The Tour of Epynt was the opening round of the Grand Prix Racewear National Tarmacadam Championship 2004.

Richard and Barry found the fast, undulating stretches of narrow Welsh tarmac less daunting than in 2003, when seasoned competitors benefitted from local knowledge.

The recce commenced at 8.45am on Saturday morning allowing the pair to renew their familiarity with some of the more frightening Epynt jumps!

The little red Peugeot sailed thru’ scrutineering (having had some additional work earlier in the week when the gearbox mainshaft suddenly broke. Extended thanks to Coventry Automotive for working extremely hard on Friday to remove, strip, rebuild and refit the ‘box for collection Friday night.

The overnight accommodation was superb and the suggestion of a local pub/restaurant went down extremely well with the crew of Dave, Trevor, Costa and Steve, who were not seen until Sunday morning due to “nice beer”!

Intermediate tyres were fitted to the 106 to cope with the mandatory early morning Welsh rain. The first stage was unbelievably slippery, Richard mentioned a large number of crashed cars off the stage – it was later reported nearly a third of the total entry failed to finish.

The first two stages were approached cautiously, given the problems experienced by other competitors. Richard and Barry carefully increased their pace but during the first few miles of the third 12 mile stage the recently rebuilt gearbox ate second gear. The negative effect of the gearbox problem and the calming influence of co-driver Barry James encouraged Richard to drive the remaining stages flat out with a “nothing to lose” approach.

Richard and Barry were contented with their final time less than a minute behind the class winner finishing 3rd, 41st overall from 97 starters.

Richard and the Team pride themselves in the level of preparation behind the red Peugeot which enables them to be competitive at National events. A brand new Peugeot Talbot Sport competition gearbox and driveshafts has been purchased to enable the Team to push for a Class win this season. This latest £5,000 investment is another example of their commitment for 2004.