This year's Woodpecker had a much-amended route due to the F&M. No two-day format, no Radnor, and three runs through the 9 mile Haye Park Stage. With a full entry of 150 cars, that meant that about 400 cars would pass over this stage, so it was going to get Very rough.
The damage done to the car on the Astra, (Front Hub, Wishbone, Rear Shock Bush and Sumpgaurd) had all been fixed. Many thanks to Ed at EJM Preparation for getting the car ready.
The stages were going to be dusty and hard, and the hot weather was to prove a major wear factor on the crews.
Stage 1 was the first run at Haye Park, which was later reversed and run twice more. The usual Woodpecker stages of Wigmore, Hopton, Burnt Copice and Bringewood were all used once or twice making 8 stages in total.
With no management cars allowed - due to F&M (Though some crews were still using them) it meant two returns to Ludlow Racecourse for Service. The car was going well, but the ever-rougher stages were hammering the tyres - 4 new fronts being needed during the day.
The second run through Haye Park showed a time 30 secs quicker than the first, and the third run was only 1 sec slower than the second. Seems Nik goes quicker as the stages get rougher.
The end result was 3rd in A7 and 2nd in BTRDA A7, so more awards to pick up, Nik also winning the Silkolene bonus for A7, and he is now 2nd in Class in the Welsh National Championship !
Another good event, even if the very twisty stages don't really suit the car. Now it is onwards to the Malcolm Wilson in 5 weeks time (F&M permitting) - Thanks to our hard working service crew from EJM and well driven to Nik.
Howard Cooper
