04/11/2024
Once upon a time as a little boy, I dared to dream that a closed road rally on the island might one day happen. Some 35 years later, it became a reality and what’s more, I had the privilege to be a part of it.
I’d like to thank all the organisers, officials, marshals, competitors, mainland clubs, spectators, residents, local authority for their support of the Weaver Brothers Island Stages 2024 organised by the Isle of Wight Car Club.
These events do not happen without a huge effort by many people. Particular thanks to Joseph Moore who was the lynchpin of the event.
The messages from friends who were out on the hedges watching is incredible, I cannot believe the numbers of you who were out there spectating. Truly amazing.
Thank you to my co-driver Dylan Thomas for guiding us to 2nd overall and winners of the Mike Davidson Memorial Trophy, a prize I came to win and means the world to me.
A huge thanks to Neil Buckley of Dom Buckley Motorsport who is unwavering in his dedication and professionalism to his work. Without a doubt the most hardcore technician/mechanic/wizard/jedi of rally preparation and service I have ever met. I said to others that watching him tear into my car to repair the broken exhaust manifold was like watching The Terminator working on it. Ably assisted by the wonderful James Robbins they got the problem sorted in short order. Frankly, I’d have taken 3 x days in a workshop with a lift to sort it myself 🤣
It’s just so impressive.
Well done to Dylan for going back to the mainland for a five hour round trip to get the exhaust manifold so kindly provided by the Dick and Simon Mauger.
George Archer at Archer's Speed Shop for helping get the car ready before the event.
Steve Harkness for tyres that worked faultlessly all day.
Denny Seymour and the boys for driving the spectator shuttle bus all day. I don’t think anyone expected the numbers to be so high. They did 120 miles in the minibus, going between the steam railway and the cow shed, and transported over 1000 spectators!
My parents and kids for coming to watch Venetia Weaver, Penelope Weaver - my mum is so supportive of my rallying and always encourages me and it means a lot to me.
Robert Swann congratulations on the win. That’s some effort to come here and beat us in our own back yard, having only seen the stage in the last couple of days. Very committed drive and you and Steve Mcnulty thoroughly deserve the top step. We kept you a bit more honest later on in the day, but you blitzed the first stages. What a drive.
There is too much to say and too many people to mention, so I’m going to leave it there.
Just thank you again to everyone who has been involved in anyway. 🙌🏻
