EVANS TOPS THE BAGGER SURVIVORS

The 2023 edition of the Bagger lived up to the event’s fearsome reputation, with Ieuan Evans and Dafydd-Sion Lloyd leading home the 21 survivors; there had been 67 starters for 180 miles in the lanes of Devon and Somerset.

The winners had led at the halfway point, but then picked up a five minute penalty for a wrong approach at a PC, which dropped them behind top seeds Iwan Jones and Andrew Lowe. However, on the final section the latter crew missed a PC and allowed Evans/Lloyd through to take the win.

Duncan Williams/Nick Bloxham took third, while in fourth Lucas Redwood/Zak Linham were the highest-placed crew who had completed the whole route correctly.

Early leaders, Rob Stephens/ Robbie Pugh, went out at the two-thirds’ point with clutch failure, while John Davies/

Eurig Davies, who had also led at one stage, were disqualified for a give way offence.

Despite continual car troubles, Rich Williams/Alan James were in third place when their engine locked up as they were negotiating a flooded lane 10 miles from the finish. A cracked sump after a heavy compression caused the retirement of Mark Lennox/Ian Beamond.

Ian ‘Dude’ Roberts/Gwar

Hughes ended their rally in a ditch, while the Golf of Mark ‘GT’ Roberts/Dylan Jenkins ground to a halt when the fuel pump wiring melted.

Results

Bagger 23

Organiser: Vintage and Classic Rally Register When: January 14-15 Where: Devon/ Somerset Championships: ASWMC

Route: 180 miles Starters: 67.

1 Ieuan Evans/Dafydd-Sion Lloyd (Ford Escort) 31m49s; 2 Iwan Jones/Andrew Lowe (Ford Escort) +4m27s; 3 Duncan Williams/Nick Bloxham (Ford Escort); 4 Lucas Redwood/Zak Linham (Ford Sierra); 5 Craig Jones/Carl Williamson (Mazda MX-5); 6 Ashley Rice/Trevor Disney (Mini Cooper); 7 Keith Lane/Martin Lane (Ford Ka); 8 Luke Quinnell/Kayleigh Dingle (MG ZR); 9 Simon Heywood/Rhys Williams (Honda Civic); 10 Dave Webb/Jacob Williams (Daihatsu Sirion). Class winners: Paul Howard/Andrew Axford (Subaru Impreza).