Despite Damian Cole finishing in unlucky thirteenth spot on the 2004 Rainworth Skoda Dukeries Rally, the Hereford based Welshman was encouraged that a problematic day still kept him just outside the top ten. Driving his ACE Motorsport run Subaru Impreza World Rally Car, Cole along with Blackwood co-driver, Den Golding made a good start on the British Trials and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) Series qualifier.
The O2 Get Connected! supported driver set a time inside the top ten on the opening timed test, without pushing too hard. Following the first three stages the Welsh pair were just outside the top ten in eleventh place. Stage four was the start of their problems with a huge spin which dropped them into the bottom end of the top twenty. The pair noticed a noise in the transmission following the spin which would cause more concern as the day progressed.
The former multiple Welsh Tarmac Champion had moved back up to fifteenth after five stages and was taking things easy to ensure they recorded another finish on a gravel event. Cole still in single figures of gravel rallies contested and improving with each event.
Cole then found gear selection very difficult on the seventh test of the day with fifth gear now extremely noisy. The next stage sixth gear disappeared off the gear selection. Catching a car on the final test and unable to get past in the dust also slowed Cole's progress.
"Thirteenth is quite good for the problems we had throughout the day, it would be nice to have a rally where I am able to have a good clean run. I am sure that with a clear road and no problems we can be very competitive."
Cole will now return to the Kwik Fit/ Pirelli British Rally Championship and to the asphalt surface of which he is more acquainted. The Jim Clark Rally is the first of three tarmac rallies in the BRC series and Cole will certainly aim to push his World Rally Car to its limits."We have had a mixed season so far with our limited experience on gravel and while our progress is encouraging, I hope the tarmac events will give me trouble free rallying. I should be more on the pace with the leaders and improve on my times on gravel and move up the leaderboard and into the top ten."Damian/Den were supported on the Dukeries Rally by O2 & Get Connected!, Welsh Automotive Forum, Matador Tyres, ACE Motorsport and Maximum Attack Promotions.
