Formula 1000 Junior rally driver Nick Cristofaro and co-driver Janice Moore emerged victorious from a very close battle at the Hall Trophy rally last weekend. The event, which was held at Blyton in Lincolnshire, saw Cristofaro and Moore take the win by just four seconds from Cameron Davies.Heavy rain in the days before the rally meant that parts of the tarmac course were underwater and with the cars required to use normal road tyres the opening pair of stages proved very tricky as the crew battled to keep their Nissan Micra on the stage. After two stages they were in third place overall.
Conditions did not improve on the next two stages, a very heavy downpour making the tarmac treacherous. A few slides in the wet and problems with the wipers saw the Micra crew drop to fourth place.
"The opening stages were very slippery and it was a bit nerve-racking hitting the standing water with road tyres on the car", said Moore.
"We set some decent times though and although we had a few moments in the wet we were pleased to be fourth early on."
The sun shone for the next few stages and on a drying course Cristofaro and Moore increased their pace, setting five consecutive fastest stage times to move into the joint lead of the event after stage 9 with Ashley Slights in his Toyota Yaris.
Cristofaro and Moore moved into the outright lead in stage 10, setting a time five seconds faster than Slights. Despite a late charge from Cameron Davies they held on to take the win by four seconds after twelve stages.
"Nick did brilliantly to set five fastest times in a row, the stage wasn’t as wet as earlier but there were still some very tricky parts to negotiate."
"We retired from the lead on our first two events together so it’s especially pleasing to take the victory. Competition in the F1000 Junior class is very close and every second is vital."
"I really believe Nick could progress far in rallying if he gets the right support, he doesn't have the financial backing or any rallying in the family like most of the other juniors. If you would like to talk about helping out or sponsorship opportunities please contact Nick or myself via http://www.janicemoorerallying.co.uk or come and say hi at the next round....every little helps!"
Cristofaro currently lies 3rd in the F1000 junior championship and he and Moore will contest the final round of the F1000 Junior championship next weekend at the Teeside Autodrome near Middlesborough.
