Round two: Denbighshire Astra Stages Historic RallyGareth Lloyd/Ryland James turned in one of their best ever performances to win round two of the 2006 HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge during the Denbighshire Astra Stages Historic Rally on Saturday (1 April). "That's my best gravel result to date," admitted Lloyd after six stages in the Clocaenog and Aberhirnant forests. Not only did they see of the challenge of Stuart Clarke/Cliff Simmons in the Classic category, Lloyd/James also bettered the times set by the battling category 2 Escorts of Steven Smith, Mark Solloway and David Stokes.Lloyd/James took the lead immediately in their Escort Mk2 as the opening stage used Alwen South for the first time in a decade. By the time they reached service in Ruthin, Lloyd was 22s up on Clarke."I was worried about punctures in the last two stages and I was maybe a bit cautious," admitted Lloyd of the concluding two stages in Aberhirnant, having punctured there in 2005. However, his concern was unfounded as Clarke had problems of his own and was unable to challenge. "There was something wrong in the axle and I thought we'd punctured," said Clarke. Having eased his pace, Clarke finished just over a minute down in second. "I take my hat off to Gareth, he's gone well," said Clarke.In fact, Clarke/Simmons were almost caught by impressive series newcomers Martin Jones/Kevin Owens in their Escort, who pulled back 20s in the last two stages to finish just 3s adrift in third. "We lost power and first gear in the last stage," said Jones, who was then matched by Dick Slaughter/Geoff Dearing (Escort RS1800). A big attack on the last stage by Slaughter levelled the times, but Jones got third having been quicker on the opening stage. "It's been one of those rare days when everything has worked," joked Slaughter of an excellent drive.Completing the top six of one of the most competitive Classic events to date were the Escorts of James Potter/Bob Stokoe and Charlie Taylor/Steve Bielby. Potter punctured in each of the last two stages, but carries two spares and so was able to keep running, while Taylor was competing in Wales for the first time in about 15 years. "It's a long time since we've been down here and we really enjoyed it," reported Yorkshireman Taylor.Julian Burch/Chris Darbyshire were first non-Escort home in eighth, one place behind Martin Freestone/Joanne Lockwood (Escort Mk2). Meanwhile, maximum class D3 points went to Mark and Brett Clifford (Escort Mk2) despite being a bit rusty after six months out of competition. Chasing the Cliffords in D3 on his third ever rally was Arwel Evans, partnered by Paul Wakely in his Escort RS2000. Their run was spoilt by getting beached in Clocaenog and Wakely had to run to the next junction to get enough spectators to push them back on! Meanwhile, class D2 fell to the Toyota Corolla of David and Tony Cobb.It had been another superb showing from the Classic contenders, with another record entry of 25 cars. The action resumes in a month over Epynt!