Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship leader, David Higgins has had a busy two weeks since contesting round two of the series, the Rally of Wales. David contested the Red Dragon Rally in South Wales and claimed the lead in the 1400cc class in a Harry Hockley prepared Proton. Then with no time to rest he then set off to China to contest the Rally Beijing 2004.
The Trefeglwys rally driver was to experience the most tight and twisty special timed stages of his rally career on the China event, with temperatures rising to around 32 degrees. The two day rally, only open to Production Group N and 1600cc cars, would prove very challenging and demanding inside the Ralliart KRS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII for Higgins and his co-driver Daniel Barritt.
As the competition began, Higgins and Barritt set second fastest time on the opening stage behind Oscar Svelland in another Mitsubishi, while Cody Crocker in a Subaru held third place. Stages two and three proved problematic and time consuming for the British pair, with a spin and minor mechanical problems on the respective stages resulting in time loss and moving down into third spot.
"On stage two a very twisty stage, we had a spin on a tight corner and were happy to be only five seconds off the fastest time. Stage three, faster than the other stages but still tight, this stage was the worse for us as we had no anti-lag and a problem with gearbox and we lost a bit of time to both drivers."
David then had a good clean run on the fourth stage and came out of the stage with a ten second lead in the rally. These four stages were then repeated with David extending his lead on every stage, with the final stage of leg one proving a little difficult.
"We finished stage eight with a time more than twenty seconds faster than Oscar, with Cody retiring his damaged car. This stage was so tough that at times you felt you were going to pass out as there was no air flow in the car and the twisty stage made you work very hard."
The pair continued to hold their lead on the second leg, while their nearest rival Oscar Svelland retiring with transmission problems on the tenth stage. This retirement left the way clear for David and Daniel to take a convincing win on their first visit to China.
The win marked the first ever win for Ralliart KRS team and with their team mates coming home in third place, the team now have the lead in the Teams Cup.
David now aims to concentrate his efforts on the Scottish Rally, which takes place in Dumfries on 11th/ 12th June 2004.
