Seager shows he’s still a class act as he returns to rallying after 15 years

Dec 31 2008 by George Topp, Hamilton Advertiser

EAST Ayrshire and Coltness Car Clubs recently organised a Rally Sprint at the Kames Motorsport Complex near Muirkirk, south of Strathaven.

Shaking off the ‘stoor’ from his race suit was Keith Seager from Hamilton, who was returning to the rally scene after being away from it for the last 15 years.

He had only ever rallied Escort Mk1s and Mk2s before but for his comeback opted for front-wheel drive with a Peugeot 205.

The format of the event is four special stages, which competitors tackle three times, with their best time from each stage going forward to the overall results.

“I put it off on stage one, losing about 20 seconds,” said Keith, “but with this format you’re not punished for making mistakes. I had two more runs at the same stage to get a good time.”

The event was taking a familiar format, with the quick four-wheel drive cars heading the field in the damp conditions.

When the venue was at its wettest, Keith surprised even himself by posting third quickest time for that set of stages.

To prove it wasn't a fluke, Keith then posted fourth-fastest time over the last batch of stages, finishing sixth overall and third in class.

He said: “I had all my excuses ready about not being used to front-wheel drive or having the smallest engined car in the class but I’m not going to use them. I’m over the moon with my result.”

l Strathaven’s John Stewart had intended to take part in the event but a heavy accident on the Solway Coast Rally the previous weekend meant he had to pull out.