Team History
Fast>>Forward Racing dates back to 1994 when former International Yachtsman Ian Brooks decided to take up motorsport and compete both on International Rallycross events. In his first year, he started out by piloting a Mk1 2.0 litre Escort in the UK rallycross production class and finished as runner-up.
Armed with sponsorship from Frijj Soft Drinks, Wall's and Invek Foods, for 1996 Ian made the switch to a Peugeot 106 Rallye and entered the newly formed 1400cc showroom class (Group N) over UK and European circuits. This particular class proved to be very competitive with some fifteen or so drivers fighting for honours from around the Globe.
Having secured the technical expertise of Rallycross Champion Will Gollop, the car was more than ably suited to the circuits and Ian came through with pride, notably taking 2nd overall in class on the UK round. He also often secured front row grid positions from quick practice times.
Valkenswaard
Rallycross Circuit - Holland (1996)
Ian, Matt & Tom lead European Champion
Jean-Luc Paillier
In Portugal on a parade lap.
|
During 1997 Ian made the switch to tarmac stage rallying hoping that his quick and tidy racing skills would prove competitive. On his second rally, Ian tackled the prestigious 24 Hours of Ypres Rally and finished 3rd in class before tackling the Ulster International Rally with co-driver Keith Hounslow. However, clutch problems hampered early stage times. During 1998 Ian and Keith finished a respectable 4th in class on the Tour of Cornwall rally. Major success however was not long in coming – they took the class honours on their second outing on the Ulster International Rally. This represented a major achievement as they were up against British Rally Championship contenders. Flush
with success, it was time for a change to a bigger and better car
and it was agreed that Ian would give the old car a suitable send
off during 1999. He certainly achieved his goal and secured a number
of class honours together with co-driver Matt Sunderland over the
Millbrook stages, the Monteberg Rallysprint and the Jim Clark Memorial
Rally before hanging up his boots for the rest of the year. |
Class win on
the Jim Clark memorial rally
| The start of the Millennium was spent developing a new Peugeot 106 1600cc 16V GTI. Engine builder Chris Pegg applied his years of drag racing experience to develop an early engine specification. Jim Perkins put all his engineering skills to the test and designed the cage layout before handing over the car to R&D Developments to finalise the cage design and prepare the shell. During this time, Jim also prepared an identical 106 for his own use that became known as the twin-sister. 6R4 expert Rod Lyne carried out further substantial engineering works to complete the car. |
| Armed
with sponsorship from the Guildford Tyre Company and the South-London
Peugeot dealership Warwick Wright, the car was completed just in time
for testing over the Millbrook Stages in May, in preparation for a return
to the Scottish stages of the Jim Clark Rally. However a minor accident
led to retirement in Scotland indicating that further development work
was necessary; particularly on the breaking set-up.
2001/2
were relatively quiet years as the team continued to develop the car.
Nonetheless Ian racked up numerous top 3 class awards and a notable
class win and 6th overall on a South-East based tarmac event indicating
that the car was finally nearing a suitable specification to suit
Ian's driving style. During 2003/4, the team consulted with Peugeot engine specialist Richard Longman who developed for Ian a fully developed Group A engine that totally transformed the car and led to further development work. Improved results led to class wins before another accident over the Scottish Stages of the Jim Clark Memorial Rally led to instant retirement. 2005 was a very quiet year for the team. Following a move of house and pressures of work Ian was left with little time for motorsport and limited his outings to just two events. 2006
started on a high note with Sarah Johnson returning to the driver's
seat after a break of 12 years. She was ably co-driven by her old
friend and sponsor, the late John McKerrell to 15th overall and 2nd
in class. The pair planned another outing later in the year. Ian had
plans of his own, intending to compete over the Flanders Stages, and
also the Jim Clark Memorial Rally. 106
GTi 1600 16V Specification |
