TUMWATER. Wash.-- John Buffum, 7-time National PRO Rally Champion, took his first win of the 1984 season on April 15 at the Nor'wester International PRO Rally in Tumwater, Washington. However. it was a tougher win than any he has had for some time. Rod Millen has built a new Mazda RX-7 four-wheel-drive, and the car is quite competitive with Buffum's Quattro.

Buffum won seven stages on the 325-mile event run on the forest roads of the south Puget Sound area of Washington, and Millen won eight stages. One stage was a tie. The deciding factor seemed to be brake problems Millen suffered when he lodged a rock in the rear brake pad, costing him approximately 2 minutes. All in all, it was a tight race.

The crowds at the Nor'wester PRO Rally were particularly pleased with a 79° sunny day in which to enjoy the cars at speed. A high point for the spectators came at the Washington State Patrol Training Academy where a stage was run on their test track facility. Gate count for the stage was near 2000.

Standard Production Class was won by Doug Shepherd, Livonia, Michigan and Linda Wilcox, Burlington, Vermont in a Dodge Shelby Charger. Shepherd has had many years of rally experience, most recently a six year stint as John Buffum's co-driver. Second in Standard Production was taken by Californians Bruce Davis and Mike Neff, also In a Dodge Charger. The one, two sweep by Chrysler was followed by a third in class by Guy Light of Midland, Michigan in an Oldsmobile.

Production GT saw only 3 entries in its inaugural run. Richard Kelsey, Huntington Beach, California (Millen-prepared Mazda RX-7), Rick Dunham, Carmichael, California (Plymouth Arrow. Gemini team from Canada) and John Crawford, Okmulgee. Oklahoma (Chrysler factory team) competed for honors in the new class. The winner was Richard Kelsey who finished one minute ahead of Dunham. Another minute back was Crawford who was having problems Sorting out a new car.

Crews stayed in town for a week of social activities including a golf tournament, a bus tour of Mount St. Helen and other diversions before resuming the serious Competition in the Olympus International PRO Rally on April 21-22.

For more information contact the SCCA PRO Rally Department at (303)779-6625.