Shropshire rally drivers out in north Wales

The event was split into eight stages totalling 42 miles primarily in the forests surrounding Betws y Coed.

Simon Rogers came out on top despite having to get used to his hired Mitsubishi and a new co-driver, Wyn Davies. Simon admitted to being a little rusty. However, eight consistent stage times saw him finish 14^th overall and fourth in class. Simon hopes to be out in his own car for the next round, the Malcolm Wilson Stages in Cumbria.

Stanton Lacy’s Dave Brick brought out his Weaver Motorsport prepared Vauxhall Nova, Brick with Phil Clarke alongside was seeded first in the 1400cc category. An excellent first stage gave them a 12 second lead, this was extended to 36 seconds after three stages, Brick reporting a issue with the clutch cable which was rectified at service. A sticking throttle hampered progress a little, however, with a one minute 11 second lead going into the final three mile Great Orme stage a steady run guaranteed the 1400cc category win and 22^nd place overall.

Tim Cains/Richard May were out chasing Welsh Championship points once more in the refurbished J & S Handling Peugeot 309 hopeful of a better run this year following last year’s early retirement. At the first service Cains thought that he had used the wrong tyres for the first loop of stages, a quick change brought the desired results seeing the crew rise steadily up the leader board from 65^th on the first stage to 20^th quickest around the final stage of the day the Great Orme to come home 36^th overall and seventh in class, a result that puts the pair fourth and third in their respective championship categories.

Another driver having to break in a new car and a new co-driver was Gee Atherton who brought out his new Ford Fiesta, a step up from his Peugeot 106. Keaton Williams was sat alongside calling the notes. Atherton, on only his second rally was trying to learn the car and started off at a steady safe pace gaining confidence with every mile culminating in a fastest time in his class on stage six and moving the pair up into 46^th overall. The hard work came undone when the car stepped out of line on the Great Orme resulting in a massive moment for the crew, the car then cut out due to a fuel issue, fortunately they were able to coast downhill through the finish where thankfully the engine started again allowing them to cross the finish line 57^th overall and seventh in class.

Shaun Gardner/Ben Innes in the TNT Tyres sponsored Mitsubishi Evo were the highest seeded Ludlow crew at eight. Unfortunately despite setting seventh quickest time on the first stage the turbo decided that enough was enough and they retired.

Freddy and Toby Brick entered their Vauxhall Nova. Freddy is comfortable in either seat, for Toby however, this would be his first experience of a rally. They survived the first two stages and were very happy to be sitting in first place in class and 55^th overall. Sadly it all ended in stage three Penmachno when the car hit a large hole resulting in a broken driveshaft and instant retirement. Dad Dave needs to watch his back!

The next meeting of Ludlow Castle Motor Club will be held on Wednesday^, March 9[gallery]

, starting at 20.00 at the Ludlow Brewing Company Ltd, all are welcome.

Picture Credits – RallySport Media