Jerseyman Ed Fossey notched up his second podium of the season, this time on the demanding Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire (1 October). The 18-year-old finished 42nd out of the 173 starters and more importantly finished third in the 1400S class – putting his new Toyota Yaris through its paces on gravel for the first time.The St Lawrence resident competed on the Yorkshire classic aboard his Yokohama Next Big Step backed Toyota Yaris for the first time this season on gravel. Fossey made his loose-surface debut on the Nicky Grist Stages back in July in a Suzuki Swift, taking a fine third place in his class. Now with a new, more powerful car at his disposal, Ed went into the one-day, 44-mile shootout with hopes of another podium success.The Trackrod was the curtain call for the BTRDA gravel series and the Channel Islander competed against some esteemed rivals including newly crowned BTRDA Champion Charles Payne and the original Stig – non other than 1984 World Rally Champion, Stig Blomqvist.Dry conditions made the forest tracks very fast and flowing for Ed in the front-wheel-drive Japanese machine, with five tough and gruelling stages ahead of the young-gun with Tom Hutchings calling the notes alongside. The priority for Fossey was to once again finish the event and put further competitive miles under the belt in his development year.Starting car 151 on the road, the Bournemouth University student got up to speed straight away chalking up the fourth quickest time in his class on the opening test. Gaining in speed and confidence, the Next Big Step driver made his way into the top 50 overall by stage two in his nimble 1400cc machine. After the lunchtime halt the Yokohama supported driver flew up the order, nestling himself into 42nd overall and third in class at the finish – putting more powerful machinery behind him.“The day went really well for us,” explained Fossey. “I really enjoyed myself and I am delighted to take another class podium. From the first stage, the Toyota was very predictable. I could trust it and I felt very comfortable – letting me attack from the word go. Our seeding wasn’t ideal as we caught a few cars on the stages, which hampered our progress slightly.“On the Nicky Grist Stages there were two passes on each stage which meant I could take it easy on the first and push on the second. On the Trackrod there was no hiding. Having only one run through each stage meant that I had to go for it on every test – there were no second chances. This really boosted my confidence further as my times were respectable against the class leaders.”The next next challenge for Ed will see him return to home soil to take on the legendary Paperclix Jersey Rally on the 14/15 October. The two-day Tarmac test will see Fossey compete on the surface he knows best with the 18-year-old setting his sights on a strong result on the island event.“I cannot wait to get the Toyota back into Tarmac trim and into the Jersey lanes.” Enthused Ed. “There will be a strong 1400 class with several top UK and Jersey competitors. I will be doing my own rally but I will be interested to see how my times compare against the established names.”