2001 a Pug Odyssey

Opening round of the ACSMC Rally 2001 Championship

With most of the country grounded and the first event of the year at Avon Park cancelled, due to Foot & Mouth, it was with some relief that Longcross was going ahead as planned and even better, we had an entry!

The Black Pug was looking shinier than ever despite my best efforts (I managed to lose a wheel during some practise at Brooklands, taking most of the wing with it). Alan had been banished to the garage for most of the winter trying to get the car ready early without the usual last minute panics, and I had almost forgotten what he looked like!

The usual suspects of Git, Sooo and Goose had agreed to service. Actually I rather think it was the bribe of food and drink the night before that clinched it. We all arrived at the venue at the unearthly hour of 06.50 and made our way to the service area. Mind you, this was despite the intervention of a rather OTT marshal who was practically demanding DNA testing to prove who you were before you were allowed in. Git & Goose were deemed to not look 'service crew' enough and were told that they had better not be lying or they would be removed from the premises (in a body bag??) Now lets see, White Van - check, Tools - check, Tyres - check, Passes - check. Mmm.

Having thrown the gazebo together in record time, Git sprinted to the food van just in time. Got to keep the stomach happy after all! The queue never seemed to get shorter than 300 people after that which meant you had to time it just right in between stages. In fact, if I threw Al out of the car just before the tank hills I could just pick up a burger before the next run!

The first few stages went slowly, partly due to nerves and partly due to some crap driving, and we were surprised to find ourselves holding onto third place in class. It was very close for fourth however and I knew that things would have to improve if we were to stay that way. By the end of stage four, the two Novas that dominated the class last year were already in a comfortable lead and so it was becoming more of a battle with the car in fourth. A sideways moment through a chicane saw the end of the rear bumper as we know it and only 6 seconds separated us.

In the afternoon, I drove much better and increased my lead. Despite hoping for one of the leading Novas to break down (did I say that!) both finished the day nearly a minute ahead. The rain started just as the last stage started, however it was light and there was no need to change the tyres. The track had got slippery in places which made it more interesting and I was glad it had held off till then. I had been reliably informed that the driver of the car in fourth was 'excellent in the wet'.

We collected third in class, although due a technical hitch, only half the trophies had turned up. Whilst we were told these would be sent the next day, we are still waiting. Oh well, it means less dusting.