I finished 2019 off with another two targas and one road rally. Unfortunately not one of them was a good result!
The Exmoor Targa was the complete antithesis to the Washingpool - it rained, then rained heavier and then it became a deluge! Awful conditions saw the tracks muddy and water logged which made our first multi-venue targa even harder.
We settled into a sensible pace and were gaining experience until a fast right threw the Saxo off and into the trees! Luckily all bar a small holly tree were avoided so damage was minimal, ironically the holly tree kept us from vanishing down a steep drop so actually saved us from extra damage.
We spent 55 minutes trying to extricate ourselves (which we eventually did thanks to a Land Rover and our tow rope) but were able to complete every remaining test within OTL so at least we were still classified as finishers at the end of the event.
Next up was the Bustard targa which was (for the short period we were competing) a great event. The tests were fast and challenging but, above all else, great fun. We caught at least 2 cars on each test (except the tiny autosolo style test) and were gaining confidence as we got used to the muddy conditions. All that came to a sudden end when the Saxo's rear started bouncing like some demented trampoline! 2 exploded rear dampers ended the event early for us.
After a frantic search for parts the Saxo was re-fettled in time to take the start of the Barbara carter road rally. Almost immediately I was struggling to keep on time with the regularity sections, 19 years of retirement, a lack of vari-focal glasses and being far too tired took their toll and we had a large cut-and-run to petrol. The second half of the event had a plot-and-bash section and more tightly plotted route - I chucked in the towel and (for the first time ever) gave up! I've never felt it worthwhile risking damage to a car for no reason and that's what we would have been doing.
Three very disappointing results; to quote Metallica "sad but true".
