by Geoff Mayes
Ryan Barrett stamped his authority on the 2008 Silver Star class of the BTRDA Rally Series with another well controlled drive on the Betta Somerset Stages last weekend.
Driving his Mk II Escort Barrett and co-driver Barry Ferris recovered from a broken differential to finish the 12 stage rally fourteenth overall.
Barrett, who has finished on the class podium on every round so far this year, arrived in Minehead knowing that his car lacked the outright horsepower of his rivals. Never one to shy away from a challenge he still posted a blistering time on the opening stage, equal with eventually winner Will Nicholls in a Subaru World Rally Car.
A series of strong runs throughout the morning saw the car return to service with a narrow 1 second lead. Two runs up the famous Porlock tarmac toll road were next, but Ryan was unfortunate to blow his rear diff on the second run, dropping loads of time as he limped out of the stage.
Sterling work from the mechanics saw the Escort leave service with minimal time penalties and Barrett set about clawing back lost time.
However the brake callipers on the new rear axle had not been reset, causing the brakes to go soft for the next loop of stages. A couple of time consuming spins resulted, but once the problem was rectified at the final service he was flying again.
Two top twenty times in the underpowered car showed the commitment of Barrett as he climbed back up the leaderboard to finish second in class and third two wheel drive home. Without the diff and brake problems a class win was almost a certainty.
“This was the first time any of us have been to Somerset, and the stages were great, they really suited my driving style,” he reflected. “We had a great first run up the tarmac stage but then we blew the diff. I'd like to say a big thanks to the boys for changing it so quickly in service.”
Barrett and Ferris now hope to return for the Dukeries Rally in June as they aim to increase their championship lead.
They currently hold a 31 point lead, but with dropped scores allowed the title race is still wide open.
![Ryan Barrett [Pic credit: Geoff Mayes Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/423781.jpg)
