HPM Motorsport 2WD and VK1400 Challenge Round Up

Richardson ’s Ramblings…

Class A7 on the Border Counties Rally was won by the Walkers Garage (Northallerton) and GLE Courses supported Fiat Stilo Trofeo of Rod Bennett / Henry Richardson on their way to maximum points in the HPM Motorsport 2WD Challenge.

This “Old Stager” crew got off to steady start on Ogre Hill, confessing to be a little short of match practice on gravel after their early exit from Rallye Sunseeker. New suspension installed since Wales Rally GB was another factor the crew were “running-in” over the very rough Redesdale stage. “The new set up, borrowed from one of the Lancia Integrales at home, worked much better on the rough stuff” observed Bennett. “We could attack the rutted sections in there without fear of the strut inserts popping up through the bonnet!” A problem that had dogged the crew throughout WRGB. “We didn’t get chance to test the new Proflex dampers in Bournemouth. Here though, they’re proving themselves a real boon!” explained Bennett at the first service point at Redesdale Army Camp.

By the time the crew reached Simonside/Harwood (stage 3), all the cobwebs were thoroughly blown away. “That was a cracking forest stage – one of the best I’ve done in years!” exclaimed Richardson at the finish line. “Excellent marshalling too!”

Both the crew also enjoyed an attacking run over the 9-mile 5th stage – named “Pennine Way” in reference to several of its sections traversing the route of the famous long-distance footpath. “That was a bit quick for a footpath?” suggested Richardson . “Last time I went from Byrness to Kielder Dam took me three hours in a pair of clogs 28 years ago!”

The crew were pleased to find the stage conditions just as pleasurable on the second visit to Harwood, when it was run in the opposite direction. “Just as much fun in the dark!” was Bennett’s comment at the finish line.

Senior moments before the start notwithstanding, an excellent day in the forests, leaving the crew looking forward to taking the Stilo for its first visit to the Isle of Man in May!

Sadly in the VK1400 Challenge, the sole entrant of Mark Gamble/Steve Link retired their Citroen C2 screamer after going OTL.

 

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