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BLACK AND MORTON CROWNED 2023 PROTYRE NATIONAL ASPHALT CHAMPIONS

This was a season to remember as the series celebrated its 40th anniversary, with the title going down to the wire once again. Callum Black and Jack Morton arrived at the Rali Ceredigion double-header finale in fourth place, but a pair of maximum scores saw them rocket up the leader board and clinch their crown in sensational style after an impressive season in their Ford Fiesta Rally2.

BACK IN BLACK

Callum Black returned to the MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series on the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally in a brand-new,

black-liveried Fiesta Rally2 and, setting fastest times on five of the six stages, came away with a win and maximum Gold

Star® Rally Championship points. The only other crew to set an FTD during the day were Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear,

coincidentally in Callum’s old Fiesta R5, who led the event briefly before getting up close and personal with a bank on the

second run through Haye Park which damaged the rear suspension and led to their subsequent retirement.

Black and Gilbey crowned 2019 BTRDA BRONZE STAR CHAMPIONS

Sunday 1st September

This weekend saw Brackley driver Callum Black and co-driver Michael Gilbey crowned BTRDA Bronze Star Champions of 2019.

Knowing that a win at the Woodpecker Stages, based in Ludlow would crown them champions, the pair were the fastest out of the traps on the opening stage beating all other class competitors by over 13 seconds. An astonishing time which also saw them beat formed British Historic champion Marty McCormack in his MK2 Escort by 4 seconds!

With the 586 Sports prepared MG ZR working well, the pair extended their lead further in stage two and took a healthy 27 second lead at the first service, with championship rivals Chris Powell/Jim Lewis in second and Steve Black/Paul Morris in the other 586 sports car in third.

Another stage win followed and with two stages remaining, they knew it was a case of getting to the finish to become champions. However, it wasn’t to be as easy as the pair would have hoped when a gearbox issue meant they were without third gear and a damaged differential.

Despite the issue, the pair came out on top and went on to win their class by over two and a half minutes, crowning them 2019 BTRDA Bronze Star Champions.

Callum commented:
“It’s been a really enjoyable season, arguably some of the most fun I’ve had in my rallying career – I’ve loved it. I’ve improved certain elements of my driving and I believe this will show when I step back up to an R5 car next season. 

For something that started off as a one off, it’s been incredible. Thank you to the whole team for their efforts, in particular Steve Pedlingham for lending me the MG. 

A special thank you to Michael Gilbey for an outstanding job sitting in with me, we’ve had a lot of fun”.

3 out of 3 rally wins for 2019 as Callum dominates Plains Rally

Wednesday 15th May 2019, Brackley
 
Last weekend saw British rally driver and 2017 Welsh Rally Champion, Callum Black tackle round four of the BTRDA Rally series, where he was looking to make it 3 wins from 3 in the 1400 category, at the Plains Rally based in Welshpool, Wales.

Following on from back to back victories at the Malcolm Wilson Rally and Rallynuts Stages in his MG ZR, Callum and co-driver Michael Gilbey faced five of the best stages Wales has to offer, including the frequently used Dyfnant Forest stage. This is an event Callum had success in the past, finishing second overall in 2017, then in a his 586 Sports Fiesta R5.
 
Stage one saw the pair get off to a flying start through 10 miles of wonderful Welsh forestry taking 16 seconds out of their nearest rival and by the mid stage service they had secured a lead of 40 seconds. The first two stages were repeated and Callum extended his lead, despite a slow rear puncture in stage 4. This meant that for the final stage, Callum couldn’t afford another puncture, so cruised to the finish nursing a suspected gearbox issue.
 
Black and Gilbey arrived at the finish with a lead of 1 minute and 18 seconds in the 1400 class and an arguably even more, impressive 11th overall from 125 entries.  
 
Callum said: “It was the perfect rally in many ways, we came to get a dominant win and once we came out the first stage with such a strong lead, I knew we were in a good position. The car was working really well, the Pirelli tyres avoided the punctures and we kept it neat and tidy. I’m chuffed with our overall position as it shows the pace we have in the greater scheme of things. I’m working hard on getting to Wales Rally GB in an R5 this October, so am actively looking for partners for the event”

Two out of Two for Callum as he takes the win at the RallyNuts Stages

Wednesday 24th April 2019,

Taking part in his second rally of the season, Callum Black and Michael Gibey proved that their victory on the Malcolm Wilson Rally wasn’t a flash in the pan as they
guided their MG ZR to another category win on the Rallynuts Stages. 
Callum and Michael finished an impressive 19 seconds ahead of second class Chris Powell/Jim Lewis and a full two minutes ahead of 3rd place. 

Speaking about his impressive second win of the season is as many rallies since his return to action after taking last year out to focus on his 586 Group engineering business, Callum said:

“I’m really happy with my pace and it’s pleasing to show we can pick up where we left off, winning the class again. To sit just outside of the top 10 overall in a little 1400cc car is hugely satisfying, given the quality of the entries and the fact that there were over 150 entries. 
I’m enjoying driving the car and going back to my routes, it’s good to keep match fit and driving these stages should be beneficial come the end of the year where we hope to be competing on Wales Rally GB again.” 

