Although not as severe, Petch was also having problems. A suspected ECU fault meant his car developed a miss-fire on SS1, followed by a sticking throttle on SS3, which led to hurried gear changes and a shattered fourth gear on SS4. His subsequent retirement meant that hopes of securing third place in the Evo Challenge were over, but he ended the season as PIAA Junior Champion, the award for the top under 25-year old driver.

Stage four also heralded the retirement of Sigurdarson, who went just a few feet too wide at a hairpin and managed to beach his car on a small bank. With no spectators around he could not extricate his stricken Lancer from its predicament and disappointingly lost the opportunity of claiming his first Evo Challenge podium finish of the year.

Back to contest the final round of the season was Mark I'Anson and, with victory in the Evolution Cup (the series for closer to standard Mitsubishis) almost assured, suspension damage on the fourth stage was to put him out of the event.

Having a good run until SS5 was Jonathan Sparks, before a bolt came out of his car's turbo-charger mounting which meant he had next to no power for the final two stages. After a few running repairs Sparks willed his car back to the finish to claim a well deserved third place and his best ever Evo Challenge result so far.

Meanwhile at the front of the field, Barry was putting up an impressive performance and with Elsmore having glazed his brake discs, the Irishman's advantage was increasing. Holding it steady for the final two stages, Garthieneog and a re-run of Dyfnant, Barry kept his nerve - even when his car appeared to develop a small oil leak - and he crossed the line back in Oswestry to record his first ever Evolution Challenge victory.

“We have been working towards this result all season and it's a great way to finish the year”, said a very happy Barry at the finish. “After coming second in round seven a couple of weeks ago I knew we had the pace. I'm now looking forward to another year in the Evolution Challenge in 2008.”

Barry's performance also saw him win the Pirelli Cup, with Elsmore finishing second and doing enough to claim the Performance Friction Brakes Cup and provide Walsh with the co-driver's title.

“Having started the year with Julian Reynolds and then after pulling-out when the driver's title was out of reach, I thought my chances were over. Fortunately a seat with Nik became available for the rest of the season and I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to win the co-drivers championship.”

Organisers are now finalising plans for the 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge and hope to announce details in a few weeks time.