BLACK ice under the trees added a little more excitement than was anticipated in the Red Kite Rally.

Carnforth-based Ian Joel and co-driver Graeme Wood used the rally as a shake-down for their brand new Chris Allen garages Escort Cosworth

The event used the Epynt Military Ranges in South Wales for the nine-stage rally, and drivers experienced the same hard frost as the rest of the country.

Even winner Julian Reynolds found ditches on both sides of the track on the final stage.

After a tarmac outing to the Croft the previous weekend, both Joel and Wood were pleased to return to the gravel tracks and finished less than three minutes behind Reynolds' Impreza and took fifth overall, a useful workout before they start their challenge on the Dunlop Silver Star Championship, promoted by BTRDA for the 2003 season

Before last year's premature end to their season with a 100 mph plus crash, the crew were hoping to challenge for the BTRDA title after twice finishing runners-up.

Their championship season starts on February 8 with the Wydean Stages in the Forest of Dean before returning to local terrain for the Malcolm Wilson Rally on March 8.

Regulations are available for this event and can be obtained by sending a sae to the Entries Secretary, 9 Bryon Avenue, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, Lancs, LA5 8HN.

January 10, 2003 11:02