Justin Birchall took his first ever Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship win at the final round of 2010, held at Walter’s Arena in South Wales. Tim Dilworth claimed second place which was enough to see him crowned champion.
Heavy overnight rain made the eight mile course extremely slippery on the opening run. Birchall was quickest out of the blocks in his Peugeot M206 Evo setting a time five seconds quicker than Martin Gould. The two main title contenders, Dilworth and Stephen Hiatt were just two seconds apart in third and fourth respectively.
Hiatt’s championship hopes were dented on the second run when a gearbox problem lost him over three minutes, dropping him right down the leaderboard. Hiatt then retired after the third run leaving the way clear for Dilworth to take the championship title.
Birchall, who was navigated by wife Louise, maintained his lead throughout day one, ending the six runs thirteen seconds up on Dilworth’s Peugeot 206STi.
Day two of the event saw a further four runs. On a drying course Dilworth overhauled Birchall’s lead on the opening run and by run eight he had built up a lead of 31 seconds. However, punctures on the final two runs for Dilworth saw Birchall grab a last gasp victory, finishing just four seconds up at the finish.
“I’m very happy with my first win at this level,” said Birchall. “A puncture caused us some suspension damage on day one and we were up until one in the morning fixing it but the result has made all the effort worthwhile. The course was excellent and it’s been a great weekend.”
New BCCC champion Dilworth commented “I’m ecstatic with the title. The car ran like a dream. The punctures on the final two runs were disappointing but it was the championship that was important this weekend. Thanks to Stuart Bowler Contractors and TEG Sport for their support and Tom McDonald for all his work on the car - we would not have won without him.”
In the Trophy class Adam Evans was victorious in his Milner R4.
British Cross Country Championship results – Round 6, Seven Sisters
1. Justin Birchall, Peugeot M206 Evo, 1:53:30
2. Tim Dilworth, Peugeot 206 STi, 1:53:34
3. Martin Gould, Mattserati, 1:55:39
4. Gordon Monaghan, Monaghan RS, 2:11:09
5. Charlie Evans, Rakeway Ridgeback, 2:12:14
6. Ryan Cooke, Land Rover Defender, 2:13:19
7. Martin Cox, Tornado Evo 1 Cosworth, 2:14:58
8. Steven Smith, JRG Indy Focus M3, 2:15:06
9. Martin Conboy, Tornado/Anderson TD5, 2:15:36
10. Mike Moran, AT 4x4 Challenger, 2:21:48
Watch British Cross Country Championship highlights on Special Stage Rally Review on Motors TV.
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