On Saturday 28th May 15 Minis took part in the third round of the HRCR Mintex ‘Old Stager’ Mini Challenge, at the EMCOS Red Dragon IT Stages at Down Ampney in Gloucestershire. 65 Miles of concrete runways greeted the drivers at this event comprising of eight stages with several splits and chicanes.
The weather was glorious compared to what was predicted and the Minis struggled to start in the heat in the service area after coming in off the stages.
Having a hard fought battle all day the top times set by the Minis meant only seven seconds separated the first three Minis home. Adrian Kermode / Maurice Beckett took top honours in the Corkills VW Wigans Mini with a time of 74:17 and 21st overall taking the tight chicanes with ease. love:mini sponsored Clive King and Anton Bird took 74:22 although having brace issues after the first two stages and constantly swapping times with Andrew. Andrew O’Hanlon / Ryan Taylor taking the third spot with 74:24 and 23rd place respectfully.
Shane Gamble / Bob Ward brought their Mini home in 29th overall not having an issue during the day. Peter Ellerby / Phillip Swanborough put a sterling effort in, even swapping the steering wheel after the first stage to give Peter an improved driving position, finishing the event in the Regent Roofing Mini 34th overall.
In the Mini Open Class Nigel Hart / Lyndon Moulton took the honours of first open Mini home. Martin Melling and Carmel Venables in the H & M Motorsport /Cancer Research Mini having suffered a minor accident with fellow Mini competitor the Taylors, had a good day and finished 48th overall. Jim Brindle / Sam Bould brought their Mini in 32nd overall.
Retirements
Eric Davis / Nigel Dutson in the RP Joinery Mini Clubman were having a good day swapping times with Clive and Andrew until stage seven where the steering arm came loose and they had to stop in the stage. Nigel sitting in for regular co-driver Russell Joseph as he had a family wedding to attend.
Bruce Mills despite all his best efforts getting the Mini back square and ready for the rally only managed one stage with Paul Kendrick before the radiator fan punctured the radiator and they had to call it a day. Not all was lost as Bruce won a set of Yokohama tyres in the draw.
Rhodri Owens also failed to finish in his Mini having suffered an oil leak on the engine on stage two and having to stop the car before the engine became too sick.
Jonathan / Nigel Bennett blew their Mini engine up on stage three. Steve Griggs / Marc Clatworthy event came to an end prematurely although having to buy a new exhaust after a hitting straw bale only to have a blown head gasket on stage seven.
The next round with be Midsummer Caerwent Rally 2016 sponsored by Garth Tyre & Auto Services – this is a non-public spectator venue.
Results
Adrian Kermode – Maurice Beckett Mini 21st Overall
Clive King – Anton Bird Mini 22nd Overall
Andrew O’Hanlon – Ryan Taylor Mini 23rd Overall
Shane Gamble – Bob Ward Mini 29th Overall
Jim Brindle – Sam Bould Mini 32nd Overall
Peter Ellerby – Phillip Swanborough Mini 34th Overall
Stuart Hart – Thomas Murphy Mini 38th Overall
Paul Taylor – Jemma Taylor Mini 44th Overall
Nigel Hart – Lyndon Moulton Mini 46th Overall
Martin Melling – Carmel Venables Mini 48th Overall
Photos by Mark Chapell Gas mark media
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