Burton Pidsea’s Chris Peart enjoyed a very successful Pirelli Challenge Rally last weekend when he took second place overall and first in class on the Carlisle-based event despite suffering severe brake problems on his car.After undertaking a test session to tweak the suspension on his Peart Auto Services-backed Vauxhall Astra hopes were high for a good result on the event which was round two of the BRC Challenge.
Peart and co-driver Jamie Forrest got off to a good start on the opening Roughside stage, claiming third fastest time overall and first in class. Stage two, Pundershaw, was even better with second fastest time overall.
Drama was to strike on the third stage when the brakes failed midway through the course. Amazingly Peart and Forrest were quickest of everyone on the stage, moving them up to second overall.
"We had a good run on the opening two stages and were pleased to be in third place after Pundershaw," said Peart.
"We lost the brakes half way through the third stage and it felt as though we were coasting, it was a big surprise when we found out we were fastest overall!".
A pair of mole grips were used to ensure that the Astra pairing at least had brakes on the front for the remaining two stages. The Forks stage saw Peart and Forrest catch another car and the dust in the stages meant that they lost time, completing the test in seventh place and dropping to third place.
A big push on the final Bewshaugh stage saw them take another fastest stage time which moved them back up to second place overall and first in their class.
"It’s a brilliant result for us, I’m really pleased to take the class win and second overall, it puts us in a good position in the BRC Challenge championship."
The championship moves onto tarmac for the next round, the Jim Clark Challenge Rally in May. Peart is likely to contest the event in his other rally car, a Vauxhall Corsa S1600.
For further information please visit www.pasmotorsport.co.uk.
Image courtesy Jakob Ebrey Photography
