Gwyn Thomas became the first driver to win the Clwydian Cars Stages three times when, with Paul Hughes, his Ford Puma took victory by just six seconds from the Lancer of Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes who were also trying for a hat-trick. Also on two previous wins was third-placed Geoff McQuilling, with Rob Hopewell in a Honda Civic.

Aled Charles/Emyr Hall, seeded 27, took the first stage but their Escort broke a half-shaft on the next. Pugh/Hughes then headed the table for four stages before Thomas/Hughes took a narrow lead which was extended when the Lancer lost 11 seconds on the ninth stage. Despite a fightback the deficit could not be overcome.

The 1600cc class saw an expected close battle between McQuilling/Hopewell and sibling crew Philips/Hughes, the two crews setting equal times on four of the first five stages. After that the Honda pairing pulled away slightly from the Peugeot, finishing third and fourth.

Event sponsor Myfyr Owen took fifth, his Lancer co-driven by Keith Jones and only reported one moment, a big off with very little damage! Sixth went to another hard-charger, Will Rowlands, with Rich Jones in a Historic spec Escort. They battled hard to win the two-litre class against Richard Merriman/Kath Curzon – however, a big compensation for the Darrian crew was winning the draw for a full entry refund!

Eight overall saw a tie, decided in favour of the Lotus Europa of ANWCC Championship leaders Stuart Deeley/Alistair Dodd. Many thought the car would be too fragile for the Ranges, but it survived well. Equal was the leading 1400cc crew, Gareth Roberts/Ian Lloyd (106) who had been second in class to the Nova of Dyfed Pritchard/Tecwyn Jones until the penultimate stage, but won by just one second!

The Road Rally class went to the popular Stephen John (Williams), with Paul Roberts in an Escort. Third in class awards were also hard fought in Classes B and C, going to Steve Wood/Aled Richards (Citroën C2) and Dave Lewis/Steve Southall (Escort Mk1) by only a few seconds.

Just four retirements included James Nicholas/Marc Mayes (Corsa) who rolled over the finish line of SS6.

Results:
1, Gwyn Thomas/Paul Hughes (2.0t Ford Puma 4x4 Cosworth) 18m 40s
2, Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes (2.0t Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III) 18m 46s
3, Geoff McQuilling/Rob Hopewell (1.6 Honda Civic VTi) 19m 03s
4, Chris Phillips/Sarah Hughes (1.6 Peugeot 106 GTi) 19m 14s
5, Myfyr Owen/Keith Jones (2.0t Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII) 19m 25s
6, Will Rowlands/Rich Jones (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 19m 31s
7, Richard Merriman/Kath Curzon (2.0 Darrian T9) 19m 40s
8, Stuart Deeley/Alistair Dodd (2.5 Lotus Europa) 19m 42s
9, Gareth Roberts/Ian Lloyd (1.3 Peugeot 106 Rallye) 19m 42s
10, Dyfed Pritchard/Tecwyn Jones (1.4 Vauxhall Nova)

Class winners:
Roberts/Lloyd, McQuilling/Hopewell, Rowlands/Jones, Thomas/Hughes, Steven John Williams/Paul Roberts (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2)

Snippets
Meirion Roberts had to withdraw his entry as his Escort, seeded at 4, was destroyed in a roll the previous day – on his driveway! It should be noted that his driveway is over a mile long!

Geraint Richards took a late entry and chose the vacant number 13 for his Darrian. Luck, however, went against him – alternator failure after the first stage causing retirement.

Report by Dave Thomas, 11 Maes Canol, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9UX. (Tel 07788 995345)