Following the Plains Rally the fight for the Gold Star crown has become even more intense with the top three crews separated by only three points and fourth is just a further six points adrift. The fight for the coveted title will therefore go down to the wire with battle recommencing in Llandudno on the Cambrian Rally on 1st November.
The previous round, the Woodpecker Stages, had seen a shake up at the top of the Championship with Will Nichols in his Impreza WRC taking over at the top by just 4 points from Damian Cole in his Hyundai WRC. Previous leader Hugh Hunter in the Focus WRC was consequently demoted down to third, three points behind Cole.
On the Plains Rally, former Gold Star Champion Shaun Gardener got among the championship leaders, just as he did on the Woodpecker. On this occasion however, he didn't manage to take maximum points as he had to take second best by just four seconds from Hugh Hunter. Championship leader Will Nichols' season seems to be one of highs and lows and this weekend it was a low, retirement being the result of a seized gearbox. Damian Cole took third spot in the Championship which enabled him to close the gap to Nichols to just two points. Hunter, having taken maximum points, reduced the gap between him and Cole to just one point. Michael O'Brien, in another Focus WRC, having been fifteen points behind Nichols after the Woodpecker, is now only nine points adrift. It all adds up to a wonderful finale on the Cambrian Rally, with winner takes it all.
The early part of the season saw The Silver Star category dominated by three Irishmen, all in Mk 2 Escorts, with Frank Kelly leading Ryan Barrett and Seamus O'Connell. However, Frank Kelly had a rare a non finish on the Woodpecker which saw him surrender the lead to long time BTRDA stalwart Jon Ballinger who opened up a twelve point gap over Frank. On the Plains, whilst Frank took a maximum score, Jon managed to limit the effect by coming home third in the Silver Star category, the two being split by Henri Grehan in another Mk2 Escort. Unfortunately Henri's only had two other finishes this year, so his assault on the title has been damaged as a result and the Silver Star contest is now reduced to a straight between Frank and Jon. Non appearances for Ryan Barrett and Seamus O'Connell on both the Woodpecker and Plains have blunted their title chances and Steve Blunt has taken full advantage and moved into third place, but too far behind to have a chance of lifting the title. So, just like the Gold Star, it's still up for grabs on the last event.
In the 1400's the year began with everyone expecting Graham Middleton to clean up in his Suzuki Ignis. Reliabilty problems have caused him to go back to the drawing board and the dominant driver has been Darren Pinchin. However, despite retiring on the Woodpecker he entered the Plains at the head of the table, 20 points ahead of Harry Portlock. Whilst Pinchin was probably favourite for the title, his usual car was not available so he was forced into changing to a MG ZR. However, this did little to harm his Championship chances and a third place secured the necessary points to clinch the title. Behind Pinchin a fine scrap is taking place for the runners up position with Harry Portlock just four points ahead of Ian Sutton.
BTRDA RALLY FIRST
Interest in the BTRDA® Rally First Challenge continues to grow and there have been a number of enquires from competitors preparing cars for the future, so 2009 should see this category increase in popularity. Several rally car preparation / hire companies are interested in Rally First as it is a good entry-level opportunity for new competitors. The official test to ensure that a BTRDA® Rally First car is not fitted with any form of limited slip differential will be to place a set of rollers under one of the driven wheels. No Rally First car should be able to drive off these rollers. If it does then it will be taken as a failed test….
Consistent finishing has allowed 20-year old Jason Hopkins in a Nissan Micra to lead the Series for most of the year but Dave Bennett in a Vauxhall Corsa following a succession of four maximum points scores took over at the top by just one point after the Plains. In that sort of form Bennett will take some stopping and Hopkins will need to beat him on the Cambrian if he wants to lift the trophy. Interestingly, the BTRDA® Rally First cars are proving very reliable - there was a 100% finishing record on the Plains and, after 6 events, there have been only two retirements throughout the whole year.
Although the 1400 series has been claimed, the points after the Plains in the other Championships are nicely poised and with competitors' best 6 scores to count.
