2015 BTRDA SPORTING TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW

Duncan Stephens takes a look at the leading contenders

The coveted BTRDA Sporting Trials Gold Star will be decided for the 68th time at Kington on the Welsh Borders this Saturday, with nearly 40 crews entered.

A year ago Josh Veale took a surprise win at the snow shortened final in Cumbria in his old live axle Sherpa and will be trying hard to defend his title. However, the favourite will be the new British champion Roland Uglow, who won nine trials during the season and never finished outside the top four, with regular passenger Laura Wilks.

Ian Veale, Josh’s father, has improved his car during the year substantially and won the two events Uglow hasn’t won since the summer and should feature highly.

John Fack failed to win an event last year, having won the British championship the year before, so could spring a surprise this time with son Jordan as passenger, while brother Julian always seems to star at the final.

Northern champion and new BTRDA Championship chairman Simon Kingsley will need to focus hard to push the leaders, but is capable on his day. The event also has five drivers invited from Northern Ireland, although they haven’t challenged the top step for the last six years. Simon Gracey and double champion Brian Edgar will be hoping to, having broken a driveshaft early last year.

The Silver Star is the second tier of qualifiers with Jerome Fack favourite following a year of modifying and developing his MSR in line with twin brother John’s car, although he has suffered reliability issues.