Thrilling final round of the 2004 Kwik- Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship
Wowing the crowds with a thrilling display of tactical speed on the South of England Tempest Rally, Championship rivals David Higgins and Austin MacHale went into the final round of the championship neck and neck. Remaining almost inseparable throughout the two days, David finally pulled ahead by 8.7 seconds to win the championship on 109 points. It wasn't all disappointment for Ireland and Austin as his thrilling performance meant that his long term co-driver, Brian Murphy lifted the British Rally Championship crown for Co-drivers.
"I'm delighted to have won the home series. This year we have been in the right car but it has been difficult to focus on the championship as we never knew if we would have enough money to compete on the next round," said David.
But while championship talk surrounded the intense battle between David Higgins and Austin MacHale, the leaderboard was dominated by Mark Higgins in the Eddie Stobart supported Ford Focus WRC. The older Higgins brother who was British rally champion in 1997 led the 18 stage rally from the start, finishing nearly one and a half minutes clear of David.
"It has been a memorable day for the Higgins family", said Mark before heading straight to the airport and a flight to Australia, to compete in the final round of the World Rally Championship next weekend.
Third place in the BRC was the reward for the 100% finishing record of 17 year old youngster Matthew Wilson. Matts performance at the weekend secured his fathers company M Sport, the 2004 British Team Champion title, beating the Suzuki GB works car. Driving an Eddie Stobart Motorsport Ford Focus, Matt proved he will be a front running contender for the 2005 title.
But while the front runners were competing for championship honours, the Tempest Rally provided the finale for numerous class awards. Guy Wilks who was crowned British Super 1600 Rally Champion at the penultimate round last month in Yorkshire was under orders to bring the car home to score points to secure Phil Pugh his Co-drivers title
The early demise of Production Cup hopeful Sebastian Ling helped Dorian Rees earn his first British Rally Championship title on 102 points and he also won the Prodrive Subaru Cup Driver on 120 points. Scot Lorna Smith claimed the Ladies title with 116 points beating Swedens young lady rising star Jennie-Lee Hermansson in her first attempt. Both ladies finished second and third respectfully in the Production Cup, hopefully encouraging them both to build on this success for outright victory in 2005.
Tom Metcalfe and Shaun Woffinden are celebrating success this week after tying on 94 points in the race for the Formula 2000 Championship. Shaun wins the series on a tie break ruling however, Tom came away from the weekend as Fiat Stilo Rally Cup Champion winning him a drive in the Fiat Punto Super 1600 car in 2005. Gerard Sharkey was awarded the Formula 1600 Championship Driver with 106 points beating London based Aussie, James Gloster in his Peugeot 106.
Wales brought home the Nations cup, beating England, Scotland, Ireland and Italy with 281 points.
Final Championship standings for all drivers and co-drivers can be seen on the BRC website: brcweb.co.uk
"The South of England Tempest Rally made a superb finale to the 2004 Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship. The weather was kind encouraging a good crowd in the Show arena and on the forest stages to cheer the drivers along. This year has been an excellent season for the Championship, with great competition and camaraderie amongst the teams," commented Mark Taylor, Championship Manager.
"With the planned changes for next season already underway, 2005 is promising to be a vintage year," concluded Mark.
The winners will formally be awarded their titles at the BRC Awards Dinner, The Bash on Friday 14th January, 2005 at the Renaissance Solihull Hotel Birmingham.
