Alexander The Great
Published: 24th February 2003
Conversely, Robert Swann/Ken Bowman were finding their pace more competitive in the forests. They was locked in a battle with Mark Worley/Dave Gamblin who were using their local knowledge and the acquisition of last year's championship winning car to their advantage, until Worley found he had to hold on to the gear lever to remain in second gear.
Everyone was aware that the afternoon's loop of four forest stages could prove decisive, especially as deep ruts were beginning to appear in the soft gravel roads.
First to fall foul of the conditions were Tony Thompson/Ian Windress, transmission gremlins bringing their day to a conclusion. I'Anson then chose to retire after SS12.
Another crew to experience difficulties were Edwards/Brown. Having been the fastest of the Evos on SS3, a wrong time at a control saw them collect a one minute penalty, relegating them from fifth to eighth.
Davis/Jones were now on a mission to catch Alexander/Kelly but on SS13, their attack came to a frustrating end when a stone became jammed in the alternator pulley, stalling the engine immediately. Davis thought the worst and retired on the spot, but closer inspection after the event revealed that all that was needed was a new drive belt.
This left Alexander/Kelly with what can be regraded in Evo Challenge terms as a comfortable lead and after the final leg of three tarmac stages was completed, they crossed the finish line back in Bournemouth 27 seconds ahead of Crealey/Harris.
"Its great to win the first round of this year's Evo Challenge," reported an overwhelmed Alexander at the finish. "I drove as quickly and tidily as I could, keeping out of trouble and the car has been great all day. I am delighted with this result, especially with the strength of the competition around me."
Round two takes place in North Wales on 12th April, when the Championship heads to Llangollen for the Astra Stages.
The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is supported
by Mitsubishi Motors UK, PIAA and Mintex
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Round 1 - Results
(Drivers and co-drivers home towns are shown in brackets)
| 1st | Paul Alexander (Kings Langley)/Jakes Kelly (Tralee) | 1:14.22.4 |
| 2nd | Brendan Crealey (Portadown)/Steve Harris (Sheffield) | 1:14.50.2 |
| 3rd | Anthony Willmington (Dorchester)/Andrew White (Dorchester) | 1:15.19.9 |
| 4th | Mike Brown (Hayes)/Aled Davies (Pencoed) | 1:15.38.5 |
| 5th | Kevin Stevens (Stourbridge)/Stuart Foley (Birmingham) | 1:15.43.9 |
| 6th | Mark Worley (Poole)/David Gamblin (Poole) | 1:16.12.3 |
| 7th | Robert Swann (Bishops Stortford)/Ken Bowman (Hexham) | 1:16.21.9 |
| 8th | James Edwards (Chelford)/Si Brown (Nantwich) | 1:17.04.9 |
| 9th | Roland Llewellin (Haverford West)/Eurig Evans (Newcastle Emlyn) | 1:17.37.4 |
| 10th | Damon Harvey (Plymouth)/Chris Dewsnap (Sheffield) | 1.19.02.0 |
| 11th | Scott Hughes (Altringham)/Andy Bull (Bromsgrove) | 1:19.12.1 |
| 12th | Graeme Presswell (Henlow)/Phil Cottam (Callington) | 1:19.59.6 |
| 13th | James Smith (Cambridge)/Bob Rose (Bridgwater) | 1:20.31.7 |
| 14th | Paul James (Taunton)/Ian Crafer (Street) | 1:22.21.4 |
| 15th | George Phillipedes (London)/ Simon Coates | 1:30.19.8 |
