Mitsubishi Claim Production Class Title

• Goodyear British Off Road Championship - Round 4

This weekend (21st 22nd September) witnessed Colin Read, driving the works entered Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin, secure the Standard Production Class title in this year’s Goodyear British Off Road Championship.

Having won the class on the previous round in Scotland a few weeks ago, Read was aware that the category was well within his grasp and therefore, on this weekend¹s event, had his sights set on the runners in the Modified Production Class. However, this was to be a tough task as the course was to favour the more powerful and specially adapted vehicles.

Taking place at a brand new venue, Park Hall Farm, near Ellesmere in Shropshire, the event provided the country’s leading off road teams with a four mile stage through open fields and a series of technically demanding woodland sections. Ten runs of the course were set for Saturday, with a further five of the same stage on Sunday.

Once again Read and his co-driver Chris Eade, both from Great Bedwyn near Marlborough, showed the opposition just how competitive the almost standard Pinin could be against a field of highly modified and more powerful off road machines.

As usual, the Mitsubishi pair got off to a flying start, setting times just outside the top ten, Read reporting that the Pinin was a joy to drive over the fast open stretches and through the difficult wooded sections. However, as the day went on, the high-powered, bespoke machines began deepening the ruts between the trees and Read chose to lessen his attack to ensure he achieved a maximum points score in the Production Category.

Sunday’s five runs proved to be equally as demanding, but having made a few adjustments to the Pinin’s suspension overnight, he was back on a charge to finish the day as sound winner of the Standard Production Class and a credible 14th overall, having beaten all but one of the Modified Production Class competitors.

"I’ve really enjoyed this event", commented Read at the finish. "The Pinin has performed so well this weekend. It has allowed me to claim the Standard Production Class with one round still to go and maintain my top ten overall position in the Championship."

Britain’s premier Off Road series moves to Driffield in Yorkshire for the fifth and final round on 26th & 27th October.