REIGNING BTRDA National Rally Champions Andy Marchbank and Hugh Hunter are still hoping to retain their title after their latest event in Minehead.
The Somerset Stages Rally was an opportunity to get their season back on track after co-driver Marchbank, from Little Sutton, and Hunter struggled to bank points in the opening two rounds.
They finished second overall on the rally and Marchbank is hoping the result will mark a change in luck for him and Hugh.
“We haven't had a good start to our title defence,” he said.
“Unfortunately we've been unlucky. A little mistake by Hugh on the previous event coupled with us missing the first round really put the pressure on us.
“So it was great to score a solid second overall on the event.”
Although the rally is classed as a gravel event, there is also a special stage which runs up the Porlock Toll Road, just outside Minehead itself.
The stage is run twice and consists of almost four miles of tarmac.
The fastest duo up the hill both times are crowned Kings of the Hill and it was another title that Marchbank and Hunter were defending.
They completed their first run in three minutes 44 seconds.
Their second was even better, as they shaved three seconds off, finishing in 3.44, 10 seconds faster than anyone else.
“This is the third year we have been the fastest up the hill,” said Marchbank.
“It’s nice because you get a trophy donated by a local family.”
Unfortunately 10 seconds wasn’t enough to claw back the lead in the rally and the pair crossed the finish line 35 seconds down on first place.
“We were trying very hard and the car felt great,” said Marchbank.
“Hugh had nothing left to give at the end and there comes a point when you have to hold your hands up and say the best driver won.”
Their next event is the Plains Rally in Welshpool on Saturday May 16.
