HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge
Gareth Lloyd and Ryland James (Escort RS1800) were the class of the field in the second round of the HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge, the Welsh International Rally on 1/2 May.
The Welsh crew dominated the event, which ran for 120 miles over the daunting tarmac of Epynt. However, it could have been a much tougher event for Lloyd/James had first round winners Will Nicholls/Nick Broom not gone out on the opening stage with an electrical problem in their Escort RS1800.
Running alongside the Armajaro MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the second Classic event on the calendar was a tough test for man and machine. But Lloyd/James were more than equal to the task and eventually returned to Brecon with just over four minutes in hand.
"We've had a trouble-free event," reckoned Lloyd. In fact, his only real drama came in the closing stages of the rally when they ran first car on the road. "We were delayed by sheep a couple of times. In fact, once we had to come to a complete stop!" But, with such a lead, the end result was never in doubt.
Having suffered a blown engine in their regular BHRC car, Ernie Graham/Robin Kellard hired a car for the Welsh International and moved into the Classics for the first time. Despite having to get used to the Mk1 Escort, they gave chase to Lloyd and were content with second place. "We weren't going to catch Gareth, but we've had a good steady run," said Graham after his first finish in three rallies this season.
The best battle of the Classic section of the rally was over third place as Kevin Vaites/Philip Stone (Escort RS2000) traded times all weekend with Dick Slaughter/Geoff Dearing (Escort RS1800). Eventually, Vaites just grabbed the place by 12 seconds, despite fighting against a slipping clutch. "Apart from that, it's been spot on. But it was a big learning curve," he added after his first full event on Epynt.
Topping the 1600cc class was the Talbot Sunbeam of series newcomers John Williams/David Griggs. "We've had a really good weekend with no real dramas," said Williams. Other than having to keep changing batteries as the system would not charge, it had been a strong debut, both in the championship and on Epynt. "I'd never been here before, and we missed the recce, "admitted Yorkshireman Williams.
The HRCR Classic Challenge returns to Wales in three weeks time for round three, the Red Dragon Rally on 22 May.
