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Epynt is always a challenging and exciting rally. The hills in Builth Wells seem to provide a microclimate, with sunshine and heavy rain is often a feature in the same stage! Tyre choice can make a huge difference - Simon took advantage of Steve Harkness's advice on which tyres to use. However he only had worn wet tyres - and boy did it rain! Rather than being down about the weather, Simon and co-driver Brian Cammack came out fighting. After the second stage Epynt specialist Peter Lloyd and co - driver Carl Sorensen took the lead and were never headed. This was only the second round for Peter and his Subaru Impreza WRC since The Tour of Epynt in March. The battle for championship points (and championship!) is between Simon / Brian in their MK2 Escort and Damian Cole/James Morgan in their Ford Focus WRC. After 4 stages they were tied in equal 2nd on exactly the same times! The MK2 Millington engine was on song, having had a recent rebuild and now mapped for Shell Racing Fuel, giving an extra 7BHP. Since the last outing Simon has worked with Fostec, Sadev and Pro-Shift making minor improvements and adjustments. However, up against the WRC cars in the rain it was a tough challenge. With no mistakes from Simon and Brian - in what Simon said is one of their best drives, the crew held 3rd going into the last stage. They could have settled for 3rd, as John Indri / Dave Engwell were 1:36 minutes behind in 4th in their Darrian T90 GTR. Instead they kept pushing, setting the 2nd fasted stage time. A costly over shoot by Damain and James awarded 2nd place to Simon and Brian by 5 seconds! This result leaves Simon and Brian in contention for the overall MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, against main rival Damian Cole and James Morgan in their Focus WRC. The next round is the Patriot Stages Caerwent on the 25th of September. See the fantastic picture above (courtesy of RallyMad Photography). Also take a look at this short video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-ouO_scL94 |
Championship Hopes Still Alive at Mewla!