Will Rogers had a mixed day at last weekend’s Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages, alongside Tom Naughton, in their Lancer Evo 9, but still came away with some silverware.

This year’s event was the first time in many years that it has been part of the BTRDA series, replacing the very popular Somerset Stages. In this series, seven tests were on offer for the high quality, 125 car field which assembled at The Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells; 44 miles in the forests of Crychan, Radnor, Cefn and Gwibedog.

On the opening loop, Naughton’s Evo seemed down on power, a check at the 1st service of the day revealed a catalytic convertor issue which couldn’t be rectified, and a bad tyre choice for the afternoon loop meant that the duo couldn’t put any pressure on group leader, Russ Thompson. They had to settle for 14th overall, 2nd in class

Jason Gardner, who had the experienced Graham Cox alongside, in the Brecon View Plumbing Escort RS1800, had a trouble free day to finish 42nd and 3rd in the Historic class, despite finding the morning stages very slippery.

Drybrook youngster, James Dunkley had a new co driver in the shape of Colin Jenkins in their Vauxhall Corsa. Gear selection difficulties on a road section and a broken alternator bracket were the only real problems.

“The stages have been brilliant, especially Radnor, it was just so fast, we had a few niggling problems but we were pleased to see the finish” said Dunkley. The duo finished 84th, 10th in class.

The overall event winners were Matt Edwards and Darron Garrod in the Swift Group Fiesta R5.