Damian Cole driving his Ford Focus WRC was the class of the field on last weekend’s Dixies Challenge Rally that took place on the Epynt Military Ranges.
Abergavenny businessman Cole, partnered on this occasion by veteran co-driver Paul Spooner set fastest time on eight of the ten stages to take a comfortable 32-second winning margin and secured a hat-trick on wins on this event.
Organised by Forresters Car Club & Forest of Dean Motor Club Over 70 crews started this 10-stage event. Sunny conditions greeted crews at the start of the first stage but a cold wind would keep tyre temperatures down and catch out the unwary. Dave Willett in the purposeful Escort RS placed fastest time on the slippery opening stage while Tony Rees in the Darrian T 90 was fastest on the second stage – there after Cole was fully up to speed and topped the time sheets on all remaining stages.
Brecon garage proprietor Craig Jones and co-driver Shaun Layland driving the beautifully presented CMJ Motors Mitsubiushi Evo 9 had an early scare on the opening stage but settled into a rhythm to set consistent times during the day, securing a fine second in class to winner Cole and another top result on Epynt after his fine performance on the Tour of Epynt in March.
Craig’s brother Josh had a less favorable outing having also got caught out on the opening stage, leaving the road and suffering damage to the Peugeot 205 causing retirement.
Eian Pritchard co driven by Steve McPhee wheeled out the immaculate Escort RS from the North Road Garage stable and secured a class winning drive.