By Paul Evans

Conwy-born maths teacher and rally navigator Dan Nieroda began his 2018 rallying season last weekend when he joined Steve Robinson in his Mini for the Historic AGBO Stages at Weston Park.

Nieroda had planned to contest the event alongside his regular driver, but an engine issue forced the withdrawal of the entry allowing him to be drafted in to guide Robinson in his Mini on what was only his second ever event.

Having rallied a Mini of his own over a decade ago, Nieroda brought experience from both the driver and co-driver seats, and after the opening two stages the crew had already climbed over 20 places from their starting position of 53.

With mixed weather over the day, the Weston Park stages were basking in sunshine before a light snow covering was blown away by the icy cold winds and the Blendline Apparel-backed navigator saw this as an opportunity to climb more places. And so they did, jumping to a fine 21st overall at the finish and giving Nieroda 3rd place in the HRCR Stage Masters Rally Championship.

Nieroda plans to be back with regular driver Stuart Anderson in a Vauxhall Chevette HSR at the end of April for Round 2, the Dixies Challenge, held over the Epynt Military Ranges in Mid-Wales.