Round One Report- Tour of Epynt

The team got the season off to the perfect start on the weekend’s Tour of Epynt based in Mid Wales. Exceeding expectations the team not only won the 1400C class, but also took overall 1400 honours.

The event started with drama for Bill Paynter and co-driver Andy Hollingham, picking up a front left puncture on Stage 2 and having to drive on it for 4 miles to the stage finish. The team dropped time but still found themselves in the lead of the 1400C class and 3rd overall 1400.

With big gaps both in front and behind, the team did not have much to fight for, so after seeing a lot of carnage on the infamous Sennybridge ranges, they decided to take a low risk approach, and bring the car home to the finish to bag some all important championship points.

The pace was still good, and the crew lost some time catching and passing cars in the following stages. Unfortunately fellow 1400 competitor Lloyd Morgan retired after Stage 3 due to a snapped HT lead, moving Paynter and Hollingham up into 2nd position in the overall 1400 standings.

The team remained on a sensible pace, settling in to a good rhythm and continuing to climb their way up the leader board. The penultimate Stage 6 saw some rain, and on dry slick tyres, the team took it easy to ensure they made it back to service safely.

Wet tyres were bolted on for the final stage, and the heavens opened. The car felt fantastic in the wet and the little 106 caught and overtook the Subaru Impreza that started 1 minute ahead of them over the 14 mile stage.

Upon arriving at the finish in Llandovery, the team were shocked to find out that they had taken the 1400 win, after Will Mains’ Nova retired on the last stage with alternator problems. Not the way the team wanted to win, but they’ll take it! Like the great rallying saying goes “To finish first, first you have to finish”.

This now puts the team at the top of the 1400 National Championship standings, bringing the little 106 home in 32nd overall out of 92 starters. A fantastic start to the year.

A big thanks must go to all of the teams’ sponsors/partners, Hilka Tools, Auto Bodytec, IDDE and Auto Engineering Race Engines, as well as to everyone else who has helped and supported us. A dream start to the year!