DAMIAN Cole, co-driven by Craig Drew, took a superb victory on last weekend's RDP Welsh Rally in the Get-Connected.Com Ford Focus WRC 05.
He came home just 3 seconds in front of the Subaru S12 WRC of Peter Lloyd/Graham Handley after 80 competitive miles of the daunting Epynt military ranges.
Cole was quickest out of the box on the opening 20 mile test, taking a 9 second lead from Lloyd. Over the next loop of stages the lead increased to 15 seconds,as the duo stamped their authority on the event.
By time they reached the halfway point it had stretched to 16 seconds,and Lloyd who has dominated Epynt events in recent times, seemed to have no answer to the flying Cole.
With just 3 tests remaining and a 17 second lead, victory was in sight. But as Cole backed off a bit, Lloyd attacked and with just 1 stage remaining the lead was down to 7 seconds.
With Lloyd taking 4 back on the last stage, it left Cole/Drew victorious as they arrived back at the Brecon finish. "That was close,we backed off a bit to much, but its been a great battle all day. We are very pleased to have won, Damian drove so well," said an elated Craig Drew.
Next on the agenda is the Manx National Rally on Isle of Man this coming weekend.
Another crew who came home with a superb result was Jay Stanley/Ken Owen in the Stanley Builders backed Escort RS, which finished 5th overall 1st in class having led the 2wd battle all day.
Dan O'Brien had the experienced Paul Morris alongside in the Fiesta ST, this being 17 year old O'Brien's Epynt debut. They came home 38th, 6th in class
Running behind the main field was the RDP Welsh Historic event, a round of both Mini 50 series and Welsh Historic championship. Cliff Simmons teamed up with Simon Tysoe in Tysoe's tarmac spec Escort RS1800. These two started steadily as Tysoe is still building his confidence after his Wyedean accident. But as the day wore on times improved, setting the fastest time on stage 11, to come home 3rd and 1st in class. "Today has been all about building Simon's confidence, and we are getting there. Well pleased with the result," said Cliff
Eric Davis together with Russ Joseph stormed to another victory in the Mini 50 series in the Armley Enterprises backed 8 Port Mini. Their only issue was losing the intercom on stage 8. Still they arrived home victorious by 22 seconds and taking a superb 7th overall 1st in class. At the moment the Drybrook resident is certainly the man to beat in the Mini series.