2004 206 Super Cup

Posted: November 8, 2004 8:45 PM

Rally Fever Episode 18
Bulldog Rally Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup and Clubmen

Fri 19th Nov 18:00 Sky Sports Extra

Sat 20th Nov 02:30 Sky Sports 3

Sun 21st Nov 07:00 Sky Sports 3

Sun 21st Nov 13:00 Sky Sports Extra

Mon 22nd Nov 08:00 Sky Sports 2

Mon 22nd Nov 16:00 Sky Sports 2

Tue 23rd Nov 14:00 Sky Sports 2

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23rd October 2004
Welsh Wizardry
The Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup came to a thrilling climax as Stuart Jones and co-driver Richard Edwards took the only scenario possible that ensured their year was a good one. Their win on the Bulldog Rally clinched the Championship in their favour.

He was fastest off the starting blocks, at home in the Welsh forests and leading the event by 14 seconds after the first two stages through Hafren. Mike Faulkner was in second place, only one second ahead of Ieuan Rowlands who said he was trying too hard, so must be smoother. Gareth MacHale had rolled his Peugeot on an event in Ireland just the week before, so had hired a car and was struggling to keep it in a straight line. Its crabbing, he said, and Ive dropped over a minute so well have to try to do something about it in service.

Unfortunately due to delays on the road section to the first stage, only four Peugeots were to get a run and the remaining competitors were issued with notional times. Hence at first service at Sweet Lamb, the positions were:

1 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 24:16.2
2 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 24:30.3
3 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 24:31.9
4= Jon Tucker/Hamish Campbell 25:14.6
4= Paul Jones/Darren Garrod 25:14.6
4= Tom Boardman/Alun Cook 25:14.6
4= Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 25:14.6
4= Trevor Martin/Ray Cleghorn 25:14.6
4= Clive Wheeler/Ken Bartram 25:14.6
4= Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 25:14.6
4= Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 25:14.6
12 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 25:31.2

Stuart Jones went on to extend his lead over the next four stages, Sweet Lamb, Taliesin, Pantperthog and Dyfi. He felt his car had been down on power in the first two stages and had adjusted the throttle cable in Sweet Lamb service. By second service in Dolgellau, he had pulled out a 30 second lead, leaving him with something of a dilemma. I dont know what to do now, whether to push or relax now that Ive opened up a wee gap. Back now in second place Rowlands had no alternative but to push hard despite the conditions. Mike Faulkner had dropped to third place, four seconds down on Rowlands, after struggling with the pacenotes. I cant get the notes to flow, and lost my place a couple of times, he moaned.
In fourth place but a minute and a half behind Faulkner, Tom Boardman had broken an engine mount in the rough conditions and wasnt sure if they had a spare. This gave MacHale a chance of catching up the 17 seconds as he was still making changes to the borrowed car and trying hard to make up time. Jon Tucker also had a chance to make up a place, being only four seconds behind MacHale but another to struggle with the ruts.

Clive Wheeler was in seventh place despite losing his service crew. He had managed to rescue some petrol and spares from the stricken van but was relying on help from others and was grateful to his arch rival Michael OBrien for the assistance of his crew. One second behind Wheeler but unlikely to catch him, Paul Jones said Ive had better days! Ive broken an engine mount and exhaust and I cant drive my car, but Im loving it. Stephen Petch could sympathise with that, having lost the left hand shock absorber and possibly the driveshaft; he said he might as well let co-driver Michael Wilkinson drive. In 10th place, Michael OBriens car was still slipping out of gear, but he said its so rough, you dont actually notice it. Jon Sparks was having a bad day, another victim of the conditions. Im just a bit too slow, but I think somethings bent in the steering and it just seems to tighten up. Stage 5 saw the only retirement of the day, Trevor Martin stopping on stage with a broken throttle sensor.

With 28 stage miles to go, Stuart Jones had obviously decided to go for it, extending his lead to 47 seconds over Ieuan Rowlands, with Mike Faulkner and Tom Boardman and Gareth MacHale all holding station in third, fourth and fifth places respectively. Mike Faulkner had put in maximum attack on the last stages and had a major moment on the penultimate stage, but whilst their luck held then, it didnt on the last and they dropped 20 seconds with a broken strut. Ieuan had been pushing hard all day and managed to stay out of the ruts and stay in front of Faulkner too. Tom Boardmans engine mount had gone astray, so no chance of him improving his place, whilst Gareth had pulled back to fifth and ensured he kept his third in the Championship. Paul Jones got back ahead of Jon Tucker in sixth and seventh after Jon spent a little time in a ditch. Stephen Petch was lacking confidence in the slippy stages, but a few minor technical maladies didnt help his day. Clive Wheeler took maximum veteran points and clinched that title with his ninth place whilst Michael OBrien took the final top ten place and with his help to Wheeler in lending his service crew, earned the TOTAL Spirit of the Rally. Jon Sparks and Tina Mitakidou took the final finishers spot.

Today saw a new Champion crowned, the first Welshman to win the Peugeot Championship in fifteen years. Stuart said last year that the Cup demanded perfection and today, clinching eight from nine fastest stage times, he and Richard Edwards gave perfection to win. They will receive a 206 Group N GTi car and running money, totalling 45,000 of prize, plus of course a healthy 2,000 for today not bad for a 19 year old from Welshpool!

Results:
1 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 1:26:32.7
2 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:27:20.0
3 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:27:46.3
4 Tom Boardman/Alun Cook 1:29:57.6
5 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 1:30:15.3
6 Paul Jones/Darren Garrod 1:30:36.3
7 Jon Tucker/Hamish Campbell 1:30:38.8
8 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 1:31:39.1
9 Clive Wheeler/Ken Bartram 1:32:11.2
10 Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 1:33:53.8
11 Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 1:38:44.2

• Bulldog Rally - (Sat) 23 Oct 04
• www.peugeot.co.uk/motorsport

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206 Super Cup - Post Park Stages 13/09/04
FAULKNER FLIES
Another brand new event in the Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup took fourteen cars to the South of Scotland for the fabulous stages in the Galloway Forest Park. Based in the picturesque town of Newton Stewart, the competitors lined up in the Town Centre for a leisurely start just after 10.00 am. Although the heavy overnight rain had stopped, the stages were damp and slippery and dust was one thing that was not going to cause any problems today.

It was joint Championship leader Ieuan Rowlands who set the pace on the first 4 mile stage through Borgan 1, although Mike Faulkner was only 0.4 seconds behind. There was then a delay before the cars could get into their stride on the long and demanding 14 mile Glentrool stage.

