Rally driver Dave Wright, from Bentham, achieved his target of a top five finish on last weekend’s Somerset Stages rally when he took an excellent fourth place overall in his GPM-prepared Mitsubishi Evo 9.
The opening five forestry stages of the Minehead-based rally saw Wright and co-driver Michael Wilkinson trading times with the Peugeot Cosworth of Andrew Burton and as the rally headed to the first service halt of the event Wright was just nine seconds behind Burton.
“To be on the pace of someone who was won the Somerset Stages so many times was very pleasing," said Wright.
"The overheating problems we had on the last event were cured and the car was performing well. We ran a bit wide on a couple of corners and that cost us a few seconds but overall I was happy to get to service in fourth place. “
The rally moved on to Porlock Hill for two stages on a testing tarmac road and Wright completed the course in third place having overhauled the Peugeot Cosworth.
Two forest stages remained and Wright and Wilkinson took fourth and second fastest times respectively although with Burton finishing second and first on the stages Wright dropped back to fourth.
“Porlock was interesting as there was some rain just as we started the stage and we were on slick tyres. We had a big moment on one of the hairpins but fortunately the car stayed on the road.”
“We lost some time on the long Croydon stage when we slid into the trees on a corner after locking the brakes which was disappointing but overall I’m very happy with finishing fourth, especially as it was the first time I’ve competed on the rally. I’d like to thank Grove Hill Garage and Kumho Tyres for their support and GPM for preparing the car.”
Wright now stands in third place in the BTRDA rally championship with the next round taking place at the Plains rally in May.
