by Gary Simpson / Songasport
Andrew Burton and Shelley Rogerson had a disappointing result on the Border Counties Rally last weekend, the second round of the MSA Gravel Rally championship, when engine problems on the final stage dropped them from second place to tenth.
Burton and Rogerson got their event off to a good start on the opening Wauchope stage, setting a time only 1.5 seconds slower than former British Rally champion Mark Higgins, who was contesting the rally in an MG S2000 Sport.
The Peugeot Cosworth crew went one better on the next stage, Ogre Hill, taking the fastest time and moving into the overall lead of the event.
Following a service halt there were two stages in Harwood forest and Burton and Rogerson retained their overall lead but Barry Johnson in his Ford Focus WRC was only 2.5 seconds behind.
"The first four stages went well, we had no problems," said Rogerson.
"There was a bit of snow in some of the stages but we kept it tidy and were pleased to be in the lead at the second service halt although Barry Johnson was really pushing us so every second was vital."
Burton and Rogerson's lead lasted one more stage, Johnson moving ahead after the sixth stage and with one final test to go they were 2.1 seconds behind in second place. However, with the last stage being nearly 15 miles long the scene was set for a tense finish.
Unfortunately for Burton and Rogerson though disaster was to strike, problems with the engine management system meaning that the engine would not rev properly, resulting in a severe loss of performance. The crew lost an estimated two minutes and dropped to tenth.
"We were gutted that we had a problem on the last stage. It would've been very difficult to regain the lead from Barry but it's a shame we didn't get to try," Rogerson continued.
"We made it to the finish and a few people in front of us were not registered for the championship so we actually took sixth place in championship terms, a few points are better than none!"
![Andrew Burton / Shelley Rogerson. Peugeot Cosworth. Border Counties Rally. [Pic credit: Songasport]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/426349.jpg)
