Richard
and the team arrived in Cornwall early Friday evening and watched
proudly as the new Peugeot effortlessy passed scrutineering before
settling into their cosy eight berth caravan at Hendra Holiday
Park.
A cold but dry Saturday morning saw Richard and co-driver Barry
James approach the start of the first stage with a mixture of
nervous excitement and apprehension.
The first two stages were completed cautiously and routine checks
at first service proved all was still attached to the car! Both
Richard and Barry agreed a finish was necessary to provide the
team with as much information as possible for development of the
Peugeot.
Considering their slightly conservative approach Richard and Barry
were increasing their speed and thoroughly enjoying the ride!
The final three mile stage along the Coastal road was short, but
excellent, with the bright red Peugeot surpassing expectations
with its balance and performance, providing large grins all round.
The last service of the day at 7.30 pm caused concern within the
team as a water leak was noticed, until it was discovered dripping
from the washer bottle rather than the radiator!
Richard slept soundly on Saturday night content with not only
completing the first day in the red Peugeot unscathed, but in
a First in Class position and 27th overall.
Rain soaked roads caused by overnight showers, welcomed the crew
on Sunday morning. This required fitment of wet tyres to cope
with the smooth slippery surface. Although concerned with the
change in the surface conditions Richard and Barry were determined
to keep their lead over the next 6 stages, two utilising the roads
throughout Hendra Holiday Park.
Richard, Barry and the team were overjoyed at completing the event.
A problem free, First in Class result (finishing 26th position
overall) paid tribute to the effort of all involved. The team
also won an award for the highest placed Peugeot on the event.
Richard
Clews Rallying would like to thank the following:
| Barry
James (Mechatronics). |
Trevor
Godwin
(Coventry Automotive Competition Engineering) |
Roy
Burrell
(Coventry Automotive Competition Engineering) |
Tom
Seale (Gripper Diffs) |
| Peter
Adkins (PWLC solicitors) |
Minga
de-la Cruz (PWLC solicitors) |
| Richard
Talboys (PWLC solicitors) |
Kam
Balrey (Proteusprint) |
| Warren
Smith (Proteusprint) |
Andy
Baker (AB Motorsport) |
| Steve
Massey (AB Motorsport) |
Will
Malkin (AB Motorsport) |
| David
Dorrington (Maniflow) |
Nigel
Fraser (Creative Sign & Design) |
| Clive
Stone (Frank Stones Garage) |
Kevin
(Frank Stones Garage) |
| Iain
E. Anderson (Scribble-it) |
David
Lea (ITG filtration) |
| Peter
Millington (Prestige Vehicle Logistics) |
John
Clews |
| PhillipTalboys |
Simon
Hunt |
| Toby
Faulconbridge |
Dominique
Clews |
|