Bingley's Bilham thrilled to clinch rally title

The Fiesta ST Trophy front runner finished his season off in style as he conquered the tricky conditions at the MEM Malton Forest Rally in Dalby Forest.

Having led the Fiesta ST Trophy for most of the year, he had to make to do with a second but his impressive finishing record had put him within arm's reach of the inaugural MSA English Championship Title.

Bilham said: "It's been a challenging year in the Fiesta ST Trophy after being so close to winning that this season, but becoming the MSA English Rally Champion is a real achievement for me and I'm overjoyed to have won.

"We started the year with the plan to build the pace whilst learning the car but it soon became apparent we were in the running for the English Championship as well.

"I think this will take a while to sink in, it's been a long year."

Joined by co-driver James Whitaker for the season decider, the duo were faced with treacherous conditions after heavy rainfall made the stages extremely slippery.

The 19-year-old started poorly, finding himself lying in 13th place after the opening test, and with the championship points allocated based on class positions, it was looking a tall order for Bilham to clinch the title.

As stages passed, he was climbing his way up the leaderboard and a final loop charge moved him into fifth place as he crossed the finish ramp to take the prestigious title.

Bilham added: "It's a real honour to have an MSA titled championship to my name, I've worked so hard for it this season.

"I must say a huge thank you to the team who have been excellent and very patient with me throughout the year and of course to all my sponsors who helped make this possible."

Sam is supported by Reis Motorsport Insurance, Mechanical Solutions, Pertemps Recruitment, The Next Big Step, Gareth Hooper Motorsport Services, Calvert Construction and The Garage at Stanley Mills. For more information on Sam and his rallying career, visit www.sambilham.co.uk.