Alex from Stalybridge alongside Mark from Wiltshire claimed ‘back to back’ championship wins on the final round of the BTRDA rally series. The Cambrian rally took place in the classic stages of Penmachno and Clocaenog forests with a final sting in the tale around the infamous and daunting Great Orme which dominates the headland of the seaside town.
It was to be the Great Orme that proved to be decisive in Allingham securing the title. The Subaru pilot had gone in to the penultimate stage with a 3 second deficit to championship challenger David Howell’s but emerged from the first tarmac test 13 seconds faster than his rival and entered the final stage with a 3 second lead.

 

Alex & Mark heading to victory on the BTRDA Cambrian Rally 2011

Alex and Mark had already completed the stage when news of Howell’s demise came filtering through that his rival’s Subaru had hit a wall on the treacherous tarmac stage and Howell’s retirement was immediate. Only then could the pair finally realise their championship achievement after a season long battle.

 

“it’s an amazing achievement to be sat here in Llandudno 12 months on from our first championship victory” exclaimed the jubilant Alex “looking back at the string of bad luck we had throughout the season it’s a testament to our teams perseverance that we can now accept the glory of back to back Welsh National Championships”

 

 

The Cambrian wasn’t plain sailing for Alex and Mark, the lack of initial grip on the slippery slate surface made for an interesting few stages before they could change the suspension set up on the ‘Mccrash Motorsport Media’ backed Impreza for the afternoon loop of stages. “Our Kumho Tyres have work wonders in the wet conditions” explained Alex “we softened the suspension on the Ex Prodrive Subaru Impreza and that made all the difference, Alwen was really smooth and flowing but on the second runs through Penmachno it was really rough, I felt every rock, heard every bang and by the time we emerged from the forests my nerves were shot. We headed to the Tarmac stage of the Great Orme in the Knowledge that David (Howell’s) was leading by a handful of seconds so we had no option but to push to the end. I feel really sorry David, to end his season and championship fight that is gut wrenching, but as they say ‘that’s rallying’ and we’ve had our fair share of the bad luck this season”

 

Alex and Mark now have the challenge of the Wales Rally GB National rally to get ready for and the Richard Allingham Cars Subaru Impreza will be prepared to the highest standard before the 10-13^th November event.

 

“I’d like to thank Kumho for providing me with the right tyres for the job, they worked great all season long, my Dad Richard, Andrew at Grade A Subaru, Richard Williams and the team from Mccrash Motorsport Media for their help and support throughout the year and of course a massive thanks to Mark Glennerster for guiding me safely through the hundreds of competitive miles we’ve done in this years championship battle”

 

Alex’s plans for 2012 are yet to be finalised but he will finish off 2011 with an outing on the Grizedale stages rally in November. “We love the Grizedale Stages Rally and with the two day format this year and stages in the dark it’ll be an end of season bash for all those concerned. We hope to be able to defend our title next year and we’re looking for sponsors whom wish to be associated with a Double Champion”

 

You can keep up to date with the remainder of Alex’s season by visiting his website www.alexallingham.co.uk and www.mccrash.co.uk