NINETY-EIGHT cars started last weekend's 26th Malcolm Wilson Rally from "port and event the Forest's played a part in the exciting result, as due to foot and mouth, the surface hadn't been used much this summer the layer of grass that had grown proved to be slippy even for the four-wheel drive cars.

The event was won by Burton-in-Kendal's Steve Head/Andrew Dugdale, better known as Team Penguin, in the Norjac sponsored Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.

This result is a big step for the team as their lancer is a group N car, which means it is the same specification, apart from the safety additions, as a road going version.

On their way to first place Head and Dugdale beat two World Rally Cars, three Lancers, three Cosworth's and an Impreza.

Arnside's Wayne and Neill Sisson took the Lancer Evo 4 into 12th place with Morecambe's Phil Burton/Mick Fallows in the Driveline sponsored Escort Mk 2 into 16th place and 1st in class.

With next years event due to run on March 9th, the committee are hoping to be back to the traditional start on the Main Stree, although Scrutineering and Rally HQ will remain at "port, home of the Ford World Rally Championship challenge.