At the first Service at Baldoon Airfield, Mike Faulkner found himself in the lead, two seconds ahead of Stuart Jones, with Rowlands a further four seconds behind in third place. Faulkner had stopped on the way back to service to retrieve his rear bumper, pulled off when he had cut a right 8 corner and the car had pulled to the left and dug in, costing him three or four seconds. I dont know the Scottish stages well he said, but I like the style of them. Im going for more of the same on the next three. Rowlands said Ive been too cautious. Im not taking any cuts but maybe I should have done. A slow puncture towards the end of the stage didnt help. Stuart Jones said it was pretty much what he had expected. Im not taking any risks, staying out of the ditches and not cutting. I struggled to get into the flow of Glentrool, as it was quite rough in there. Im wary of getting a puncture.

Although 33 second behind in fourth place Paul Jones was having an exciting time having broken a rear damper and cracked wheel near the start of Stage 2. The car was unstable on take off and landing. I thought the back was going to take off. Its frightening on the sixth gear stuff he joked. Only one second behind, Tom Boardman suffered a slow puncture on Stage 2 but was enjoying himself well enough, getting used to the notes again and the different reading style of his new co-driver, Dave McKinley. In sixth place and eight seconds behind Boardman, Jon Tucker was struggling with the stages becoming quite rough, with big rocks pulled out and other places quite slippery. Co-driver Mathew Pearce said, Im scared to death, especially looking out the drivers window to see where we are going! Trevor Martin had caught a couple of cars limping out of the stage, but said Im loving it, lots of fun. Andy Pawley had a few lucky escapes on Stage 1, going off the road twice and in a ditch as well, then had a steady run through Stage 2, a bit more cautious. Chasing him hard was Clive Wheeler who was also catching cars and complaining that he always loses a little bit of time on each one. I had a slow start to the day, but I picked up time towards the end.

Michael OBrien limped back to service in 11th place, leaking water. He thought the pump had failed and was not confident about his prospects. James Robertson was being very very cautious. On Stage 2 he reported The brake pedal was a bit long, but I enjoyed the stage and Im getting my confidence back. Jonathan Sparks was finding it a bit bumpy, saying the stages are fast if you are going fast. Theres lots of work in there but Im enjoying it, its good.

Really struggling was Stephen Petch, dropping a minute and a half on the leader on stage 2 when his throttle cable broke. Fortunately co-driver Michael Wilkinson must have been a boy scout, for he fixed it with his shoelace and operated the accelerator from his side of the car. This was then substituted for a piece of wire on the road section and replaced at service.

Poor Gareth MacHale saw any remaining Championship hopes dashed when his rear wheel sheared off at the stub axle two miles into stage 2. When he got back to service, it was apparent that the remaining part had mushroomed out and it was doubtful whether it could be fixed. Having taken a stage maximum, he was almost fifteen minutes down on the leader and was out of time, retiring in service.

Two short stages followed service, then the 15 miler around Black Loch and it was this long stage that was to prove the undoing of Stuart Jones when he holed the sump after a heavy landing. With no oil, his engine let go and he went no further. His only consolation was that with MacHales retirement, he cannot be caught in the Motaquip Junior category and will take the 2000 prize money at the end of season awards. Ieuan Rowlands too had a setback when he had a front left puncture about half way through the stage and was very disappointed to drop to 4th place, just over a minute behind the new leader Mike Faulkner. Faulkner too was having problems, jumping out of gear on Stage 3 and then losing their way on Stage 4 at an unmarked junction around a long corner. Co-driver Peter Foy realised the notes were not working, so they turned around and went back to rejoin the stage. After Stage 5 he said Im having a jolly good go, Im really wound up and happy to be leading.

In second place at Service, Jon Tucker described Stage 5 as relentless but they were trying very hard. Co-driver Mathew Pearce said he was even more scared now and was telling Jon, who couldnt believe they were up to second, to take it easy. Only 0.2 seconds behind, Paul Jones described his car as like Jimmy Saville, wears a lot of jewellery and rattles! On Stage 3 he had almost gone off into a river, it was only the bridge parapet that stopped him and having teetered on the edge for a while, he managed to reverse off. In fifth place behind Rowlands, Andy Pawley was one of many complaining of rough stages and his car jumping out of gear, and only two seconds down, Clive Wheeler was in danger of overtaking OBrien in the Championship for the Veterans Trophy. Would you want to win the Veterans Trophy? he asked, Can we rename it Over 25s? In seventh place, Trevor Martin actually enjoyed Stage 5, and 9th placed James Robertson considered it the best stage of the lot, catching and passing Jon Sparks who not surprisingly was amongst those who did not like it much.

Tom Boardman was unlucky to collect 10 seconds penalties leaving first service late after they had changed the rear wheel bearing, only to realise the problem was the stub axle. His learning curve continued when the fuel pump fuse blew after the same heavy landing as Stuart Jones and the crew had to push the car clear of a dangerous junction before they could fix it. It took six or seven minutes to trace the fault, during which time they had a chat with Stuart. However, Tom said Im still enjoying it, getting better and more confident. Still struggling on, Stephen Petch spent two minutes in a ditch on Stage 5 but managed to get out unaided. They arrived at the stage finish bearing the scars, without the front bumper and with a front strut protruding through the bonnet.

The final pair of stages saw the demise of Paul Jones and Andy Pawley, Jones crashed out on stage 6, immediately promoting Rowlands one place. Rowlands however had pushed hard, his storming time meant he also passed Tucker to catapult him from 4th to 2nd in one stage. Tucker took a career best 3rd, making his long trip from Devon well worth while. Pawley landed heavily on the final stage and lost drive, presuming clutch or driveshaft failure. His fine fourth place was handed on a platter to a surprised Wheeler, taking maximum points in the veterans category.

The remainder of the crews picked their way through the last stages, most commenting on the roughness of the forest tracks, but the honours went to delighted Gretna driver Mike Faulkner and co-driver Peter Foy. The pair took the champagne in Scotland for the second year running, having tasted victory on the Scottish rally in 2003.

It is an achievement to finish those demanding stages, let alone win, said the grinning Faulkner, It takes us closer to third in the championship with just the Bulldog rally left, but well have to beat Gareth by a couple of places to overtake him. Itll be a good scrap.

The championship is still tied at the top with Rowlands and Jones now the only two with a chance of taking the 2004 Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup crown. The Welsh champion will be appropriately decided in the Welsh forests on the Bulldog rally on 23rd October, guaranteed to be a nail biting finale.

