Woolbridge Motor Club 4x4 Trial 2024

Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, did not deter Ben Crook and his fellow competitors from making the most of the challenging conditions at Hogcliff Hill, near maiden Newton.

The West Knighton driver, at the wheel of his Whitbread special, took command of both Class 1, which featured vehicles with non-standard differential locks, fiddle brakes and non-standard suspension, and the event overall with a performance which simply eclipsed the opposition.

It included seven penalty-free climbs in an event which comprised twelve tests.

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Crook took the 3.9 litre Range Rover powered machine to a two-point advantage over the Land Rover of Toby Cameron at the completion of the first round of six tests.

But, unfortunately, the Shaftesbury driver lost ground during the second stanza when the engine of his mount started to miss and backfire, which severely hindered his ability to duel with Crook.

Darren Evans fought hard in his pursuit of winner Crook. (Image: Stafford Associates) The margin between the two ballooned to twenty-eight at the close of play and once the handicap points (ten for Crook and five each for both Cameron and Simon Baxter) had been applied. Such was the plight of Cameron that he finished just a single point ahead of Bridport driver Baxter having bettered him by thirteen at the halfway stage.

The nearest challenger to the overall victor Crook was Darren Evans who’s spirited pursuit took him to honours in Class 2a, for caged buggies powered by engines of less than two litres.

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Early in the event the diesel-powered Land Rover driver battled with John Kirby in his similarly vehicle with the latter benefitting from a five-point advantage at the midway point of the event.

Scrabbling for grip. John Kirby driving with intent. (Image: Stafford Associates) Penalty free ascents in the final three sections of the contest turned the tables on the Maiden Newton driver though, with Evans taking the second round by twenty-five points and the class win by twenty.

Veterinary student Emma Kirby, sharing the drive with her father John, slotted into third place ahead of Greg Danks who was piloting the Frankingeep which had been constructed and previously campaigned by John Kirby.

Reigning Woolbridge 4X4 champion Kieran Baxter was the sole competitor in the over two litre engine split of the caged buggy division and completed a consistent drive with a total score of sixty-one.