The event is round three of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship and Monaghan has had a mixed start to his title campaign, a retirement on the opening round followed by a good second in class finish on the Isle of Man at round two.
With usual co-driver Chris Purvis still out injured Steve Dargan will be on the notes with Monaghan for the Kelso-based event.
“We had a really good run on last year’s event,” said Monaghan. “We need another good result to help our championship hopes so getting another class win would be the perfect result although rallying is never that easy.”
“I was very happy with the second place we got on the Manx rally but I’m looking to go one better on the Jim Clark. Steve has co-driven for me before so there won’t be any issues getting used to the notes, we’ll be aiming to be quick right away.”
“The event is usually very challenging with a mix of extremely fast roads and tight and twisty lanes, it will test cars and crews to the maximum but I’m confident that we’ll go well. Thanks to Pirtek Tyne & Wear, F&R Belbin, GB Lubricants and Playskool Motorsport for their support and thanks also to Proflex for their speedy work getting the suspension changed since the Manx.”
The rally starts on Friday evening with a stage which runs around Duns town centre in front of thousands of spectators. A full day of action will take place on Saturday with the crews battling over stages on closed public roads around Duns.
Image courtesy Jess Quirk
