PEDLEY RALLYING

Chris junior’s first ever event was The Agbo Stages on the 16th March, based at Weston Park near Telford, organised by the Owen Motoring Club.
A two hour drive to the venue meant a four ‘o’clock start for the team, which on this occasion comprised of Chris Senior and Junior along with Bob Senior and Junior. After arriving at Weston Park, we proceeded into the unknown - scrutineering the car for the first time. Any fears were unfounded as the car sailed through without any hitches. We were seeded at number 54, which meant we returned to service to await our start time for the first stage.

Our start time for the first stage was 08.46am, and as the time approached, Chris was quite obviously starting to get nervous. The moment we started the first stage all nerves disappeared and he was into his stride straight away. Two miles into the stage the infamous Weston Park water splash was lying in wait, and it got us. After entering carrying too much speed, the engine drowned out and left us desperately trying to dry the ignition before the closing car arrived. As the clerk of the course approached, the engine fired up and we managed to cough and splutter our way to the finish. With a time of 6.39, we returned to service in last position and work to do.

The next two stages were really what it is all about, the car was back on song, Chris was on top of his game, and starting at thirty second intervals we caught the car in front on both stages before we encountered the water splash, driving right behind the car in front, we had a nice gentle run through the water and came out unscathed. Our times of 3.33 and 3.25 were respectable given the fact that we followed another car for nearly a mile on both occasions. Returning to service we were feeling a lot better about the earlier problems and when we lined up for stage four, we were raring to go. The car we had been playing shotgun to failed to show, meaning that we had a clear run - and that was our downfall, The water splash was ready and waiting and got us again, too much speed and the ignition drowned out, this time it was to be terminal.

After being towed back to service the car started up on its own, but it was too late we were out of time and were out of the event, the only thing to do was drive the car onto the trailer, pack up and head off home. Valuable lessons were learned and after the disappointment had worn off, we all agreed an enjoyable day had been had by all and we began planning for the next event.