ALCOMBE-based Chris Hickman came second in his class at the Nicky Grist Stages 2016, held at Builth Wells in Wales.

Two championships were involved over the weekend, the BTRDA and British Rally Championship, and most of the stages Chris competed on have been used in the World Rally Championship in previous years.

Conditions were atrocious, with hardly any visibility and a downpour all day, causing poor traction under braking, and Chris had to rely on the skills of his co-driver Alex Stanbury to guide him through the wet Welsh forests.

Chris and Alex managed to secure second place in the Rally First Class and a solid 66th place verall.

“It was a very good result in this round, although conditions could have been a bit better,” said Chris, director of West Somerset Motorsports in Alcombe Road.

“We lost over 40 seconds on the Crychan Stages due to a potential fire and smoke filling the car.

“Alex was great on the pace notes all day, and both of us are extremely happy with the result and looking forward to the next round.”