Yokohama-backed Ed Fossey takes 1400 BTRDA rally championship title
Former recipient of the Yokohama Next Big Step award Ed Fossey has secured his maiden championship in his first full year of rallying. Fossey won the 1400 BTRDA rally championship title at the Trackrod Stages rally in Yorkshire on Saturday, 30 September. After taking several class podiums already this season, Fossey and his co-driver Chris Shapre-Simkiss knew that a class victory in their Yokohama-shod Toyota Yaris would be enough to clinch the 2017 title.
Fossey entered the final stage of the event still battling hard to become champion. However, he took the lead when championship rival, Dave Brick, was forced into retirement with mechanical problems. Fossey crossed the finish line of the final stage with the class win in his hands and the championship title with it. Fossey finished in 31st position overall, with many more experienced drivers in more powerful cars ranking below him.
Commenting on the result, Yokohama’s head of motorsport, Mark Evans said, “Ed has put on a superb performance this season. Yokohama has supported him for many years from his days in the Formula 1000 as a recipient of the Next Big Step Award, and his career progression is testament to his skill. We’re sure this is just a glimpse of his successes yet to come.”
Reflecting on the race himself, Ed Fossey commented, “That was the best event of the year by far. To win the title in our first full year is just brilliant. The BTRDA series is the perfect place to learn the gravel surface.”
With the BTRDA championship now over, Ed returns to competing on sealed-surface for his next challenge in the Roberts Garage Jersey Rally (13-14 October) on home soil.
“I haven’t driven on the tarmac since the event last year, so the first day will take a bit of time to get used to the asphalt after a year of gravel. I can’t wait to compete at home and show people what I have been up to this year.”
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