Lancaster lands HRCR Grist victory

The Nicky Grist Stages rally on Epynt’s gravel roads proved a fantastic day for most West Wales Rally Spares Stage Masters contenders. With minimal dust and roads holding up well, the competition was fierce. Rudi Lancaster and Guy Weaver, piloting a new ex-Ben Friend RS1800, set a stellar pace to claim victory. Jack Thorne with Dan Morefield and Lee Ashbury with Ian Jones pushed each other hard in their D5 class Escort RS1800s, showcasing impressive improvement from Thorne. Sadly, Rob Dennis’ rally ended on stage 2 with broken steering, but not before some spectacular air on the Login jump.

Jonathan Brace, despite a penalty for a gearbox change, dominated the C5 class in his Escort RS1600. Andy Stokes and Jeremy Wells followed closely behind in their own immaculate Escorts. In C3, Paul Holmes and Elizabeth Beesely capitalized on Hywel Davies’ retirement to secure the win with their Ford Escort Mk2.

The final act belonged to Graham Thatcher and Tim Samuel who lit up the stages with their flamboyant Triumph TR7 V8, conquering D4 despite a fan scare on stage 6. A determined Robert Clarke also deserves recognition for finishing the rally in his classic Mini, overcoming a misfire and stalls throughout the event. With a successful Nicky Grist Stages concluded, the Stage Masters now look ahead to a busy summer schedule.