It was Fraser McConnell who took home maximum championship points at last Sunday’s DRC/Tru-Juice Rallysprint round two, in Bog Walk, St Catherine, when he won a close-fought battle in the event’s championship laps.

“The championship run was still quite close with great competition from Timmy (Stewart). However, after crossing that finish line and knowing in myself that I had put down a winning time, I was overcome with emotion and grateful for everything in life,” McConnell told Auto.

The emotions flowed freely as this was McConnell’s first overall rallysprint victory since securing his Kingston Industrial Garage-sponsored Subaru Impreza STI last year, completing a circle of both success in rally and circuit with the new car. McConnell said he was a fan of the event’s new rally stage-style set-up.

“The elevation changes with a mix of fast and slow corners really made the drivers show off all their skills,” he added.

On his second sprint ever and his first in his Lancer Evolution, rookie Timothy Stewart completed the points-scoring championship run in seconds.

“I was surprised at my final position, especially since this is a learning year for me, but this has changed up what’s achievable for the rest of the season,” he said.

Making a very recent entrance to the sport, Stewart is following in the footsteps of his illustrious rally driver father, Duncan.

“There’s more to come from us. I’ve been practising, getting tips from my father, and working with the team to dial in the suspension,” he explained.

Rounding out the podium positions in third was reigning Drivers Rallysport Club champion Maurice Whittingham, who posted the fastest front-wheel time as a bonus. Thomas Hall and David Watkin completed the top-five finishers.

The sprint saw the exit of Kyle Gregg. Gregg had been tipped for victory before the event. He posted the fastest overall time; however, the competition in the JN8 class was such that he pushed his Lancer Evolution over the limit, incurring damage that put him out of the championship laps.

“I ran wide at a corner and hit a rock which damaged the fuel tank,” Gregg explained.

Unable to keep fuel in the vehicle, safety prevailed and he retired, with nothing but praise for the competition and the event.