Angus Stamper preparing to spin on the Arvika Rallysprint

The following day, HERO enjoyed the hospitality of Volvo who hosted scrutineering and the rally's first Test at the Volvo Museum. Malcolm McKay was typically enthusiastic in his first Test, but even his newly fitted snow tyres could not save him from drowning in the white stuff, much to the dismay of Hans-Dieter Krönung, at the wheel of the next car. A crowd of onlookers finally saved the day, pushing the Triumph to safety.

The event officially started this morning when John Brown, the rally organiser, flagged all the cars off from the main control at the Gothia Towers Hotel at 9 am. The participants were greeted with a fairly chilly start (about -5C) and a light snowfall - a fitting start to the rally.

The first day included a lunch visit to the Saab Museum at Trollhätten, followed by the second Regularity section of the day, which wound its way through some of the back roads of southern Sweden. Meanwhile the Classic Tourers and 4x4 Adventurers enjoyed a main road route, which skirted the western shore of Lake Dalbosjön, reportedly the second largest lake in Europe.

The run in to the overnight halt at Sunne was preceded by a short medal section and a fantastic Rallysprint Test at Arvika, where the highlight was a magnificent pirouette by Angus Stamper's Audi Quattro Sport. However, Angus' antics were nearly eclipsed by Mark I'Anson, in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, who flirted with the possibility of a threesome involving himself, his car and a barrier. (As co-driver, we wonder what his wife thought as she watched on open mouthed?!)

We look forward to more snow and ice as the participants take on Norway tomorrow.

© Jeray and Antler 3.3.03