Autospares Dukeries Stages - 22nd June 2002
Driver: Aron Brown
Navigator: Nikki Breslin
Vehicle: Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v
Seeded: 116
Finished: Retired SS6 - Gearbox
It is a while since Tomsport had attempted a proper multi venue forest rally so enthusiasm was high for the Autospares Dukeries Rally, and hopefully a finish was on the cards. The run up to the rally had been fraught at times, due to the Astra failing its MOT (thanks to Pete for doing the welding!), and due to my work commitments, I was stuck down in Hemel Hempstead the whole week prior to the rally.
Despite the last minute rush we managed to set off for Mansfield in good time. An hour and half later we arrived at the B&B. Cal seemed pleased with my choice of accommodation, as there was a pub directly opposite! Time to off load the Astra and install the re-filled fire extinguisher in readiness for scrutineering. Noise & scrutineering went OK apart from Nikki leaving his overalls back at the B&B (we let him off as he was nervous enough about his first multi venue!). Luckily Jamie & Paul arrived at the same time we did, so we could rush back to the B&B and get them.
Back at the B&B, Paul, Cal, and Mick sorted a starting problem which had reared its’s ugly head, and gave the car the once over, whilst Nikki and I went over the maps, with some further tuition from Jamie for Nikki as we went along. Time was now getting on, and the boys were getting restless for beer! We found a suitable watering hole and waited for the chase car to arrive along with Andy, George & Lawrence. After a good meal and a few drinks, myself, Nikki, George & Lawrence retired to bed, whilst the rest of the team decided to go and check out what night life Mansfield had to offer. Judging by the state of them the morning after, I think it was fair to say Mansfield has some interesting places!
Thanks to a late start time of 11:35, the team had a leisurely breakfast (were we really on a rally?). As we had time (despite the moans & groans from the people with sore heads!) I decided to adjust the handbrake up, for a bit more “feeling”. After a radio/intercom check we eventually set of for the start. Nikki was now starting to flap, and couldn’t find a place to store his baseball cap, - I did suggest one place! We arrived at Mansfield civic centre in plenty of time, for Nikki to check for any amendments etc.
We soon arrived at the first stage, a short blast of 2.8 miles through Blidworth eased us back in to the swing of things, although it was a little rough in parts. Adrenaline levels were now as high as a kite, and we set of in search of SS2.
The boys gave the car the once over at emergency service prior to the start, which was needed, as the drive up to SS2 looked more like a war zone than a forest. Clipstone lived up to its reputation of long fast straights, highlighted by the fact we were touching 95 mph in places. Unfortunately, after a heavy landing halfway through the Astra lost 3rd gear, and with no emergency service after SS2 we had to complete SS3 with no 3rd gear either. Despite this we still caught and passed a rear wheel drive 2 litre 205 on SS3.
At emergency service Paul took the top of the gearbox and could see that 3rd gear had broken. Luckily it was a clean brake, so the agreement was to just continue, and try to at least finish the rally. Despite our problems Nikki and I were really enjoying ourselves, Nikki even commenting that it was just like it was on the telly!
After main service we had a 80 mile round trip up the M1 to a forest the other side of Sheffield, which was duly cancelled thanks to someone falling off a horse and braking their ankle, and had to be rescued by the air ambulance. So after a wasted trip, we went back to service, were the boys gave the car the once over, and we set off for SS6.
Thanks to SS5 being cancelled we couldn’t wait get going again, the mass of photographers, assembled at the jump at the start of the stage did make it feel (to use Nikki’s phrase) “just like it is on the telly”! Clipstone was to strike again, this time taking 2nd gear off us; we valiantly battled on until about 1.5 miles from the end, the gearbox cried enough.
Yet another non-finish for the Astra was disappointing, I am sure our luck will change soon. However, despite the disappointment, the memories of being flat out in Clipstone, launching the Astra in the air in front of the photographers, Nikki waving to the spectators a we were sideways during a square left, make the disappointment a little better, at the end of the day that’s what we go rallying for!
My sincere thanks to Paul, Cal, Andy, Jamie, George, Lawrence, and Mick for their efforts during the day. Special thanks must go to Nikki, who despite his nerves, and the stick he got, navigated like a veteran. I even started to listen to him at one point!
Aron Brown
