Returning to the driving seat after the Christmas break Dorian Rees showed his previous top three results at the backend of 2003 were no flutes as he finished second overall in his Group N Subaru Impreza on the Red Kite Stages Rally on Sunday 4th January 2004.Rees, who acquired the Prodrive built Impreza back in October had completed three separate events prior to the Red Kite and placed the Subaru into the top three on the latter two rallies. While over the Christmas period Rees was able to conduct some intensive tests and despite having a minor gearbox problem during the test, the remainder of the test was quite successful."It was very encouraging to drive so many miles prior to the rally and try some new settings, it was something we decided to do following the 2003 outings in the car. We had a small problem with the gearbox which resulted in losing fifth gear. The bigger problem came trying to get a replacement box at short notice during the holidays."The Llandovery based event ran eight stages in the forests surrounding the Epynt Military ranges with central servicing. While conditions stayed dry, competitors were thwarted with extreme mist and fog throughout the day.The Llanybydder driver and 2003 Welsh National Championship winning co-driver, Patrick Walsh, had a trouble free run and set some impressive times along the way. Along with second overall, the Welsh pair also had over a two minute lead to their nearest rival in the Group N showroom class."It has been a good day and good event, coming second to Graham Middleton in a Hyundai Accent WRC, losing out to his vast experience and additional power advantage. The car has not missed a beat all day and we have not had any major dramas on the stages."

While the pair are still undecided on future events, they are hopeful to finalise plans in the near future.