Moss is the top of the list for non-homologated cars on the International
It’s been a nightmare year for Dan Moss, but a switch to bright pink overalls for he and navigator Sam Allen appeared to bring luck as they were the highest finishing non-homologated car in the International field.
Previously if a car wasn’t homologated by the FIA it had to be entered in the National Rally, but a rule change for this year meant nonhomologated cars could enter the full three-day International, of which 10 started, mixing it with the WRC’S stars on the same itinerary.
BTRDA frontrunner Sacha Kakad was the biggest loss, with clutch problems on his Mitsubishi Lancer E10. His times when that was sorted were strong but the damage was done. Moss’ other likely rival, Wug Utting, also hit trouble, although he managed to finish second in class. He lost nine minutes in a ditch on SS2 Myherin and three consecutive punctures in SS15-17 also hurt his charge.
His bad luck this year meant Moss earned the win, but he drove sensibly and rapidly to deserve it.
Third national car home was South African Geoff Bell, ably navigated by Irishman Gary Mcelhinney. The Bda-engined Ford Escort Mk2 didn’t skip a beat and a puncture was the only problem for the crew. Ian Graham and Scott Partridge rounded out the top five, the latter after having his gloves stolen at a set of traffic lights by some teenagers. Co-driver Keegan Rees was understandably dumbfounded. Guy Butler, Saleh Hijazi and Ron Hall also finished.