Results:
1 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:12:39.6 
2 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:13:22.8 
3 Jon Tucker/Mathew Pearce 1:15:30.2 
4 Clive Wheeler/Ken Bartram 1:16:41.2 
5 Trevor Martin/Ray Cleghorn 1:17:32.1 
6 Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 1:18:03.8 
7 Tom Boardman/David McKinlay 1:22:18.2 
8 James Robertson/Mike Rollo 1:22:24.4 
9 Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 1:26:01.6 
10 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 1:29:44.7

• www.peugeot.co.uk/motorsport
• Park Rally - (Sat) 11 Sep 04

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Rally Fever
Sat 11th Sept 01:00 SS3 1 hr Mewla 206 Cup Rally
     Episode 13 Repeats
Sat 11th Sept 03:30 SS2 1 hr
Sat 11th Sept 11:00 SSX 1 hr

        Rally Fever Fri 24th Sept 19:00 SSX 1 hr Park Stages Nationals
     Episode 14 Repeats
Sat 25th Sept 03:30 SS2 1 hr
Sat 25th Sept 13:00 SSX 1hr

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31/08/04
Round 6 - Mewla National Rally - 29 Aug 04

Jones Gambles & Wins on Mewla
Even in August, the Epynt Military Ranges can be a bleak and chilly place and round six of the Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup was no exception. Although overcast and threatening, it was, however, dry when the ten Super Cup competitors took to the tarmac stages, but with rain lashed stages at times, the weather was to prove the deciding factor as Jones tyre choice proved a winner.

It was local man Stuart Jones who set the pace on the first two short stages and pulled out a slender two second lead over another local, Ieuan Rowlands who had backed off right at the start of the first stage when his way was barred by sheep. However Jones head start was short lived when an engine sensor failed, forcing him to stop twice on the 10 mile Stage 3 and drop 40 seconds. This gave Rowlands a nine second lead at Service on the Mabion Way. In second place was Mike Faulkner, but his car was running at over 100 degrees. Im concentrating more on the temperature than on the road he said. Gareth MacHale was a further nine seconds behind, having survived a heavy landing on S3 after Devils Leap, when everything in the car crashed about and the glove box fell on co-driver Clive Jenkins knees.

Paul Jones was lucky to get back to Service in fourth place, having completed all three stages with the back end of the sumpguard dragging on the ground after it had fallen off on the rough gravel road section on the way to the start of the first stage. In fifth place Jon Tucker spun on a gravelly section at the entry to the German Village and had to do a three point turn, the same place catching out ninth placed man Michael OBrien.

Stephen Petch drove steadily to seventh place and Trevor Martin had no problem in eighth. However, bringing up the rear, Jonathan Sparks said I cant understand why I am going so slowly and I cant understand where I can make up the time.

The 3 stages were repeated after Service, with Mike Faulkner, Stuart Jones and then Ieuan Rowlands each taking fastest stage time, but it was always Rowlands in the overall lead, by 27 seconds at the end of the loop and helped by being the only one to get a completely dry run. Half way through stage 6, the heavens opened and second placed man Mike Faulkner was one of those to suffer, finding himself 27 seconds down on Rowlands. 3 seconds behind, Gareth MacHale was also caught in the rain, saying the car was sliding about all over the place on the shiny tar. Chasing hard, Stuart Jones was eight seconds behind but felt the car was still not right. It feels like someones holding it back on a rope. Theres places I was on the rev limiter last year and now its not happening. Im taking big cuts to try to keep up, but I think Ive damaged the suspension. Co-driver Richard Edwards said theyd had some big moments as a result of pushing so hard.

Holding on to fifth place, Jon Tucker was suffering with tyres and brakes going off at end of the long stage, a problem also reported by Rowlands. He was very happy with new co-driver, former Cup driver Chris Moore, but Chris said Im feeling quite queasy, I havent got my co-drivers stomach back yet. Trevor Martin was in sixth place and behind him, Stephen Petch was having a busy day, changing a wheel before the start of Stage 4 due to a leaking valve, then replacing a broken fanbelt before Stage 5. Behind Michael OBrien, Jonathan Sparks said Ive now got my head in gear and Im going a lot better. He had scared his co-driver Tina Mitakidou with a big moment over the last of a series of three crests. Sadly this loop produced the first and only retirement of the day, Paul Jones hadnt noticed burning oil but his engine let go in a big way on Stage 6 ending his day.

Just as competitors were leaving the Mabion Way service area for the second time, the heavens opened again and there was frenzied activity changing tyres yet again. Rowlands was keen to keep the chasing pack at bay, but then caught an MG which wouldnt let them past. Im pretty fed up, Ive been trying all ways to go flat out and then everything Ive gained is wasted. He had also dropped a little time on the start of Stages 7 and 8, a little too cautious in wet. In contrast Stuart Jones said Its not slippy at all, its quite abrasive, lots of grip. This was borne out by three fastest stage times, lifting him to second place and 26 seconds behind Rowlands, despite losing power steering at the start of Stage 9 which made his arms ache especially after the German Village. MacHale pronounced himself Happy in third, Jones is ahead but Im going to keep going.

Mike Faulkner was losing his battle with MacHale, having locked up on standing water at the bottom of New Road and being forced to reverse, losing 15 secs or so. This put him 13 seconds behind at Service. Now over a minute behind Faulkner, Jon Tucker was finding it very slippy and with Trevor Martin 25 seconds behind, had decided not to push at all. He was nevertheless enjoying himself: I dont know what everyone worries about, its great fun up here. Martin said Stage 9 was best stage hes driven, but had had a hairy moment near the start of Stage 8. One overshoot so far is not too bad is it? he asked sheepishly. Stephen Petch said Im just too slow, but I locked up and overshot on Stage 8, losing 10 seconds. My tyres have gone off but maybe its a wheel bearing, and the brakes are spongy. Michael OBrien was enjoying the event and having a trouble free day with the car for a change. Jon Sparks said 7 and 8 were good but Stage 9 wasnt, because Im not brave enough on the downhill sections.

The weather was to play a huge role in the next pair of stages, Stuart Jones gambling on slicks whilst others chose inters or even full wet weather tyres. This enabled him to close the gap on Rowlands to a scant 2.9 seconds going into the last pair of stages. At service, Rowlands was going to see how he was doing on times before putting slicks on, because his tyres were going off. MacHale was also on the wrong tyres and dropped a lot of time to Jones and was now 38 seconds down with Faulkner a further 19 seconds behind after going straight on at a hairpin on the short 1.8 miles of Stage 11. Still in fifth place, Jon Tucker was just holding station as his co-driver was still feeling quite ill. Trevor Martin was finding it very exciting, having a lovely time just trying to keep ahead of Petch. Im gutted said Petch, I caught Sparks three miles in, got stuck behind him for four miles, lost about 15 seconds but Im still here. At the end of the leg, he was still only four seconds behind Martin. OBrien had had an overshoot on Stage 10 when he braked too late and had to reverse out, and had pulled over to let Petch past. I went out on wets but now Im putting on slicks, so knowing my luck its now going to rain, he joked. Sparks said Im just not fast enough, probably because I dont spend any time in the car.

