The world of historic rallying often evokes images of roaring engines, picturesque landscapes, and fierce competition among experienced drivers. This was epitomized at the recent Riponian Stages Rally, where Yorkshireman Dan Mennell achieved a remarkable milestone in only his tenth rally at this level. His victory, achieved alongside co-driver John Roberts in a Ford Escort Mk2, marks an essential moment not just in his career but also within the British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC).
Taking place among the familiar terrain of Yorkshire, Mennell’s win can be seen as the culmination of a year-long pursuit for success. His excitement post-rally was palpable as he reflected on his journey. “I used to watch all these guys when I was a lad and think: ‘I’d love to do that one day.’ And here we are. It’s like a dream come true,” he conveyed, capturing the spirit of reaching a long-held aspiration. The rally was especially challenging, with inclement weather complicating the already arduous course. Mennell’s exceptional handling of the slippery roads illustrated not only his skill but also his resilience under pressure.
While Mennell’s performance was polished, it was equally intriguing to observe the competition. Northern Irish driver David Crossen, navigating alongside Ben Teggart, initially set a blistering pace that had him leading early in the event. However, as the stages wore on, Mennell’s steady focus under challenging conditions allowed him to pull ahead by a convincing twenty seconds—an impressive margin in the world of rallying.
The Riponian Stages Rally was a showcase for emerging talent. Crossen’s commendable second place underscores the potential for future victories as he continues to hone his skills amid seasoned competition. His statement, “That’s a good result for us,” reflected an awareness of the challenges he faced—most notably, the learning curve associated with the unpredictable Yorkshire stages.
On the podium’s final position, the journey of Adrian Hetherington was particularly compelling. After starting the rally in a deficit—suffering a puncture that cost him precious seconds—Hetherington demonstrated remarkable tenacity. His ability to regain lost ground, ultimately finishing third, highlighted a vital lesson in endurance and strategy. Securing fast stage times as he settled into the rally allowed him to overcome not just the clock but also the setbacks that could easily drown a less determined competitor.
Not every driver celebrated a smooth rally experience. For some, mechanical issues curtailed their performance. Notably, Matthew Robinson and Ben Friend experienced such setbacks in their Escort models, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport. Similarly, George Lepley, a driver expected to challenge for top spots, found his rally cut short due to engine troubles shortly after the start.
In contrast, Matthew Stroud achieved commendable success, finishing fifth alongside co-driver Josh Carr. Their performance added to the strong representation of Yorkshire in the event. The day ended on a high for another local pair, Adam Milner and Roy Jarvis, as they claimed a commendable seventh position in their 1600cc Escort Mk1—a testament to their resolve after recent challenges that had seen them exit earlier competitions prematurely.
The Riponian Stages Rally not only highlighted Dan Mennell’s rise to prominence within the British Historic Rally Championship but also underscored the competitive spirit that fuels the sport. Each rally offers a mix of triumphs, lessons learned, and the unwavering quest for excellence. Mennell’s achievement reflects a bright future for himself and the rising stars alongside him, promising an engaging and dynamic landscape in the world of rallying. The thrill of competition, the beauty of the Yorkshire forests, and the taste of victory form a compelling narrative—one that will inspire both fans and aspiring drivers alike.
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