By Noel Cochrane
LISBANE was the setting for the 21st running of the MGCC Ulster Classic Trial, with proceeds from this year’s event going to the Alzheimer’s Society.
A smaller entry of 18 classic rally and sports cars built before 1980 set off to tackle 14 timed driving tests, held mostly in farmyards and lanes around the Comber, Lisbane and Ardmillan area.
After the first lap of seven tests, only a few seconds separated the front runners.
Unfortunately, past winner James Wilson, who was one of the favourites to win the event, broke down on the first test.
His brother, Sam Wilson, also had problems on the first test, which incurred a 20-second penalty. However, great driving throughout the evening saw him recover to finish third.
The second lap, which was a repeat of the first, brought faster times as competitors were familiar with the tests, despite racing in the dark.
At the finish in Lisbane, David Cochrane and Alex Lyttle came out on top, in their MG Midget, recording a time of 624.3 seconds.
Robert Dickson and Samuel Baird were second overall in their Mini, finishing in 632.8 seconds, with Sam Wilson and Cate Wilson (687.2 seconds) completing the podium.
Jay Colville and Sam McKeown (688.6 seconds) finished fourth, ahead of Mark Brien and Julie Brien (709 seconds).
Full results can be found on Stopastride Live.
