CHICKERELL stage rally star Phil Banwell's season is continuing to go from strength to strength even though a top 20 finish and a class win still eludes him.

After winning trophies for second and third in the up to 1400cc clash in two events, Banwell has now completed two more races well inside the top 30, taking him to third in the Cotswold Motor Sport Group Stage Rally Championship and to the top of his class.

His latest challenge came at the EMCOS Stages Rally at Down Ampney in Gloucestershire where he and his new co-driver Andy Conway steered their Last Minute Valeting Ford Ka to second place in class, a fantastic effort considering they also encountered gearbox problems.

Banwell said: "It wasn't all plain sailing. After we managed to fight our way out of a three-way battle for a class award, we were hindered with gearbox issues meaning that Andy had to hold the car in gear when required. This did slow us and meant that we just couldn't keep pace with the class leaders."

Banwell and Conway finished 26th overall, just over 30 seconds behind the eventual class winner.

Their season will continue at the fast tarmac of the Abdingdon CAR-nival Stages on June 8.

Banwell added: "We would like to thank Intex Tiles for their continuing support. Anyone else who is interested in sponsoring us can contact me on 07836 375185."