George Morrison takes third in class at treacherous DMACK Carlisle Stages
Ravenol BTRDA Rally Series contender George Morrison got his championship season back on track last weekend, taking his MG ZR to third place in the 1400C class at the DMACK Carlisle Stages.
After suffering a devastating opening stage retirement at the Somerset Stages in April, the MG ZR pilot headed to Cumbria to re-invigorate his championship hopes in the 1400C class and duly delivered, taking his first podium spot of the season.
Forced to miss the opening round in March, Morrison and fellow HM Forces Mechanic co-driver Jon Quintrell had pinned their hopes on bagging a decent start to his campaign at the Somerset Stages, but a broken driveshaft ended their day before it really began.
Unable to contest the first and third rounds, Morrison was pinning his hopes on a decent score in Cumbria.
Famed for its large ditches and super-fast forest tracks, the Kershope and Kielder forest complex played host to the five stage event and Morrison was keen to make a start on his second outing this season.
Heavy rain in the region meant the stages would be extremely slippery for the some 80 crews on the event. Many front running drivers were caught out by the conditions early on and Morrison would understandably take a cautious approach to the opening test.
A puncture would hamper progress on the second of five stages but the Cottesmore driver returned to the service halt third in class. Despite yet another puncture in the rough and cut up stages during the afternoon, Morrison crossed the finish ramp to take a 1400C class podium at the tricky event.
“It was a pretty challenging day to be honest” said Morrison at the finish.
“The stages were really tricky and just staying the middle of the road proved hard work during some sections. It was a shame we picked up those two punctures to be fair as I think we could have challenged for the top two places today. Everything just came together and I`m pleased to get a finish under my belt. We have had a bad run of luck recently and hopefully this is the turning point of the season for us”.
Morrison will now look to the Nicky Grist Stages for his next outing behind the wheel of the MG which forms round five of the Ravenol BTRDA Rally Series. |
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