Dealer Team Suzuki’s Lorna Smith and co driver Joanne Oakey drove an almost faultless rally to bring their Swift Sport Group N2 car home on the Isle of Man International Rally the 3rd round of the British Rally Championship and also a round of the Irish Tarmac Championship.
On completion of leg 1, comprising 4 stages totalling 24.54 miles, during the evening of 19th July, they finished the day in 18th position overall in the British Rally Championship, and 6th position in Class R2 where they were up against the more powerful C2’s.
Leg 2 on Friday 20th July consisted of 11 special stages totalling 93.04 stage miles and by the end of the day Lorna and Joanne had advanced to 11th overall in the British Rally Championship, despite a small off which required the replacement of the front bumper and washer bottle. With the retirement of 4 competitors in Group R2 they were now in 3rd position in class.
The final day saw 7 further stages totalling 61.28 stage miles ending with the famous last stage - Brandywell Classic finishing at the famous TT Grandstand.
Instructions from Team Manager Ian Robinson were ‘ To consolidate this position and bring the car home to the finish’ which they duly achieved thereby ensuring a top 3 finish in Class R2, 1st position in Class N2.
More importantly Lorna and Joanne finished in 1st position in the Irish Tarmac Championship Class N2 thereby increasing Lorna’s lead over her nearest rival in this Championship to 25points with only the Ulster International and Cork 20 remaining.
Commenting on the result, Ian Robinson said ‘ I am delighted for Lorna & Joanne and the entire Team with this success, particularly when you consider that our cars are the first two built to Group N2 class by Suzuki Sport and we are still developing the cars potential’
| 
