Last weekend’s Rally Nuts Stages proved to be a fantastic rally debut for Kelly Dunkley who sat next to husband James. The Drybrook duo walked away with 2nd in class in the Dunkley Auto Services Vauxhall Corsa.

Bright blue sunshine with a cold biting wind greeted the 130 crews who lined up for rounds 3 of both BTRDA and Welsh championships in the picturesque Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells.

Just 6 stages made up the 45 competitive miles, most of which were in the Hafren forest complex with 2 stages back in the Sarnau area which were last used in 1989.

The Dunkley’s had a trouble free day to finish 83rd overall and 2nd in class.

“It’s the best way to go rallying take the wife with you, can’t get moaned at then, but Kelly did a cracking job, given it was her very first event, and to come away with an award can’t be bad,” said James.

Top local crew were Ben Friend and Cliffy Simmons in the beautiful Allglass RS1800, who were using the event for more seat time in the new car ahead of round two of the British Historic championship in two weeks time, but they found themselves embroiled in a terrific three way fight for top 2WD honours with the two litre Avenger of George Lepley and the RS1800 of Tom Llewellin,only nine seconds separated the three young guns at service, although Friend had lost 10 seconds with a spin on the opening stage.

During the afternoon stages Lepley really took charge and just pipped Friend for the 2WD honours with the Allglass duo finishing 15th overall and 2nd in class.

“That was some battle with George and Tom, the spin in one possibly cost us in the end, but George must have had his Weetabix at lunchtime, but good event, great stages, and more seat time for us with the new car,” said Cliff.

Ross-on-Wye based Paul Morris was again sat next to Steve Black in the SBG Suzuki 1400, another good run netted 33rd and 3rd 1400 home, after a trouble free day.

Sadly for Tim Phelps and Elwyn Manuel in the 2.4 litre Escort, an accident on stage one saw the crew require medical attention. Both of them were ok apart from some bruising,  and every one wishes them a full and speedy recovery.

The overall winners were Scottish duo Euan Thorburn and Paul Beaton in the 05 Focus WRC, these two are dominating National rallying in both England and Scotland at the moment.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here