Newby becomes youngest Manx International Rally winner on Pirelli

Arron Newby has become the youngest ever Intenational Rally Isle of Man winner after winning in the event’s 50th anniversary year. Newby is supported by Pirelli, and the 18 year old took his TEG Subaru Impreza with Manx co-driver Rob Fagg to victory on the Italian tyre manufacturer’s RX and RE asphalt tyres. Pirelli UK Motorsport operations manager Matthew Corby said: “The Manx is one of the most prestigious events in British rallying with the likes of Colin McRae and Roger Clark having won this rally in the past.”

Newby carried a 1m39s advantage going into Saturday’s final eight stages. Adopting a more cautious driving approach on Sunday, Newby still claimed two fastest stage times to take a resounding rally victory of over two minutes.

“The team has done brilliantly and this has been the biggest victory of my career so far,” said Newby at the event finish. “You look at the names on that trophy for this rally and it’s amazing.”

More than 100 crews entered the near 200-mile stage rally held across the Isle of Man. The event formed part of the Irish Historic Tarmac Rally Championship and a crucial double-points scorer for the Manx Rally Championship. Last year’s winners Steve Quine and co-driver Richard Skinner finished second, less than one second ahead of Steve Colley and Andrew Cowley who took the final podium spot.

“It is incredible that Arron has joined that star-studded list,” Corby continued, “and it’s even more impressive considering he is still only 18 years old. Formerly a round of both the European and British Rally Championship, the Manx features some of the country’s best rally stages and I’m delighted that our Pirelli asphalt RX and RE tyres assisted Arron with this historic win.”