Competing for their first time, reigning Peugeot 206 Super Cup Champion Stuart Jones and his co-driver, Ford KA regular Ross Butler contested the 2005 Red Kite Stages on Sunday 16th January 2005. The Llandovery based event, using the gravel roads within the Crychan and Halfway forest complex on nearby Mynydd Epynt. The event would also mark the pair’s first four-wheel drive outing.

The nineteen year old Welshpool driver using a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII in anger for the first time allowed his Burgess Hill co-driver little time to get used to his new mount before setting their first fastest stage win together in the new machine.

"We suffered some early intercom problems in the car, but once the the problem was cured we set fastest time on the third stage." remarked the 23yr old passenger.

Jones who had only done a minor test the previous day then notched up some impressive times over the remaining four stages to place the Mitsubishi into second place overall and claim victory in the Group N Production Class.

A Jubilant Jones commented at the finish,

“Its been an excellent debut with the car and with Ross alongside, the result has put us in a good frame of mind for the season ahead. The car ran faultlessly all day and the Silverstone tyres worked perfectly in the changing conditions.”

The result has given the team encouragement for their assault on the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge 2005, where the pair will contest the one make series as Stuart aims to add the title to his Peugeot Super Cup and Welsh National Champion achievements of 2004.

The next event in the pairs pre season build up will be on the Wyedean Rally on Saturday 12th February based at Chepstow Racecourse. Stuart and Ross will then commence their Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge 2005 campaign on the opening round of the series in Bournemouth for the Rallye Sunseeker on 25th/26th February.

Stuart and Ross were supported on the Red Kite Rally by Mick Jones Timber, Silverstone Tyres, Gsport UK and Rallytech.com.