THERE was no concealing John Stone's disappointment after his retirement from the North West Stages.

Lying second overall at one point, the Blackburn businessman was set to score a sensational result with his new Metro 6R4.

However, electrical problems forced Stone and co-driver Kevin Hodkinson to retire on the road section heading to stage 10 at Weeton.

"I'm disappointed because I felt we could have made a strong challenge for the lead in the afternoon," said John, who only bought the car three weeks ago.

"We've had a good look at the car and it looks like either a faulty coil or a throttle sensor that put us out.

"It's frustrating because I felt sure we could have done it, I even began to think about what I would say at the prizegiving ceremony!

"After driving a Peugeot 106 with half the power of the Metro, I was expecting it to be difficult to drive, but it just wasn't the case.

"The amount power it produces is incredible, and it's the only car I've ever driven that physically forces you back into your seat under acceleration.

"But given the car's pedigree - it won the 1996 Scottish Championship in the hands of Jimmy Christie - I'm sure the right result won't be far away."

The pair aim to be back out with the Legend Gas Fires-backed machine next month on the Lee Holland Memorial Rally at Ty Croes, Anglesey.