Local lads come fourth in rally (From Penarth Times)

Local lads come fourth in rally

A PENARTH rallying team have taken fourth place at a national competition in England.

Graeme 'Jimbo' Jones, driver, and Richard Perry, navigator, had their first baptism by mud when they took part in the Wyedean Forest Rally on Saturday February 9.

The rally covered fifty miles of mud and gravel roads in the Forest of Dean with the headquarters at Chepstow Racecourse.

The first stage at Chepstow racecourse could be described as "Mickey Mouse".

A rally can't be won on one of these stages but it can be lost. With limited experience of forests, the two miles at Yorkley woods gave the feel of things to come and Jimbo warmed to the task.

By the time he appeared at the morning management point, Jimbo and Richard were hot but on target and the only servicing necessary was cooling drinks for the crew.

With Richard calling the corners, just two more stages brought them back to Chepstow for the half-way halt. Only a slight adjustment to the well used handbrake was needed before setting out for the afternoon loop.

A three-miler at Blaise Bailey soon had them back in the groove but this was followed by almost 10 miles of Speech House which had been cut up badly after the morning run.

At one point both crew members struggled as a tree slid ever closer to the passenger's side, but with skilful handling disaster was averted and the stage was completed in a very respectable time.

After a quick fuel halt there was one forest stage left. It turned out to be narrow and extremely slippery before the final lap at Chepstow.

Jimbo and Richard crossed the line pleased with fourth place in the class. They had completed nearly fifty stage miles in 59 minutes and 4 seconds. This put them 2 minutes and 14 seconds behind "Wiggy" in his Peugeot 106, a tantalising 27 seconds short of third place and a silver cup.

Jimbo said: "We'd like to thank everyone who helped prepare the car for the event, and our friends and colleagues who turned out to cheer us on. Thanks to those who have helped with sponsorship as well. Such support is vital and helps us achieve our good results."

The team is looking forward to the next challenge. Richard said: "Now for the next one. Somerset Stages will be held on April 20, 2002. See you there."