Highworth's Shelly is on song in the Manx Rally (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Highworth's Shelly is on song in the Manx Rally

AFTER scoring a maximum on the Manx International Rally, Shelly Taunt is getting ever closer to the Formula 1400cc championship title.

The speedy lady from Highworth and co-driver Bob Stokoe (Croydon), started this recent event along with an entry of 64 competitors.

But bad weather was to play a significant part for, with fog and rain covering the island, visibility was down to 50 yards in places, causing a number of competitors to drop out.

Nonetheless, with Shelly feeling more confident behind the wheel of her 1275cc Nissan Micra, she began to gain places throughout the day.

Before the end of the Friday stages, she and Bob had progressed to first in their class, first lady in the British rally championship and 27th overall in the event.

Saturday morning brought bright sunshine with Shelly and her crew starting to settle for the final few stages.

A finish was in sight and, after covering some 463 miles, the pair came home with a maximum score.

Shelly now heads the Formula 1400cc championship by 48 points and is also leading the ladies' cup by 36 points.

Shelly said, "I must say a big thank you to Gordon, Matt, Chris, Ian and Dad who have all worked really hard this season.

"We had a disappointing 18 months last season, but it's starting to pay off." She and Bob also cored points for England in the Nations Cup.