Crew Profile - Andy Price

 

Andy Price made his debut in the Freelander Challenge at the Bovington round in 2014 where he took a class win, a result that was even more impressive as it was his first experience of any competition driving.

Price is a mechanic from Market Drayton and before his driving debut he had been involved in the Freelander Challenge as a service crew member. 

“I spent two season servicing Freelanders in the BCCC and I really wanted to drive in an event,” said Price. “I was able to get my standard Freelander ready for Bovington in just two weeks and the event was amazing. To top it off I got a class win!”

Like all the cars in the Freelander Challenge Price's machine is largely standard except for the required safety equipment. Price has registered to contest the full Freelander Challenge championship in 2015. 

“I did a lot of work to the car over the winter including strengthening the front end and upgrading the suspension. I know I’m a rookie and the competition will be tough but hopefully we can push for some trophies as the season progresses."

Profile - Ian Linford & Demelza Scholes



Ian Linford had a long-held ambition to compete at BCCC level after winning numerous accolades in clubman events in his V8 Special. Following much persuasion he took the test to get a National B licence to allow him to compete with the BCCC crews. A 100% pass showed that the skills were there and he decided to put those skills to good use by putting an entry in for the 2014 Freelander Challenge.

The quest to take part in the Challenge started in December 2013 with a search for a suitable motor. An ideal candidate was soon found on ebay in the form of a white 1999 non-running Freelander for £350. The car was aptly named Rudolph.

 

After replacing the engine and gearbox Linford made the long journey from his home in Hertfordshire to Lancashire where Dan at Protection & Performance fitted a roll cage. The car was finished just one week before the first event of the season.

With the car all sorted all Ian had to do was source a navigator. He took a risk with a rookie Demelza Scholes but she makes up for her lack of experience with enthusiasm, encouragement and fearlessness. Ben Brough and Brian Taylor complete "Team Sheepie" as service crew and the team is supported by Polysport.com, who supply Yokohama tyres, and the Brewery Tap in Furnuex Pelham (Ian's local) who, as well as backing the car, provide celebration or commiseration drinks!

 

When he is not competing Ian works as an RAC patrolman in Hertfordshire, a job he has had for many years. Before that he worked in an independent Land Rover specialist in Essex so he has plenty of ability and experience under the bonnet which will prove invaluable in the Freelander Challenge.

The team's season can be followed at www.facebook.com/team.sheepie.

Profile - Paul Harris

Paul Harris is running at car 11 in the BCCC this year in a GSR Maxilight.

Paul competed in the Trophy championship in 2012 and 2013, winning the category on both occasions. He previously competed in the Midland Offroad Club championship in a Bowler Tomcat.

The GSR is powered by a 4.0 BMW V8 engine and it is supported by Bristol Street Motors, where Paul works as a car mechanic. Additional support comes from Sponmech and Prolinx.

Both driver and navigator Mark Phelps live in Upton-upon-Severn and they've both been competing for 12 years.

 

The team's website can be found at www.offroad-racing.co.uk.