But a thrilling finale had been set up. Gareth MacHale went hard on the two stages and gained more valuable points finishing in third place. Ieuan Rowlands tried too hard on the long Stage 12, with two and a half spins, one of these in the German Village. Although he tried to make amends on the last stage driving flat out, it wasnt enough to take back the lead, finishing runner up. By contrast Stuart Jones had the perfect stage 12, every jump and corner inch perfect over the fifteen miles taking enough time back to snatch the lead. He nearly threw it away on the last stage, with a huge off, sliding a long way on the grass, but dropped only five seconds to win the event by thirteen seconds.

Ieuan Rowlands and Stuart Jones now share the same points at the head of the Championship, dropped scores now coming into play. The next two rounds return to gravel where the battle for the championship will continue.

Results:
1 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 1:22:58.8 
2 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:23:12.7 
3 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 1:23:50.6 
4 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:24:13.4 
5 Jon Tucker/Chris Moore 1:26:40.1 
6 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 1:26:41.2 
7 Trevor Martin/Mike Panes 1:27:10.4 
8 Michael O'Brien/Mathew Pearce 1:29:54.5 
9 Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 1:32:51.0

• www.peugeot.co.uk/motorsport
• Mewla National Rally - 29 Aug 04

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19/07/04
Round 5 - The Swansea Bay National Rally
17th July 2004
Stuart Jones Takes Maiden Gravel Cup Victory
As well as being Round 5 of the Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup, the Swansea Bay Rally also welcomed the Peugeot 205 Rally Championship. Together with a two 106s and a 306, this meant that of the 174 cars that lined up at the start of the event, no fewer than 73 were Peugeots.

The day dawned damp and overcast with low cloud hanging over the Welsh Mountains as the fifteen Peugeot 206 Super Cup competitors left the start at Felindre to head up to the classic forests of South Wales for nine stages totalling 73 miles.

It was Tom Boardman who was straight into his stride on the first stage, the long 15 miler through Resolven, but local man Stuart Jones was less than a second behind despite missing his braking point for a corner whilst in sixth gear, and another local and current Championship leader Ieuan Rowlands was a only six seconds behind. At the following service in Walters Arena, all the crews complained of the slippery conditions and the plentiful log piles to catch the unwary. Fifth placed man Mike Faulkner was very frustrated, having been held up for ten miles by a car which had regained the stage just in front of him. Gareth MacHale survived a big overshoot when he landed in soft grass, but the grass blocked the radiator, subsequently causing overheating. Paul Jones also visited the same grass, but still managed to come in fourth. In seventh place, Jon Tucker and new co-driver Hamish Campbell had almost got their Peugeot wedged on some logs in the slippy conditions, and the other new partnership, Andy Pawley and Ian Bevan had lost confidence after a spin near the start. The only real casualty of the stage was Stephen Petch, who slid off for three minutes into a bog, and thanked the many spectators who helped extract the car.

A group of three stages followed service, a short section around Walters Arena providing good spectating for the waiting service crews, then a long 13.5 miler in Rhondda proved the undoing of Tom Boardman whose car rolled into a ravine and out of the event. Jonathan Sparks also went off, both crews were fortunately unhurt.

At the second visit to service, Stuart Jones had set fastest times on all three stages, but complained of the roughness of the stages: There are big holes, right on the line on the corners, you cannot avoid them. Inheriting second place from Tom Boardman, Ieuan Rowlands had broken a front strut at the end of stage 3 and had struggled through stage 4 to finish 43 seconds down. 12 seconds behind, Mike Faulkner had tried to push too hard on stage 2 after his previous frustrations, but settled down to a good time on stage 3, then spun again on the next stage. The driver is erratic he said, but the car is spot on! Paul Jones, only six seconds behind, had had a few overshoots but was the only one enjoying the slippy stages; indeed he had set second fastest time on Stage 4. Gareth MacHale had set himself a target of third place, but had quite a lot of work ahead of him as he had almost half a minute to make up to achieve his goal.

Trevor Martin was delighted when his service crew bought him an ice cream on the road section back to service. He discovered a rear puncture at the start of stage 4, and thats when he realised that the car had been a bit funny on the previous stage! Michael OBrien was still struggling with a broken engine mounting. Everythings moving. The engine revs either flat out or not at all. The gearbox is shifting, and I dont know if I can fix it all. Andy Pawley was also in trouble, the left hand strut coming out in sympathy with the right. The car was also jumping out of gear, so he was driving one-handed and had also lost his intercom on Stage 2. Stephen Petch had broken his drivers side window on Stage 2, then lost power steering on Stage 3, but finally had a good run on Stage 4 so was staying positive. Colin Brittons car refused to go straight on the straights, and he was at a loss to know why. Jon Tuckers sixth place evaporated when his engine failed on Stage 5. I think it has put a rod through the block, he said, it went with a big bang and that was that.

The final pair of stages saw re-runs of the 3.6 mile Walters Arena and 15.2 mile Resolven tests with the closest battle between second, third and fourth places. Further down the field Trevor Martin went off in the trees on Stage 6, joined by Colin Britton who retired with terminal shock absorber problems. Michael OBrien battled bravely with his broken engine mount, having re-welded it at each service and was rewarded with the final prize money position and the TOTAL Spirit of the Rally Award to boot.

Stephen Petch finished his rally with two clean stages, the first of the day after niggling problems plagued the team, his ninth place scant reward for his perseverance, but became the first of the 2004 champions to be confirmed, taking the Rookie Championship with 5 straight maximum points. Matt Jessup thoroughly enjoyed the event which he completed in eighth place but more importantly gained valuable experience for his forthcoming assault on Wales Rally GB and won the Motorsport News Award for best improvement on seeding.

Andy Pawley drove to the notes and had a good clean run to take seventh place, his partnership with his new co-driver Ian Bevan working well. Clive Wheeler had no dramas and really enjoyed the event. A bit slow, he said, but maybe thats something to do with my age. Nevertheless, his sixth place is his best result of the season.

Gareth MacHale admitted he had no answer to the pace at the front and never made the time back from his early overshoot. He drove steadily to the finish, unlikely to make the time back by taking risks. I hoped to get more out of the weekend he said, but I am happy with the points. He finished fifth but maintains his second place in the championship points table.

Paul Jones was absolutely flat out through the final stages in an attempt to reel in Faulkner, but the car jumped out of gear a couple of times leaving the affable Kent man fourth and still very happy with his result, confirming that the slippy conditions had suited his driving style.

Faulkner went into the last pair of stages 10.5 seconds behind Rowlands, determined to catch the Welshman, but he tried too hard and dropped more time running wide on a couple of corners. He equalled his third place on the previous round to maintain fourth in the Championship.

Local man Rowlands drove steadily through the last pair of stages, settling for 2nd place and extending his lead at the head of the championship to 20 points. The broken damper sealed it, he commented, but Stuart was on a mission and Ill have to keep an eye on him when dropped scores come into play from the next round.

The victor was not in question though; Stuart Jones had a scare on stage six, landing the car on its nose, but still set another pair of fastest times, maintaining his neat, clean and fast run to take his first victory of the year. The young welsh driver closes the gap to second in the Championship, now adrift of Gareth MacHale by just twelve points.

