A HOST of local crews made the relatively short trip north to Ludlow for the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages.

Just six stages in the Radnor and Haye Park interspersed with a midday service back at Ludlow Racecourse made up the 44 miles on offer, writes Paul Willetts.

The event was a round of the BTRDA, Welsh and British Historic championships which attracted a huge entry.

In the Historic National event it was Ben Friend who took an excellent fourth overall and first in class with Monmouth boy Cliffy Simmons calling the notes in the Allglass Anglia Escort RS1800 after a trouble-free day in the dusty conditions.

In the Interclub event, it was Nik Elsmore who took the top local honours in the CDS Taxis-backed Mitsubishi Evo 9 with 12th overall and seventh in class, with Rob Fagg in the hot seat – this was one of his best drives for a long while.

Just behind in 15th was Bob Morgan with Robin Kellard deputising for the unavailable Adrian Williams in the Winner Garage Skoda Fabia R5 and more good Welsh championship points.

Geoff Phelps and Colin Jenkins had a good run despite a spin in stage three taking 42nd overall and third in class in the Dave Jenkins Motorsport-run Escort RS1800.

Nigel Jenkins had wife Karen alongside in the NJ Autos 1400 Nova and continued their recent good form with a superb 53rd and second BTRDA 1400 car home and second in class.

It wasn't without its problems – an ill-handling car, they suffered a puncture and had a huge moment flat in sixthth gear so were glad to see the finish.

"What a day I don't know where to begin, but Nigel has come away with another good haul of BTRDA points with a good result,” said Karen

Another who had a terrific run was James Dunkley with Jack Morris calling the notes in the Dunkley Autos Vauxhall Corsa.

They finished 70th and second in the 1400 Class and, after having a ding-dong battle with Luke Watson in the previous round, it was Dunkley’s turn to come out on top this time.

Watts, with new co-driver Matt Rogers of Ross Motor Club, in the Ian Watts and Son MG ZR was swapping seconds with Dunkley after the first two tests but the duo rolled in stage three but we're able to continue with a slightly ill-handling car to finish 75th and third in the 1400C class.

"Thankfully it was a gentle roll and spectators soon had us on our way so happy with third in class in the end and not to much damage to repair."

Sandwiched between the two were Charles Hopkinson with Ross based co-driver Russell Joseph.

The duo finished 71st overall and fifth in class in his RS1800.

It had again been another tough Woodpecker Stages but al ot of local crews came away with silverware and the attention now turns to the up coming Wyedean Stages with entries now open for the October 15 event.