Sliding to victory!

Church Stretton co-driver Phil Clarke once again joined Jason Pritchard from Builth Wells in his Ford Escort MkII. The pair, seeded at five and defending British Historic Champions were hopeful of a strong finish to kick off their season.

Not far behind at number eight were Joe Price and Chris Brooks in the Joe Price Supplies supported Escort. Keaton Williams teamed up once more with John Perrot in his Shropshire Building Supplies Mk I Ford Escort at 17 and co-driver Jez Rogers sat in another MkII Escort at 23 alongside Simon Webster. Corfton's Gary Smith brought out his immaculate MkI Escort. Smith had drafted in Andy Wynn to read the notes and they ran at number 45. In the modern event Colin and Martin Griffiths brought out their BMW Compact, starting at 82.

Fog and lots of mud greeted crews on the first run nine mile through Crychan. Pritchard/Clarke were quickly into their stride and went quickest by four seconds from championship rival Nick Elliot. Price/Brooks weren't far behind in fourth, seven seconds down. Perrot/Williams took an eight second lead in their class and Webster/Rogers settled into eighth overall. Smith had a steady start lying in 26^th, and bemoned a lack of seat time in the DMS Plastic sponsored car.

A short four mile second stage before a service halt saw Price/Brooks set the fastest time by two seconds to hold joint second place with Elliot behind Pritchard/Clarke. Perrot/Williams extended their lead in class to 11 seconds and despite complaining of soft suspension Webster/Rogers held on to a top 10 position.

A very muddy nine mile stage in Caeo and Elliot went fastest taking three seconds back off Pritchard/Clarke leaving them with just a two second lead. Price/Brooks dropped 13 seconds to Elliot with Price admitting to blowing hot and cold on the stages and dropping to third overall. Perrot/Williams chipped away at their rivals taking another two seconds although Perrot wasn't sure if he was on the right tyres.

The second half on the rally was a repeat of the mornings stages with just a slight alteration in Caeo, conditions had deteriorated due to the passing of more than 150 cars and a clean run would be vital in the circumstances.

The Crychan stage proved to be pivotal with Elliot stalling the car and losing 19 seconds to Pritchard/Clarke and 14 to Price/Brooks giving Pritchard's Escort a 21 second lead with just two stages to go. Perrot/Williams flew over this one adding a massive 20 seconds to their category lead.

With just one stage to go, the slightly altered Caeo, Pritchard/Clarke held a 26 second lead over Price/Brooks with Elliot two seconds further adrift. Perrot/Williams maintained their class lead whilst Webster/Rogers were safely inside the top 10 and Smith/Wynn chasing a top 20 place.

With no requirement to push on Pritchard/Clarke took a sensibly approach and despite losing 15 seconds to Elliot they took the victory and the lead in the MSA Mintex British Historic Rally Championship. With Elliot's charge Price/Brooks slipped to third, however they were both happy with their day and a nice haul of championship points. Webster/Rogers were fortunate to survive what Rogers called a massive sideways moment and took seventh overall and third in class. Perrot/Williams made a small mistake at a hairpin compounded by losing reverse gear which saw them lose two minutes and drop to 17^th overall and second in category. Smith/Wynn finished 23^rd and third n class.

stages and were pleased to finish 21^st overall, a vast improvement in their seeding and a result which should see them move up the seeding order on their next event.

The next meeting of Ludlow Castle Motor Club will be held on March 9 at the Ludlow Brewery starting at 20.00, all are welcome.