Saltash driver Alan Cookson and London co-driver Julian Wilkinson claimed their first victory of the 2008 season as they won Sunday’s (29 June) Rallyinguk.com Stages Rally at Smeatharpe airfield.

Cookson and Wilkinson won the tarmac event by a slender seven seconds in their GillettsSpar.com, Robert Wiseman Dairies, VK Vodka Kick, Kumho Tyres and Riverside Property Services supported Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (WRC) as they contested the rally as a one-off, taking a break from the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship. 

The crew’s event got off to a good start as they posted the fastest times on the opening two stages to carve out a four second lead from Karl Broads in a Metro 6R4. They continued their fine form by being second quickest over the third and fourth tests, dropping just six seconds to the Subaru Impreza WRC of Steve Furzland who had moved into second place.

By the halfway mark the pair had an advantage of 17 seconds. Heading into the final two stages just 13 seconds separated Cookson and Wilkinson from Furzland and a half spin on the penultimate stage cost them several seconds but they went into the final test with an 11 second gap and managed to hold on for the win.

“We were really pleased to be leading the event after six stages especially as we entered the event as a test to try and get to the bottom of our gearbox issues that have plagued our season so far this year. We had a relatively trouble free morning and managed to get the data from the car we require to help solve our problems.

“It was a very nervous last stage for us, I think we heard more rattles and bangs from the car than normal as we set about just ensuring we had a smooth clean run to the finish, as is always said ‘to finish first, first you must finish’. 

“It was obvious judging by the odd tyre that was being thrown out in front of us that the Furzlands were pushing hard but on completion of the stage and after a quick check of the times we soon discovered we had managed to hold them off, to grab our first win of 2008, which feels good.

“The Spar/Wiseman Dairies team would like to thank the service team for ensuring the car ran well, as well as the team from SubaruWRCSpares.com for all their help on the day as well.”

Cookson and Wilkinson will next return to action in the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship when they compete on round five, the Swansea Bay Rally, on Saturday 19 July.