"Our year with the Rehm backed cortina took off with a flying start .At the previous weekends peak test day we finished up with a 7.85 and a 7.88, both at 171 mph which is a first in the 170. Little did the team expect the forthcoming carnage! We had no warning signs from the engine and the ever problematic detonation woes had vanished.

The team were keen to start well on our first round of qualifying, so the lap of 7.91 was very pleasing, we carried out our usual checks....still no sign of any damage.

Next round, sat on the line next to Mr Hone with only the thoughts of cutting a good light.....036 and a good launch....everything was ok until we got to the top of third gear when the motor stopped pulling and backfired. At the time I thought I had damaged the trans, but as I was rolling I turned the motor over on the starter, it was fairly obvious we had a dead cylinder.

Back at the pits we discovered a crack in the block which could only have been caused by rod failure. We have subsequently discovered damage to 2 rods, camshaft, piston, crank and two valves. We are unsure when we will return, but it will be this season. Our commiserations to Rob Smallworth, Fred Hone and Paul Brooks who all suffered substantial damage and am sure will be planning a speedy return.