Tour of Cornwall April 12-13th 2003.

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