Our culinary highlight was a deluxe sandwich lunch after a long search, in a “closed” bar as it was a Fête Nationale. But I did manage to dive off into a Vente de Vin for an hour, to satisfy my curiosity and find something to bring home, while leaving Martyn and Dale at work. Dale approached the Rally SM with caution but was soon happily throwing it around bends in the wet to please Martyn, while I looked the other way. Dale has since had some fun moments in the rally SM at Goodwood track days, and gosh he’s a better driver than me! In the Tour Auto, the expensive opponent thrashed over a special stage was a Ferrari. At the winning moment, however, the official cameraman swung away from the SM crossing the line to film a Ferrari passing nearby, so they did get their revenge. We also learned the seriousness of the front runners in these major jaunts. On the second day, at 6:30 AM, the day’s route map was not ready to be handed out as scheduled. Much wailing and “if looks could kill” from the front runners; they have the least time to assess the day ahead and some are out to win at all costs. Spectating and keeping up with the circus is a challenge; they do get a move on. Of course, some competitors fly home for the night in their Gulfstream! Yes, the Linwoods did do the Tour de España in the SM - coming second equal after a stage that they aced was dropped from the scoring. And yes, they also did the Tour Britannia and came first there too! Their generosity in believing in the preparation of the car was very brave. Whilst no Ford GT40, the SM has shown it is not to be underrated in Competition, and I can think of no better car to campaign in Regularity. – ANDREW BRODIE 2012
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