Isle of Man: Louise Cook summary

COOKIIE CONQUERS CONDIITIIONS

DRIVESHAFT FAILURE PROVENTS PODIUM

Louise Cook from Maidstone in Kent contested in her fifth ever event last weekend, the ever challenging Isle of Man Challenge Rally. With the event being held on the second anniversary of her father's passing and a non point scoring round, the youngster was out just to gain experience.

Cookie had to fight the rally's worst weather conditions in the last 47 years and that is something for the Isle of Man. With the mass of rain, fog and standing water on the roads, Louise chose the safe tyre option of cut intermediate tyres for both days of the weekend.

The Kent female found herself in an amazing 3rd overall going into the last stage of day one. Though disaster struck when a mere 1 mile from the finish board, the Fiesta's driveshaft sheered and cookie was out with no podium champagne.

"I was heartbroken; I never imagined I would have been spraying champagne on such a demanding event and on my first visit there. It was such a meaningful day too, I was gutted, but I wiped the tears and took a deep breath to remember what I was there for, to learn!"

Louise's service crew of only two stayed up until 5.00am to make sure the car was fully reliable for Cookie to drive on day two later that morning.

Louise had a good pace throughout the second day. A small off on the first stage due to a pace note error meant a big time loss. The help of some friendly spectators saw Cook eventually pushed back on the road, luckily minus only a front grill. Cookie continued the education to end the day an amazing 4th overall!

"The rally was very emotional. Dad would have loved to have been out there again, but I knew he was there in spirit. Despite the ups and downs, I have learnt so much. Without my competitive streak getting in the way I soaked up a lot of knowledge from the Manx lanes. I now know how to spot the shiny tarmac, the extreme bumps, drive different lines, manage pace notes in the fog, and so much more. I feel I am a better driver because of it. I hope I can take my new knowledge to the Ulster rally, where the points count."

The very lucky Promotion 50 top prize winner for the Isle of Man round was local company Gledhill from Aylesford (the cylinder specialist). The Maidstone branch happily entered the Promotion 50 raffle when Louise visited them a few weeks before the rally.

COOKIES CORNER

"I would like to just thank everyone again for all the support. My sponsors have been fantastic and I could never have done this without you. I would also like to congratulate all the Promotion 50 winners so far this season including the most recent top prize winner Gledhill. I hope I can get enough support to contest the Ulster Rally in just three weeks time."

-source: cutecookie.co.uk