In the Production (Group N) category, Phil Morgan / Martin Douglas (Impreza WRX) were the winners from the Nolan brothers - Jeremy and Paul. Leon Pesticcio / Howard Davies were the unlucky ones. They had been the quickest Group N runners until a roll on stage 5 dropped them from an excellent fifth overall to 22nd. They then set a string of fast times but failed to make the finish after a driveshaft broke on stage 11.
Before all the drama unfolded, there had been much to talk about as the PBRC circus moved up to Yorkshire to contest the last round in the 2002 PBRC Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship. For many it was a welcome return to gravel stages, and an exciting prospect considering the challenges to be faced in the famous North Yorkshire forests of Cropton, Langdale and Dalby. Some of the season’s contests had already been resolved: Jonny Milner had won the A8 championship class; Justin Dale the Super 1600 category; Peugeot was triumphant in the Manufacturers’ Championship; and David Higgins had taken the Production Cup. But the really big title was still very much open - and tantalisingly close, with Dale leading Milner by just one point when their lowest scores had been deducted. So the important question was: who would be the 2002 Pirelli British Rally Champions?
Milner and Dale are both cool characters, outwardly at least, but both must have found it supremely difficult to keep their jangling nerves under control as they lined up for the first stage at 8am on Saturday morning - the first of a series of spectator stages at the Pickering Showground. On paper, at least Milner didn’t have Andrew Nesbitt or any other serious rival to spoil his points haul on this event, but Dale must have been concerned with Gwyndaf Evans’ late entry, especially after Gwyndaf’s storming performance on the Ulster.
