A small but hardy bunch from the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge made the long trip up to Dunoon for the Argyll Rally and were rewarded with excellent stages on an excellent event. We lost Mike Simpson and Dale Gibbons from the entry as both Mike and his car are still recovering from their Manx shunt but they are entered on the Nicky Grist Stages and we hope to see them there.

 

All photos thanks to Ben Lawrence.

With special stages on both days of the rally it was designated as a ‘double header’ and Baz Wheeler was fastest out of the blocks taking a large chunk of time out of class rival Lee Ashberry, both driving D5 Escort RS1800s. Ashberry’s car is probably not quite as technologically advanced as Wheeler’s but he had to cope with a brand new co-driver in the shape of Richard Wise as John Pickavance was unavailable for selection. They held position for both days with Wheeler taking maximum points both days which made the trip extremely worthwhile. Ashberry and Jones were also held up along with all the other Challenge crews on the Friday night after a 2 hour delay due to an accident and didn’t get back to service until well after midnight!

 

All photos thanks to Ben Lawrence.

Stephen Hall and Aggie Foster wheeled the mighty Triumph TR4 out for their ‘local’ event and set a blinding pace, putting many more capable cars and crews to shame. They too took a maximum points haul.

 

All photos thanks to Ben Lawrence

Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley, the reigning Challenge champions have had a difficult start to the year and this was their first rally of 2025. They carried on where they left off with a steady run and a sound finish to take the class win and plenty of points.

All photos thanks to Ben Lawrence.

Last but not least, Russell Joseph accepted a ride out with Craig King in his Mini Cup car and after a dire run of events in similar cars it all came together at last with a sound reliable performance over the two days. Just reward for Russ is the Exol Oil award which repays his determination to keep trying!

 

All photos thanks to Ben Lawrence.

In addition to West Wales Rally Spares, our main headline sponsors, we are indebted to our other supporters, Exol Oil, Mintex, Jondel Race Engines, REIS and the David Stokes Award. We now look forward to the Nicky Grist Stages based in Builth Wells on July 12^th.