Presently leading the championship is Warrington’s Mike Moran on 360 points. Moran’s BMW-diesel powered AT 4x4 Challenger has been fitted with new propshafts after problems with the front one on the last round meant he did most of day two in rear wheel drive, emulating a Mk2 Escort on several of the courses corners.
Moran commented: “Walters can be a car killer but ours has a robust frame which can handle the bouncing off banks and ditches that we’ll have to do to try and keep up with the more powerful petrol cars. We’ll be going flat out to get a trophy!”
In second place currently, on 337 points, is Paul Myers from championship sponsor Britpart. Myers has put in consistently good performances on every round this year in his Land Rover Special and he is looking to finish off the season with another good result.
2011 champion Ian Rochelle is in an excellent position to defend his title. He lies third after round five on 335 points but after a retirement earlier in the season he will be able to count all the points he gets at the weekend whereas Moran and Myers will have to drop points. A win at Walters would see him triumph in the title battle.
“We’ve fitted a cam seal retaining kit so the problems we have had all year with the seals popping out cannot strike again,” said Rochelle. “It’s great that the title battle has come down to the last round and I am massively excited about getting out there again.”
In the Trophy championship Alan Thomas leads the title race on 406 points ahead of Mark Jacques on 358. Adam Bridgman hopes to be contesting round six but he faces a last minute battle to get his car ready as the gearbox is still broken from the previous round.
Nick Lines still leads the Freelanders going into round six despite missing round five. Chris Ratter is in second place.
The action will start at 10am on Saturday with a full day of competition. Sunday’s runs will start at 9am. More information is available on www.marches4x4.com.
