A RIBCHESTER rally ace polled a top three finish in his first race since scooping a prestigeous driving scholarship.
Innovation Motorsports Scholarship winner Daniel Boardman finished third overall in the 1600 class on the 2005 Grizedale Stages rally.
It marked a dramatic first appearance for the Ribble Valley driver, who finished 44th overall in the event, 28 sec
onds behind the eventual class winners Luke Pinder and Chris Dewsnap.
And the 26-year-old says he was satisfied with his performance in the new Peugeot 206 Super Cup Car - the same one he will be driving next year as part of his prize for winning the scholarship.
He said: "It was a steep learning curve right from the start.
"It took a while to get used to the six gears on the new Peugeot, but it started to come together after the first two stages.
"I am very pleased with the result, and I cant wait to get stuck in to the championship next year."
Daniel ran the event with experienced co-driver Chris Campbell, and said he learned a lot from the driving stalwart as he prepares to race for Innovation in the new year.
He added: "There were no problems at all throughout the event. It was the first time I have sat with Chris Campbell, and I learnt a lot from him throughout the day.
"We set a steady pace in order to learn the characteristics of the car, which gradually increased as our confidence began to grow.
"The conditions were quite tricky as our low seeding meant we had to cope with the ruts left by the more powerful four wheel drive cars in front of us, but the tyres coped really well.
"Overall it was a good day. We didn't put a mark on the car, and came away with a better understanding of how the 206 performs and handles on the loose."
Daniel won the sought-after Innovation scholarship to become part of a new driving team after impressing judges in October during a weekend of gruelling driving tests.
Daniel will be the team's number one driver, along with his new co-driver Yolandie Walsh.
The pair, along with the winning mechanics of Stuart Farrell and Niki Savelio will take part in the UK's most prestigious single-make rally championship - the 2006 Peugeot 206 Super Cup.
To enquire about a partnership with Daniel and the Innovation Motorsports Rally Team in 2006 contact Daniel on 07970 533383 or at dan@InnovationMS.com.
Visit www.go-rallying.com for more details on the Innovation Motorsports Rally Scholarship.
