Plains sailing for Geoff and ShelleyRally preparation and test ace Geoff Jones loaned a customer car for this weekend's Plains Rally, and the ever popular Welshman from Cemmaes Road near Machynlleth duly romped home to a stunning 17 second victory.  With Morecambe's Shelley Rogerson alongside, Jones fought off the challenge of National Championship frontrunners Barry Johnson and Andy Burton to notch up an extremely popular 'home' win on the Welshpool based event.Late entrant Jones had loaned the Group A Subaru Impreza 555 owned by Jardine Lloyd Thompson and John Lloyd, and was keen to put the Yokohama shod car to good use on the forests close to his home.  With classic stages on offer in the Dyfi, Dyfnant and Gartheiniog forests, late entrants Jones and Rogerson would be keen to get off to a good start - and they certainly did as Jones matched the more modern Subaru Impreza WRC of Barry Johnson on the opening test to hold the joint lead.The second stage would see Johnson and Burton top the timesheets as Jones maintained his charge just seconds off fastest time.  Another National Championship ace Marcus Dodd was also flying in his Hyundai Accent WRC, and Jones would find himself lying just four seconds off the lead as the cars entered the service at Dolgellau Farmers Mart.  Drama was to hit the Burton camp, as the Herefordshire driver was forced out with engine problems however.  Johnson and Dodd remained in very close contention for the lead battle.Jones was in no mood to let up though, and he hurled the Impreza through the fast Gartheiniog stage to go four seconds quicker than the rest of the field, now taking the lead over for himself.  With the Impreza running well, Jones kept up the pace in the second run through Dyfi, increasing his lead over Johnson, as the fast recovering Marcus Dodd recorded another stage win to keep the pressure on.  Heading into the final run through the Dyfnant stage, Jones would set joint fastest time to record an excellent and well deserved win on the BTRDA National Rally Championship qualifying event.  Understandably, the 'local hero' was delighted with the day:'The result aside, its more of a case of saying thanks today' said Geoff after spraying the victory champagne.  'Big thanks must go to Jardine Lloyd Thompson and John Lloyd for loaning me a car that is currently up for sale!  I'm glad to have rewarded their confidence with such a win today.  Yokohama also provided us with superb tyres for the event - and also Silkolene for providing the oil this season.  Alan Brown at Questmead has also been massively helpful so I'm really pleased to say 'thanks' in this way today.  Also Shelley did a great job alongside me and together we've had a really enjoyable day's rallying.  It was great to have a good battle with so many good drivers and cars - and thanks to the organisers of the Plains Rally for allowing us to do that'.