MITSUBISHI maestro Rob Barry captured his second title of the year with a well-earned victory on the North West Stages.

The Belmont businessman, winner of January's Camelot Rally at Charnock Richard, overcame fierce competition in his Evo 4 to cross the finishing line over three minutes ahead of runners-up George and Jayne Hill.

Organisers Motor Sport (North West) laid on a challenging multi-venue event, with 24 tarmac stages at the Three Sisters circuit, Wigan, Burscough airfield, Weeton Barracks, Blackpool, and Leyland test track.

Most of the 75 crews passed through the early Three Sisters stages unscathed, but Burscough saw the first of the top seeds out.

Former BTRDA champion Pete Littler cut a corner too far in their Escort Cosworth, hitting a concrete block and inflicting crippling suspension damage.

Early leader Lyndon Barton maintained his advantage over Barry at the first afternoon service halt, held at Preston's Novotel, and the banked test track at Leyland.

But gearbox gremlins struck the Warrington driver seconds after leaving the startline at Weeton Barracks, when his car ground to a halt locked in neutral.

Weeton also saw the end of event sponsor Des Penny, in his Activ-Air Conditioning Subaru Impreza, when smoke on the first test was followed by a blown turbo.

The earlier battle between Barry and Barton resulted in a significant lead over the rest of the field, but with the Metro out, Barry was able to back off and play to the large crowds on the remaining stages.

Competition throughout the classes was close, Dave Orritt took a well-deserved class D win and fourth overall.

Clitheroe DMC pair Craig Bracewell and Daniel Barritt took an easy win in the up to 2-litre class driving their Vauxhall Astra. Neil Harrison and Stephen Richards won the best novice award, with Michael Brew securing the 1600cc class and Jonathan Caen emerging top of the 1400cc category.

Sponsorship from the competitors is expected to total nearly £2000, all of which will be donated to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Charity.

Results: 1:Rob Barry/Jim Brindle (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo4) 1hr 20 mins 40 secs; 2: George Hill/Jayne Hill (Evo6) 1.23.48; 3: Damian Cole/ Stuart Powell (Metro 6R4) 1.23.50; 4: Dave Orritt/Jason Austin (Evo4) 1.24.14; 5: Howard Chopping/Lee Hirst (Subaru Legacy) 1.24.55; 6: Adrian Atkinson/Dave Ball (Ford Sapphire Cosworth) 1.25.45.

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