BILHAM GETS R5 PRIZE FOR BTRDA GOLDSTAR CAMPAIGN
Fiesta ST Trophy champion and John Easson Award winner Sam Bilham will drive a Ford Fiesta R5 in the BTRDA Gold Star series this year, thanks to the support of Pete Smith.
Bilham, who won the ST Trophy in 2017, was given prize drives in a Ford Fiesta R2 by young-driver supporter and Swift Caravans boss Smith, and replaces reigning BTRDA champion Matt Edwards.
The latter has been supported by Smith for years, and Smith was pivotal in Edwards’ step-up to R5 machinery in 2017 and his British and BTRDA titles a year later.
Bilham will get the use of the car, but will have to support the programme by contributing to the running costs and entries.
“It was a shock when he [Smith] made the offer and it was definitely something I couldn’t turn down,” Bilham told Motorsport News.
“I can’t afford to rent, let alone buy one of those things. To get the offer of one was amazing and I couldn’t believe it. We have to try and get the results this year now to show that we are worth it.”
Bilham is likely to be partnered by Patrick Walsh in the navigator’s seat, but will have Graham Wild for the Cambrian. Bilham tested the car for the first time at Sweet Lamb last week. Edwards, who has a burgeoning career as a driver coach, was sat alongside.
“Matt was in the car with me on Wednesday and was giving me some guidance,” added Bilham.
“That was very useful, I don’t think you could have a better person in and to see what he’s done is a great example.
“I think the Cambrian Rally [on February 16, the opening round of the BTRDA] will just be a case of getting around and learning the car. It’s very different to what I’m used to.
“Nobody wants to be at the back. If we can be fighting towards the top of the BTRDA towards the end of the year, that’s where I would look to be.”