The Welshpool-based event started with stages in Cwmcelli and Gartheiniog forests and Wright made a good start in his Proflex, Kumho Tyres, Drenth and Grove Hill Garage-supported Mitsubishi Evo 9, lying in fifth overall after a troublefree run. Two stages in Dyfi forest followed and Wright moved up to joint fourth place.
“We had a decent start and I was pleased with the times, we were going well against the World Rally cars,” commented Wright. “After our problems on the opening stage of the previous weekend’s Tour of Hamsterley when a burst oil pipe forcing us into retirement I was happy to get through the opening stages unscathed.”
Further forest stages in Hafren and Gartheiniog were next on the agenda before a run through the Woodyard spectator stage near Welshpool. Keen to improve his position Wright pushed hard in his GPM-prepared car but it nearly ended in disaster when he had a big spin which resulted in the car going over a bank. Fortunately Wright and co-driver Michael Wilkinson were able to get the car back onto the road but 30 seconds had been lost.
Despite the spin Wright continued to press on in the final stage and he was rewarded with fourth place overall and victory in his class.
“We were very lucky to get back on the road after the spin, our rally could’ve ended there. I’m happy with the result, it’s pleasing to win the class again.”
The result moves Wright up to eighth in the BTRDA driver’s championship. His next championship event will be the Dukeries rally in June.
Image courtesy Simon Clarke
