South Hams-based Warthog Motorsport's Aaron Lillicrap and Richard Brooks rounded off a tough Endurance Road Rally Championship (ERRC) season in their Austin Mini with a 16th-place finish and a second in class on the Exmoor Endurance Rally.
After the tests, the crews embarked on 60 miles of road rallying competition on the public highway, consisting of keeping to a strict time schedule and using a specified route.
After struggling with steep nature of the start of the first test, the Mini crew enjoyed the forest tests.
'The night sections were pretty hard going as well' says Richard, 'The night part featured lots of not-as-map places, and a big navigational section in the forests.
'Aaron and myself looked to the road rally bits to gain time and places on the crews around us, which we did quite effectively, jumping at least eight places.'
'With the Mini being so underpowered compared to every other car, we are quite happy being at the back of the field for the tests, so we don't get in anyone's way, although we are never the slowest through the tests.
'But the biggest thing we love about the Championship, apart from the challenge the events offer, is the other crews, everyone supports each other. Offers of help and advice are never far away if you are struggling' says Richard.
Warthog Motorsport believes the results have given both Aaron and Richard the Endurance Road Rally Championship's Under 25 drivers and navigators wins respectively, something which was unexpected at the start of the year.
Aaron says 'We were both doing the championship for the enjoyment and experience.
'Having won the under 25 drivers title two years running, just prior to turning to navigating last season, I really wanted to enable Rich to do an unusual double; to be successful in both seats and with the results this year, I think we've certainly done that.I'm pleased to have been able to play my part in the achievement.'
With the ERRC season now over for the year, the focus turns to South Hams MC club events, with the Mini being rather successful recently.
Aaron and Tom Marsh won the novice event in August, with Aaron and Richard also winning the September 12-car navigational event.
Warthog Motorsport would like to thank Martin and Wendy from the Country Maid in Ivybridge for supporting Aaron and Richard during the ERRC championship and Terry Eastley Garage, Ivybridge, for continued technical help and advice.
For more information go to http://www.wart">www.wart
hogmotorsport.co.uk.