AS THE first major rally of the season, the Wyedean attracted several British Championship contenders, including SEAT works driver Gwyndaf Evans.

The Welshman finished second to Brian Bell, in a Ford Escort WRC, who took a surprise victory after pacesetter Andy Burton sportingly refused to hand in their time cards at the finish.

Like many other competitors, Burton was using the Wyedean as a test run prior to the start of the Mintex series.

BTRDA regular John Thompson, from Slaidburn, and co-driver Dave Hancock had a steady run in their Ford Escort Cosworth to finish ninth overall in the Silver Star category.

Earby driver Iain Shirlaw and Martin Moore finished 74th overall and ninth in class A6, driving their Motorsport Direct-backed Vauxhall Nova GSi.

Results - Overall - 1: Brian Bell/Paul Spooner (Escort WRC) 41m 41s; 2: Gwyndaf Evans/Howard Davies (Seat Ibiza) 44.43; 3: Ian Joel/Graeme Wood (Escort Cosworth) 44.49.

Others - 9: John Thompson/David Hancock (Escort Cosworth) 45.45; 16: Richie Holfeld/Ian Grindrod (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5) 46.29; 74: Iain Shirlaw/Martin Moore (Nova GSi) 52.42; 82; Martin Meadows/Ian Oakey (Proton) 53.09.

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