Franklin takes Gold following disappointment.
Another season of BTRDA Car Trials drew to a close with a fresh name added to the coveted Gold Star trophy, Shawn Franklin. Three weeks previously at the same venue Franklin was left despondent at losing the British championship but drove superbly all day in extremely tricky conditions to spring a surprise and winning the championship final overall. Slippery conditions met the eighteen entrants, spread over the three classes. Initially outgoing champion Henry Kitching challenged Franklin, but a driveshaft failure halted that challenge and Franklin held on to win the class by nine points with some fabulous trickling. Kitching managed to change the shaft eventually to win the class award. Trevor Moffatt found his Corsa had a gearbox issue the day before so had to revert to his Ford Ka, hampering his chances, but managed to secure the Bronze Star.
Simon Harris returned to his trusty Golf in which he won the Gold Star nearly twenty years ago and had a day-long battle with 2014 champion Mark Hoppe. Harris’ Golf’s ultra low rev trickling prowess proved decisive to beat Hoppe by eight points, with new British champion Rupert North struggling upon returning to his Mini with only third in class, with the consolation of winning the Silver Star.
The rear wheel drive class was extremely hotly contested with Barrie Parker taking an unexpected class win and third overall, beating the Imp duo of Dave Oliver and Steve Courts for the first time this year. Courts took second place in the very closely contested battle in the Silver Star. Father and daughter Nigel and Gemma Weeks returned to trials having not competed since May, with Gemma winning the ladies award and Bronze Star runner up.
The venue offered a real mix of cambers and steep climbs on grass and mud and Franklin proved he could master all along with the pressure. Franklin was delighted to win the Gold Star.
BTRDA Car Trials Championship Final
organised by Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club
18 starters
1. Shawn Franklin, Citroen Saxo VTS, 64%
2. Henry Kitching, Vauxhall Corsa, 71%
3. Barrie Parker, Westfield, 82%
4. Simon Harris, VW Golf GTi, 91%
5. Mark Hoppe, Citroen Saxo VTR, 102%
6. Trevor Moffatt, Ford Ka, 105%
7. Dave Oliver, Hillman Imp, 118%
8. Rupert North, Rover Mini, 126%
9. Tim Beard, Citroen Saxo, 129%
10. Steve Courts, Hillman Imp, 137%
Gold Star Shawn Franklin
Silver Star Rupert North
Silver Star Runner Up Steve Courts
Bronze Star Trevor Moffatt
Bronze Star Runner Up Gemma Weeks