Ernest Owen Memorial

Event Report

Simon Harris returned to his favourite venue in determined focused mode and didn’t disappoint with a superb second round secured the Ernest Owen Car Trial overall – twelve years after his last overall win at the Catton Park venue. The trial was cut short after three rounds due to weather conditions but Harris won the final qualifying round of the BTRDA season. Harris’ understanding of his Golf and the conditions proved decisive over the little nimble Mini of Rupert North who finished second overall.

The Motorsport UK British championship was down to the wire with Garry Preston needing to win overall in his Fiat 127 but could only manage third in class in the wet conditions. Mark Hoppe retained the British Championship, his fourth in six years by winning the rear wheel drive class in tricky conditions by three points from Dave Oliver.

Trevor Moffatt won the new car class slowly extending a sixteen point lead over veteran John Wadsworth and Nick Pollitt who was out for the first time this year. Moffatt’s class win enough to secure third in the British championship previously won by father Bill and youngest brother John.

Preston could only manage sixth overall having a very tight battle with Colin Reid, just two points separating them. Wadsworth and Pollitt tied for eighth overall, and Barrie Parker completed the top ten overall in his Westfield. Grant Victory won the clubman section.

Ernest Owen Car Trial

Owen Motoring Club

Motorsport UK, BTRDA, ASWMC, WAMC

26 starters

1. Simon Harris, VW Golf GTI, 72.6%
2. Rupert North, Rover Mini, 83.0
3. Mark Hoppe, Dutton Melos, 86.5
4. Dave Oliver, Hillman Imp, 91.3
5. Trevor Moffatt, Vauxhall Corsa, 96.9
6. Garry Preston, Fiat 127, 101.7
7. Colin Reid, VW Golf GTI, 103.7
8. John Wadsworth, Ford KA, 112.3
9. Nick Pollitt, Suzuki Swift, 112.3
10. Barrie Parker, Westfield SEI, 113.8