Another cup won as we steer clear of dangers

Motor sport is dangerous. It says so on signs posted wherever spectators gather to watch a race or rally, and competitors are legally informed of that fact when they sign an entry form, writes David Smith.

But it is only when danger stares you in the face that the full implications hit home.

It hit me in a Welsh forest at the weekend as the Castrol/Evening Standard Ford Fiesta hurtled down a long, slippery gravel track with piles of logs passing in a blur almost within touching distance of my co-driver's window.

Behind the steering wheel, Sky Sports presenter Tony Jardine was committing to corners trusting that the directions I was shouting over the intercom connecting our Arai crash helmets were correct. Had I got it wrong, the resulting accident would have been a big one.

Already on the Bulldog Rally (my second event as I prepare for our entry in the Wales Rally GB in December) we found Keith Cronin, a leading contender for outright victory, and Kevin Rowledge had rolled their cars.

Fortunately, there were no injuries. The risk-reward is a terrific adrenalin rush and a trophy if you are successful. And having won our class for the second successive rally, my modest trophy cabinet is filling nicely.