Rally driver David Wright scored another haul of points on the Plains rally last weekend to keep up his hopes of retaining his BTRDA rally championship title. Wright and co-driver Michael Wilkinson took the GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9 to an excellent third place overall and first in class.The Welshpool-based event, round 4 for the BTRDA championship, kicked off with the Gartheiniog and Dyfi stages and Wright was immediately on the pace, setting third and second fastest times respectively. Two further third fastest times followed on stages three and four, Pantperthog and Hafren and Wright went into the fifth stage in third place overall.
“We made a good start to the event, I think we could’ve been faster on the first stage if we had chosen a softer tyre, conditions were pretty slippery,” said Wright.
“Overall though I was pleased with the times and I enjoyed the stages, especially Hafren which was very fast.”
The rally continued with another Gartheiniog stage which Wright completed in eighth place after the car stalled at a hairpin losing some time. Despite the time loss Wright maintained third place overall, a position he would hold to the end of the event.
“We nudged a bank in stage five and when I reversed the engine stalled. I reckon we lost around 30 seconds so we were fortunate to keep hold of third place.”
“I had a really enjoyable event, the stages were brilliant and the car was troublefree. I’m happy with the result, it keeps our title hopes alive and we’ll keep on pushing for the rest of the season. Thanks to GPM, Kumho Tyres, Drenth, Proflex and Grove Hill Garage for their support.”
Wright’s championship challenge will continue in June on the Dukeries rally in Nottinghamshire.
Image courtesy Simon Clarke Photography
