Crossen narrowly pips Escort rivals after frantic Plains Rally battle

A fabulous three-way battle in the dry and dusty forests of North Wales was won by David Crossen in round three of the British Historic Rally Championship last weekend.

The Plains Rally featured a mighty contest between Crossen/Ben Teggart, David Henderson/Chris Lees and Dan Mennell/John Roberts as the three Ford Escort Mk2s battled furiously across the dustiest stages experienced for several years on the Bala-based event.

Ultimately, Crossen won by just five seconds despite a quick spin on the Dyfnant stage as Henderson took the runner-up spot just three seconds ahead of Mennell. The three crews were incredibly evenly-matched and were covered by a single second in the final stage, a 5.6-mile charge up and over the hills of Aberhirnant.

With George Lepley’s Mitsubishi Galant VR4 out after the turbo ingested a stone and Seb Perez retiring his Porsche 911 with suspension damage, the three Escorts were left clear to battle across seven special stages.

Of the three drivers, only Henderson had any prior experience in the area and that was very limited. But their pace on stages where dust was hanging in the trees was outstanding.

Ultimately, it was Crossen who marginally had the edge to take his second BHRC win in a row and underscore his credentials for a serious title campaign with three rounds still to run. “Two wins on the trot is very good for us,” said the Belfast driver.

Henderson, who continues his build-up towards November’s Roger Albert Clark Rally, added: “That’s been a great day.” Meanwhile, Mennell was right there in third despite hurting his wrist when it was caught in the steering wheel. He was able to carry on with support from a bag of frozen peas bought in a village ship on the route between stages. “What a mint day,” said Mennell. “That’s one of the best days rallying ever!”

Adam Milner and Roy Jarvis overcame two broken wheels to win Category 2 in their 1600cc Escort Mk1 and Baz Jordan/Arwel Jenkins won Category 4 in their Galant. Milner and Jordan continue to lead the overall BHRC points as the schedule now switches to asphalt for the Argyll Rally in south-west Scotland on 20-21 June.