Kick Energy rally driver Steve Perez' hopes of a decent finish on the Roger Albert Clark Rally were once again dashed as history repeated itself in the most bizarre fashion.
A stalwart of the De Lacy Motor Club's four-day marathon, that recaptures the spirit of yesteryear's Lombard RAC Rallies, Perez and co driver Carl Williamson were hoping for a good run in their ubiquitous Lancia Stratos and despite the horrendous weather on Friday evening, their event got off to a good start around the Pickering Showground spectator stage.
However, as the crew ventured to the Langdale stage, exactly as it did last year virtually at the exact same point, a half shaft broke forcing them to limp out and in doing so, lost over six minutes to the leaders which left them in a lowly 44th place overnight.
Saturday's loop through Yorkshire and into the infamous Kielder Forest saw Perez claim back some time but his day wasn't without problems as the BTR Team had to overcome a problem that saw no less than ten different starter motors fitted to the car!
However, the former British National and Historic Rally Champion ploughed on and at the Carlisle halt late on Saturday night, he had clawed his way up to 30th place overall. Sunday saw a relatively clean run through the stages of Scotland and the Lake District and by Sunday night, the Lancia lay in 24th place.
A concerted effort on Monday morning in Kielder saw Perez battle against binding brakes and a jamming throttle but reached the Carlisle finish this afternoon in an amazing 20th place overall, which was remarkable considering his problems, and went some way to making up for the disappointment of retiring on the very last stage last year.
"That's the most difficult four days I've had since last year's event!" quipped Perez afterwards. "I couldn't believe we had the problem with the half shaft in Langdale again and from then on, we were always playing catch up. We pushed as hard as we could after that and we were encouraged by the crowds, the fans are simply amazing out there! We made up a bit of time in Kielder as I know my way up there now and in the end, I was happy enough with a top twenty, given our problems. What you've got to remember is that this car is up against those from a different era so it's always going to be tough but we're going to make some big improvements and come back lighter and faster next year!"
Meanwhile, it's a quick turnaround for Perez as he forsakes the wind and rain of the UK forests in favour of the heat of Africa tomorrow when he flies out to start preparations to contest the East African Safari Rally which gets underway on Sunday 22nd November and continues until December 1st.
