YOUNG Devon driver Lloyd Furse and co-driver Rob Short were confirmed as British Trials and Rally Drivers Association under 21 Champions for 2006 at the Woodpecker Stages Rally, in Shropshire recently. As they entered the last stage they were joint leaders for the award and knew what they had to achieve; both were ready for the challenge. The stage was 8.15 miles long and driving conditions were difficult due to earlier heavy rain but both felt it was the best stage they had ever driven. ?We were totally focused, the conditions suited us as I really enjoy loose gravel forest rallying in the wet and we both felt we could not have driven any better,? said Lloyd. To win the award is a remarkable achievement for the two lads who drive a Subaru Impreza which they prepare themselves. Richard Fishleigh of Launceston has been instrumental in guiding them in their preparation and development and is a key influence on the pair. Richard co-drove Lloyd to third overall in the Audi Stages Rally in 2005. Lloyd and Rob are often up against teams with substantial sponsorship and more sophisticated world rally cars, sometimes costing tens of thousands of pounds. Lloyd and Rob, both 20, only teamed up in February, and immediately showed their potential by becoming runners-up for the Michael ?Beef? Park trophy at the Wyedean Forest Rally later that month. Lloyd, who lives in Ashwater, is manager in the family earthmoving and agricultural contracting company where he assists his father, Luke Furse. Rob, from Burrington, in North Devon, works as a mechanic for South West Highways and assists in the family agricultural and seed merchant company, J Pickard and Co Ltd. The partnership and trust between driver and co-driver is crucial, especially at the high speeds achieved in rallying. Lloyd and Rob have come a long way in a short space of time and this is no doubt down to the firm foundations built up from their college days at Shebbear. Phil Mills, co-driver to Petter Solberg, of the Subaru World Rally team was impressed with their performance at the Wydean Forest Rally and asked to meet the duo. He said that he will be following their progress with keen interest. In November the pair travel to Aldershot to compete in the South of England Tempest Rally to gain more experience and build on their success.