The team survived a steep learning curve in the 2014 season, with much development between each round as the largely showroom-spec Isuzu D-Max was steadily honed into a winning machine. Although many minor components like dampers, tyres and wheels have been upgraded for competition use, impressively, the Jewson Isuzu pick-up retains its OEM chassis, engine and transmission – making the team’s results last year all the more impressive.
Testament to the rugged reliability of the standard vehicle, the Isuzu D-Max was one of very few entrants to finish every round of last year’s championship, despite navigating some of the most treacherous and destructive stages on the motorsport calendar.
The 2015 Isuzu D-Max rally pick-up will again be piloted by experienced rally driver Jason Sharpe, with his nephew Russell Sharpe returning in the navigator’s seat. The team hopes to build on last year’s successes to make the Isuzu D-Max a regular sight on the stages of UK rallying. Competing against purpose-built machines costing five or six times as much, the Isuzu D-Max impressed both drivers and spectators last year in the hands of the Sharpes, recording times on some stages that were impressively close to the tube-framed, fibre-glass-clad rally specials built specifically for the purpose.
To broaden the field in 2015, Isuzu UK is offering a ‘competition only’ deal to any tuner, competitor or official Isuzu dealer that wishes to go ‘toe-to-toe’ with the officially-backed team. Registered competitors can acquire a brand-new Isuzu D-Max for only £15,499 + VAT and Road Fund Licence. Better yet, Isuzu will also fund customers’ 2015 entry fees. Many of the component and parts sponsors behind the Jewson Isuzu D-Max Rally Team will be offering advantageously-priced upgrades too, helping competitors to build a podium ready vehicle for a very reasonable investment. Even with basic cage, seats and fire systems fitted, it will be possible to get a brand-new Isuzu on the BCCC start line for a little over £22,000.
Commenting on the announcement, Isuzu UK Marketing Manager, Lois Greenidge said. “On the back of last year’s win we’ve not only enjoyed great sales success with the Isuzu D-Max, but we have also received significant interest from competitors asking if we can offer a similar package to enable them to get out on stage. The Isuzu D-Max pick-up is remarkably well suited to success in the BCCC, and we hope that the deal we are offering prospective customer teams in conjunction with our technical partners will result in many more competing in 2015.”
For more details on Team Isuzu, please click to www.isuzu.co.uk
For more details on the BCCC and event dates, please click to http://www.marches4x4.com/bccc.html