Brilliant Burton and top-class Capstick continue to dominate

Bare’s Phil Burton and his co-driver Mal Capstick continue to dominate their category in the RAC Rally Championship after another giant-killing success on the Harry Flatters Rally – organised by Brecon Motor Club.
Phil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Jucy Rally Photography.Phil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Jucy Rally Photography.
Phil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Jucy Rally Photography.

Phil and Mal brought their Millington-powered, Accident Advice Solicitors /1Media/Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery/Westgate Tyres/Jones Plumbing / BDS Fuels /Lune Valley Car Sales supported Escort Mk2 to an incredible ninth overall and another RAC Class win after tricky, atrociously wet conditions over five demanding and unforgiving tarmac stages on Epynt’s military ranges.

Burton is renowned as being an expert on loose surfaces, however this was the first time he’d competed on a fully tarmac event.

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With two rounds remaining, Phil and Mal only need a good result in the Yorkshire forests on the Trackrod Rally later this summer to wrap up the championship.

Using Pirelli wets and a compromise in suspension for tarmac stages, the duo took SS1 “at a steady pace” – according to Phil – who was surprised to find himself in 11th place.

However, he upped the pace and recorded a time some 27 seconds faster on the second run through SS2, a rerun of SS1.

Continuing to keep the pressure on, Phil and Mal improved throughout the rally without any dramas and were awarded with another handful of points, ninth overall and another class win.

Report: GMS