by Geoff Mayes
Despite leading for nearly half of the event, round one winner and regular WRC contender Guy Wilks slid off on the final stage of leg one of the recent
Jim Clark Rally, throwing away a relatively comfortable lead. When Gwyndaf Evans then retired with mechanical failure on day two Mark Higgins was the lucky benefactor, claiming his first win of the year.
Weather was to play a key factor on this event. Despite the recce being dry and sunny, changeable weather conditions were forecast for the actual event.
The rally began with two short spectator stages around Langton on Friday night. The two Mitsubishi drivers were tied quickest on the first run through but the reigning champion, and 2006 winner, Mark Higgins went quickest on the second loop. Despite this fast time Wilks took a slender lead into the rally proper.
BRC contenders Phil Morrow, Rob Swann and Lorna Smith were all lucky to get away with moments on the opening stages. Morrow had a brief spin at the water splash, whilst Swann spun approaching a chicane. Smith was by far the luckiest of the bunch when she survived both an excursion through the trees and a visit to a ditch during the two runs, much to the delight of the gathered spectators.
Saturday morning dawned bright but cool. Higgins was quickest through the opening test, but Wilks was less than 3 seconds behind. 2006 Evo Challenge winner and former BRC champion Gwyndaf Evans was third, just over half a second behind Wilks after 7 and a half miles.
Wilks then put in a storming drive on the 11 miles of Abbey St Bathans. Not only was he the fastest BRC driver but he was also third fastest overall, beating a number of Irish registered World Rally Cars. Higgins was not far off, with Evans once more chasing hard. Only eight cars passed through Stage 5 before the test was halted due to a car fire at the flying finish.