Other info: Callum Black’s Father Steve Black, also competed in the 1400cc category of the rally as he did at the Malcolm Wilson rally, again finished an impressive 3rd meaning a 1st and 3rd for the 586 Sports cars.

WINNER! Callum wins Malcolm Wilson Rally on return 

Monday 11th March 2019,

2017 Welsh Rally Champion Callum Black returned to action last weekend for the first time in 2019, competing in the 43rd Malcolm Wilson Rally in Cumbria.

The Malcolm Wilson Rally provides 43 miles of rallying on the classic Lakes Stages, maintained in excellent condition by the Forestry Commission.

The event is based at M-Sport Ltd, HQ of the Ford WRC Rally Team and is sponsored by the Team Manager – Malcolm Wilson, who enjoys watching for budding stars.

Contesting the rally in an MG ZR S1400, owned by Steve Pedlingham which was Callum’s second ever rally car, Callum competed in the very competitive 1400cc class for the BTRDA event.

Having completed a shakedown test on Thursday before the event in difficult condition testing a new 3mo 6-speed sequential gearbox, Callum, and his team was optimistic for the rally to push for the win.

The test also marked the start of a new relationship with Callum, welcoming new co-driver Michael Gilby into the fold, giving them both time to build a relationship, work through pace notes and understand one another over the stages.

During the shakedown, Callum experienced some power steering issues however the 586 team were able to soon solve the problem to the car was ready for Saturdays challenging stages throughout the day.

Saturday’s rally began with quite a shock for the team, as Callum and Michael were greeted by snow as they arrived on the first two stages, with several cars having been a victim of the challenging conditions.

Callum drove smart not pushing too hard through these stages and despite a big moment on Stage 1, settled down into a good rhyme finishing the stages in the top 5.

Stage 3 held at Greystoke, where conditions improved, Callum, was able to push the car and limits more, having a much better run despite a small misfire and then catching a car on the stage (something of a rarity in rally) arriving in second place within the 1400cc category.

A long drive to Grizedale Forest for the next stage, Callum had gained confidence in SS4 & SS5, setting the team up well for the longest (13 miles) stage of the rally.

Pushing hard over this long stage Callum was fastest and closing on outright leader Chris Powell, who then got a puncture which dropped some significant time, handed the lead to Callum and Michael.

Now in the overall lead of the 1400cc category, Callum drove smart having built up a lead of 57 seconds however drama struck. During the Broughton Moor stage, Callum’s water bottle became loose and got trapped under his throttle, causing the team to have to stop on stage and forcing Callum to hook it out with his foot before resuming. This lost then around 10 seconds.

Going into the final stage, Callum, had a comfortable 47-second lead to manage, however again an issue with the windscreen misting up, making it near impossible to see, meant the final moments were more challenging and eventually coming across the line winning the rally with a 27 seconds margin.

Callum said: “It was a brilliant weekend and having only done 1 rally in the last 18 month after securing the Welsh Championship in late 2017, I could not have expected to take the win so quickly.
 
“I am over the moon with the result and it felt amazing to be back behind the wheel on the stages. I’m looking forward to competing across some more events in the future, I’m really missed driving!”
 
Gary-Lee Hoebeeck of Pro 53 said “We are so pleased for Callum being back doing what he does best and enjoys, which is driving a rally car super-fast”
 
“He is such a talented driver and great guy, we can’t wait to see him out again soon”
 
Other info: Callum Black’s Father Steve Black, also competed in the 1400cc category of the rally, finishing 3rd overall meaning a 1st and 3rd for the 586 Sports cars.

2019 Starts at ASI for Callum

After the exciting news that Callum will be returning to rallying for 2019 after his break, this year starts with a bang at ASI. 

The start of the Motorsport season for many in the industry, the Autosport International Show at the NEC Birmingham, kicks off on Thursday 10th January welcoming some 500+ exhibitors looking to connect with each other and visitors for the 4 day event. 

Callum will be attending the show on both Thursday and Friday to meet with existing and potential new partners for what promises to be a great couple of days. 

"I'm looking forward to this years Autosport International Show to continue our collaboration with our current sponsors and speaking to some potential new partners. 

With the help of Pro 53 who I am working with closely for this year we've got some exciting meeting's set up for the coming days and I'm looking forward to showing them what we can offer for 2019 onward".

We look forward to you joining us at the show!

BLACK IS BACK FOR 2019!

We are very excited to announce that Callum Black will return to rallying in 2019 following a year out working on his 586 Group business and other engagements. 

Callum will join forces with Pro 53 Sports Management to work across all of his motorsport activity. 

“I’m delighted to be partnering with Pro53 and can’t wait to collaborate on some of the great ideas we have together. 

Gary-Lee and I have a similar vision for where I want to be and what we as a team can offer our future partners, I’m confident we can deliver a great package" Callum said.

Gary-Lee Hoebeeck, Director of Pro 53 had this to say about the new partnership.

"We are so excited to be working with Callum again having first worked together back in 2017 on what was a very successful year for him. 

