Stone recently warmed up for the series opener with a run on the North West Stages, an event his company Legends Fires have sponsored for some time. Using the event as a shakedown for the CA1 Sport prepared and run Skoda, the team were able to make improvements to the performance of the car throughout the day, eventually taking second place.

Robert Graham & Co Quantity Surveyors supported Fagg meanwhile opened his season on home turf, taking victory on the MANN Construction Chris Kelly Memorial Rally alongside John Cope.

With such a positive start to the season for both parties separately, they are hopeful of continuing as a partnership.

Looking ahead to the season, Rob is looking forward to teaming up with John again.

“I really enjoyed competing alongside John (Stone) last year on the two events we did together” commented Rob, “We got on well in the car and instantly gelled which always helps in a new relationship. The car is fantastic and well prepared by the guys at CA1 Sport. Working with them and John again this year really excites me and hopefully we can pick up some good results along the way.”

It’s the first time Rob will have contested the REIS sponsored MSA Asphalt Championship, the past few years competing in the MSA British Rally Championship, but aside from this he has competed on most of the events over the years.

“The championship consists of nine rounds and although I have not contested the series before I have competed on all but two of the venues in the past through various other championship and one off runs” explained Fagg, “The ones I will be really looking forward to are of course my home event, the Manx National, as well as the Jim Clark and hopefully the ALMC, but of course this weekend also as we get underway.”

Despite having committed to the series, Rob is still in search of backing to ensure he is in the best possible position to complete the season and hopefully challenge for the title. Anyone who feels they maybe able to help, no matter how big or small the assistance they can offer, can contact Rob either via e-mail at robert@robertfagg.com or by calling (07624) 480101.

This weeks Tour of Epynt sees one of the strongest entries the series has ever seen with former champions Stephen Simpson (Subaru Impreza), Mel Evans (Subaru Impreza), and reigning Champion Damian Cole (Ford Focus) all strong contenders for honours. Add to that former MSA Gravel Champion Paul Bird (Ford Focus) and Epynt specialist Peter Lloyd (Subaru Impreza) as well as a number of other quick crews, the podium for anyone is by no means a formality. Stone and Fagg will start with number 11 on the door, an ideal spot to keep watch on their rivals as the event progresses. A full entry list for the event can be found at Tour of Epynt Entry List
 
Getting underway at 9am on the ranges, crews will tackle a total of seven stages covering 84 competitive miles after which they will head to the finish is host town Llandovery when the victor will be known.

Those interested in following the event can do so through the Live Results

Rob is supported in 2012 by Robert Graham & Co Quantity Surveyors, Nicky Grist Motorsport (www.nickygrist.com) and Fastime Stopwatches (www.astopwatch.com)