Monday, 29 April 2013

Wright denied podium position in Hamsterley

 
Bentham’s David Wright was denied a podium finish in the Tour of Hamsterley rally last weekend when problems with the anti-lag valve meant he retired from the event to prevent more serious damage to the car.

Wright had a race against time to get his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-supported GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9 ready for the rally after the accident he suffered on his last event but he made it to the start line and was keen to repeat the win he took last year.
 
Despite being on the wrong compound tyres for the opening stage Wright was third quickest. Changing the tyres saw him set good times on stages two to five including two second fastest times but hopes of a good result ended in stage six. The anti-lag valve issue cost a few seconds in the stage and rather than risk more expensive damage to the engine Wright decided not to attempt the final stage.

Getting to the rally start was a huge achievement,” said Wright. “We had so much work to do to rebuild the car after the crash and it was all very last minute but we got there! Thanks to everyone who helped. It’s disappointing to retire as a podium finish was on the cards but with our next rally, the Plains, in three weeks time we didn’t want another expensive and time consuming repair to fix so we stopped after the sixth stage.

"It was an ideal shakedown for the Plains though, we had a few small problems which hopefully won’t occur again so I think we’re in a good position to challenge for a top result next time out. I enjoy the stages that the Plains uses to we’ll be pushing for the podium again.”

The Plains rally takes place on 18th May and is based in Welshpool.