Having got to know Callum throughout the year we know his undoubted speed as a driver and what a great guy he is outside of the car so look forward to working together on his exciting journey in 2019 competing in some of the greatest rallies across Europe plus having another attack at WRC for Wales Rally GB!"

Callum will be competing in selected rallies within the BRC (British Rally Championship) such as the Renties Ypres Rally in June 2019. 

Callum will be at the Autosport International Show at the NEC Birmingham with some of his partners. 

We can't wait to get started and look forward to you joining us on this ride.

No rallies for Callum in 2018 to focus on Business & other engagements 

2018 has been a hectic year for Callum away from the rallying scene, as he has worked across the world engaging in work with a number of manufacturers across the automotive industry.

This unfortunately for Callum and his fans means he has not be rallying in 2018. 

Following an amazing and successful 2017 Callum has taken the brave decision to focus his time on his 586 Group business plus other activities. 

2018 started with Callum embarking on an amazing adventure in January that see him working at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, something Callum was very excited about.

" 2018 has been a great year for me away from rallying, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been travelling the world on various vehicle manufacturers projects and events. 

I worked at the Winter Olympics in the opening months of 2018 in South Korea, which was an amazing experience, driving various VIP guests around from different disciplines. 

I’ve also worked on several vehicle and product launches across the UK and Europe for various high profile manufacturers, which has enabled me to be up to date with the new innovation and technology within the automotive industry – something which I’ll always have time for. 

I’ve also been fortunate enough to expand 586 Group with a new network in Japan which has meant I’ve had to travel a lot. 

It’s been crazy and after 10 years of intense rallying, this is something I had to do at some point, however being away from rallying for a year has re-energised and motivated me to get back out there and show the rallying world what I can do. 

I really enjoy driving these R5 cars, so naturally that’s where I’m looking to get back to and I can’t wait to reveal some 2019 plans.”

Callum enjoys PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics Adventure

As part of Callum's outside of Motorsport activity working with many automotive manufacturers he has spent two months at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. 
 
Having travelled to Korea a few weeks before the games started to work with organisers for driving duties and planning routes for delegates, team members and athletes Callum enjoyed some amazing experiences and got to meet some of the most talented athletic athletes in the world.

Talking about his experience, Callum speaks about his time in Korea fondly.

"So, what an experience it’s been - truly awesome, something that I’ll never forget. 

I’m hugely lucky and very appreciative for this experience. To be in the background and see the thousands of staff work flat out for months is pretty special. 

I hugely underestimated the workload to make something like this happen and I take my hats off to everyone that makes it happen. 

I was fortunate to visit every venue, enjoy a few of the countries “houses” and even attend some events. 

To see the ski jumpers launch themselves off that jump, the Skelton sliders flying along that ice and the hockey players smashing the crap out of each other - it’s unreal. 

I’m fully aware I’ve been a part of history here and given the current world affairs it’s a huge reality check to the whole world that we are all humans and actually, we can get along - in fact, we embrace each other pretty well. 

The Koreans on that note have been fantastic, they are such friendly people and have put on great games. 

Above everything, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some awesome people, from all around the globe. 

They’ve made this experience exceptional and I can’t thank them all enough.

I’d love to work a summer games next, Tokyo would be incredible. Who knows! I am however buzzing to get back to my family with so much to look forward to!"

Wyedean Win, Crowns Callum Welsh Rally Champion!

To cap what's been a fantastic year for Callum and the team, he was crowned the 2017 Welsh Rally Champion.

A delighted Callum commented "It's been a dream debut season in an R5 to be honest. I've spent my entire career up til now in a front wheel drive car, with some success. I didn't expect to gel with the R5 and 4 wheel drive so quickly, I've loved every minute behind the wheel."

Black narrowly missed out on the 2017 BTRDA crown, after missing out on some crucial rally wins due to mechanical issues, becoming the Welsh Champion was some relief; "I was disappointed not to be able to clinch the BTRDA championship, as we felt we had the pace to get it. The car issues on the Somerset Stages cost us a comfortable win, but to be setting the times we were and being on the pace on every round was more than I could ever have asked for. Becoming Welsh Champion is a huge honour and something I'm very proud of. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future can bring".

Exciting WRC Debut for Black

Being on the entry list for a round of the World Rally Championship was something that a young Callum Black could only have dreamed of when growing up watching his favourite driver Colin McRae on TV.

Nevertheless, 10 years after his rallying debut, he made it to the World Rally Championship round at Wales Rally GB!

Not only did he start the rally, but he finished it in style, securing a top 30 result despite two punctures and some mechanical issues along the way:

Callum said about his WRC debut 
"It's been an adventure this weekend, the best weekend of my life. 

I was quite emotional coming over that finish ramp to be honest, it's been a childhood dream of mine to compete in this rally and I've done it, whilst mixing it with the most talented rally drivers in the world. 

Seeing your name on the timesheets among some works drivers is a feeling I can't comprehend. 

It's given me massive confidence for the future and belief that I need to be competing at this level and I'll strive to achieve that, even if that means taking a year out."
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