Out of it’s usual February slot the South Downs Stages saw a tight battle for victory, all event long. Richard Weaver & James Pink (Evo VI) set the initial pace, leading after stage 1 and regaining the lead after stage 4. Half a minute dropped on stage 6 proved costly though and handed the lead back to Jeremy & Mark Straker (Darrian T90 GTR+) who held it until the end of the rally to take victory by just 2s.
Ian & Oliver Hucklebridge (Darrian T90 GTR+) had been swapping times with Straker all event long and 5s gained on the final stage was not quite enough, in the end. The podium was completed by former South Downs winner Paul King & Andy Hollingham (Escort MkII) who were 4th going in to the final stage but took 3s out of Andy Vey & Richard Fletcher (Evo IV), on the final stage. The event saw 47 of the 51 starters reach the finish in a slick run event.
90right UK Rallying 