Neil Weaver and Nick Thornton had a successful weekend as they finished second in the 1400 section of the Dukeries Rally on Saturday (16 June).
Driver Weaver, from Newtown, and co-driver Thornton, from Shipley, were just 44 seconds behind 1400 winners Julian Wilkes and Richard Millener as they brought home their ACCREDIS UK and Hankook Tyres-backed 1400cc Proton Satria second in class B9 and an impressive 30th overall.
The reigning BTRDA 1400 Champions endured their fair share of drama on their third outing in the Harry Hockly Motorsport-run car as the poor weather left the surface extremely wet and slippery on the Sherwood Forest-based event.
The crew, acting as sweepers on the stages as they ran as the first car on the road, suffered several overshoots in the first three tests as grip was difficult to find on the muddy gravel tracks. They also had an off in stage four which cost them a valuable amount of time as they headed into service in third place in the 1400s behind leaders Wilkes/Millener and just 11 seconds behind Justin Lawson/Paul Hargreaves.
They managed to make up the lost ground on the final two stages as they posted the fastest times in the 1400s to eventually finish-up second.
“It was not the easiest of days,” said Weaver. “The conditions were very difficult out there and it was tough being the first car across the stages as all the rain had just left the surface so muddy and wet.
“We had quite a few overshoots which lost us valuable time and the off did not help but I’m pleased we managed to make up the time in the afternoon to get second place and it was great to be out competing.
“Once again I’d like to thank all of our sponsors: Telford-based ACCREDIS UK, Hankook Tyres and Harry Hockly Motorsport for making it possible for us to take part.”
Weaver and Thornton are not contesting a championship this season but they are collecting points in the 1400 Rally Club standings. After claiming 28 points on the Dukeries, they are fifth overall in the table on a score of 86.
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