ISLEHAM rally driver Lewis Rper and c-driver Chris Sheridan cmpeted in the First Rund f the F1000 Frest Rally Champinship, finishing a respectable furth after lsing time at the start. Rper cmpeted in tarmac events last year – winning Class A f

ISLEHAM rally driver Lewis Rper and c-driver Chris Sheridan cmpeted in the First Rund f the F1000 Frest Rally Champinship, finishing a respectable furth after lsing time at the start.

Rper cmpeted in tarmac events last year - winning Class A f the F1000 Tarmac Challenge - but this time arund has taken n the lse gravel rads f the Wyedean Valley in Wales.

He struggled t get t grips with new Dunlp tyres in the early stages - lsing ver a minute t the class leaders - but gradually matched the pace f the mre experienced drivers.

By Special Stage Fur at Chepstw Racecurse (pictured) he had settled int a slid furth psitin which was where he remained.

"It was a steep learning curve changing frm tarmac t gravel," said Rper afterwards. "I lst sme time in the first stage and the nise inside the car takes sme getting used t; the lse stnes hitting the underside can be very distracting."

Rper and his c-driver lead Class A f the Frest Series and lie furth in the verall standings.

"Our target was just t make the finish," Rper said, "but t finish furth was fantastic! The supprt f the spectatrs was brilliant!