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 Neil Weaver and Nick Thornton made a successful debut in a Group N-spec car as they finished 11th overall on Saturday’s (3 November) Cambrian Rally in their Subaru Impreza.
Ludlow driver Weaver and Holmfirth co-driver Thornton were backed by regular sponsors ACCREDIS UK and Hankook Tyres as they hired Dorian Rees’ Impreza N8 to contest class N4 of the Llandudno-based event and impressed on their first time at that level as they came home fourth in class.
The former BTRDA (British Trial and Rally Drivers’ Association) 1400 Champions had a relatively smooth run across the 45-miles of forest gravel stages.
They had some early drama as the brakes failed about a mile into the first stage but after resolving the issue went on to post the 13th fastest time on stage two. The crew were eighth quickest across the fourth test and managed to survive a small off on stage five to be 11th fastest.
Their most impressive performance of the day saw them be sixth fastest across the sixth and final stage of the day as they ended-up just four seconds behind Group N regulars Iwan Rees and Peter James in 11th place.
“We had a really good event and are pleased with the result,” said Weaver. “The car ran well and apart from the brakes and the off, which lost us a small amount of time, we had a good run.
“It was great to be out there in a Group N car for the first time and to be up there challenging for a good overall result and top class position, I’m really pleased with the times we were setting. It was also different for me driving a left hand drive car.
“I’d like to thank Telford-based ACCREDIS UK and Hankook Tyres for their support once again on the event and for their backing throughout the season. I’d also like to thank Dorian Rees for hiring us the car.”
Results
1 Andrew Burton John Roberts Peugeot Cosworth 0:45:04
2 David Bogie Kevin Rae Mitsubishi Evo 9 0:45:20
3 Ieuan Rowlands Emyr Hall Subaru Impreza 0:45:30
4 Barry Johnson Stuart Merry Mitsubishi WRC 0:46:25
5 Tristan Pye Kirsty Riddick Subaru Impreza 0:46:50
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