Highworth pair sails through the Wyedean Rally (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Highworth pair sails through the Wyedean Rally

THE Globalexpense rally team of Shelly Taunt and co-driver Julie Murphy set a blistering pace during last weekend's Wyedean Rally.

This popular event had attracted a high-class field of 180 entries and the Highworth duo, seeded at 92, knew they had their work cut out in order to do well.

With heavy overnight rain, conditions were made extremely slippery, but their immaculately prepared Subaru Impreza thrived in the wet conditions.

The Impreza was handling superbly, until the girls took off over three consecutive jumps in stage three and, with the car landing heavily, the steering took a knock.

As a result, the girls struggled with extreme vibrations at top speed with the steering.

Nonetheless, they continued to improve on their stage times and, after two spins, the crew had climb up to 57th place after stage five.

But stage six saw the girls suffering a puncture and they were forced to drive through the stage with a flat tyre.

As a result, they dropped valuable time. Despite these minor problems, the girls were extremely happy with their performance.

Taunt said, "We had a fantastic rally. Although the stages were rough and slippery in most places, the car just seemed to sail through.

"Julie and I seemed to carry on where we left off last season. Although we were both nervous in the morning, they soon disappeared once we got started.

"This event has set us up nicely for the first round of the MSA National Gravel Championship which starts next week in Bournemouth."

The Highworth ladies were delighted to discover that they had set equal 24th fastest on the final stage of the day.

However, more important was the fact that Shelly had picked up maximum points in the lady driver category.

And with Julie scoring third place in the lady co-drivers' section, it was a fabulous start indeed to the year.

For further information, check out their site on www.shellytaunt.com