Staden Rally was scheduled right in the middle of the summer holidays, resulting in a slightly smaller entry list, including in the FIRC. However, all three R2 teams were present, with guest driver Stan Pex as an extra contender. Unfortunately, just like in previous events, the expected battle wasn't meant to be. On SS1 already, Richard Pex and Anouck Preda lost all hope of a good result: a flat tyre cost the team over four minutes. The same went for Pex Jr., who also saw two minutes go up in smoke due to a puncture.
More smoke? Sadly yes, though this time it came from the engine of Weatherley/Layland's C3. Following persistent issues in recent events, the revised power unit had come straight from Citroën Racing, but luck clearly wasn't on their side once again. An early exit for the deeply disappointed crew, leaving them with plenty of headaches regarding the potential causes.
FIRC thus took the biggest hit on SS1, but to look on the bright side: we immediately saw a storming time from Anderson/Martin, a few spots ahead of the Quigleys. The crew in the Galant were in fine form and maintained a blistering pace throughout the entire rally. The same could be said for father and son Pex, who launched a massive fightback.
Meanwhile, there was more trouble in the FIRC ranks, this time for Richards/Butler, who failed to reach the end of the first loop. Understandable when you have no brakes left. Thanks to a quick and clever repair, the 106 was able to rejoin later via SuperRally. Shortly after, we also lost Freeman/Williams, who were out in their spare car featuring... a gravel setup.
Things briefly looked grim for Thorne/Burridge as well, when they visited a ditch deep in the Flemish fields. It took a while for helping hands to arrive, but fortunately the crew was able to continue and still finish 38th overall, roughly mid-pack. A major boost, especially for co-driver Chris Burridge, who won his battle against cancer last year and was competing in his first rally in Staden after a long lay-off.
Does it even need saying that Smith/Vincent drove another flawless and trouble-free rally? Second place in Historic was their reward, right behind the unreachable Anderson/Martin. But the happiest people in Staden were without a doubt Sean and Colin Quigley. Relieved of all pressure early on, the Irish duo was able to settle in and make steady progress every loop, capping it off with their very first FIRC victory. Granted, with a stroke of luck, but nobody would begrudge them this win. For Team Pex, the final outcome turned out reasonably well after all: Stan Pex/Christiaens fought back to fourth overall, while Richard Pex/Preda limited the damage with fourth in FIRC, stopping the clocks just behind Anderson/Martin in the overall standings.
The biggest surprise came courtesy of Richards/Butler. After a morning full of headaches, a heavy time penalty following SuperRally, and a finish near the back of the pack, Rob and Teresa still got to take home the trophy for 1st FIRC 2WD. How fortunes can turn... A hugely event-packed rally, and hopefully the upcoming Hemicuda Rally will be just as thrilling. We traditionally expect a strong international turn-out there, we're already looking forward to it!
