Dodd does the business in the snow

Former double ANCRO Champion Marcus Dodd and co driver Andrew Bargery made sure the long drive up from the south coast was worthwhile by taking victory on today’s Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally.

Driving the www.flitewise.com Hyundai Accent WRC on round two of the MSA Gravel Rally Championship the Poole driver overcame gearbox problems and a snowbound Kielder Forest to take a 25 second victory over 2005 winners Barry Johnson and Stewart Merry (Subaru WRC) who in turn ended up 43 seconds to the good over the Subaru WRC of Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield.

With treacherous conditions greeting crews making snow tyres the popular choice, Dodd grabbed the early advantage on SS1 before double Scottish Champion Johnson responded on stages two and three before another charge by Dodd, complete with new gearbox after servicing, saw him hit the front again on stage four. Meanwhile the winners of round one in Bournemouth, Craig Middleton and Robin Hernaman (Hyundai Accent WRC) were well in contention until an off on stage five saw them finally retire as the battle between the leading crews intensified.

After SS7 Dodd held the advantage by a single second ahead of Johnson and he consolidated that with a super drive through the nine mile Hindhope as Johnson struck problems.

Going into the final test Johnson’s Subaru was suffering a major oil leak and with co driver Stewart Merry physically pumping oil into the engine from the passenger seat throughout the seven mile stage the pair eventually made it to the end much to their relief.

“I think it’s a case of saying congratulations to everyone who got to the finish today” said a delighted Dodd. “It’s the first event we have finished this year and I am delighted to get some points on the board after our retirement on Rallye Sunseeker.”

Johnson meanwhile commented “At least we’re here as going into the final stage I didn’t think we’d make it. Its been a difficult day and I am a bit disappointed as I feel we could have won today.”

Third place Duckworth was well poised to challenge for victory only to be robbed by a puncture on the penultimate stage. “After not finishing up here last year and not scoring in Bournemouth we needed a result and I’m happy enough with third place in the conditions” said the Towcester driver.

Fourth up was Steve Perez and new co driver Steve Harris who were out in the older version of the Ford Focus WRC as the new model is en route to Rallye Catalunya where they are competing in it next week.

In the fiercely fought Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup Tony Thompson and co driver Jon Dunning took victory ahead of fellow County Durham crew Stephen Petch Jnr and Michael Wilkinson with early leaders Tim Pearcey and Paul McGuire ending up third after gearbox problems on the final stage.

The Subaru Group N Trophy supported by Prodrive saw victory go the way of Wyn Humphries and co driver Mark Lewis who were the only pairing to see the Jedburgh finish ramp whilst in the Total Motorsport Solutions Peugeot 206 Cup, Ulsterman Colin Britton and co driver Kirsty Riddick took the win ahead of Miles Johnston with Declan Magee in third.

Going into the third round of the series, the RBS International Manx Rally, the joint MSA Gravel Championship leaders are Barry Johnson and Steve Perez whilst Humphries heads the Subarus with Thompson and Magee leading the Mitsubishi and Peugeot Championships respectively.

Final Results

1. Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery Hyundai 1:14:27.0
2. Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry Subaru 1:14:52.3
3. Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield Subaru 1:15:35.3
4. Steve Perez/Steve Harris Ford Focus 1:15:57.8
5. Paul Wedgebury/Neil Dashfield Subaru 1:17:43.8
6. Tony Thompson/Jon Dunning Mitsubishi 1:17:49.0
7. Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson Mitsubishi 1:17:58.9
8. Tim Pearcey/Paul McGuire Mitsubishi 1:18:01.1
9. Neil McCance/Sean Ferris Mitsubishi 1:18:14.8
10. Anthony Willmington/Andy White Mitsubishi 1:19:59.2

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