TITLE HOPES . . . Paul Gribben is hoping to scoop his championship class at the 2015 PokerStars Rally this weekend
Paul Gribben, of Lowthertown, had high hopes of scooping the class B co-driver championship at the Isle of Man event on Saturday – until a crash on the third stage tarnished his dreams.
The 53-year-old, who only returned to the sport last November after a 20-year break, needed a win to secure the silverware and for his nearest rival to finish third or not at all.
Gribben, who was navigating for Michael McKenna in a Vauxhall Astra in the 1400 to 1600 cc category, said: “We crashed on the third stage but had we carried on as we were going we should have won it.
“It is disappointing and whilst we feel there is unfinished business there, we are keen to move on. We have beaten everybody on times so maybe it’s time to move on to face a new challenge.”
Gribben, who operates PHG Safety Services Ltd in Annan, had built up a lead of one minute 15 seconds in the first two stages of the 75-mile route – despite wet and foggy conditions.
But a descent into a tight corner on the third stage resulted in the car sliding and they crashed into a banking.
The Solway Car Club and Manx Auto Sport Club member added: “We got the car going again and got to the end of the stage and got a new wishbone in. We carried on in the hope our rival would also go out, but he didn’t.”
