| The day started as normal with an early start at Sheraton
Centre. As we organized our gear and got ready, we were both
silently praying that the rain would hold off, as we all know
the starlet is a handful to control on the wet.
The first stage was Bannantyne, which was about 5 minutes
from the start, Sheraton Centre. Bannantyne was quick, and
so were we, soaring through the stage tying for 2nd fastest
time overall with Roger Skeete with a time of 1:21 and only
a couple seconds off Bourne. Unfortunately for us this stage
was only run once so we would have to try for similar results
in the upcoming stages.
Next up was Brighton, and this would have been a quick run
for us also had we not spun out at the triangle, much to the
delight of the spectators. Coming over the crest, Barry touched
the handbrake causing us to slide perfectly around the triangle,
but continuing to slide not so perfectly on exiting the corner.
In the middle of the junction the back of the car was just
too eager to overtake the front and we couldn't hold it. Knowing
we were going to spin, first gear was selected and Barry's
foot was to the floor before we could stop. This made the
spin one continuous loop and we were facing the right direction
and going up the road before I could call the next note.
 The
next interesting moment came at Apes Hill in the afternoon
when toward the start of the stage, while cutting a left-hander,
a large sharp rock jumped out of the grass and attacked the
left front tire, ripping a hole in it. This forced us to drive
through the stage well under the pace and we lost almost nine
seconds compared to our previous run.
 Throughout
the day we were head to head with Barry Gale gaining or loosing
a few seconds each stage. These two incidents proved to be
a setback and towards the end of the rally we were trailing
Gale by only a couple of seconds. Both drivers drove their
hearts out trying to finish fourth. Barry drove the last few
stages on the limit, forcing every ounce of energy from the
car (and from me for that matter!) and at the end of the rally
we were a mere second in front of Gale. Barry's attempts were
successful, placing us 4th overall, fastest two wheel drive
and first in group.
We would like to thank all of the marshals who did a great
job throughout the rally, keeping everything running efficiently.
We would also like to sincerely give our thanks to team manager
Steven Mayers and the M&M rally team for their support
through the rally.
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