The next round returns to Wales, visiting the Epynt military ranges for the Mewla Rally and the final asphalt event of 2004. Rowlands concern over Stuart Jones pace may be valid, since Jones first 206 Super Cup victory was on the ranges in 2003, when the youngster took victory by a comfortable 40 second margin. The event is based in Builth Wells on the 29th August and will be as exhilarating as ever when the battle for the prize of a brand new Peugeot 206 GTi 180 rally car continues.

Results:
1 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 1:17:18.2
2 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:18:25.5
3 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:18:43.5
4 Paul Jones/Darren Garrod 1:19:07.2
5 Gareth Machale/Clive Jenkins 1:19:34.5
6 Clive Wheeler/Ken Bartram 1:22:14.4
7 Andrew Pawley/Ian Bevan 1:23:28.9
8 Matt Jessup/Alan Carfrae 1:23:29.7
9 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 1:24:11.5
10 Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 1:24:31.9

• www.peugeot.co.uk/motorsport
• www.swanseabayrally.com

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07/06/04
206 Super Cup POST Mutiny Rally
Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup
Round Four - The Mutiny National Rally

Rowlands Rules
The lovely mid-Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells hosted the 4th round of the Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup, with classic stages in the surrounding forests, and with heat and dust the contrast to the Manx.

The drama began even before the event had started, Alastair Moffatt had been unable to repair the damage to his car following his accident on the Manx Rally. In order not to waste his entry, he and co-driver Mathew Pearce switched seats and Mathew drove his historic MG. Sadly, not slowing down for a jump caused some damage and they retired. In the 206 Cup proper, Stuart Jones waited until morning to change his clutch and only just made it to the start line.

The fourteen Peugeot 206 Cup competitors were faced with a long first stage, fourteen miles through Radnor. Ieuan Rowlands was fastest with Stuart Jones just a second behind despite the car jumping out of gear, and Mike Faulkner a further seven seconds down after a half spin. Returning to the Cup after missing the last round due to his racing commitments, Tom Boardman struggled with intercom failure and dropped 36 seconds on the leader. Paul Jones was a further three seconds behind in 5th place after having a half spin into a ditch, followed by Jon Tucker who also reported getting away with a huge moment half way through the stage. Andy Pawley was struggling to get into the notes. Stephen Petch had caught and passed a Subaru, as did Trevor Martin while Clive Wheeler also caught the same car. Championship leader Gareth MacHale had hit a chicane, damaging the front suspension and leaving him bringing up the rear, with a minute and a half to make up. Jonathan Sparks retired on Stage 1, a broken gearbox 10 miles in not a particularly good wedding present for co-driver Tina who ties the knot in a couple of weeks.

After a welcome 20 minute service at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, the cars set out for a loop of 5 stages totalling 33 stage miles through the Crychan Forest complex. Stuart Jones had sorted out his gear linkage problem in service, but dropped to third place on Stage 2 after it gave trouble again. However, he set fastest time on the very next stage to regain second place by less than a second only to lose it again on Stage 5 when he was held up by the previous car who had had a puncture. Jones commented it couldnt have been worse, only one clean stage. It would have been good to battle closely with Ieuan. Rowlands meantime had increased his lead to 36 seconds over Mike Faulkner as they returned to the Showground for the second time. He said Its hard to know how to push, but Im on a comfortable pace. I think Ive squashed my exhaust, and we are about to take 2 extra Kumho tyres. Mike Faulkner meantime commented Im trying really hard. Had a massive moment in 6th gear in Crychan that took over 200 yards to sort out. I think I am losing time in the tighter corners, not the quick stuff.

Stage 5 claimed Michael OBrien, who ripped the nearside rear wheel off the car. Tom Boardman was another to take Joker tyres and laughed that he was now experiencing tyre wear in rallying! Trying to keep it clean and down the middle were his tactics keeping him in 4th. Paul Jones in 5th was really enjoying the earlier stages, but with the tyres down to the canvas, was taking it carefully in the last couple.

Gareth MacHale had improved up to 6th at this point, but wasnt pushing too hard anymore. Jon Tucker was confused as he felt he was driving really quick with loads of grip, but had a hole in the exhaust which put him down on power, leaving him in 7th place. Andy Pawley had never seen so much dust, hoping his service crew could find the hole in the floorpan, while in 9th, Clive Wheeler was matching his game plan of taking it easy to get to the finish. Stephen Petch rounded off the top ten and commented that the rally was fast and furious, but Im driving like a woman!. Trevor Martin was enjoying himself in 11th, and while Matt Jessup rounded off the finishers, he was soon to retire as he uncovered a broken rear beam hub bearing in service.

The Cup runners went out for the last batch of three stages in the Tywi forest, a long 13.75 mile stage, followed by 4.86 and the shortest stage of 3.56 miles making up the mileage. Stuart Jones was flying on the main Tywi stage, taking 15 seconds out of Faulkner to regain his 2nd place overall. MacHale was back on form in 3rd fastest, while Rowlands had backed off his pace on the rough bits to preserve his car in 4th.

Jones took another fastest on Stage 8 to increase the gap over Faulkner but with Rowlands only 3 seconds behind on this stage, there was not much chance to close the gap for the lead of the Cup.

At the end of the day, Rowlands and Kelvin Savage made no mistakes on the last three stages, consolidating the lead he had earned earlier, and finished the rally on the top spot, also achieving his aim of finishing in the top 20 of the event overall. Jones was pleased to put his earlier dramas behind him and have three clean stages, showing his pace. He thought he could have come away with a win, but had to be satisfied with his second 2nd place of the year. Rounding off the top three podium places was Scotsman Mike Faulkner who had tried very hard through the day. He couldnt quite break the fastest times domination of the first two, but had been giving battle all day.

Tom Boardman took 4th place in the Cup with a string of personal firsts his first finish & points score in the Cup this year and his first National A rally result, and with credible stage times, showing he is no slouch in the rally world too. He was finding the comparison from racing to rallying quite marked earlier, but enjoyed the long mileage to settle back in. Paul Jones found the last few stages very dusty as they consolidated their 5th place, while Gareth MacHale was pleased to have continued his climb back through the ranks to finish 6th. On dropped scores, he still reckons on being second in the Championship so not too downhearted with his day.

Jon Tucker in 7th place hit a big rock on Twyi which made his handling horrible, and the car cutting out on the last pair of stages didnt help his progress but he really enjoyed the hairpins. Andy Pawley took the only puncture of the Cup today, but thankfully on the road section to the penultimate stage. He finished the day in 8th on a steady run. Taking the Veteran points, Clive Wheeler was pleased as he had set out to finish today after his Astra accident and achieved the maximum mileage possible.

