NEIL Simpson ticked off a career ambition after finishing 10th in the Rallye du Condroz-Huy over the weekend.

The Colne star had set out his stall to land a place amongst the elite and ended the rally in 10th.

The feat was even more impressive given that it was the first time Simpson, in a Skoda Fabia S2000, had raced with co-driver Elliott Edmondson.

Simpson said: “The aim was to finish the Rallye du Condroz-Huy in the top 10 and we’re absolutely delighted to have achieved that. It wasn’t an easy ride.”

It was a tough field for the event in Belgium with the home regulars setting the pace in front of 150,000 spectators.

For Simpson, it was the realisation of a childhood dream with the Clitheroe businessman ace having travelled to the event as a youngster.

After the event Simpson spoke of his personal pride at having competed in a rally that meant so much to him growing up.

He added: “It’s great to have finally contested the Rallye du Condroz-Huy after so many very happy years going to watch the event with my father – so I’m very proud to come away with a good result.”

He added that he felt he and Edmondson had improved as the stages went on.

“The local drivers know the roads well and are very quick,” said Simpson.

“We didn’t have the right car set-up to begin with and tyre choice was difficult throughout.

“It was also the first time Elliott and I had rallied together, which added to the challenge.

“He was excellent on the pace notes, and when our intercom failed and I couldn’t hear him, his sign language was outstanding too.

“He’s a very talented young co-driver.”

Kris Princen (Subaru Impreza WRC) took the victory while World Rally Championship star Kris Meeke (Citroën DS3 R5) was second.

It was another good rally for Skoda, with two Fabia S2000s finishing in the top four – with Freddy Loix finishing third ahead of Eric Cunin. The rally took place over road surfaces in the Walloon region.