and Richard Burns Trophy
A huge fight-back by teenage rally driver Tom Cave netted the 17 year-old and co-driver Craig Parry third place in the N3 class of this year's Rally of Great Britain. The pair were also the fifth two wheel-drive finisher, despite losing 25 minutes in the first day after a slow roll and Tom was honoured to be presented with the prestigious Richard Burns Trophy on the finish ramp.
Tom set about the third and final leg of the event in exactly the same fashion that he ended the previous day; maximum attack. He and Parry set the fastest class and two wheel-drive stage time on each of the four remaining stages, two double runs through the 17.41Km Port Talbot stage and the 22.51Km Rheola test.
A combination of his blistering pace, problems for competitors and the tail end of a championship fight ahead meant that he climbed from 61st overall, seventh in class and 13th 2WD car at the end of the first day to third in class, fifth 2WD and 44th overall by the time he and Parry reached the finish ramp in Cardiff Bay, in front of the stunning Millennium Centre. He eventually finished 22 minutes behind class winner Patrik Anglade after the 25-minute loss on the first day.
Commenting after the end of the event, Tom said; "It's been a tough weekend, that's for sure. I'm obviously disappointed to have rolled and lost the time but it didn't really knock me back. I tried to claw back as much time as possible on Saturday and I think I drove without making any mistakes. The car was working really well, despite losing fourth gear on the third stage of the day but overall, very good.
"The conditions have been very tricky all weekend and I think that's probably part of the reason I made the mistake on Friday that ended with the roll. There were heavy showers this morning and on the last couple of stages, there were some very big rocks in the road that we had to avoid. It was very rough but all things considered, a good weekend.
"Craig and I were talking on the way back down about what might have been if we hadn't rolled and we both feel that we should have been able to take the class win again. But mistakes happen and I can only kick myself for it.
"But the main thing was we finished - we fought through and got to the end. Davies Motorsport did a great job of making sure the car was spot on and the Yokohama tyres worked well for us, once again."
Tom was also delighted to receive the Richard Burns Trophy, presented to him on the finish ramp. The award is given by the organisers of Rally GB to the highest-placed, young, non-priority driver.
Commenting on the honour, Tom said; "It is a privilege to receive an award of such high standing, named in honour of one of my rally heroes. Receiving this award more than made up for not winning the class on the event - the trophy will take pride of place on the mantelpiece at the Trefeddian Hotel for the next year."
Tom's final event of the 2009 season will be in four week's time, as he tackles the Rally of Scotland, the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. At least on that occasion, he will be able to toast to any success he may achieve, as the event begins just two days after his 18th birthday and will be the first where he is legally allowed to consume the champagne traditionally offered to finishers.