Rounding off the top ten was Stephen Petch, who was off the pace on Stage 7, so decided to just drive for a finish but still picked up a cheque from Peugeot. Last finisher was Trevor Martin who had some problems with his brake bias but enjoyed an excellent rally.

The new Championship leader is now Ieuan Rowlands, who along with Kelvin showed he has truly mastered the 206 Super Cup car and deserves the plaudits of the Llandrindod Wells audience.


Results:
1 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:17:11.8
2 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 1:17:33.1
3 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:17:53.4
4 Tom Boardman/Richard Pashley 1:18:41.1
5 Paul Jones/Darren Garrod 1:19:30.2
6 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 1:19:33.8
7 Jon Tucker/Scott Cleverdon 1:20:42.3
8 Andrew Pawley/Howard Pridmore 1:21:06.6
9 Clive Wheeler/Ken Bartram 1:21:18.6
10 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 1:21:53.0
11 Trevor Martin/Ray Cleghorn 1:23:29.4

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MacHales the Man(x)
And leads the Championship

The Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup made a welcome return to the classic rally stages of the Isle of Man for the Roush Manx Rally. Fifteen Peugeot 206 crews made the crossing, some visiting the island for the first time.

After a spectacular start on Friday evening from Port Erin, going straight into the first stage from the start ramp, the cars tackled 5 stages totalling 34 miles before the overnight halt at the famous TT Grandstand in Douglas.

In the lead at the overnight halt was Chris Moore, setting three fastest stage times and pulling out a lead of 22 seconds over Stuart Jones. This did not prevent him from complaining that he had not had a single decent stage, the list including a rear shock absorber coming loose, intercom problems, the lamp pod incorrectly set and only being able to see 150 yards. I drove like an amateur on the last stage, I didnt get any of the corners right. It was a horrible night he commented.

Second placed man Stuart Jones had himself set two fastest stage times and pronounced himself Happy enough. I misheard a note on Stage 4 on a fast section, spun and went up the road in reverse, losing 30 seconds. Its a lot more bumpy than I thought and the car is too low at the back. But theres a long way to go and Im not too worried.

Gareth MacHale promised to Go like hell tomorrow after a fraught night with three overshoots costing him time and leaving him 32 seconds behind the leading man.

Only another 4 seconds behind was Mike Faulkner, having had a terrible first stage losing 5 seconds in just 1.5 miles. However, when darkness fell the pair lost their place in the notes and, coupled with the tyres going off on the last stage, were glad to get back to the Grandstand in fourth place.

Alastair Moffatt described his attempt at Stage 1 as Just like an autotest. I was playing to the gallery, with lots of reverse gears at bales and chicanes. On the Mines section of Stage 4 he had a fourth gear moment on a wide section when the wing mirror clipped the bank, scaring co-driver Mathew Pearce.

In an unaccustomed sixth place but enjoying himself nevertheless, Ieuan Rowlands said It was good, I know where I am losing time and I keep upping the pace slowly. Rodney Wilton was having trouble seeing the road at times, but he said The car is 100% and we have had a better recce on tomorrows stages, so I will attack.

Jon Tucker had been held up on Stage 2 when he came across a car on its roof, adding to his difficulties of running in the dark. I feel as though Im not going as well as I could and Ive not had a proper stab at it. It didnt help that he was without brakes on the last three stages, when they had overheated and faded.

In ninth place was Paul Jones, also complaining about overheating brakes and a massive 5th gear moment on Stage 3, sideways over the bumps and breaking a gear linkage. As a result he had to drive in 4th gear only for the rest of the stage and lost a lot of time. Stephen Petch was another to come across a car blocking the stage, which did nothing for his confidence in the dark. Im okay on the twisty sections, but not committed enough on the fast stuff.

In front of Trevor Martin, Colin Britton had barrel rolled his car on Stage 3 when the rear of the car had got away on a tightening 4L, his own two spare wheels overtaking him during the accident. In the process he lost his windscreen and lamp pod but was able to limp home in the dark to finish the end of the day.

Behind him, and finishing in 11th place, Trevor Martin had run over some of Colins debris, damaging the brakes and destroying Colins lights. Michael OBrien had a very disappointing night, Stages 2 & 3 having been cancelled, which was probably in his favour as his car was cutting out. He was hoping that new plugs would solve this problem, but the oil light was also coming on.

Jon Sparks pronounced himself Hopeless! I just didnt slow down for the last corner on Stage 4 and bent a strut, so theres a bit of work to do in service tonight. I let myself down with that!

Despite all the dramas, the only retirement of the night was James Robertson/Mike Rollo, who rolled their car on Stage 2, bringing down a tree and blocking the stage which was subsequently cancelled, although the crew were unhurt.

End of Leg 1
1 Chris Moore/Roger Herron 34:03.9
2 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 34:26.3
3 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 34:36.7
4 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 34:40.2
5 Alastair Moffatt/Mathew Pearce 35:09.6
6 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 35:21.2
7 Rodney Wilton/Derek Coleman 36:10.3
8 John Tucker/Scott Cleverdon 36:29.4
9 Paul Jones/Darren Garrod 37:31.9
10 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson37:48.6
11 Trevor Martin/Ray Cleghorn 38:05.8
12 Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 39:15.5
13 Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 39:49.5
14 Colin Britton/Kenny Hull 43:30.7

Leg 2 kicked off at a civilised start time of 08:45 and took crews to the first of the two Barroose stages behind the infamous Creg Na Bar TT section, though the weather had deteriorated to wet, rainy and cold.

Chris Moore stormed through the first stage 6, just escaping the rain which started as he reached the finish line. Stuart Jones was slowed by an Evo off the road, and also suffered a problem with the start lights of the stage, resulting in a timing glitch of 30 seconds in his favour. MacHale was also slowed by this car, while Faulkner was just too cautious. A smiling Moffatt reported no problems, while Ieuan Rowlands complained of not liking the first stage of the day having just got used to the dry stages on leg 1. The rain left the car feeling slippy. Paul Jones didnt make this first stage, his car cut out with electrical problems, and they couldnt remedy the unknown fault in their time allowed. Colin Britton just couldnt source a 206 screen on the island, so was forced into retirement before turning a wheel.

At the service in after the first group of 4 stages, Moore was also nowhere to be seen. At the Brandywell Cottage junction on Stage 7 his car had broken the driveshaft, ending his rally there and then. The new leader into service was Stuart Jones, who had had a nightmare of a morning. Timing problems on both Stages 6 & 7, plus a puncture mid-way through Stage 7 caused him to lose over 30 seconds, but with only slicks in the management car didnt leave him with the right tyre choice for the last pair of stages.

MacHale was into service in 2nd place, though if the timing glitch is corrected in his favour, he takes the lead. He reported that Stage 7 was foggy for of the stage, though he had a good fast run. The tyres were working well. Stage 8 was cancelled because of a non-Cup related accident, while stage 9 slowed him with a real tank slapper in a fast 5L/5R, but She came back, so Im happy enough.

