The DNFUCrt (David Nutter Ford Used Cars rally team), was enthusiastically contesting the first round of the season, the East Gippsland Stages last weekend, when a rogue rock in the middle of the road not noted in the road book, caused a fatal puncture in the right hand front tyre, dropping the team from fifth place to 11th in a matter of seconds.
Not to be deterred by such a blatant act of treachery, team owner and driver, David Nutter continued to drive for over ten kilometres on the flat tyre with encouragement from new co-driver Jenna Kelley.
“We decided that rather than stop and lose more time, we should continue and change the tyre on the transport stage, although it was interesting at times when David was trying to turn left! As soon as we located some flat ground we were out of the car and working fast to get the spare on,” said Kelley. “I was confident that we would make it back to the service park by our due time and thanks to our smooth team work, we made it with just two minutes to spare!”
“It was a nice, rainy, slippery day for some practice after the long break and I wasn’t fussed, as nothing could be done about the lost time, so we just cruised from there on, as hope of getting decent points had vanished,” said Nutter.
At the midway service break the DNFUCrt Service crew, led by Jason Werner and an extremely talented group of volunteer service personnel, replaced the spare tyre and a bent control arm. At this stage, Nutter and Kelley were running 11th, but the character of the rally changed yet again during the night stages and with it still being a rainy wet night, the sloppy conditions proved to be a major challenge to all and the final placings saw the DNFUCrt rest in 12th outright.
The team viewed the event as a testing day and is now focusing their attention on the Bega Valley Rally where they aim to be on the podium.
The event was won by Steve Kenway and Lauren Palmer, who put in a great drive in very tricky conditions. They were followed closely by Warren Lee and David Lethlean, with Rowan Woollard and Andrew Bell in third place.
The DNFUCrt would like to thank the following proud supporters and sponsors:
David Nutter Ford Used Cars, Berwick Volkswagen Used Cars, Castrol, Hayman Reece Tow Products, David Nutter Subaru Parts & Service, Sign Active, The Tint Joint, The Layne Beachley Aim For the Stars Foundation, plus the series sponsor, Exedy clutches, and the Melbourne University Car Club Team and all the volunteer officials and their service crew.
Photo: Hubble Photografix
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