JRT Enville Stages Rally
John Cope & Richard Winstanley "Winy" returned to the Anglsey Circuit to defend their crown, after winning the event in 2011.
With John Stone in his Fabia WRC, Nigel Mummery in his Focus WRC and Mike Gilman in his Escort WRC, John and Winy were in for some stiff competition if they were to retain their title.
Stage 1 commenced in dry overcast conditions where John immediately set the pace from Nigel Mummery. John Stone had the misfortune of getting stuck on a tyre dropping 30 seconds, handing a significant advantage over to John and Winy, which might prove decisive later in the day.
Times were then very close with Nigel snatching the lead from John on Stage 4 following a small overshoot when John carried a bit too much speed into a hairpin, but the lead was just 1 second. Nigel increased the lead to 3 seconds after Stage 5 only for John to snatch it back again on Stage 6, but by now John Stone was setting some quick times and closing in on the battling due of John and Nigel, just 7 seconds behind John.
Stage 8 saw John Stone close the gap to 3 seconds with John dropping to second again behind Nigel by 2 seconds - so it was getting very close at the top. A nagging but small problem with the front diff had appeared, which was traced to a broken wire after the event, but did not hamper the dynamic duo too much in the latter stages of the rally.
Stage 9 saw a decisive change when the weather played mind games with tyre choices, unfortunately Nigel made the wrong decision and John took some 13 seconds from him, but john Stone set a storming time, having elected for a "cut slick" against John's choice of an "intermediate", and exited the stage with a 3 second lead over John.
All was set for a titanic tussle on the final stage and it was John Stone who set the pace with a blistering time and ran out winners by 17 seconds.
Nevertheless John and Winy were well satisfied with their 2nd Overall and thoroughly enjoyed the days sport.
Once again supported by Dean George of GEO Preparation who presented the car in immaculate condition, Andy Freeman and Andy "Peaky" Peak ensured some good fun for all the team.
Final Results :
1st John Stone/Jack Morton Skoda Fabia WRC 44:51
2nd John Cope/Richard Winstanley Subaru Impeza WRC 45:08
3rd Nigel Mummery/Fiona Scarrett Ford Focus WRC 45:17
4th Mark Jones/Christopher Brierley BMW E36 M3 45:38
5th Mike Gilman/Iain Douglas Ford Escort WRC 45:47