Moving into third place was the smiling Moffat, who said just exactly as last night, Im keeping to the middle of the road. Not risking anything and having a laugh. However they also reported a dear God moment at Tholt-y-will, while their Kumho shod intermediates were working exceptionally well.

Demoted to fourth place at this point was Mike Faulkner, just too cautious, and getting feel for tyres. He commented; Was ok in the fog, but had one or two moments while still trying to keep Moffat at bay. Rowlands felt that he was slow but he still hasnt found where the limit on tarmac is. Also, with making his own notes for the first time, he has found he needs the extra information like laybys to help with the foggy conditions as he is slowing down too early.

Wilton and Tucker were having their own battle in 6th & 7th, only 25 seconds apart, Tucker already counting up his prize money while Wilton was keeping it fairly clean while still getting used to new notes. Petch commented that he was Trying to be brave on the fast stuff, getting on better than first thing this morning. But aiming to finish. Trevor Martin was not quite in the groove, struggling with brake pads and the fog, and Michael OBrien was just cataloguing a list of problems. Nothing going well, problems on right hand hairpins, so think the diff is set wrong, the electrical problems from last night have gone away but I nearly hit a sheep in the fog. I just dont like the fog. Taking up 11th place was Jonathan Sparks, a very despondent lad commenting that he had no commitment today, Ive just got to get to the end. The accident last night has really lost my confidence.

The second service followed a group of three stages of 36 miles, and MacHale had taken the lead by 16.9 seconds from Rowlands. He said he wasnt quite quick enough and finding it hard to get the grip level, but with only 50m visibility in the fog on the mountain stage, he couldnt see the bumps. Rowlands took 10 seconds off him there, switching back to left foot braking after abandoning it for the early part of the rally. That was too slow he commented, left foot braking is more aggressive. Jones rued another puncture, running for 10 miles on Stage 12 on a flat rear Kumho tyre. It was on a very fast flowing section, with wide roads, and a football sized rock was on my line, I had to hit it. But I managed to keep the speed up, and it was a bit interesting trying to brake from 100 mph! I think I managed to keep the speed up in the fog too, so I havent lost too much time.

Rodney Wilton had moved up to 4th, ahead of Mike Faulkner, who also sustained a puncture on the mucky start of the stage 10. However, it was on the front so had no choice but to stop and change it. The later two stages were much more enjoyable for him, no fog! In the meantime, Alastair Moffatt had stopped Stage 11, tipping the car onto the roof at a bale chicane, and sliding hard into a closely parked spectator car. There were only minor injuries but the precautionary ambulance ensured no later runners saw this stage at speed.

A further four stages rounded up the 2004 Manx National with the battle for first still going between Jones and MacHale.

With four miles to go Jones, in third place, had a string of challenges this weekend which culminated in a broken driveshaft between stages 15 and 16. He managed to borrow a driveshaft from Rowlands team but unfortunately for Jones damaged splines on the shaft took a long time to sort and he went out of time. This team spirit demonstrated trye friendship between the teams when Rowlands risked losing his place in the Championship, but Rowlands collects his TOTAL Spirit of the Rally Award for his sporting gesture.

With Jones out of the rally MacHale stormed ahead and took his lead to the end. He now leads the 206 Super Cup Championship by one point. He commented; Its been a hard rally. The competition was tight between Stuart Jones, Ieuan Rowlands and myself. The car has been faultless all weekend and thats down to Gerry McGarrity Motorsport. Were delighted.

Rowlands was proving to be incredibly consistent going on to finish the rally in second his first time ever on tarmac. Changing back to left foot braking he found a more aggressive style more to his liking and he even set two fastest times.

Third placed competitor was Irishman Rodney Wilton who was surprised to have been so competitive on this round, but his car and his performance were 100% this weekend. A better recce on the Saturday stages and a consistent performance paid off.

Jon Tucker, who has never used his car on tarmac before was looking for a finish on the Manx but is thrilled with his 4th place finish. He wins the Motorsport News Award for best improvement on seeding. Mike Faulkners lost time earlier couldnt be made back and he settled for fifth. Steve Petch wasnt really happy with the fog and slippy stages but hung in there for his personal best Cup result. Trevor Martin never quite sorted out his brakes and finished in 7th position. 8th place went to Irishman Mike OBrien who now leads the Hella category for most improved driving. Rounding off the finishers was Jon Sparks who didnt get much of his confidence back after yesterdays accident.

But the victory belonged to MacHale and Clive Jenkins, the pair now leading their respective championships in the Cup - with their second victory from three starts

Final results:
1 Gareth MacHale/Clive Jenkins 2:00:31.1
2 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 2:00:43.4
3 Rodney Wilton/Derek Coleman 2:04:37.7
4 John Tucker/Scott Cleverdon 2:06:44.1
5 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 2:06:59.4
6 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson 2:07:57.2
7 Trevor Martin/Ray Cleghorn 2:10:03.6
8 Michael O'Brien/Simon Coates 2:14:11.8
9 Jonathan Sparks/Tina Mitakidou 2:15:35.4

For all other Peugeot Sport information including pictures, results and sales visit the website at: www.peugeot.co.uk/motorsport

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09/05/04
Winter Cup Winner Rowlands Wins Again!
Round 2 - The Astra Stages Rally
3rd April 2004

Seventeen Peugeot 206 competitors lined up at the start of a new event to the Peugeot TOTAL 206 Super Cup, the Astra Stages Rally. From the very hospitable host town of Llangollen in North Wales, the cars tackled nine classic stages in the Clocaenog and Penmachno complexes.

Overnight rain had made the stages very slippery but Ieuan Rowlands local knowledge stood him in good stead when he set fastest times on the first two stages, 21 miles through Clocaenog despite a big moment at a hairpin on Stage 1 and the intercom cutting out on Stage 2. In second place by 20 seconds at first service in Bala was Stuart Jones who had initially complained The car feels slow, but there is plenty of grip. Im getting frustrated and losing concentration but theres a long way to go.

In yet another new car, his own new purchase, Chris Moore was experimenting with tyre pressures on Stage 1 and taking it steady but then had a big spin on Stage 2, ending up at 90 degrees across the stage and having to do a five point turn to get out of it. Nevertheless he was only 4 seconds behind Jones, but being chased hard by Mike Faulkner, 2 seconds behind. Faulkner also complained of the slippy conditions and reported a big moment through gateposts on Stage 1, but was lucky to get away with it. The car is jumping out of gear, so I lost a bit of confidence, then I overdrove trying to get the time back. Tom Boardman was next in 5th place saying I will gain more time just by waking up this morning. He was followed by Peugeot Celebrity Car driver Robbie Dale who had had a few spins whilst getting used to the 206 and was having to use the handbrake more than he was used to for the tight hairpins.

