Paul Evans nearly wins home rally

Ellesmere Port - based rally driver and rally instructor Paul Evans nearly won his home rally in front of his new sponsors who also the Rally Sponsors. 

Having agreed to sponsor the Promenade Stages at New Brighton Accident Advice Solicitors who also sponsor Paul nearly witnessed his first win.After a very windy and rainy scrutineering on Friday night, Saturday looked slightly more promising.  

The first stage saw Paul claim 2nd overall fastest time even after hitting the water filled barrels which formed the chicanes and damaging 2 wheel arches. There were seconds in it between a number of local crews who were out to beat Paul.

Paul kept the pressure on selecting slick tyres in wet conditions and remained in 2nd place behind Ian Rowlance's Metro 6R4 until Paul saw Ian parked at the side of the road retired. The next chicane nearly claimed Paul as a loss of concentration caused Paul to brake a little too late in the damp conditions.    It was a nail biting performance which saw Paul drive very fast and smooth and to stay in the lead in wet and damp conditions against 4 wheel drive and more powered machinery.  Once in the lead the more powerful cars were chasing Paul hard with 2 stages to go there was only 1 second in it.

Paul took a gamble on stage 7 and select hard rear tyres and knew he would struggle for thefirst couple of corners until they got to temperature but just before it was time to go the heavens opened and Paul never got any heat into the tyres and lost around 8 seconds.

Going into the 2 final loop of stages Paul had a 1 second lead but now it was dry and the 2 fastest stages were to come. Paul could not keep the Darrian of Alan Oldfield or the Metro 6R4 of Simon Chapman at bay.

Paul finished 3rd overall and also won best local crew for the 3rd consecutive year! A Great result seeing as it was 1981 when a MK2 Escort last won the Promenade Stages.  

Paul had a great day, it's a great event with lots of hard work by many people to make the rally such a successful event. 

Thank you to all my sponsors big and small as without you I wouldn't be able to fulfil my passion for rallying -  each and every one contribute not only money but your time, support and friendship for which I am most grateful.