| Navigation Exercise - February 19th |
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Event 2 of the 2003 Navigation Exercise Championship took place on a bittely cold February evening, with an encouraging number of competitors and marshals turning up to brave the weather. Thankfully, the forecast snow did not materialise, although the occasional icy patches did make life interesting for all concerned.
From the start at the North Devon Leisure Centre, the route headed east of Barnstaple towards Yarnacott and East Buckland before turning north through Brayford. A rare trip through the infamous 'three gates' on Wallover Down, and then the steep and tight hairpins near Challacombe, before the final 4 mile section around Knightacott, and then on to the finish at the the White Hart Inn, Bratton Fleming.
As with the first event, all of the crews were novices and, as was the case last time, we ended up with joint winners. Father and son team Dave and Jon Tucker took their second 'equal first' of the year, this time sharing the honours with Scott Jonas and Chris Perry. Completing the 'podium' places were NDMC Chief Marshal Robert Cocker and Chairman Arthur Cole, who enjoyed one of their best ever finishes.
Only one crew failed to reach the finish - the illustrious trio of Stuart Wood, Owen Drayton and Derek Drayton (along for the ride!) sadly retired before control 3.
A special mention to newcomers James Ayre and Andrew Webber who travelled up from Tiverton to take part in their first event. An excellent showing was brought to a premature end with alternator failure on their Peugeot 205 just 2 miles from the end. Better luck next time!
As ever, a big thanks go to the numerous marshals - we look forward to seeing you again next time as your help is invaluable.
Karen Gerring & Neil Partridge
| Results: | |
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1st=
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Dave Tucker / Jon Tucker |
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1st=
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Scott Jonas / Chris Perry |
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3rd=
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Robert Cocker / Arthur Cole |
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4th
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Bob France / Lynette Allsopp |
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5th
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Russ Drayton / Gareth Drayton |
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6th
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Martin Moore / Steve Moore |
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7th
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Scott Cleverdon / Louise Pring |
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8th
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James Ayre / Andrew Webber |
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9th
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Carly Dixey / Rochelle Hayward |
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DNF
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Stuart Wood / Owen Drayton |