Monday 17 May 2010

Kirvan continues comeback with fifth on the Plains

Burton Pidsea driver Becky Kirvan continued her comeback to rallying last weekend when she took a creditable fifth in class on the Plains rally.

The Welshpool-based event kicked off with stages in Gartheiniog and Dyfi forests. Kirvan and co-driver Sherryn Roberts emerged from the stages in fifth place in the Rally First 1.4 class despite a confidence sapping moment on the opening test.

"In the early part of the first stage there was a long straight with a crest, we carried too much speed over the crest and the car landed out of shape very close to a big drop," said Kirvan.

"Whilst we didn’t spin it knocked my confidence and I don’t think we were as quick as we could’ve been."

Four more forest stages followed and Kirvan maintained fifth in class in the Rally4Real Nissan Micra despite a few anxious moments including almost hitting a photographer at a hairpin.

The last stage of the rally was held in a woodyard near Welshpool and Kirvan maintained her position although it nearly all came to an end over the finish line.

"There was a jump marked in the notes but I didn’t think we would be going fast enough to actually take off. However, I was wrong!"

"The little Micra flew through the air and landed quite heavily. Fortunately nothing broke and we didn’t crash so we made it to the finish."

"I was pleased to get to the end but a little disappointed with some of the times, I think the stage one incident affected my confidence a lot. The afternoon stages seemed to go better and overall I enjoyed the event. Thanks to Rally4Real and Peart Auto Services for their support, the Micra ran faultlessly once again."

Kirvan now lies in fourth place in the BTRDA Rally First 1.4 championship with the next round taking place in June with the Dukeries rally in Nottinghamshire.

For more information please visit www.beckykirvan.co.uk.