High winds and squally rain hit the Epynt ranges for the Harry Flatters and with road conditions changing stage by stage, tyre choice was almost a lottery. Damian Cole & Craig Drew (Fiesta WRC) started as favourites and were expected to win easily but Alex Laffey & Patrick Walsh (Fiesta R5) made them work for it. Fastest stage times were exchanged over the first two loops with Cole leading by just 8 seconds after 6 stages. With the stages reversed Cole blitzed stage 7 taking 14 seconds out of Laffey and despite clawing back 3 seconds over the next 3 stages Cole had more than enough to take victory. Rob Tout & Peredur Davies (Evo X) completed the National B podium over a minute further back.
The National A rally was the Historic section and the pace was really hot considering the conditions. Gareth James & Steffan Evans (Escort MkII) made an impressive return to rallying setting fastest times on 8 of the opening 9 stages. They then slipped back off the top of the time sheets for the final two stages but the damage had been done. The winning margin was 24 seconds and only Cole and Laffey were faster, when results were combined from both events. Osian Pryce & Dale Furniss (Escort MkII) pushed James and took the other 3 stage victories along with the FIA Historic class. Neil Williams & Peter James (Escort MkII) completed the podium but were the first MSA Historic Championship registered crew home.
There were some notable results behind too as David Kynaston & Val Thompson guided their TR7 to 8th in less than favourable conditions for the big car. Just behind in 9th place but taking the category 2 honours were Simon Tysoe & Paul Morris (Escort MkI) with Dessie Nutt & Geralding McBride (911) taking category 1, back in 24th place.
90right UK Rallying 