JONES AND PARRY GEARS UP FOR SCOTLAND
Despite retiring from the Woodpecker Stages, which took place on Saturday 3rd September, Stuart Jones and Craig Parry had an enjoyable run in the Proton Satria.
The Welsh pair used the Ludlow based event to get some additional mileage before they resume their championship campaign in the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge 2005 with round seven in Newton Stewart, South West Scotland and the Park Systems Furniture Stages on Saturday 10th September.
The Shropshire event started slowly for Stuart, having not driven the front wheel drive machine for sometime and found the lack of four wheel drive interesting.
"I haven't driven the car properly since last year's Cambrian Rally, so we have had some strange lines through corners and getting used to not having the grip of four wheel drive machinery."
The Welshpool man and his Oswestry co-driver still set quickest time in their class on the opening test by twenty five seconds. Stage two, and another thirty-four seconds were added to their lead. However over this stage Stuart was experiencing gear selection difficulties and decided a steady run through stage three was required and would investigate the problem at service. At which point the decision was made to retire.
"We were having great fun in the car and I was really enjoying it. It is nice to just have some fun, which was the whole plan for this event and I think we achieved that. We will check out the problem with the car and get it sorted for the Plains at the end of the month."
Now with the fun factor over, Stuart and Craig turn their attention to the Scottish round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge 2005. Stuart, having already won three of the previous six events contested, is well aware of the task ahead of him to keep his championship alive and as usual Stuart is totally focused on the task ahead of him and will undoubtedly push hard through the Scottish countryside. .
"In Scotland we have to be switched on from the start as we need to win. I think punctures will heavily influence the Park Systems and will be the deciding factor. We will test the car before we go to Scotland to ensure the set is right for us."
The Park Systems Stages Rally starts from Newton Stewart at 9am on Saturday morning with forty-five miles over six special stages in South West Scotland before the event finishes at approximately 4.30pm.
Just five days after the Park Systems, Stuart, Craig and their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution start the British round of the World Rally Championship in Cardiff, the Wales Rally of Great Britain. The pair will also contest the Plains Rally on 24th September to complete their hectic September schedule.
Stuart and Craig are supported in 2005 by VK Vodka Kick, Silverstone Tyres, J.T. Hughes Group Mitsubishi, Rallytech, Mick Jones Timber, R&D Transmissions, Broadoak, Toora, Anglo American Fuels and Scotprint.
