Bare’s Burton battles to another class win at Severn Valley Stages

Along with regular co-driver Mal Capstick, Burton picked up another class win on Saturday’s Severn Valley Stages Rally - organised by Midland Manor Motor Club.

Competing in his Millington-powered Escort Mk2 the crew had a very late arrival at the Builth Wells start due to heavy traffic - necessitating their scrutineering to be carried out early Saturday morning.

The eight-stage rally was using forests in and around Crychan and Halfway - totalling 45 miles and attracting 110 of the UK’s top crews.

SS1 (Cefn) saw Phil and Mal putting in a good time over the 3.7 miles however Crychan followed and the duo were really on it - posting the fourth fastest time.

After four stages competitors had a short break for service, it was here the interim results showed Burton/Capstick in a commanding category lead of 1 minute 12 seconds and seventh overall in the 2-wheel drive class.

They kept the pressure on, extending their lead on SS5 but on SS6 on the second run through Crychan forest a wheel rim succumbed to the constant pounding, cracking around the circumference.

The crew kept the car on the track and managed to change the offending item - dropping time in the process and also placing them further down the overall results.

There was still some competitive mileage remaining and they crew flew through the final stage - bringing them a class win and more championship points.

The next round is the DMack Carlisle Stages Rally on June 13.

Report: GMS