Team Profile
Ian Brooks – Driver. Ian was an extremely capable and successful international yachtman before a back injury forced him away from competition during the late 1980’s. He now occasionally sails for fun only. At a loose end, Ian started his motorsport career in rallycross in 1994 both in the Production and 1400cc classes before moving onto stage rallying. He is predominantly a tarmac specialist and adapted his race circuit experience to suit tarmac stages. He is a regular visitor to Belgian rallying and continues to compete on chosen events within the British Rally Championship.
Matt Sunderland - Co-Driver. Matt has both driven and co-driven on rallies for many years; indeed it seems to run in his family. His father took to the driver’s seat years ago and his brother, Major James Sunderland, regularly co-drives for the British Army rally team and has also been largely responsible for securing new rally venues in the South-East over Army land. The rally community owe a big thanks to James for keeping such venues going in the South-East. Matt still takes the driver’s seat occasionally and generally sets out to enjoy his rallying. He started his international co-driving career when he joined the Fast>>Forward Racing team. He brings to the team many years of motorsport experience and continues to ply his great technical skills as a co-driver which are not to be under-estimated. Matt is valued for his calm and easy-going nature even in the face of a massive accident from which he escaped unharmed but shocked. Matt is also a Director of Guildford Tyre Company and he brings specialist tyre knowledge and sponsorship to the team which is both welcomed and invaluable.
After a break of 13 years (apart from the occasional road rally) Sarah teamed up with John McKerrell again, competing on the South Downs Stages at Goodwood in February 200. They took home 2nd in class honours. Following John's sad passing, she plans to team up with John's friend, Peter Keel during 2007.
When she is not driving, Sarah is responsible for organizing all repairs, maintenance and spares for the car. She also serves as a safety official for Sutton and Cheam MC on sprints and rallies.
Tom Solomon – Service Crew. Tom has been Sarah’s right hand man since the late 1980’s, offering servicing duties to any number of rally cars and giving general support. It was a logical step for Tom to join the Fast Forward team alongside Sarah and support Ian. He has travelled right across Europe with Ian during his rallycross days.
Tom is also a co-driver/navigator predominantly in various historic cars and also takes Matt’s seat in his absence. Tom understands the pressures that face any crew, particularly within the service area to 'get the job done' in the shortest time possible. He has even been known to lay in a deep puddle in torrential rain replacing a gearbox in the past and run across the start line of a rallycross circuit armed with gaffer tape to repair accident damage to Ian’s car. No job is too small for this man!
Tom in one of his more sensible hats!!!
Associates
Chris Pegg brings years of technical expertise to the team. Chris has achieved great success in his own right on the British Drag Racing scene over the years. In the Mid 1990's he was regularly taking the top honours within the modified saloon category piloting a Mk 1 Escort equipped with a self-prepared 4.0 litre V8 Rover engine fuelled by nitrous oxide.
He is an accomplished engine technician and ensures that the Peugeot engine and transmission is always up to the job. He has also been known to offer "hot tips" to Ian on how to achieve fast starts off the start line "drag racing was all about getting off the line without losing any time, the same rules can be applied in rallying to gain those crucial seconds".
Nowadays he mainly spends his time building and flying model aircraft and has recently turned his considerable technical skills to upgrading and programming computers. Chris remains a much-loved member of our team; he offers invaluable advice - usually over a pint of beer or three!
| Jim
Perkins is a long-time friend and associate of Sarah’s. Jim was
responsible for the design of the roll cage for both Ian’s car and his
own identical 106 – known as the twin-sisters; before handing over the
final design of the cage and installation to R&D Developments for both
cars. Jim has years of experience of building and rallying many different Peugeot models and is known for his ability to build very strong shells that not only endure but seem to survive heavy impacts. He plays a crucial role for the team as he continues to handle all major engineering and mechanical work on Ian’s own 106. Jim was also solely responsible for all re-engineering works when the car received a new Richard Longman-prepared engine during early 2004. |
| Simon
and Adrian May of ASM Motorsport take responsibility for any body
repairs and some mechanical maintenance from their premises at Church
Crookham. The May brothers are a regular presence over the Club stages around the south east of England, usually seen sharing the driving of their Mk 2 Escort or an array of other vehicles. |
