Cooling down . . . not from a frayed temper, but as you know my Mitsubishi wasn't only red because of the paint on the Jim Clark.
 
All was going to plan. Three stages down and 6.5 seconds in the lead, it was 'under control'. We were not in full stride as the surface was difficult and it was important not to make an early mistake.

Stage 1 'Abbey St Bathans', an absolute classic of British rallying and our favourite stage in the UK. It has everything and lengthened for the 2008 challenge!

Off the line and if we needed any reminder that this stage is quick we only used third gear once and fourth three times in three miles!! The stage has everything and like I said push hard yes, risk no.

Even so the 16-mile stage was covered in 12.45 minutes, an average of over 75 mph.... AVERAGE!!!!!! On mainly single track roads this is an adrenalin rush of great proportions! 4.5 seconds lead over Mark was nice as it is never easy to take big time on this rally.

Stage 2 and the surface was proving difficult, slight dust worked into a very dry surface was causing understeer that was just too much to push hard and hold the car on an exact line, so we decided to back it off and get to service losing a second to fastest. This was after all the stage that bit us last year in the rain!

Changes made and on stage three normal service was resumed. Fastest by 3.5 or so. We were now starting to get into our stride.

Or so we thought.

Stage four and literally off the line something was wrong. Noise but no ill-handling. We had definite cause for concern. Conversation was flowing between the notes and then at the first braking area 'banging', I knew it was bad but still couldn't fathom the problem.

Ignore it as we may three miles later the bang and noise couldn't be!! I told Pughie to watch the fuel gage this time I knew what it was, PROP SHAFT FAILURE!

We noticed straight away the fuel was disappearing faster than it should. The tank had been split by the flailing prop and we were now also loosing drive!! Aarrrgggghh!!!!!!!!!! I battled to try and get to the finish of the stage and possible safety only 700 metres away.

It wasn't happening. A steep up hill and we came to a halt, no drive and Pughie leapt out to be greeted by flames, 'FIRE, FIRE GET OUT!'

Better had I thought as I too was shaking hands with licking red and orange flames as I opened the door!
David was next along and try as we might we were fighting a losing battle as the fire grew. It was time to admit defeat - something I never do, but this time sense had to prevail.

Gutting watching a car burn like that............. as they say the rest is history. Twenty points lost, but the main thing as always we are here safe and ready to get back and fight!

 

Guy