Paterson/Mattson Mini in Targa Newfoundland

[evang099]

In-car video of this car on the Brigus town stage (circa 2004-2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS6_JtkNMAM

Dick Paterson built it from a NZ shell, and developed it for this week-long tarmac performance rally over a number of years. It has a 1400 cc engine with 8-port head and an individual throttle-body injector per cylinder, producing 140 hp.

He redesigned the front suspension with longer arms, and strapped the shocks to prevent damage on full-droop jumps. This RHD car also has an extra pedal inboard of the clutch, operating only the rear brakes. Allows executing a handbrake turn while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

The fuel supply is switchable between two separate fuel cells. This permits using regular-grade fuel for transits between stages and then switching to high-octane for competitive stages. (Fuel maps of course are swapped at the same time).

[DonRacine]

Great Video, great driving

[evang099]

With such short sight lines, Brigus was also an excellent test of communication between co-driver and driver.

A co-driver's calls had to be timely and accurate, and clearly there is no margin for driver error.

[evang099]

As you can see and hear, Brigus was also tricky because of the gravel on some corners (on tarmac it behaves like ball-bearings).
To minimize duration of public road closures, the event runs with slower cars first.
In the period of this video if you were in a faster car there might have been 50-60+ others through the stage ahead of you.
With no curbs, those cutting the corners would be leaving gravel for following cars to enjoy.