Sometimes in rallying, a decision taken for the best of reasons, can proved to be probably one of the biggest mistakes ever made.
Before the Astra, Nik came up with the comment that we had 6 virtually new Pirelli Pzero tyres. "Why don't we give them a go". Well as we knew the Astra would be rough, (stages had been used up to 6 times in the last 6 months), then the idea of protecting against punctures with the expensive Pirellis sounded like a good idea. In addition, the rate at which we can go through Maxsports (22 stage miles to a pair of fronts) it sounded like a good way of cutting down on the tyre bill.
Big Mistake!!
The format for the event was much like last year with the Alwen and Cloceanog stages run twice in the Nat A, plus two stages south of Bala. The entry list showed that things were going to be tough. An Escort Kit, a Hyundai Kit and a Golf Kit all in the class meant that things would be difficult (to say the least) for the poor SEAT.
SS1 Alwen and Nik is muttering "There is no s**ding GRIP" - Ooops - the tyres were not working! Onwards through the Cloceanog stages to first service, and we were loosing shed loads of time, but at least keeping it between the trees - JUST! A change at service to some 165 Pirelli's did not seem to help a lot, and the second runs through the stages proved just how rough they had got.
But at least we managed to finish, and after the disaster of not starting the Humberside the week before, combined with the DNF on the Wilson, this was an improvement. The 165 Pirelli's on the front that had done 5 stages, looked brand new - they must be as hard as house bricks!
Final results showed 4th in Class and 38th overall. Not good but a least a finish.
Now where can I find a skip to dump 6 Pirelli tyres in!
See you in the forests
Nik and Howard
