Team PURE Digital endured a difficult event on this weekend’s Border Counties rally, following the untimely death of team member Mike Panes prior to the rally. Although not due to contest the event due to illness, news of co-driver Mike’s sudden passing came as a terrific shock to the whole rally community, and leaves a void that will never be filled.

After receiving encouragement from a number of Mike’s closest friends, Paul Alexander took the difficult decision to still contest the rally, carrying marks of respect on the SRM-Racing Mitsubishi that the pair usually shared. Partnered by Simon Mills, Paul’s Yokohama-shod Mitsubishi finally claimed 19th overall and the award for 3rd in class on a tough event in which nearly half the field failed to reach the finish.

Paul Alexander: “This has been a really tough weekend, and I know that we’ve all had a tear in our eyes or lump in our throats at some point this weekend. It was typical of Mike that even while dealing with the recent news of his illness, he was on the phone checking to ensure that preparations for Border Counties were going to plan, and making sure there was nothing that he could do to help. Mike will always be in our thoughts, and I doubt that I’ll ever sit in a rally car again without imagining his words of advice and encouragement”.

Team PURE Digital’s next event will be the Roush Manx National Rally on 6th/7th May.