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Matt Edwards/darren Garrod took victories on all but two of the six rounds they started in the BTRDA this year, but the championship fizzled out after Paul Bird’s departure from the series after the Carlisle Stages.

Ford Fiesta R5 driver Edwards took a wheel off on the opening round, the Cambrian Rally, despite dominating. Then he had two instances of power steering failure on the Carlisle Stages, meaning a second was miraculous.

Bird’s title bid appeared validated by winning in Carlisle having taken maximum points on the Cambrian, combined with two thirds, on the Severn Valley and Plains. But after Carlisle

Motorsport News understands he was banned from competing, relating to an anti-doping matter, which he has appealed.

That left Edwards in the driving seat. He won the next two events to put the title to bed one round early.

Stephen Petch, the reigning champion, struggled to live with Edwards’ speed despite the added pace of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. He had been leading in Carlisle but visited a ditch, and that signalled the end of his realistic title hopes.

Three unlikely drivers rounded out the top five, with Pat Naylor/ Ian Lawrence taking third. Despite missing out on the Production Cup to Russ Thompson/andy Murphy, finishing in higher positions on certain events gave Mitsubishi Lancer E9 driver Naylor third in the overall championship.

Ian Joel and Graeme Wood’s trusty and still rapid Ford Escort RS Cosworth beat Thompson to finish fourth.

Luke Francis was strong in his first season in a Fiesta RS WRC. But retirements on the Cambrian and Carlisle stunted progress, and he did not contest the last round. Second in the standings would have been achievable.