Local Ludlow driver Perry Gardener scored maximum Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship points after an outstanding drive on the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages on Saturday in his Ford Fiesta R5+.
Partnered by Jack Bowen (below), who continues to lead the Welsh Junior co-drivers’ category, the winner was on fine form and took maximum points by 1min 19secs.
Whilst Gardener is not challenging for the title this year – he’s 15th in the driver’s points table – he was once again in the fight for victory and was third at the midday service, 23 seconds behind Matthew Hirst.
Had the situation remained that way, then Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear would have been crowned Pirelli Ravenol Welsh champions. However, on the first stage of the afternoon’s repeat loop of three stages, Hirst’s Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+ broke a rear track control arm and his event was over.
Woodpecker Stages – top 10
1. Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen (Ford Fiesta R5+)….42mins 06secs
2. Russ Thompson/Stephen Link (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)….43mins 19secs
3. Robert Wilson/Richard Crozier (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7)….43mins 45secs
4. John Caine/Andrew Sankey (Subaru Impreza)….43mins 56secs
5. Bob Ceen/Alun Hayward (Ford Fiesta R5)….44mins 41secs
6. Nik Elsmore/Rob Fagg (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)….44mins 49secs
7. Robert Gough/Sam Collis (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2)….45mins 02secs
8. Simon Rogers/James How (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6)….45mins 21secs
9. Nick Elliott/Dave Price (Fiat Abarth 131)….45mins 29secs
10. Bob Morgan/Robin Kellard (Škoda Fabia R5+)….45mins 37secs
© Image Paul Mitchell Photography
