Reigning champion Kershaw steals Plains Silver Star win

After a close tussle on the non-BTRDA Rally North Wales recently, battle resumed between the Rowlands brothers Ieuan and John, and Boyd Kershaw as they fought for two-wheel-drive and Silver Star honours.

Over the first two tests, Ieuan Rowlands/emyr Hall opened up a healthy lead of 13 seconds over Boyd Kershaw/bryan Hull, before retiring on SS3 with sheared wheel studs on their Ford Escort.

As a result, Kershaw held a three-second category advantage: “It’s great out there, the stages are in perfect condition,” he said as he opted for harder tyres for the afternoon and reviewed his notes.

John Rowlands had been fastest on SS3, despite losing some time as he passed his brother’s stricken car.

Like Kershaw he too opted for harder tyres for the afternoon. Historic runners, Rudi Lancaster/ Guy Weaver (Ford Escort) were next, ahead of Phil Burton/ Mal Capstick who had made a “lethargic start” in their similar Ford Escort. “I’m enjoying it that much, a good result would be a bonus,” stated Burton, though he would fail to complete the afternoon tests.

Kershaw/hull pushed on the rerun of Gartheiniog, taking nine seconds out of Rowlands/ Glenn Latham, before extending the class advantage by a further five seconds on Dyfi East 2. Rowlands pulled back a second on Dyfi West 2, before setting a blistering time on the final stage, Pantperthog, However, it wasn’t enough, as a relieved Kershaw made it to the finish with a three-second advantage, even though he had lost the rear brakes on the final stage.

A change of tyres felt better over the afternoon for Lancaster/ Weaver as they took third Silver Star and first Historic Cup in their Escort, while Somerset Stage class winners Gavin Edwards/ Caron Tomlinson had to settle for fourth as they struggled with a day-long misfire in their Escort.