Matthew’s debut driving force

ROAD HOLDING: Shaw’s Matthew Broadbent displays his skills.

MOTOR RACING:

A SHAW rally driver found the road to success on his debut in the North-West Stages Rally.

Matthew Broadbent of Knowldale Car Club, joined Joe Cruttenden in a Volvo 340 to tackle the Blackpool-based course alongside three more club members.

Starting the Friday night event with 100 other cars, Matthew and Joe finished the loop of five stages before returning for the overnight stop.

Fellow Knowldale crew Alan Kitson and Ron Aspinwall suffered a bumpier start in their 998cc Imp Sport after overheating issues, but completed the stages.

Brothers Philip and Robert Mills took to the road in a MK1 Ford Escort they built themselves and a good run against some of the region's best rally cars saw them climb the leader board.

Father Terry followed with co-driver Derek Lord in a Subaru Impreza, returning to rallying after a period away from the sport.

Another 19 stages faced the crews on Saturday. Matthew and Joe set themselves the target of finishing, which they achieved in their relatively underpowered 1400 Volvo after a few moments in mud.

Alan and Ron fixed their overheating problems but had to retire after breaking a drive shaft.

The Mills brothers eventually finished third in their class, 24th overall.