Bentham’s David Wright endured a difficult Wyedean Forest rally last weekend (7th February) suffering a couple spins on his way to 16th overall and 4th in class in a GPM prepared Mitsubishi Evo 9.
The Chepstow based event kicked off with the Sallowvallets stage in the Forest of Dean. Conditions in the stage were bad with plenty of snow and ice waiting to catch out the crews. Wright completed the stage in 35th place after a few scares on the slippery tracks.
A better time on the second stage, Serridge, saw Wright and co-driver Rob Fagg move up to 17th place before a top ten time on the third stage moved them up to 11th overall despite slightly damaging the rear of the car in a collision with a post. This position was retained as the crews headed to the main service halt of the event in Chepstow.
“We struggled on the first stage, the conditions were very difficult and I was pleased to get out of the stage in one piece,” said Wright.
“Our times on the other three morning stages were better and to arrive back at service in 11th was fairly satisfying”
There were two more stages to go to complete the event, Chepstow Park and another Serridge stage. Wright and Fagg suffered a big spin in Chepstow Park which resulted in them blocking the road and stalling the engine. Fortunately the car was restarted before the next competitor arrived but the spin caused around a minute of time loss, dropping the Evo crew down to 21st overall.
Serridge saw another spin which scattered the spectators but despite this Wright and Fagg moved up to 16th overall at the rally finish.
“It was disappointing to lose time with spins in the last two stage, they cost us any chance of going for a top ten placing. However, I’m pleased to have made it to the finish and we’ve got a few championship points in the bag. We’ll hopefully be out in a new Evo for the next round of the championship so I’ll be looking to get a good result there. I’d like to thank Kumho Tyres and Grove Hill Garage for their support”.
The result puts Wright in 11th place in the BTRDA championship. The next round is the Malcolm Wilson rally in March.
By Songasport
