Ludlow motor club out on rally

Lee Halfpenny and Tom Bemond, both from Tenbury Wells, were making a rare outing in their Tenbury Autotech, Bemand Contracts, Plantech UK sponsored Ford Escort MkII. Seeded at 27 they were hopeful of a top 20 finish.

Also out was young co-driver Jack Bowen, on only his fourth rally he was sat alongside Leominster's John Petrie in John's Peugeot 106 Gti. John had spent much of the week leading up to the rally trying to sort out a persistent miss-fire, but they made it to the start hopeful that they had cured the problem. Sponsored by Andrew Bowen Transport, RallyCUK and John Petrie Motorsport they were seeded at 81.

Despite a lack of seat time Halfpenny/Bemand got off to an impressive start with sixth fastest on the first stage and although they were ninth on the second stage they still held sixth place overall. Unfortunately they hit a kerb on the third stage and bent the Escort's suspension. The damage affected the car's handling at high speeds and with the weather conditions suiting the four wheel drive cars they slowly slipped down the order. Considering the suspension issues they were pleased to finish 17^th overall and fourth in class.

Petrie/Bowen reported that the conditions were very slippy, however on their first rally together they were working well, the only miss-demeanour being a slight moment over a bad bump on stage five which pitched the car up onto its nose coming into a sharp right hand bend!

The crew quickly settled down again and with the car running faultlessly they finished 55th overall and 20^th in class.

The club will be holding its annual prize presentation dinner and dance on Saturday February 6^th at the Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club. The event will see awards being presented to members who have who trophies throughout the year, entertainment will be provided by the Fabulous Bordellos. Past members and guests are most welcome to come along and enjoy the evening.

Tickets are available from Mark Kinsey 07801 693664.