A weekend in Dunoon for the Argyll Stages

A hardy band of West Wales Rally Spares Stage Masters Challenge contenders made the long haul north to Dunoon for the Argyll Stages, there was the added incentive of scoring points in the Metric Services (Leicester) Ltd. Asphalt Cup as well on a rally which is split into two days giving competitors the opportunity to score points each day. It turned out to be a slightly damp weekend but enthusiasm wasn’t dampened as all crews enjoyed the roads and organisation immensely.

Challenge title contenders Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley are ardent supporters of the Challenge and commit to every round, they had a good weekend collecting as many points as they could over the two days with a tale or two to tell, Paul takes up the story.

‘Half way up the M6 I realised we hadn’t packed the spot lights, not good for the night stages. We managed to get an emergency message to our service crew (Nobby) who brought us a couple of lights thank goodness. Not as good as my usual 6 spots! The night stages were made a little easier with our 2 spotlights, although still very demanding.’

‘Saturdays stages were also good and we got into a good rhythm. Only one stage (14) was cancelled sadly. We found the narrow lanes and crests just as challenging as last year, but we were more prepared than last year. If anybody likes tarmac and a new challenge this is a great well organised Rally. Thanks to the organisers and our service crew.’

Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley now top the Challenge table.

Top Mini was expected to be Clive King but on day one he broke a damper mounting and the intercom stopped working leaving him third Mini and second in Class B2. Shane Gamble took full advantage and took maximum points for the day. The fastest Mini however was Craig King with newly installed co-driver Aggie Foster, they blitzed the opposition to win the C2 class ahead of Eric Davis and Russell Joseph who were relieved to make the finish of day one after a series of frustrating non finishes. Andrew O’Hanlon and Kevin Hogan were the sole runners in the C1 class and took the win with no issues. The stages on the first day started with a run through Dunoon town centre before stages running into the dark. Clive King was keen to point out that son Craig is not known as the ‘Prince of Darkness’ for nothing!

Craig King and Aggie Foster were flying on day one.

Day two dawned and everything changed for the Mini crews, Craig King suffered a bout of over enthusiasm and left the road costing him about 3 minutes and Shane Gamble suffered suspension problems losing them time. This meant that Clive King swept to the front of the pack where he quietly consolidated his lead. O’Hanlon and Hogan did the class double securing excellent points and despite their problems King (the Prince) and Foster also managed maximum points on both days. Davis and Joseph were delighted to finish the complete event with confidence growing with every stage. Holmes and Beesley also completed the double but are now scoring reduced points due to the number of class contenders. Onwards now to the Nicky Grist Stages and back onto the gravel.