Gould takes vital Dorset victory
Organiser: Marches 4x4 When: September 10/11 Where: Bovington, Dorset Championship Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship; Freelander Challenge; BCC Trophy Runs: 15 Starters: 30
Martin Gould made it four Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship wins in a row with victory in round five at Bovington in Dorset.
Several hours of rain through night made the course, which used Ministry of Defence tank training terrain, extremely slippery and large amounts of standing water caused problems for several crews.
Ryan Cooke had no such issues though as he powered his Milner LRM-1 into the lead on the opening run. Cooke, Gould and championship leader Richard Wynne-williams fought over the top three positions through most of day one although Wynne-williams’ hopes of a good result were dashed when he had to take a maximum on his final run due to starter motor problems. It was Gould who led overnight, 40 seconds ahead of Cooke.
A broken shaft on the second run of day two ended Cooke’s chances of taking a victory, Gould eventually winning by almost three minutes. Mark Jacques took third in his Lofthouse Freelander.
“What an event, it’s been so rough on both the car and crew,” said Gould. “We wanted to get the win and we’ve achieved that – it’s sets up a great climax for the final round now. We’re in a good position for the title but we’ve got to get a decent finish at Walters Arena.”
In the BCC Trophy Phill Bayliss took another win, despite having to drive his race car to the venue after his tow car broke down. Pat Masters triumphed in the Freelander Challenge ahead of Alex Howard.