PRITCHARD MUST FINISH FOR TITLE HOPE
Defending champion is hoping to end torrid run on the Red Dragon
Jason Pritchard says that Saturday’s Red Dragon Rally will be critical in his bid to retain the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship title.
Pritchard and co-driver Phil Clarke have had a disastrous run with non-finishes in the last three rallies. Now, Pritchard must finish the South Wales event to retain a chance of backto-back titles.
Their season started well with wins on the two opening rounds, but their Ford Escort Mk2 was off the road on the Pirelli and Severn Valley rallies before going out of the Harry Flatters Rally with engine failure. The best six scores from nine rounds will decide the championship and Pritchard has now used up all his dropped scores with three rounds to go.
“Anything is possible in rallying,” said Pritchard. “It is virtually impossible but we will still go to the event with the aim to finish. My strategy will be the same as always; to get decent points for the championship. I’m really determined to finish but also just want to try and forget about it and go out and enjoy the rally.”
The blown engine on Epynt was a devastating blow. “I sat on the bank with my head in my hands thinking: ‘what have I got to do to finish?’ Thanks to Sherwood Engines a new engine has been built and is waiting for me to fit this week.
“Getting a top result is very difficult with the pace at the front of the BHRC. I’ve not tested in Walters before and have only been through it on a couple of events.”