It was another mixed event for the three Manx crews at round three of the BTRDA Championship, the Woodpecker Rally in mid-Wales.

Maxx Bradshaw and Liam Whitely had a solid drive in the Mitsubishi Evo III finishing 34th overall out of the 150 cars, but more importantly provisionally 19th overall and fifth in class in BTRDA.

’We really are in the big boys’ class here, the cars are all top machinery and these Welsh guys really know how to pedal,’ said Maxx, who turned 20 this week. ’But I’m really happy to have three point-scoring finishes so far.’

The event was not without problems for the crew losing more than one minute with mechanical issues, dropping them from a top-30 finish overall.

Co-driver Liam added: ’Maxx just gets better each time out and we are really bonding together well as a team now.’

The pair also sit second in the Welsh Junior Championship behind George Lepley.

They wish to thank Renov8, IM1 Car Centre, Complete MRF Tyres and Plumbing Solutions.

Martin Freestone and Rory McCann had another very good drive to claim 50th overall and second in class in the stunning BDG Mk1 Escort.

They now move into the lead in their class in the championship.

No luck again for Steve Ormond-Smith who was having another strong drive, lying inside the top-30, until he was caught out by a bend on stage four and rolled out of the rally in the Evo IV.

Unhurt in the incident, he is hopeful the car can be fixed for the PokerStars Rally in early October.

The next BTRDA event is the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire on September 24-25.

POKERSTARS RALLY

Helpers are required to assist with the PokerStars Rally being organised by Manx Auto Sport on Friday evening/Saturday, October 1-2.

All enthusiasts are invited to attend a volunteer accreditation and signing on session this Saturday at Castletown Civic Centre, 1.30 to 4.30pm.

Further recruitment days will take place on Saturday, Sept 25 at Northern Swimming Pool, Ramsey (1.30 to 4.30pm); Sunday, Sept 26 at Castletown Civic Centre (1.30 to 4.30) and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Sept 28, 29 and 30) behind the TT Grandstand from 4pm until 8pm.

Phone 205705 or email [email protected] for more information.