A total of 9 crews took part in the first competitive event of 2002, the 'New Year Novices Navigation Exercise'. And despite awful weather conditions, the level of competition was extremely high, with all bar one of the crews completing the full route (more about the 'missing' crew later!)

The event started at our new club 'home', the North Devon Leisure Centre, but the real action began just south of Barnstaple at Brynsworthy. The route then took the competitors on a short loop to the north west of the Link Road before swinging back eastwards, through Lovacott Green, and on towards Harracott and then Chapleton. From here it was south and west around Yarnscombe and then through Huntshaw and Alverdiscott, with the final section consisting of another loop out to Westleigh and back to the finish at the Hunters Inn, Newton Tracey.

Although the event was mainly targeted at newcomers, it was the familiar surname of 'Wood' that was prominent at the top of the leaderboard. With a clean run, Michael and Gary eventually emerged as the winners, narrowly ahead of their Dad Stuart, who was a last-minute entrant in the hot seat of Stuart Ayre's works Subaru Impreza WRC!

In third spot, and the first of the 'real' novices, were father and son team Martin and Steve Moore, who put in a fine performance only dropping 5 minutes in total. A couple of early check-ins cost Keith Squance and John Bartlett, but they still managed a fine fourth place, whilst Russ and Gareth Drayton were unlucky to finish as low as eighth as navigator illness forced them to miss the last via when they were on course for a much higher placing.

As for the 'missing' crew, well, that honour fell to Robert Cocker and NDMC Chairman, Arthur Cole, who suffered a slight indiscretion just three miles from the end. Although requiring assistance to regain the road, there was no lasting damage (except to their pride!), but a potential top-three finish was lost.

There was much frivolity at the finish venue, indicating that everyone had enjoyed their evening. Many thanks to all the marshals - too numerous to mention - for standing out in the wind and rain. Where would we be without you?!

Results:
1st	Michael Wood / Gary Wood
2nd	Stuart Ayre / Stuart Wood
3rd	Martin Moore / Steve Moore
4th	Keith Squance / John Bartlett
5th	Ben Dixey / Adam Coley
6th	Ben Byrom / Jason Byron
7th	Mike Lamburn / Jack Lamburn
8th	Russ Drayton / Gareth Drayton
DNF	Robert Cocker / Arthur Cole