Stokes takes national title

8:30am Wednesday 17th October 2007

DAVID STOKES and co-driver Guy Weaver were crowned Dunlop/Gambia MSA National Historic Champions in Yorkshire on Saturday, October 6.

Ironically, 31 years ago - virtually to the day - Stokes clinched the Auto Sport national title in the same forests.

After a fabulous season, the title came down to a two-horse race.

The finesse of quietly-spoken Irish doctor Dessie Nutt in his Porsche 911 against the skill and enthusiasm of the Gloucestershire baker.

With odds slightly against him, Stokes pulled off a great win to bring the prestigious title back to Dursley.

The rally had not gone well for Stokes as persistent break problems had plagued the Cambrian tyres-backed Escort RS1600.

However, the duo struggled on to finish ninth overall and first in class.

Their minds, however, were on the class battle in the historic pre-1967 class where Nutt and Stuart Rolt, in a similar Porsche 911, had a ding dong battle.

With Nutt having to win the category to clinch the series, it was Rolt who came out on top to leave Stokes and Weaver the happiest men in Pickering on Saturday night.

Stokes said: "I'm over the moon. They say lightening never strikes twice but I was here 31 years ago in these forests to win the national title.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone connected with the team, especially Guy who's done a superb job all year.

"In the second half the year I've driven for the championship, which is not my style at all but, when I came back into the sport in 2002, this was my sole aim and we've done it."

Stokes and Weaver would like to say a big thank you for the support of their sponsors Braces Bakery; The Gambia; Ashmores Press Brake and Tool; Cambrian Tyres; Rally Weld; Hydegate Rally Sport Preparations and Dunlop Tyres.

Thanks are also due to Wayne 'Eric' Ball, Andrew Stokes, Bill Andrews and Steve Bond for all work on the car during the year.

There is one big event left on the calendar and that is the Roger Albert Clark Rally from November 17 to 19 - three tough days of flat out motoring covering 200 stage miles.

It is an event Stokes would dearly love to win.

He added: "That would be the icing on the cake to win the RAC and I'll be going for it, make no mistake."