Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup
Round 6 - Park Systems Stages - 9th September 2006
Wilmington wins and clinches series title

Anthony Willmington, together with his long-time codriver Andy White won this weekend's Park Systems Stages Rally, Round six of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Cup and in doing so created an unassailable lead become the first ever winners of this National based series for Group N Lancers.

The event was also the six round of the MSA National Gravel Rally Championship and saw seven stages planned in the New Galloway forests not far from the host town of Newton Stewart.

However, during the week leading up to the event it became apparent that recent forestry activity had rendered stages one and six unsuitable for competition and therefore the route was reduced to five timed tests.

Knowing that he could wrap-up the title on this event, Willmington started cautiously, a tactic that was later to be found unnecessary, as his main rival for the series, Stephen Petch, had collected a puncture which slowed him by over a minute.

Now with a comfortable lead, Willmington decided not to take any chances, especially as his car's engine appeared to be showing a very low oil pressure. This, combined with a squeaking noise suggested to the Dorset driver that the turbo charger may be on its way out, so he drove steadily through the next two stages before service. On inspection it was found that the oil pressure was fine and the squeak was caused by a stone caught in the front brakes.

During this time Petch was on a mission, so much so he went through the final stage fast enough to set fourth overall time! However, it was not enough to claw back the first stage deficit and Willmington did what he needed to end the day with a 21 second margin ahead of Petch.

Third went to the ever improving Emma McKinstry, whilst the unfortunate Jonathan Sparks retired on the final stage when his car’s jack collapsed whilst he was changing a wheel!

"I started competing in the Mitsubishi Championships in 2002 and it's been my goal to win one since then"' explained a very happy Willmington at the finish. "I'm so pleased that I've finally done it, especially as I've competed this year on a Shoestring budget, in a car that has seen better days. I've therefore got to thank Andy for guiding me to tin the tile and to my team for all their support and keeping the car going throughout the season."

Willmington is currently considering his options for the seventh and final round of the season, the Bulldog Rally on 21st October.

Results
1st: Anthony Willmington (Dorchester)/Andy White (Weymouth) Evo XI: 59:44.7
2nd: Stephen Petch (Richmond)/Michael Wilkinson (Tow Law) Evo VII: 1:00:06.2
3rd: Emma McKinstry (Banbridge)/Kenny Hull (Banbridge) Evo XI: 1:03:10.3
Retirements
SS7: Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Bradley Magnus (Downham Market) Evo VII

Series Standings after Round 6
1st Anthony Willmington / Andy White 32
2nd Stephen Petch / Michael Wilkinson 21
3rd Tony Thompson / Jon Dunning 16
4th Paul James / Derek Davies 15
5th Emma McKinstry / Kenny Hull 11
6th Jonathan Sparks / Bradley Magnus 6
7th Wayne Radford / Craig Drew 5
8th Simon Close / Jason Hunt 4
9th Tim Pearcey / Paul McGuire 4
10th Gareth Bevan / Neil Bevan 3
-- Paul Jones / Bob Stokoe 0