VK Vodka Kick rally driver Steve Perez maintained his lead in the 2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship following on a second place finish in today’s Swansea Bay Rally.
Driving the VK Ford Focus WRC, Perez from Chesterfield and Berwickshire co driver Claire Mole finished behind main rivals Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery (Hyundai Accent WRC) after a day of action in the wet South Welsh forests which formed round five of the ANCRO organised series.
Ex champion Dodd stole a march on 2004 champion Perez and despite Steve’s best efforts he couldn’t quite haul Marcus in meaning he had to settle for runner up spot for the third time this season.
“Second place is good but if I’m being truthful, Marcus caught me with my trousers down early on so I’ll need to get up a lot earlier if I’m to beat him on the next couple of events. Everything was good with the car and we’re still at the head of the Championship going into the next round in Ireland which will be a new experience for us all. However I’m confident we can turn the tables in the last two rounds and there’s still all to play for.”
The result was Perez’ fifth consecutive podium finish and he heads Dodd by 14 points going into the final two rounds but with two scores to drop, all is still to play for.
The next round of the series takes place with the Killarney Forest Rally on September 1st.
Swansea Bay National Rally Result
1, Marcus Dodd/Andrew Bargery (Hyundai Accent WRC) 1:00:54.9
2, Steve Perez/Claire Mole (Ford Focus) 1:01:16.3
3, Roger Duckworth/Alun Cook (Subaru Impreza) 1:02:46.0
4, Andrew Burton/Shelley Rogerson (Peugeot Cosworth) 1:02:52.1
5, Phillip Morrow/Daniel Barritt (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:03:02.8
6, Jock Armstrong/Kirsty Riddick (Subaru Impreza N12) 1:04:05.1
7, Michael O’Brien/Paul Spooner (Ford Focus WRC) 1:04:48.8
8, Nik Elsmore/Vicky Allen (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:04:50.6
9, David Bogie/Rob Fagg (Mitsubishi Evo 9) 1:04:56.0
10, Julian Reynolds/Patrick Walsh (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) 1:05:07.7
2007 Hankook MSA Gravel Rally Championship Positions
1, Steve Perez 111pts
2, Marcus Dodd 97pts
3, Phillip Morrow 86pts
4, Jock Armstrong 79pts
5, Sebastian Ling 68pts
6, Roger Duckworth 67pts
