Having converted our sprint car into a rally car (the Sprint season was abandoned in favour of doing something different), we entered the Pendragon Stages 2004. This is a major local rally in the Lake District run jointly by the Eden Valley Motor Club, and the Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club, and heavily sponsored by WA Developments, a major employer in the area.

Work on the vehicle had been started in the early part of the year with a major rethink on the engine configuration, which was only half completed in time for the event. However, it was a last minute rush to convert the car into a rally car, adding fire protection and safety equipment, co-driver facilities, and changing other aspects from the normal road-going sprint class set up.

At the same time, minimaster hosted the scrutineering post for the event, and rally cars lined up at the premises to be checked by the rally officials. A number of top-class rally cars came through, including three WRC-class cars from Eddie Stobarts racing team, one of which competed in this year's WRC Great British Rally. Pictured here is the William Stobart's own Ford Escort RS. Malcolm Wilson's son, Matthew also competed.

The stages were held either in the picturesque area of Lowther Park, or at Warcop, a military base near Appleby. The Lowther stage was quite tight, bumpy and very slippy. A number of vehicles span off or suffered damage from obstacles and crippling bumps, including our own, which broke the front suspension. John limped our car through, and his co-driver, Jim, really suffered too, with it painfully bottoming regularly even on the smallest bumps.

One of our technicians, Marcus, also competed in his MkII Ford Escort, and finished 10th overall amongst the four-wheel drive cars despite being 30bhp down awaiting the arrival of a new cylinder head.

The Warcop stages were much faster and demanding, but were closed off to the public. We have some photos, but are waiting for them to be developed. However, fun was had by all, and we look forward to being involved in next year's event.