PAYTON BANISHES THE BAD MEMORIES TO WIN
The previous visit to Donington Park proved one to forget for Josh Payton and Jamie Vaughan. Fast forward three months however, and the Ford Escort pairing were back on top form with a dominant Class C victory.
It was the fourth win in six rallies for the defending class champions, on a rally that fell away from their Escort rival Phillip House who endured a catalogue of misfortune. Ryan Connolly’s luck appeared to be changing, finishing second overall in his Ford Puma. A cracked exhaust put House on the back foot after stage two, then a late retirement played into the hands of Lucy Wigley who snatched the class points lead - the three covered by 12 points with 30 left on the table.
James Hardy added win number four of his season in Class A. The Nissan Micra squabble had the addition of Adam Ripper’s entry for distraction, and on this occasion it was able to split the title fight between an otherwise dominant Hardy and Kay Thompson, Hardy beating Ripper by 57 seconds.
Alex Cannon’s fabulous run of form in Class B was halted momentarily by his persistent rival Ben Wilkinson. Peugeot 106 Maxi Wilkinson man put down an early marker and briefly rose as high as 17th overall as he streaked clear of the Ford Fiesta of Cannon.
Barry Morris dominated Class D with second overall, recovering the edge in the fight over Martin Hodgson who again shone as he battled Payton for seventh.
David Henderson, of course, could also add the E2 class spoils to his list of Donington achievements, while Nick and Crispin Williamson (Mitsubishi Lancer) added yet another victory to their Class E1 tally. Chris Cleghorn’s Ford Escort clinched Class H while Mazda MX-5 honours went to Stephen Johansen.