WELLSBORO. PA-- U.S. Champion John Buffum added a third win to his 1984 collection last weekend at the Susquehannock Trails PRO Rally. Traditionally, Susquehannock features rain, rain and more rain. But this year the skies were clear, the weather hot and breathing dust the order of the day. Holding first position on the road became all-important. The seeded draw for the starting order had Jon Woodner out first followed by Rod Millen and John Buffum. Then, to keep things interesting, the organizers allowed the drivers to earn a better position by restarting according to the standings after the first stage on Clay Mine Road. After a dramatic finish at speed across a creek crossing, Buffum was ahead by .22 of a minute. The lead never changed hands again.

Behind the hot shoes, conditions were the same for everybody and the competition more interesting. Richard Kelsey, who has taken three easy wins so far this year in the new GT Production Class, had tire problems all night and finished third in class, but still retains the top position in series points. Of the eight GT entries, largest so far, five survived the 320 mile course. The winner was Gary Webb from Maine in a new Plymouth Colt Turbo. Webb was followed by Robert Parks of Detroit in an Alfa GTV6. Top seeded GT driver, John Crawford had mechanical problems and did not finish.

In the Standard Proouction Class, Guy Light (Oldsmobile) walked away with honors. He was followed, 2 minutes back, by Dan Coughnour (Ohio) in a Dodge Shelby and Calvin Landau (Penn.), also in a Chrysler, was third. Walter Boyce, the class leader, was slowed due to mechanical problems and finished 4th in class. Since Doug Shepherd (2nd in Production series points) rolled his Dodge Shelby and did not finish, Light has now moved into second in Production class points, just 6 points behind Boyce.

Susquehannock is always a popular event with the competitors and the people of Wellsboro. Large crowds turned out to spectate at their favorite intersections. Wellsboro caught the rally fever long ago and welcomes the rally as the kick off event for the statewide Laurel Festival

After a short summer break, next stop on the circuit is Chillicothe, Ohio (another rally town) for the Budwieser Forest Rally on August 18-19. For mor information, contact the national office at (303) 779-6625.