Last weekend's Nicky Grist Stages took its toll on crews, in dust and temperatures more akin to the Acropolis rally in Greece.

The Builth Wells based event was the latest rounds of REIS/ GetConnected BTRDA, Millers Oils 1400, Pirelli Welsh and Dennis Motorsport Welsh historic championships.

The 120 assembled crews had to battle hot and dusty conditions over seven classic stages totalling some 45 competitive miles.

Simon Tysoe and Cliff Simmons in the Escort RS1800 came away with top local honours finishing 24th overall, third in class H3.

The duo had a trouble-free run, apart from bending the rear axle on stage 5 and high tyre wear.

Hot on their heels were Colin Webb with Matt Rogers on the notes, taking 27th overall, first in B12 class in the Forest of Dean Tyres-backed BMW 325.

They suffered from a very down-on-power engine due to the heat. Some swift fabrication on the bonnet to allow more air in at service helped the problem and it didn't stop them from taking the class victory by nearly two minutes.

Just one place behind them were Darren Pinchen and Karen Watts in the Forest Trading Post 1400 Proton Satria.

They suffered badly with the stifling dust, although Pinchin did admit to being very rusty, but an improved run in the afternoon saw them take 28th overall, third 1400 car home.

Ross duo Roger Matthews and Paul Morris had a trouble-free run to 30th overall, fourth in class H3 in the RJ Matthews Transport Escort RS1600, and more Welsh historic points, putting behind them their recent non finish on the Severn Valley stages.

Shawn Baldwin with Jack Walby alongside in the Autofix of Coleford Escort RS suffered two spins on the opening loop and dropped a few seconds.

A gearbox oil leak caused a few worrying moments, they ripped the exhaust off in stage five but survived to take 42nd overall, fourth in class B11, this with Walby feeling unwell most of the day with a heavy cold.

Colin Jenkins teamed up with Simon Pickering in the Dave Jenkins Motorsport run Escort RS1600.

Two spins in the first Crychan stage dropped a few seconds, a puncture on stage six ripped the brakes pipes off, but quick work in management service cured the problem and allowed the duo to finish 53rd overall, sixth in class, on only Jenkins' second event in the co-driver's seat.

Jason Gardner had the experienced Graham Cox in the hot seat, and after a good stage time on the opening test, a lead came off the fuel pump relay on the next test and nearly eight minutes were lost fixing the problem.

A big spin followed on the following stage dropping a few more seconds, leaving the crew languishing 93rd overall at service.

A spirited run in the afternoon saw the Brecon View Plumbing-backed Escort RS climb the leaderboard to finish 74th overall, seventh in class, after a day of mixed fortunes.

Those who didn't make the finish include Rob Smith and Ross Weir who were lying eighth after stage two, but had a huge accident on the next test in Halfway, leaving the road at high speed hitting a tree and dropping about 80 feet down in the trees leaving the WLE Impreza totally destroyed.

"It was a big accident, but both Rob and myself were fine, testament to a well-prepared car," said Ross.

"We have to say a big thank you to the rescue and recovery crews who looked after us so well, but that's probably finished our BTRDA season now."

Tony Williams and Karen Phelps put the Escort RS off in the opening test, losing three minutes, then did the job properly on the final stage, landing in a stream and retiring.

Dan Evans and Tom Marrott retired at the end of stage two with engine problems.

Nigel Jenkins and Chris Ridge didn't get any further than the opening test when electrical gremlins stopped the NJ Auto Repairs Nova.

Ross pairing Rhys Price and Mike Jode retired their 1.4 Nissan Micra in stage three with a broken front strut after hitting a gate post.

Bart Lang and Simon Cox went no further than stage two, a broken stub axle stopping the Micra.