DPS STAGES

Geoff McQuilling and Iolo Jones took their Honda Civic to its second victory in as many events at the Trawsfynydd Ranges, winning the North Wales CC DPS Stages by almost half a minute from the Escort of Brian Hardman/Michael Joyce. Third, demoted by just one second on the last stage, were Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes in a Sunbeam.

36 crews lined up for the start at the tricky venue, headed by McQuilling who was not particularly relishing the thought. Behind came Andrew Barker/Anthony Marshall, who took an early lead in their Focus Subaru hybrid, twenty seconds ahead at the half-way mark only to be forced to retire when a service crew member accidently set off the fire extinguisher system. Barkers' early lead had been shared for the first two stages with Dave Pritchard/Anna Marchbank (Escort) but that battle ceased after four stages when a severe oil leak developed.

Everyone was interested in the late entry carrying number 39, Simon Hughes having rebuilt his Renault Clio S1600 and out for a test run with Chris Martin. After a slow start they took fastest times on the last stages and pulled up to within six seconds of McQuilling, but sportingly did not wish to be classified as finishers.

Pete O'Dougherty/Keith Markham took the 1300cc class in a Suzuki Swift, with locals Dewi James/Siôn James (Nova) second and Paul Ellis/Sharon Clark third in a Skoda Favorit.

With McQuilling taking overall honours, the 1600cc class went to Pugh/Hughes whilst Phil Kendall/Neil Thomas gained yet another class award, their Nova finishing sixth after recovering from a visit to a ditch and also suffering a puncture as they started one stage. Third were John Lane-Williams/Danny Lane (205 GTi) having a clean run for the first time ever.

Hardman/Joyce took the two-litre class, Rupert Lomax/Dave Alcock second in the Classic Escort Mk1 and Cliff Evans/Danielle Bradshaw third in another Escort.

Youngster Wil Rowlands, with oldster Eddie Blackwell, took fourth overall and over two-litre honours in his Escort, second going to Gareth Edwards/Alan Roberts in a Sapphire Cosworth and third being Jason Wilson/Vicky Huelin in a Pinto-engined Chevette.

The road rally class saw an incredibly close battle between clubmates Barry Green/Tegid Evans and Stephen Edwards/Llywela Roberts in identical yellow Sierras. After swopping places most of the day Edwards emerged on top by just one second, both cars finishing in the top ten! Third were Ian Morgan/Neil Thomas (205 GTi). 26 crews were classified as finishers.

Results:
1, Geoff McQuilling/Iolo Jones (1.6 Honda Civic VTi) 23m 27s;
2, Brian Hardman/Michael Joyce (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 50s;
3, Ken Pugh/Gwawr Hughes (1.6 Talbot Sunbeam) 23m 51s;
4, Wil Rowlands/Eddie Blackwell (2.1 Ford Escort Mk2) 23m 53s;
5, Rupert Lomax/Dave Alcock (2.0 Ford Escort Mk1) 24m 25s;
6, Phil Kendall/Neil Thomas (1.6 Vauxhall Nova GT) 24m 46s;
7, Cliff Evans/Danielle Bradshaw (2.0 Ford Escort Mk2) 24m 58s;
8, Steve Edwards/Llywela Roberts (2.0 Ford Sierra) 25m 44s;
9, Barry Green/Tegid Evans (2.0 Ford Sierra) 25m 45s;
10, Kevin Jones/Sam de Gregory (2.0 Ford Escort RS Mk2) 25m 53s

Report: Dave Thomas, 11 Maes Canol, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9UX. (01745 589529 Work, 01492 584872 Home)