THE road to Gold Star glory beckons for BTRDA contender Martin Meadows - starting with this weekend's Wyedean Rally.

Ten events spread over eight months stand between the talented Clitheroe driver and a title he was cruelly deprived of last year.

Pipped at the post by Nik Elsmore after suffering a puncture in the dramatic final round, the popular Proton pilot is going all out for victory on the Chepstow-based event

But with Elsmore aiming to win his home rally for a third consecutive time, Meadows is under no illusions about the task he faces.

"I made the decision very soon after the Cambrian that I would try again. The BTRDA is where all the quick lads are - and it's where I want to be too," he explained.

"The Open Championship is too expensive for most clubmen, and the recent split in the Mintex championship has diluted its appeal.

"The format of the BTRDA championship, where the Gold Star competitors run at the front of the field means we get the first crack over the stages, and they use some of the best in the world.

"I know that people like Elsmore and the Nolan brothers, who have an ex-works Skoda kit car, will be tough to beat. But there's always a surprise in the entry list, someone who's kept very quiet and just turns up in a well-sorted car and is straight on the pace."

Meadows has retained his co-driver, Ian Oakey, his links with preparation specialists Harry Hockly Motorsport and suspension experts Proflex, and the Proton Compact will once again carry sponsorship from Silverstone Tyres.

The Malaysian rubber manufacturer emphasised their support by launching the newly-named Silverstone Tyres Rally Team on their stand at January's Autosport International Show.

"The new name underlines the stronger allegiance we have forged with Silverstone," added Martin.

"It is a young company and I'm really excited about the year ahead. One of the company's tyre designers, Russell Palmer, came over from Malaysia for the show and we've both got some great ideas which can drive the team and product forward."

But the crucial factor in any form of motorsport is the power under the bonnet, and as last season proved, raw talent is often no match for raw horsepower.

Despite a brilliant display of driving from Meadows throughout the season, the 75bhp difference between his Compact and Elsmore's ex-works 2-litre Nissan Sunny proved decisive on the ultra-fast Welsh stages. That was rightly recognised by the BTRDA, who awarded the coveted ' Driver of the Year' trophy to Meadows and not the Gold Star champion.

Although he will start with the same engine as last year, Meadows is keeping his fingers crossed that Proton will come to his aid with a 'Phase Two' engine, which produces an extra 30bhp.

He explained: "They have to build 20 for their British Rally Championship team, so I am hoping that they will lend me one.

"It would help both of us out. Obviously I will have the power I desperately need, and it would give Proton valuable competition experience with the engine.

"We can help develop it, and find out what breaks - if anything - on a BTRDA event rather than risking everything on a British round. But whatever happens, I shall be giving it everything, and after tasting life at the front of the field, I want that Gold Star."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.