Rallying: Hopes of victory ditched but Phil and Mal fight on

Phil Burton (Bare) along with co-driver Mal Capstick entered the Mid Wales Stages - organised by Newtown and Dist Motor Club, round two of the Roger Albert Clark Championship.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Mar 2015, 14:00 BST
Phil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Chris Huish Motorsport PhotographyPhil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Chris Huish Motorsport Photography
Phil Burton and Mal Capstick. Picture: Chris Huish Motorsport Photography

Almost 150 crews assembled in Newtown for the start before attempting the four high-speed special stages, and with names such as Sweet Lamb and ‘Pikes Peak’ (Myherin), crews knew they were in for a real test of man and machine.

Although seeded at 27, Phil and Mal were immediately on the pace and in 10th position despite atrocious weather conditions that saw all four seasons in one morning.

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SS2 saw them still pressuring the top 10 crews however, four miles into SS3, their Accident Advice Solicitors/1Media/Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery/Westgate Tyres/Jones Plumbing/BDS Fuels/Lune Valley 
Car Sales supported Escort Mk2 slid wide on a downhill bend and into a ditch.

Despite losing a total of 10 minutes being extricated and regaining the track, Phil and Mal still managed fourth in their class and collected additional points in their RAC championship quest.

Phil said: “It was a tough rally, made more challenging by the weather.

“I was using Pirelli tyres this time and I’m impressed with their performance.”