Stephen was returning to action after a summer break and, despite a short test prior to the rally, admitted that he was feelings rather rusty. Considering he had not competed since the Swansea Bay Rally in July, fifth fastest through Housedale, the opening stage, was not bad. His Hyundai accent World Rally Car has recently had a ‘paddle shift’ gear change fitted and it took some time adapting to the new system.

A spin and the consequent stalling of the engine in Stage 2 proved pretty time consuming but when Stephen slid into a chicane in Cropton and could not engage reverse, any hopes of a podium finish went out the window. “We had to get some spectators to push us backwards as we could not get reverse” said Stephen.

A minute was lost in this stage and dropped Stephen down the order. The young County Durham rally driver was able to fight back up the order to eventually finish seventh overall and fourth in Class B13.

“I do love these forests and the Accent always goes well here. It took some time to get used to the new paddle system but once I get the hang of it I should be a fair bit quicker.” said Stephen.Stephen’s father Steve, a former national champion, made one of his rare returns to the driver’s seat, on board a Mitsubishi Evo 9, and was enjoying a good run all day long until transmission problems stopped him on the very last stage of the rally.

The SG Petch Rally Team will be back in action on the forthcoming Bulldog Rally, the final round of the 2008 MSA Gravel Rally Championship. Stephen Petch Junior not only stands a good chance of claiming the junior title but is currently also in the thick of the fight for overall victory in class B13.

Stephen is contesting the full 2008 ANCRO Gravel Rally Championship in a Hyundai Accent World Rally Car, this being his first full season in the technologically superior machine. And whilst the young rallying ace may have struggled on occasion he heads to the penultimate round lying second in class. Having enjoyed strong runs on this rally in the past, Stephen will be hoping for a similar run this weekend.

“The summer break is always a really busy time for us and it means i don’t get to compete much. The last rally I did was the Swansea Bay Rally in July so I just hope I’m not too rusty on the first couple of stages. My Dad is also doing the rally in my old Group N car. It’s quick down the straights so I reckon we could have a good little family battle.” said Stephen.
Although now officially retired from rallying Stephen’s father, former champion Steve, returns this weekend. Having enjoyed top 3 runs on the Trackrod Rally in the past few years Steve should still go well this weekend, as he dusts off the Mitsubishi Evo 9 which Stephen drove to the junior title last year.

The 2008 Trackrod Rally offers competitors over sixty stage miles through some of the most famous forests in the area, including Dalby, Cropton and Langdale. The first car departs from Pickering Showgrounds at around 12 noon and is expected back just after 6pm.