Hitchin youngster, James Grint, had his hopes of a top 10 finish on the Malcolm Wilson Rally dashed when the Greased Lightning backed Mitsubishi Evo9 suffered transmission problems – the same problems that had blighted the team in pre-season testing. James and co-driver Steve Greenhill managed to get their car home to finish the event in 13th overall and 6th in class N4.
The idyllic Cumbrian town of Cockermouth played host to the second round of the BTRDA Forest Rally Series at the weekend for the Malcolm Wilson Rally, named after local resident and Team Principal of the Ford World Rally Team. The event took in 45 miles of gravel roads around the forests of Comb, Grizedale and Greystoke.
The opening loop of stages saw the James setting top 3 times in class and battling for honours well within the top 10. “The car is getting better and I’m gaining more confidence. The Pirelli tyres grip so well I can just throw the car in and power out of the corners.”
James and Steve, still learning the new car for this season, headed into the second loop of stages, after service, full of confidence only to be hampered by their gearbox issues – losing 2nd gear in Grizedale and having to nurse the car through the remaining 3 stages.
The pair finished the event in a solid 13th overall and 6th in class. “I’m very happy to get to the finish considering the problems we’ve had. The support from Greased Lightning, Motul Oils and Performance Friction Brakes makes it more worthwhile to finish and pick up the result. I’m focused now on getting the car fixed and coming back, even stronger on the Somerset Stages next month”.
The team will make the journey to the Seaside town of Minehead on the 16th April for the Somerset Stages Rally where James will be hoping to build on a strong start to the season and develop his knowledge of the car and the stages. To follow James’ performance this year check out www.brgmotorsports.com.
– Credit: www.rallysportmedia.com.