The lead-up to the event proved troublesome for Richard and the team. Loose pins caused the bonnet to fly off the red Peugeot two days before the Rally. The stray bonnet violently smashed the windscreen and damaged the roof. The screen was hurriedly replaced and the (unpainted) spare bonnet fitted spoiling the looks of the normally immaculate car.
The unfortunate incident behind them, the Team travelled to Oxford to compete in the Abingdon Carnival Stages at Dalton Barracks, Oxfordshire. This is a fully operational RAF base which, for one weekend a year, hosts a Motorsport Carnival staging a Sprint, an Autotest and a Rally.
This was the first single venue event that Richard and Barry had entered this year and were seeded a credible 20th from an overall entry of 110. Displaying the highest start position for a 1600cc car the duo were determined to succeed.
Appalling overnight Oxfordshire rain greeted the Team early Sunday morning. Richard and Barry knew they would have to attack from the start given the concise nature of the one day event. After two stages the Red Peugeot had nipped it's way to 2nd in class and 26th overall on the slippery surface. The sun began to shine and the Team changed from wet to dry weather tyres. This improved the Peugeots stage times and the pairs committed style generated significant interest from competitors and spectators.
Richard and Barry departed the sunny lunchtime routine service with the Peugeot on dry weather tyres. Halfway through the stage the heavens opened with a torrential downpour reducing visibility and grip to a minimum. Nine miles into an eleven mile stage the Peugeot failed to stop and collided heavily with a large concrete sleeper which badly damaged the left front corner of the car. Richard and Barry escaped unscathed, the latter a little sore courtesy of the 5 point harness. The team retired, disappointed, but proved yet again they were capable of competing successfully with more powerful cars.
The Peugeot is currently in the bodyshop (Frank Stones Garage) being straightened before its next event in Wales.

A track and test day for sponsors and supporters of Richard Clews Rallying will take place during July. This will be an opportunity to have a passenger ride in the red 106 to see what it feels like!