THE JASPERS Bakeries Agbo Historic Stages, held entirely within the confines of Weston Park near Telford, played host to the opening rounds of both HRCR Stage Masters and Mini Cup and a near maximum entry of 50 cars gathered for ten stages offering some 30 miles of action.

The event threw up a fascinating two father, son and daughter battles with both families being good friends.

But the drive of the day came from young Matthew Davis in a new self-built Mini Cooper S for the first time.

The Drybrook youngster, together with new co-driver Abie Haycock, did not get off to the best of starts, finding his feet in the new car and struggling with the slippery roads.

A run-off the course on stage four cost him 30 seconds and dropped him back to 18th at halfway.

He was held up on stages five and six with catching and passing slower cars, but a big push over the last five stages set a string of top 10 times.

That saw the duo finish joint tenth overall but dropping to 11th after a tie-break and being fourth Mini Cup contender again on tie-break.

Matt said: “I am really pleased with the result. It was my first time out in my new car.

“I was a bit frustrated catching cars on two stages and loosing valuable time, but the car never missed a beat.

“I would really like to thank Steve Loveridge for all his help and support, Dennis Motorsport and Loveridges of Cinderford, and finally Abie for a great job in the other seat.

“It has been a massive learning curve today. I’ve made mistakes but quickly learnt from them.”

Matthew was, in fact, locked in a terrific battle over the last few stages with Ryan Taylor and Hollie Churchill.

The Cinderford duo battling for tenth place in there Mini Cooper S, with them finishing on equal time, with Davis but Taylor finishing tenth overall, third in the Mini Cup on count back and two seconds faster on the opening stage.

Taylor had been holding ninth place overall after stage two and consistent times all day kept him in and around tenth place.

In 15th overall were veterans Eric Davis and Russell Joseph in the Dennis Motorsport-backed Mini.

Davis Snr admitted to some off-road excursion in the damp morning conditions, but throughly enjoyed the event.

Eric said: “I must apologise to the groundsman at Weston Park for cultivating some of his lovely landscape.

“I am getting old now so need more room to throw my Mini around.

“It was a good event, very well run by Owen Motor Club. We all really enjoyed it, thanks to Russ for guiding me around the park.”

Father and daughter team Paul and Jemma Taylor finished 22nd overall and 12th in class in their Mini Cooper S.

The overall event was won by Chris and Leigh Armstrong in there RS1800.

The HRCR Stage Masters and Mini Cup series moves on now to the Dixies Challenge on the Epynt ranges in May, the event run jointly by Forest of Dean Motor Club and Foresters Car Club..