DPS STAGES
Sibling youngsters Steven and Julie Hughes took their first-ever rally win on North Wales CC's DPS Stages held at the Trawsfynydd Motorsport Centre last Saturday. Their 1600cc Escort led from the fourth stage of twelve after the demise of Andrew Barker/Steven Hort (Focus). Second overall was claimed by Brian Hardman/James Lacey (Escort) after pipping Geoff McQuilling/Iolo Jones (Civic) on the last stage. 48 crews gathered at the bleak venue where sunshine gave way to rain.
The 1400cc class was resolved in favour of Gareth Roberts/Brynmor Pierce (Citroën AX) by just four seconds from brothers Dewi and Siôn James (Nova) with Paul Ellis/Sharon Clark (Favorit) third.
With the overall winners coming from the 1600cc class, class honours went to Geoff McQuilling/Iolo Jones (Civic) from the Peugeot 106 of Gary and Jane Edgington, with the Sunbeam of Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes third. Phil Kendall/Neil Thomas had been in that battle but put their Nova off the eighth stage and took no further part.
Brian Hardman/James Lacey took two-litre class honours in their Escort, well up on the 16-valve Escort of Dean and Craig Jones with Will Rowlands/Sarah Manton (Escort) slipping to third on the last stage. Keith Griffiths/Paul Hughes travelled just 200 yards into the first stage when their Escort half-shaft snapped.
The over two-litre class went to Tristan Dodd/Dave Barnes in John Hardman's 4WD Fiesta, beating the Escort of Arwyn Williams/David Roberts with no other class finishers. Dave and Ken Pritchard (Escort) led initially but suffered mechanical problems, whilst Myfyr Owen/Geraint Jones put their Focus off.
Gareth Edwards/Dylan Thomas (Impreza) took the 4WD Turbo class, whilst son Gavin Edwards, with Ifan Rowlands in a 205 GTi, took Road Rally honours. Bob Beaden/Briony Arstall (Astra) won the Mixed Crew award whilst just 36 crews finished after a tough battle over short testing stages.
Results:
1, Steven Hughes/Julie Hughes (1.6 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 11s;
2, Brian Hardman/James Lacey (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 21s;
3, Geoff McQuilling/Iolo Jones (1.6 Honda Civic) 23m 26s;
4, Tristan Dodd/Dave Barnes (2.4 Ford Fiesta 4WD) 23m 34s;
5, Gary Edgington/Jane Edgington (1.6 Peugeot 106 GTi) 23m 45s;
6, Dean Jones/Craig Jones (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 54s;
7, Will Rowlands/Sarah Manton (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 57s;
8, Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes (1.6 Talbot Sunbeam) 23m 59s;
9, Ian Jones/Alan Williams (1.6 Peugeot 106 GTi) 24m 30s;
10, Gavin Edwards/Ifan Rowlands (1.9 Peugeot 205 GTi) 24m 35s.Report by Dave Thomas, 11 Maes Canol, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9UX (Tel Work 01745 589529, Home 01492 584872)