Matador Middleton is just Champion

Llandrindod Wells based Craig Middleton produced a polished performance to take third place on the final round of the MSA National Gravel Rally Championship.  More importantly, on the Bullldog Rally Middleton has done enough to secure his first major championship title. With co-driver Robin Hernaman, the pressure was on for the Hyundai Accent WRC crew to prevent rival Roger Duckworth from winning the final round. Even if Duckworth was to win the rally, Middleton would only have to finish in the top nine to guarantee his first National title.


Backed by Matador Tyres, Middleton was not going to let Duckworth have an easy ride.  Rather than cruise around to secure a finish, Craig decided the best option was to set a strong pace.  Craig immediately slotted into second place overall, first in the MSA National Gravel Championship points.  Duckworth was struggling as transmission glitches were costing him time.  Craig did his best to relax but the nerves were still jangling as the Hyundai reached second service ahead of Duckworth's Subaru.

Heading into the final eight mile stage in Dyfnant forest, Craig was able to relax.  The unflappable Welshman knew that a clean and tidy run through this stage would net him the championship and Middleton duly delivered. Arriving back at the rally finish in Oswestry, Craig was thrilled to have secured the MSA National Gravel Title for the first time.  Craig has previously won the National Junior Championship and was delighted to have secured the senior title after a faultless performance.

"I'm thrilled to bits!" said Craig at the end of the rally.  "Today could not have gone better for us. We wanted to start well, to put some pressure on Roger. Unfortunately for him he had a few problems with the car.  Robin and I were very nervous in the morning, but as the day progressed the nerves got easier.  Going into the last stage we knew that fate was with us for the day and it was a clean run through the stage.  I've got to say a massive thank you to everyone in our team for their efforts and support this year.  Robin has been superb all season and everyone has pulled together to give us this opportunity.  Matador Tyres have been faultless and they have given us superb performance all year long.  I could not have asked for more this year.  We've won a few rallies in the past but it feels really good to have won this title for the first time."

Craig also remains in with a shout of winning the first ever REAG Rally Cup this year.  The pan European competition ends in Italy next month. Craig and Robin currently lead this series.  The prize is a fully funded drive in a Peugeot 206 WRC on the Bettega RallySprint in Italy later this year.

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