^{Photo: Neil Dockray}

Press Release

Goodyear MSA British Off Road Championship Round 1 Tunbridge Wells

Glorious weather greeted the competitors at the first round of the Goodyear British Off Road Championship, but two days worth of showers beforehand had left them with plenty to think about on the early laps.

Keith and Sally Lewis from Abergavenny set the early pace in their Simmbugghini in front of the North of England's fastest milkman, Richard Kershaw in his Amaterati.

Most drivers opted for a steady start on the slippery Sussex clay that constituted a large part of the course, but modified production class contender Simon Dowdeswell was one of a handful of drivers who found the trees difficult to avoid. Luckily Simon did only superficial damage, on this occasion, but rolled spectacularly through the finish later in the day. Having pulled all extraneous bodywork off the vehicle with the help of class rivals Richard Hopkins and Tony Walmsley, Simon finished the event in open top mode and claimed a second in class.

First in the modified production class was Richard Hopkins, whose flamboyant driving style in the powerful Bearmach Discovery seemed to suit the course, despite a number of tight turns in the trees.

New Mitsubishi Motors UK driver, Colin Reid proved their faith in the product and his abilities was well founded by taking an excellent first in the production car category in the little Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin. He astounded a few critics by also taking an impressive 14th overall in front of both the 4.6 litre production class contenders.

In the end it was reigning champion, Paul Choat who took the overall honours by just 18 seconds, from Richard Kershaw after the challenge from Keith Lewis faltered with a failed clutch on the first lap of day two. But it very nearly didn't end that way Paul broke a half shaft on the penultimate lap, but was able to regain the time lost. Nonetheless Paul claimed his victory will be "the first of many!" from him this season.

Results

1 Paul Choat (Simmbugghini) 1h 06m 36s

2 Richard Kershaw (Amaterati) 1h 06m 36s

3 Bruce Tigwell (Tigwell 4x4) 1h 08m 52s

4 Mick Gillett (Simmbugghini) 1h 08m 56s

5 Trevor Milner (Milner R4) 1h 12m 55s

6 Simon Williams (Bowler Tomcat) 1h 13m 48s

7 Ryan Cooke (TMC Special) 1h 14m 12s

8 Mike Bakewell (TMC) 1h 16m 07s

9 Dave Bakewell (TMC) 1h 16m 54s

10 Tony Rimell (RR Special) 1h 17m48s

Goodyear MSA British Off Road Championship

• April 20/21 Tunbridge Wells - A testing multi-terrain course providing a unique and privileged opportunity to compete across one of the finest country estates in Kent.

• June 15/16 Leeds - Another new site to off road motorsport and another new challenge.

• July 27/28 Perth, Scotland - A week after the fabulous Scottish Hillrally, the perfect opportunity to enjoy Scotland at its best.

• Sept 21/22 Swindon - Likened to the fast and furious terrain used on the Southern Hillrallies, hold on tight!

• Oct 26/27 Glynneath - Where better to end the toughest of British motorsport championships than at the extensive Seven Sisters complex. Blending Rally GB tracks with rutted fire breaks there is always a surprise at Glynneath and you ain't seen nothing yet!

Check www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk regularly for more details, or call Henry Webster 0777 5655256

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