Report of the Telford Auto Clubs, Winter Stages, 15th February 2003

Venue Sweetlamb Rally Complex, Llangurig, Wales
Car 1400cc Vauxhall Nova
Driver Roger Fletcher
Co Driver Amy Burton
Main Sponsor Xograph Imaging Systems, Tetbury
Result 31st overall and 2nd in class

Things started off not to plan, with some last minute work being carried out on the car late into the night to prepare the car for the event the following day. After an early start to get to the event in time for scrutineering, and signing on, thoughts started turning to the burger van for breakfast, except Amy who had a bad case of pre event nerves. After a bit of scratching around in the service area it was time to go off and start the event (my first time driving and Amy?s first time navigating). Lots of thoughts are starting to go through my mind and then the marshal starts counting down and everything clears in my head and I am focused, 5..4..3..2..1.. and we are off!

First stage was a bit cautious, trying to find out what the car was going to do, the levels of grip, and find out how we were going to cope as a team. But still managed to catch a historic Saab 96. Even a passed a few stranded cars in stage, seemed like other people were struggling with the conditions. Stage two and we were beginning to settle down a bit, after the first stage was over and done with. Stage three and I catch the Saab and pass it this time. Then into first service, which was quite uneventful, just a quick check over of the car to make sure that nothing had broken/fallen off/been smashed off. Then it was into stages 4,5,and 6, which were a rerun of stages 1,2, and 3. This was good as I could remember most of the stages and could press on a bit harder in them. But things were not well with the car, as the exhaust was blowing badly, and the car was VERY loud. Into service and upon a quick inspection of the exhaust revealed that the exhaust manifold had a big hole in it. The service crew did a great job of patching it back together again, (mutterings of empty tins being cut up and a handful of jubilee clips). Then out into stages 7 & 8, 7 was a rerun of stage 1 backwards, and stage 8 was a rerun of stages 2 & 3 joined together. These were now getting cut up and consequentially an awful lot rougher. This was also compounded with a stall early on in stage 8, from which the car was reluctant to restart, but with some assistance of the spectators and marshals pushing, we got going again. Into the last service of the day, and I am already beginning to feel the pressure. As I am only two stages away from finishing my first rally, and only to well know the hazards and chances of finishing. My thoughts were greatly helped by the service crew constantly reminding me of the need to finish, and the threats of physical abuse if I put it off or broke the car in either of the last two stages. Also stages 9 & 10 were reruns of stages 7 & 8, and stage 8 was not one that did me any favours, with the stall early on. So onto the last two stages, no stall this time through though. But with the stages cutting up badly, every landing and every sound from the car sounded like it could be its last. But yes, what?s that looming up just in the distance, could it be the finish of stage ten? Yes it is and a few small slow corners, and we are across the finish line. Not bad for the first time out, not only a finish but 31st overall and 2nd in class, and a trophy.

A big thank you must go out to the service crew (for keeping the car going) and our sponsors Xograph Imaging Systems, without both?s help none of this would have been possible.