KNRC Mutiny Rally summary

Clean sweep for Jolly Roger on the Mutiny!

Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield scorched to an impressive victory on the Mutiny Rally in Llandrindod Wells this weekend in their Subaru Impreza World Rally Car. The Northamptonshire driver notching up his second victory on the popular event which offered 75 top class stage miles in the forests of Mid Wales.

The fourth round of the KUMHO National Rally Championship looked set to be a closely fought contest from the off, with a strong battle expected at the front of the field. However it was with some surprise that Ulsterman Brendan Crealey in his Group N Mitsubishi stopped the clocks with the quickest time on the opening stage, just 0.01 seconds faster than the fearsome Peugeot-Cosworth of Andy Burton/John Roberts, with Duckworth just three seconds back in third.

Unfortunately, pre event favourite Marcus Dodd was in trouble from the very first stage, as his FliteWise backed Subaru suffered a puncture on the Gwibedog stage. Marcus was a little more deflated after damaging the rear suspension of the car heavily and being forced to retire at first service.

Stage three saw a new name top the time sheets on the event. Bob Ceen/Alistair Douglas had made no secret of their fondness for the rally pre-event, and the Malvern driver was in scintillating form once again in his Subaru. Just six seconds separated Ceen and Duckworth at service in Llandovery.

Duckworth's Autosportif car was running superbly, and on the next loop of stages, he attacked. Extending his lead in Esgair Dafydd, Duckworth took over 12 seconds out of Ceen on the long Twyi stage, with Bob reporting intercom problems at Builth Wells service. It looked like being an interesting afternoon with KUMHO backed driver David Mann recovering from a conservative start to join the leading pack by lunchtime.

Early pace setter Andy Burton was forced to retire when his Peugeot selected two gears simultaneously, whilst another fast starter Charlie Payne was also forced to call it a day on the Twyi stage when a wheel parted company with his Subaru Impreza 555.

Ceen and Duckworth were still going at it hammer and tong out front. With the gap between them constantly around the 30 second mark, Ceen decided to push on in the penultimate stage, but sadly the Subaru left the road and could not rejoin after a tremendous performance. Duckworth and Broomfield were left to conquer their nerves over the remaining stage miles as they capped a terrific days work with a sensible fourth fastest time on the final stage, taking a welcome 34 second victory over Steve Petch/John Richardson in their Hyundai Accent WRC. 13 seconds back were KUMHO shod David Mann/Alun Cook after a strong and sensible outing yielded more valuable championship points as the duo increased their overall lead in the process.

The battle for KUMHO Production Cup honours saw Brendan Crealey/Dean Beckett edge out Gavin Cox/Tim Hobbs by 42 seconds by the end, the pair finishing 4th and 5th overall after two of the best drives of the day. Mr. Reliable, Martyn Harrison had "Plug" Pulleyn alongside and the York duo finished a steady 6th overall - Martyn leaping to 2nd overall in the series standings as a result of his consistent performances.

Local man Craig Middleton produced one of the best drives of the day in his Hyundai Coupe to take maximum points scores in the KUMHO Junior Championship, KUMHO Formula 2 Championship, and Class A7. Middleton partnered by Robin Hernaman for the first time as the pair finished a superb 11th overall after a fine effort.

The KUMHO Super 1600 spoils were taken by Andy Gwynne and Holly Robinson after a troubled day in their Corsa, although their class win has strengthened their championship lead. Top KUMHO lady driver was Swansea's Mandy Roberts who finished 33rd overall in her first outing in a hired Subaru.

Class A5 looked to be heading the way of the works Skoda UK entry of Iain Freestone/Nick Kennedy until an engine mounting let go on the penultimate stage, elevating Kevin Wills/Chris Henley to the class win in their Nissan Micra Kit Car. N3 honours went to the Peugeot of Steve Blunt/Bob Duck after Dave/Pamela Hull retired with yet another sheared front wheel in their Astra. Class B11 honours went to the flying David Young in his Ford Escort RS, whilst the equally impressive Robin Bradbury/Paul Wakefield took the awards for Class B12. Both drivers finishing well inside the Top 20 as well.

KUMHO National Championship Table after Round Four, the Mutiny Rally:
1. David Mann 83 points
2. Martyn Harrison 67 points
3. Andy Burton 60 points
4. Steve Petch 60 points
5. Brendan Crealey (GpN) 58 points
6. Roger Duckworth 43 points
7. Raymond Munro 39 points
8. Bob Ceen 33 points
9. Stephen Hendy 32 points
10. Phil Morgan 32 points.

-www.kumhorally