by Geoff Mayes
Welshman Julian Reynolds looked all set for a triumphant Evo Challenge victory on the Severn Valley Rally at the weekend until a split turbo pipe robbed his Evo IX of power and dropped the Narbeth resident down the order.
A spirited fight back saw Reynolds, co-driven by Patrick Walsh, claim the final podium spot however, after a roller coaster attack on the very last stage.
Reynolds's adventures began before the event had even started. Having recently purchased the ex-Ryan Champion Evo IX, Reynolds only took delivery of the car the day before the event, but after a very quick shakedown, he was confident he'd be on the pace.
Two fastest times over the opening two stages gave an indication of the commitment and pace. However, it was the 17 mile Radnor Stage where Reynolds intended to stamp his mark on this rally. But Lady Luck would deal a cruel hand on this stage.
A split turbo pipe caused a major loss of power and Reynolds and Walsh limped out of the stage over a minute and a half slower than their rivals. Quick work by Dorian Rees Rallying soon had the car restored to full health, allowing the duo the chance to return to battle.
A sterling fight back saw the pair fly through the Mid Wales forests and gradually climbed back up to challenge for the final podium position.
The last stage of the rally was Crychan Main. At 12 miles it was something the pair could sink their teeth into. However, at the very first corner the intercom, a brand new unit for this event, decided to play up! With no audible instructions from Walsh to guide him Reynolds drove the entire stage by memory.
“That was a wild ride that was! We had a couple of ‘moments', including a spin when I arrived at a corner a bit hot, but considering we only dropped 10 seconds to Morrow, that is not bad going! The turbo problem was a bit frustrating but at least we scavenged some handy points here,” he reflected.
![Julian Reynolds [Pic credit: Geoff Mayes Media (www.geoffmayesmedia.com]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/332448.jpg)
