BROMSGROVE rally duo Jesse Shakespeare and Dean Brady were in action again on the Bulldog Rally recently, organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club.

Entered in the historic event covering cars built before 1972, the pair were confident of a podium finish for their Mark 1 Escort RS 2.0 litre.

Speaking prior to the event, driver Jesse, a self-employed businessman from Lydiate Ash, said: "This will be the first event this year due to the foot and mouth crisis. The car is well prepared with new brakes and suspension set-up, as per the historic regulations.

"We know who the competition are and what times they are capable of -- it will be close."

Prophetic words indeed as the 40 historic vehicles, ranging from Porsche's to Saab's, entered the complex of five forest stages in and around mid-Wales.

With the top four teams swapping the lead before the service halt, Jesse and co-driver Dean were well placed in third overall and first in class for the afternoon set of tests.

Leading spot

Into the last stage, still in a class leading spot, the team were a clear 15 seconds ahead of their nearest class rival.

After a stunning drive all day, Jesse ran wide on a hairpin and the car got stuck in a ditch. But with the help of the spectators the car was back on the track within a minute.

Unfortunately at this point the clutch cable snapped, leaving Jesse to drive the last portion of the rally with no clutch.

The time off the road and the clutch problems cost the team a class win as they came in second and dropped to sixth overall in the final placing.

Later at the awards ceremony in Shrewsbury, Dean, a quality manager at MG-Rover said: "It was a superb event and a bonus to pick up the silverware for second in class -- it will make a nice pair when we come back and win next year!"

The team want to compete in, and win, the National Historic Championship next year and are actively seeking sponsorship. For more information contact Dean Brady on 07946 248352.