Paul Jones reported a few overshoots, and at one point thought he had a puncture and slowed down, losing some time as a result. In 8th place and uncharacteristically over a minute behind the leader, Gareth MacHale had been held up when the preceding car, Simon Taft, had rolled on Stage 1, then he subsequently lost 20 seconds with a small off on a junction. As well as Simon Taft, Stage 1 also claimed both Alastair Moffatt when his gearbox failed and Clive Wheeler who limped out but who had damaged his car too badly to continue.

Stephen Petch brought up the rear in 14th place, having struggled with his car jumping out of gear and losing over 10 minutes over the two stages. This was traced to a broken bolt which was fixed at service, but they were unable to complete the repair in time and were still struggling through the next two stages.

As the weather worsened, it was Stuart Jones who set fastest time on the next pair of stages, ten miles in Penllyn and 4 miles in Llangower, by 0.9 and 0.8 seconds respectively and narrowing the overall gap from Rowlands to 18 seconds. He was much happier with his car after changing the exhaust and adjusting the throttle in first service. Stage 3 was to claim Robbie Dale who plunged down an embankment and was unable to regain the road. Mike Harris also went off on this stage. Tom Boardman was to join the growing list of retirements when he used his handbrake on a right hand hairpin but the car dug in and rolled. He managed to get back to the Bala service but had lost most the glass in the car. In the torrential rain, he decided to call it a day. This meant Gareth MacHale was progressing back up the leaderboard and was now in 5th place although his difference on the leader had lengthened slightly. Colin Britton was puzzled by a major loss of power, but the Peugeot mechanics traced this to a loose fuse, and he rejoined the fray with renewed enthusiasm.

Stages 5 and 6, Penmachno South and North, were run in torrential rain, and the battle at the top continued unabated with Rowlands fastest by one second, then Jones taking four seconds back, narrowing the gap to 14 seconds at the last service.

Rowlands was surprised to only lose a few seconds when he hit a rock on Stage 6, putting the strut through the bonnet. Were hitting the sumpguard heavily. Well get it fixed but I cannot hang about on the last three. For his part, Jones said I want more of the same! Only 14 seconds, so Im going to try to get the win but there is not a lot left to push! In car footage will be interesting; the whole day was so much fun since the cat (exhaust) was sorted. The battle for third place was also very heated, with Mike Faulkner overtaking Moore by 1 second. Im going better now I have got the gear linkage sorted. However, co-driver Peter Foys voice was failing and the pair were hoping it lasted for the last three stages. Moores excuse for dropping a place was that he had fallen asleep. The last few stages have been rough and Im not pushing as hard as I should. I must learn to push a bit harder. Gareth MacHale was philosophical, 40 seconds behind in 5th place and now setting times consistent with the top lads. Im happy enough he said, I wont catch the Moore/Faulkner battle in three stages, so Im holding station and looking forward to the challenge of the Manx and getting back on the hard stuff.

A further minute behind, Paul Jones admitted to struggling. I tried to go quicker but Im having big moments. I cant see through the corners on a lot of the fifth gear stuff and Im not committed to the notes. I was nearly in a ditch on Stage 6.

Also holding station, Jon Tucker said he was driving like a girl, its really slippy and rutted in places so Im on the sumpguard. My aim was for sixth place but although I took some time out of Jones, it was not enough to catch him-if I try Ill go off. Colin Britton reported that his earlier problem was due to a faulty MAP sensor and the car was now feeling good.

After a close shave on Stage 6 OBrien commented: Its very slippy. Weve had a few near misses. Its still wet in the car but thats the least of our worries. Its hard work but good fun.

Twice winner of the Super Cup publicity award Trevor Martin went off into a ditch for five minutes relying on the help of brave spectators who pulled them out. Fortunately for him the car only seemed to have a dent in the bonnet.

Steve Petch junior complained of having one of those days. My car still keeps jumping out of gear and Im fishing for gears. We also spun on the last corner. We are too far behind now, just going to go for a finish its too slippy out there.

The final loop took the crews to Alwen for Stage 7. At the end of this test, Jones beat Rowlands by 3.8 seconds, taking the gap to 10.9 seconds with still 20 miles of stages to go. Moore woke up and took a precious second fastest taking 6 seconds back from Faulkner and with that regaining third place overall. Petch junior sparkled through the stage, matching the time of Gareth MacHale in fourth, not denting his massive deficit from his earlier problems, but earning him the TOTAL Spirit of the Rally Award.

The final two stages of the day were a rerun of the mornings stages in Clocaenog. Stage 8 was the long one at 13.8 miles. Rowlands showed he still meant business, taking fastest, but by a tiny 4 tenths of a second! Chris Moore was third, 8 seconds down, but more importantly, 10 seconds up on his rival Faulkner to make his third place more secure. MacHale completed the top five. Jon Tucker retired with drive shaft failure on this test.

The final stage, the 7.6 miles of Clocaenog east saw the drama finally fall in Rowlands favour. He commented: Im so glad to finish first-I hope I can be quick on the next round which is tarmac as gravel is my favourite. After winning three out of three Winter Cup rounds, the Super Cup victory is sweet indeed. Jones took up the runner up spot, a scant 6.6 seconds back and a valiant effort in his comeback, taking 4.7 seconds off Rowlands on this test, but not enough. He commented: "Its been a fun day considering its so wet, I would like to have finished first though! Moore took up the last place on the podium, just over a minute behind; such had been the tussle at the front. Moore commented: Weve had a great day, we came here wanting to finish third and we have, despite a couple of spins the car is spotless. Faulkner finished 4th 15 seconds back, while MacHale had made no more inroads and had a comfortable 5th place.

Paul Jones took up 6th, Colin Britton was a solid 7th, taking the Motorsport News Improvement on Seeding Award, with Michael OBrien two minutes back in 8th . Trevor Martin and Stephen Petch rounded off the top ten. All credit to the finishers for completing the slippy treacherous stages.

North Berwicks newest rallying star, Robbie Dale was pleased with his early position but disappointed after his off on Stage 6 leaving him with three wheels and out of the rally. He commented; I am so glad to have had the opportunity to drive the 206 Super Cup car its a fantastic little car. It has taken a bit of getting used to but it is also very wet and rutted out there today. Theres some stiff opposition in the Cup.

The Third Round of the 206 Super Cup moves across the water to the Isle of Man for the Roush Manx Rally: May 7th -8th.

Results:
1 Ieuan Rowlands/Kelvin Savage 1:25:05.6 
2 Stuart Jones/Richard Edwards 1:25:12.2 
3 Chris Moore/Andrew Bargery 1:26:16.3 
4 Mike Faulkner/Peter Foy 1:26:32.1 
5 Gareth McHale/Clive Jenk