THE Mirror RAC Insurance Direct team of co-driver Des Kelly and driver, Caldy-born ITV Formula One pundit Tony Jardine, finished the Kerridge National Rally, fourth round of the Mintex Rally Series, in a creditable 21st position overall - fifth in class.

Des Kelly, Head of Sport at The Mirror, could not have chosen a tougher event to mark his debut. The highly competitive field with an entry list of 148 cars, ensured the team faced a difficult challenge.

The event visited many of the gruelling forest stages used in the Network Q RAC World Championship. Torrential rain, mist and slippery conditions were all thrown at the rally pairing, but luck was on their side. At the end of the third stage loud banging noises were coming from the front of their Ford Escort Cosworth. Fortunately for The Mirror, RAC Insurance Direct Rally Team - the first service point was around the corner and Mike Brown Rally Services were able to identify a problem with the strut mounting and repair the fault.

Approaching the latter part of stage six the anti-roll bar which holds the suspension in place snapped. This meant every time Jardine had to break on the fast fifth gear stages the wheels were moving and banging against the wheel drive. Lady luck was certainly looking down on the team as the service point followed shortly and again the mechanics performed miracles, fixing the problem within the 15 minutes allocated.

Starting car number 36, Jardine and Kelly were able to get into the groove and steadily climbed the leader board, finishing 21st overall, fifth in group N. Praising Kelly's debut Jardine said: "I was amazed at the speed in which Des picked up the fundamentals of the job. He absorbed an incredible amount of information on his first rally. Despite his well-disguised apprehension he managed to do a great job whatever the weather gods threw at him."

A delighted Des Kelly commented: "The relief when we finished was unbelievable. I haven't had to cope with such pressure since my A Levels! It is a superb reflection on Tony's driving skills and the effort made by the whole team."

Roger Duckworth driving a Subaru Impreza extended his lead of the Mintex Rally Series by 13 points taking first place and overall honours. Jardine driving his Ford Escort Cosworth, sponsored by RAC Insurance Direct and European Aviation, received an award for finishing third in the Ford Bonus Scheme.

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