Willett Storms To Patriot Win

Dave Willett and co-driver John Davies stormed to a comprehensive victory in the Patriot Stages Rally, mastering the damp and slippery conditions at the Caerwent Training Ground.

- Jake Boxall-Legge

In his Ford Escort, Willett swept to the top of the timesheets after the fourth stage, overturning the early advantage held by Martyn and Dawn England during the middle pair of stages.

England was on imperious form at the start of the rally, opening his account with a 30-second advantage at the end of stage two. After the rain broke out at midday, Willett was able to eat considerably into England’s lead after taking advantage of setup changes to better cope with low-grip conditions.

England endured further strife, having struggled with cut-slick tyres on an ever-dampening course, before an excursion in the fourth stage put the Fiesta runner behind Willett by 16 seconds.