TAVISTOCK'S Mike Perkin burst upon the south-west rally scene during 1999 by winning the ASWMC Sealed Surface Rally Championship at his first attempt.
The 35- year-old proprietor of an electrical contracting business was driving a full works specification group A Vauxhall Nova 1600 GSI.
Mike's start in motorsport dates back to the early 80s when he was a champion kart racer then moved on to compete successfully in autotests and navigational rallies locally. Through all this time his ambition was to stage rally, and now in his second full season he competes on the national stage in the Safety Devices National Rally Championship 2000.
Mike's car lists an impressive list of modifications, which are all vital to compete at the top in this most arduous of motorsports. The suspension is fully adjustable and the engine built by Martin Bowyer produces 149bhp at 6,500rpm and is fully modified to Group A specifications.
To obtain the full benefits of this power the car features a five-speed straight cut close ratio ‘dog’ gearbox, which helps push it to an estimated top speed of 134mph at 7,300rpm, not bad for a 1600cc Nova.
Wheels and tyres, as all motorsport fans are aware, are vital and each event sees Mike and his mechanics Alf Chanter and Dave Perkin who is also responsible for any body repairs, choose from a variety of different compounds and wheel sizes. For safety and added strength the car has been fitted with a 14-point welded roll cage and aircraft style safety harnesses.
The final and newest member of the team is Chris Crocker at 17 one of the youngest rally navigators on the national stage. So far this season has started well and at the recent National Tour of Epynt Rally in Wales, Mike gained second position in class against much more experienced opposition.
Mike and his team will soon be heading off to compete in the Millbrook Stages Rally held near Milton Keynes May 29.