Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite’s Saab 900 Turbo finally clinched victory at the HERO historic rally, organized by the British organization of the same name. Read about their journey to the top of the podium after over 30 years of involvement in historic rallying.
Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite, driving a 1984 Saab 900 Turbo, made history by winning the prestigious HERO Challenge Two, a historic rally organized by the HERO (Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation) in the UK.
This victory was a long-awaited moment for the duo, who had been competing in historic rallying for over 30 years and had come close to winning several times before.
With their triumph, they not only secured their first-ever win but also took the lead in the Drivers HERO Challenge Championship. Let’s delve into the details of their remarkable achievement and the challenges they faced along the way.
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Saab Crew Finally Gets the Monkeys off Their Backs
After years of dedication and perseverance, Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite were elated to claim victory at the HERO Challenge Two. Despite winning the 2021 HERO Challenge Championship through consistent podium finishes, including multiple second places, the coveted HERO-ERA win had remained elusive for them.
However, their relentless efforts paid off as they emerged victorious, breaking through the barriers that had held them back in the past. This win not only brought them joy and satisfaction but also propelled them to the top of the Drivers HERO Challenge Championship, a remarkable achievement in their historic rallying journey.
Intense Competition and Close Rivalry
The HERO Challenge Two was a fiercely competitive event, with skilled participants vying for the top spot. Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite faced stiff competition from Anita Wickens and Malcolm Dunderdale, who were driving a Mercedes 190 16V. The battle for supremacy was intense, with both teams pushing each other to their limits.
The competition was neck-and-neck, with just ten seconds separating the two teams after 10 tests and seven regularities, including a challenging 25-mile regularity section. At one point, Anita and Malcolm were only four seconds behind, but a few errors in the tests dropped them down the order. Nevertheless, both teams displayed remarkable sportsmanship and camaraderie, sharing laughter and enjoyment despite the intense rivalry on the rally.
Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success
The road to victory was not without its challenges for Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite. Peter Joy, driving a 1959 Lotus Elite, secured the final podium position, overtaking Paul and Sandra Heaney’s Triumph TR6 in the final tests.
What made Peter’s achievement even more commendable was the fact that his navigator, Matt Fowle, had recently undergone a massive leg operation following a skiing accident and was still struggling to walk properly.
Despite his limitations, Matt showed remarkable determination and grit, using a walking stick to support himself as he worked on the books, maps, and speed tables in the cramped confines of the ACBC Elite. Peter was delighted with the performance of his car and navigator, showcasing the resilience and determination required to excel in historic rallying.
Saab 900 Turbo on the podium
Alistair Leckie and Matt Outhwaite, along with their SAAB 900 Turbo, were ecstatic after winning their first rally event after 18 months of hard work and determination. They expressed their joy and relief at finally achieving a win after coming close on previous occasions.
Alistair praised Matt for his skills as a navigator and acknowledged that their success wouldn’t have been possible without him. Matt, on the other hand, mentioned that the victory hadn’t fully sunk in yet, but he anticipated it would as he drove home with his shirt soaked in champagne.
Alistair also highlighted their achievement in leading the drivers and navigator’s HERO Challenge Championships, especially considering they were competing against more powerful sports cars with their “five-door shopping car” SAAB 900 Turbo. Overall, both Alistair and Matt were thrilled with their win and grateful for their partnership in rallying.
